Document ID: NHTSA-2015-0129-0001
Agency: nhtsa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Organization and Delegation of Duties
Posted Date: 2016-02-04T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 23 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5937-5942]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-02101]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 501

[Docket No. NHTSA-2015-0129]
RIN 2127-AL46

Organization and Delegation of Duties

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT) is updating its regulations 
governing the organization of NHTSA and delegations of authority from 
the Administrator to Agency officials, to provide for a reorganization 
of the Agency's internal structure. These changes will enable NHTSA to 
achieve its mission more effectively and efficiently.

DATES: This rule is effective February 4, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Russell Krupen, Office of the 
Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-1834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    This final rule amends 49 CFR part 501, the chapter of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) that sets forth the organization of the 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and delegations 
of authority from the NHTSA Administrator to other Agency officials, to 
reflect a reorganization of the Agency's internal structure, to update 
out-of-date information, and to improve accuracy and clarity. In 
addition, this rule amends the succession to the Administrator to 
conform to the new organizational structure. These changes will enable 
the Agency to achieve its mission more effectively and efficiently.
    In particular, NHTSA is eliminating the Senior Associate 
Administrator positions that were created in 2002 (67 FR 44083) from 
its internal organization and adding the Executive Director and the 
Chief Financial Officer positions, as well as their functions and 
responsibilities. Conforming changes to the regulations, including 
descriptions of the Associate Administrator positions, succession to 
the Administrator, and delegations of authority, are included. 
Additional changes have been made to improve formatting and consistency 
throughout part 501.
    The amendments in this final rule relate solely to changes in the 
organizational structure and the placement of the delegations of 
authority for various functions within the agency. This final rule does 
not impose substantive requirements on the public. It is ministerial in 
nature and relates only to Agency management, organization, procedure, 
and practice. Therefore, the Agency has determined that notice and 
comment are unnecessary and that the rule is exempt from prior notice 
and comment requirements under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(A). As these changes 
will not have a substantive impact on the public, the Agency does not 
expect to receive significant comments on the substance of the rule. 
Therefore, the Agency finds that there is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 
553(d)(3) to make this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register.

II. Regulatory Analyses and Notices

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    NHTSA has determined that this final rule is not a significant 
regulatory action under Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034). It was not reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget. There are no costs associated with 
this rule.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles 
and criteria contained in Executive Order 13132 (``Federalism''). This 
final rule does not have substantial direct effects on the States, on 
the relationship between the national government and the States, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels 
of government. Therefore, the consultation requirements of Executive 
Order 13132 do not apply.

Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments)

    This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles 
and criteria contained in Executive Order 13175 (``Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments''). Because this final rule 
does not significantly or uniquely affect the communities of the Indian 
tribal governments and does not impose substantial direct compliance 
costs, the

[[Page 5938]]

funding and consultation requirements of Executive Order 13175 do not 
apply.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is required for this rule 
under the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553, the provisions of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. 
This rule will not impose any costs on small entities because it is 
merely organizational in nature and will not have a substantive impact 
on the public. I hereby certify that this final rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule contains no information collection requirements under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) does 
not require a written statement for this final rule because the rule 
does not include a Federal mandate that may result in the expenditure 
in any one year by State, local, and tribal governments, or the private 
sector, exceeding the threshold set forth in 2 U.S.C. 1532(a).

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 501

    Authority delegations (Government agencies), Organization and 
functions (Government agencies).

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, NHTSA revises 49 CFR part 
501 to read as follows:

PART 501--ORGANIZATION AND DELEGATION OF POWERS AND DUTIES

Sec.
501.1 Purpose.
501.2 General.
501.3 Organization and general responsibilities.
501.4 Succession to Administrator.
501.5 Exercise of authority.
501.6 Secretary's reservations of authority.
501.7 Administrator's reservations of authority.
501.8 Delegations.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 105 and 322, and delegations of authority 
at 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.95.

Sec.  501.1  Purpose.

    This part describes the organization of the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an operating administration 
within the U.S. Department of Transportation, and provides for the 
performance of duties imposed on, and the exercise of powers vested in, 
the Administrator of NHTSA.

Sec.  501.2  General.

    The responsibilities and authorities delegated to NHTSA and the 
Administrator are set forth in Sec. Sec.  1.81, 1.94, and 1.95 of this 
title.

Sec.  501.3  Organization and general responsibilities.

    NHTSA consists of a headquarters organization located in 
Washington, DC, a unified field organization consisting of ten 
geographic regions with a Regional Office located in each region, the 
Vehicle Research and Test Center located in East Liberty, Ohio, and the 
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Test Facility located in San Angelo, 
Texas. The organization of, and general spheres of responsibility 
within, NHTSA are as follows:
    (a) Office of the Administrator--(1) Administrator. (i) Represents 
the Department and is the principal advisor to the Secretary in all 
matters related to 49 U.S.C. chapters 301, 303, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329 
and 331; 23 U.S.C. chapter 4, except section 409; 23 U.S.C. 153, 154, 
158, 161, 163, 164 and 313 (with respect to matters within the primary 
responsibility of NHTSA); and such other responsibilities and 
authorities as are delegated by the Secretary of Transportation (49 CFR 
1.94 and 1.95);
    (ii) Establishes NHTSA program policies, objectives, and priorities 
and directs the development of action plans to accomplish the NHTSA 
mission;
    (iii) Directs, controls, and evaluates the organization, program 
activities, performance of NHTSA staff, program and field offices;
    (iv) Approves broad legislative, budgetary, fiscal and program 
proposals and plans; and
    (v) Takes management actions of major significance, such as those 
relating to changes in basic organizational structure, appointment of 
key personnel, allocation of resources, and matters of special 
political or public interest or sensitivity.
    (2) Deputy Administrator. Assists the Administrator in discharging 
responsibilities. Directs and coordinates the Administration's 
management and operational programs, and related policies and 
procedures at headquarters and in the field.
    (3) Executive Director. As the principal advisor to the 
Administrator and Deputy Administrator, provides direction on internal 
management and mission support programs. Provides executive direction 
over the Associate Administrators, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief 
Information Officer.
    (4) Director, Office of Civil Rights. As the principal advisor to 
the Administrator and Deputy Administrator on all matters pertaining to 
civil rights, serves as Director of Equal Employment Opportunity and of 
Title VI Compliance (Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and related 
regulations). Assures agency compliance with Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 
and other nondiscrimination statutes, regulations, Executive Orders, 
and policies. Periodically reviews and evaluates the civil rights 
programs of State Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety 
Offices to ensure that recipients of NHTSA financial assistance meet 
applicable Federal civil rights requirements. Monitors the 
implementation of and compliance with civil rights requirements, 
investigates complaints of discrimination, conducts compliance reviews, 
provides technical assistance to recipients of NHTSA financial 
assistance and stakeholders, and provides assistance to the Office of 
the Secretary in investigating and adjudicating formal complaints of 
discrimination.
    (5) Director, Office of Governmental Affairs, Policy & Strategic 
Planning. As the principal advisor to the Administrator and Deputy 
Administrator on all intergovernmental matters, including 
communications with Congress, communicates agency policy and serves as 
coordinator on legislative affairs. Also, serves as coordinator of 
agency policy discussions and activities and communicates with other 
operating administrations and the Office of Secretary on strategic 
planning efforts.
    (6) Director of Communications. As the principal advisor to the 
Administrator and Deputy Administrator on external communications and 
information dissemination, serves as coordinator on public affairs.
    (b) Chief Counsel. As chief legal officer for the Administrator and 
the Administration, provides general legal services and legal services 
related to legislative activities; prepares litigation and issues 
subpoenas; and effects rulemaking actions.
    (c) Associate Administrators, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief 
Information Officer--(1) Associate Administrator for Administration. 
Administers and conducts NHTSA's personnel management activities; 
initiates and oversees a comprehensive program of administrative 
support services to meet agency requirements, including development, 
maintenance, and operation of NHTSA's manuals, notices, and orders, 
property management, and the purchase, delivery, and

[[Page 5939]]

administration of a range of supplies, equipment, and other support 
services; is responsible for administrative operational expenses and 
working capital fund operations; serves as the agency's technical 
expert for all administrative activities; and administers an executive 
correspondence program and maintains policy files for the Administrator 
and Deputy Administrator.
    (2) Associate Administrator for Communications and Consumer 
Information. Represents NHTSA to the general public and others; 
provides reliable, timely, and accurate traffic safety information to 
the general public, consumers, partner organizations, and citizens 
groups through media and public education efforts; and provides 
scheduling and speechwriting support for the Administrator.
    (3) Associate Administrator for Enforcement. Directs matters 
related to the enforcement of motor vehicle safety, fuel economy, theft 
prevention, damageability, consumer information, and odometer laws and 
regulations; conducts testing, inspection, and investigation necessary 
for the identification and correction of safety-related defects in 
motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment; and ensures recalls of 
noncomplying and defective vehicles and motor vehicle equipment are 
effective and are conducted in accordance with Federal law and 
regulations.
    (4) Associate Administrator for National Center for Statistics and 
Analysis. Provides the data, analysis, and evaluation to support 
determination of the nature, causes, and injury outcomes of motor 
vehicle traffic crashes, the strategies and interventions that will 
reduce crashes and their consequences, and the potential impact, costs, 
and benefits of highway safety programs and regulatory activities; 
targets the collection and analysis of data and the dissemination of 
information to identify potential highway safety problems, evaluate 
expected program and regulatory impact and actual goal achievement, and 
support data driven decisions; and identifies, advances, and promotes 
new methodologies, technologies, systems, and procedures that improve 
the completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility of data 
collection, analysis, and evaluation.
    (5) Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and Program 
Delivery. Directs the management of State and community highway safety 
programs; administers and coordinates all Regional activities, 
including activities having a headquarters-regional interface; 
develops, reviews, implements, and coordinates related programs, 
policies, and procedures; and coordinates with the Federal Highway 
Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and 
other Federal agencies on traffic safety programs, as appropriate.
    (6) Associate Administrator for Research and Program Development. 
Administers traffic safety programs and provides national leadership 
and technical assistance to States, local communities, national 
organizations, and other partners in the identification, research, 
planning, development, demonstration, implementation, evaluation, and 
dissemination of highway safety programs designed to prevent or reduce 
traffic-related crashes and the resulting deaths, injuries, property 
damage, and associated costs. Coordinates with the Federal Highway 
Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and 
other Federal agencies on traffic safety programs, as appropriate.
    (7) Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. Develops and 
promulgates Federal standards dealing with motor vehicle safety, theft 
prevention, consumer information, the National Driver Register, and 
fuel economy, and directs programs relating to bumper standards, safety 
performance standards, and other regulations for new and used motor 
vehicles and equipment, including tires. Develops and conducts the New 
Car Assessment Program.
    (8) Associate Administrator for Vehicle Safety Research. Develops 
and conducts research, development, test, and evaluation programs and 
projects necessary to support consumer information programs, 
guidelines, industry voluntary standards, and Federal motor vehicle 
regulations; manages the facilities and programs related to these 
activities; and conducts crash data analyses in defining safety 
problems.
    (9) Chief Financial Officer. Administers the agency planning and 
budget activities in coordination with the Department of 
Transportation, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress; 
assures the appropriate development of budget requests and the 
subsequent execution of operating budgets within the agency to meet all 
programmatic requirements; conducts all necessary accounting 
transactions to assure full and accurate accountability for all 
financial resources of the agency; initiates and oversees a 
comprehensive program of acquisition support for agency buying and 
supplier requirements, including acquisition planning, purchasing, 
payments, and administration; facilitates, coordinates, tracks, and 
monitors all external audits, reviews, and other oversight activities 
of agency programs, finances, transactions, or activities--working 
closely with responsible program and operational officials; facilitates 
and oversees the agency travel program, including the administration 
and operation of the travel management system, the travel card program, 
and the provision of travel management advice and guidance; and serves 
as the agency's technical expert for all financial management 
activities.
    (10) Chief Information Officer. Administers all NHTSA Information 
Technology functions and needs to ensure that IT resources are 
effectively acquired and managed to maximize mission performance and 
return on IT investments.

Sec.  501.4  Succession to Administrator.

    (a) The Deputy Administrator is the ``first assistant'' to the 
Administrator for purposes of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 
(5 U.S.C. 3345-3349d) and shall, in the event the Administrator dies, 
resigns, or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of 
the office, serve as the Acting Administrator, subject to the 
limitations established by law.
    (b) In the event both the Administrator and the Deputy 
Administrator die, resign, and/or are otherwise unable to perform the 
functions and duties of their respective offices, or in the event that 
both positions are vacant, the following officials, subject to 
paragraph (c) and in the order indicated, shall serve as Acting Deputy 
Administrator and shall perform the functions and duties of the 
Administrator, except for any non-delegable statutory and/or regulatory 
functions and duties:
    (1) The Chief Counsel;
    (2) The Executive Director;
    (3) Further officials as may be designated in an internal order on 
succession.
    (c) In order to qualify for the line of succession, officials must 
be encumbered in their position on a permanent basis.

Sec.  501.5  Exercise of authority.

    (a) All authorities lawfully vested in and reserved to the 
Administrator in this title, part, or other NHTSA regulation or 
directive may be exercised by the Deputy Administrator and, in the 
absence or disability of both officials, by the Chief Counsel, unless 
specifically prohibited by statute, regulation, or order.

[[Page 5940]]

    (b) In exercising the powers and performing the duties delegated by 
this part, officers of NHTSA and their delegates are governed by 
applicable laws, executive orders, regulations, and other directives, 
and by policies, objectives, plans, standards, procedures, and 
limitations as may be issued from time to time by or on behalf of the 
Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator, the Deputy 
Administrator, the Chief Counsel, and the Executive Director or, with 
respect to matters under their jurisdiction, by or on behalf of the 
Associate Administrators, the Regional Administrators, and the 
Directors of Staff Offices.
    (c) Each officer to whom authority is delegated by this part may 
redelegate and authorize successive redelegations of that authority 
subject to any conditions the officer prescribes.
    (d) Each officer to whom authority is delegated will administer and 
perform the functions described in the officer's respective functional 
statements.

Sec.  501.6  Secretary's reservations of authority.

    The authorities reserved to the Secretary of Transportation are set 
forth in Sec.  1.21 of this title.

Sec.  501.7  Administrator's reservations of authority.

    The delegations of authority in this part do not extend to the 
following authority, which is reserved to the Administrator, except 
when exercised pursuant to Sec. Sec.  501.4 and 501.5(a):
    (a) The authority under 23 U.S.C. chapter 4 (except section 403) 
and any uncodified provision of law to apportion authorization amounts 
and distribute obligation limitations or award grants to States for 
highway safety programs or other highway safety purposes;
    (b) The authority to issue, amend, or revoke uniform State highway 
safety guidelines and rules identifying highly effective highway safety 
programs under 23 U.S.C. 402;
    (c) The authority to fix the rate of compensation for non-
government members of agency sponsored committees which are entitled to 
compensation.
    (d) The authority under 49 U.S.C. chapter 301 to:
    (1) Issue, amend, or revoke final Federal motor vehicle safety 
standards and regulations;
    (2) Make final decisions concerning alleged safety-related defects 
and noncompliances with Federal motor vehicle safety standards;
    (3) Grant or renew temporary exemptions from Federal motor vehicle 
safety standards; and
    (4) Grant or deny appeals from determinations upon a manufacturer's 
petition for decision of inconsequential defect or noncompliance and 
exemption from the notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. 
chapter 301 in connection with a defect or noncompliance.
    (e) The authority under 49 U.S.C. chapters 303, 321, 323, 325, and 
329 (except section 32916(b)) to:
    (1) Issue, amend, or revoke final rules and regulations; and
    (2) Assess civil penalties and approve manufacturer fuel economy 
credit plans under chapter 329.
    (f) The authority to carry out, in coordination with the Federal 
Motor Carrier Safety Administrator, the authority vested in the 
Secretary by 49 U.S.C. chapter 311 subchapter III, to promulgate safety 
standards for commercial motor vehicles and equipment subsequent to 
initial manufacture when the standards are based upon and similar to a 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard promulgated, either 
simultaneously or previously, under 49 U.S.C. chapter 301.

Sec.  501.8  Delegations.

    (a) Deputy Administrator. The Deputy Administrator is delegated 
authority to act for the Administrator, except where specifically 
limited by law, order, regulation, or instructions of the 
Administrator. The Deputy Administrator is delegated authority to 
assist the Administrator in providing executive direction to all 
organizational elements of NHTSA.
    (b) Executive Director. The Executive Director is delegated line 
authority for executive direction over the Associate Administrators, 
the Chief Financial Officer, and the Chief Information Officer.
    (c) Director, Office of Civil Rights. The Director, Office of Civil 
Rights is delegated authority to:
    (1) Serve as the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity.
    (2) Serve as the compliance coordinator for:
    (i) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et 
seq.), as amended, and related regulations;
    (ii) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
    (iii) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and
    (iv) Other nondiscrimination statutes, regulations, Executive 
Orders, and policies.
    (3) Investigate complaints of civil rights discrimination, conduct 
compliance reviews, and provide technical assistance to recipients of 
NHTSA financial assistance and stakeholders.
    (4) Review and evaluate the civil rights programs of State 
Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety Offices to ensure that 
recipients of NHTSA financial assistance meet applicable Federal civil 
rights requirements.
    (d) Chief Counsel. The Chief Counsel is delegated authority to:
    (1) Exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Administrator 
with respect to:
    (i) Issuing odometer regulations authorized under 49 U.S.C. chapter 
327.
    (ii) Providing technical assistance and granting extensions of time 
to the states under 49 U.S.C. 32705.
    (iii) Granting or denying petitions for approval of alternate motor 
vehicle mileage disclosure requirements under 49 U.S.C. 32705.
    (2) Establish the legal sufficiency of all investigations and 
enforcement actions conducted under the authority of 49 U.S.C. chapters 
301, 303, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329 and 331; to make an initial penalty 
demand based on a violations of any of these chapters; and to 
compromise:
    (i) Any civil penalty imposed under 49 U.S.C. 30165 in an amount of 
$1,000,000 or less.
    (ii) Any civil penalty or monetary settlement other than those 
imposed under 49 U.S.C. 30165 in an amount of $100,000 or less.
    (3) Exercise the powers of the Administrator under 49 U.S.C. 
30166(c), (g), (h), (i), and (k).
    (4) Issue subpoenas, after notice to the Administrator, for the 
attendance of witnesses and production of documents pursuant to 49 
U.S.C. chapters 301, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329 and 331.
    (5) Issue authoritative interpretations of the statutes 
administered by NHTSA and the regulations issued by the agency.
    (6) Administer 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA) and 49 CFR part 7 (Public 
Availability of Information) in connection with the records of NHTSA.
    (7) Administer the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and 49 CFR 
part 10 (Maintenance of and Access to Records Pertaining to 
Individuals) in connection with the records of NHTSA.
    (8) Carry out the functions and exercise the authority vested in 
the Secretary for 23 U.S.C. 313 (Buy America), with respect to matters 
within the primary responsibility of NHTSA.
    (e) Associate Administrator for Administration. The Associate 
Administrator for Administration is

[[Page 5941]]

delegated authority to administer and conduct NHTSA's personnel 
management activities; conduct administrative and management services 
in support of NHTSA missions and programs; and administer an executive 
correspondence program.
    (f) Associate Administrator for Communications and Consumer 
Information. The Associate Administrator for Communications and 
Consumer Information is delegated authority to manage and coordinate 
market research, planning coordination, development, and promotion of 
public education campaigns for both paid media and unpaid public 
services to support program efforts; develop overall agency messaging 
and communications strategies in support of program initiatives; and 
develop agency policies on messaging and communications procedures and 
processes.
    (g) Associate Administrator for Enforcement. The Associate 
Administrator for Enforcement is delegated authority to administer the 
NHTSA enforcement program for all laws, standards, and regulations 
pertinent to vehicle safety, fuel economy, theft prevention, 
damageability, consumer information, and odometers, authorized under 49 
U.S.C. chapters 301, 323, 325, 327, 329, and 331; conduct testing, 
inspection, and investigation necessary for the identification and 
correction of safety-related defects in motor vehicles and motor 
vehicle equipment and noncompliances with Federal motor vehicle safety 
standards; make initial decisions concerning alleged safety-related 
defects and noncompliances with Federal motor vehicle safety standards; 
grant or deny a manufacturer's petition for decision of inconsequential 
defect or noncompliance and exemption from the notification and remedy 
requirements of 49 U.S.C. chapter 301 in connection with a defect or 
noncompliance; issue regulations relating to the importation of motor 
vehicles under 49 U.S.C. 30141-30147; and grant and deny petitions for 
import eligibility determinations submitted to NHTSA by motor vehicle 
manufacturers and registered importers under 49 U.S.C. 30141.
    (h) Associate Administrator for National Center for Statistics and 
Analysis. The Associate Administrator for National Center for 
Statistics and Analysis is delegated authority to provide the data, 
analysis, and evaluation and create and maintain information systems 
necessary to support the purposes of 49 U.S.C. chapters 301, 303, 323, 
325, 327, 329, and 331, 23 U.S.C. chapter 4, any uncodified provisions 
of law related to such issues, and any cross-cutting safety 
initiatives; to develop, maintain, and operate the National Driver 
Register and a nationwide clearinghouse of problem drivers; and to 
support State integrated highway and traffic records safety information 
systems.
    (i) Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and Program 
Delivery. The Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and 
Program Delivery is delegated authority, except for authority reserved 
to the Administrator, to exercise the powers and perform the duties of 
the Administrator with respect to grants to States for highway safety 
programs or other State programs under 23 U.S.C. chapter 4 (except 
section 403) and uncodified provisions of law, including approval and 
disapproval of State highway safety plans and vouchers, in accordance 
with the procedural requirements of the Administration. The Associate 
Administrator for Regional Operations and Program Delivery is also 
delegated authority over programs with respect to the authority vested 
by section 210(2) of the Clean Air Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7544(2)); 
the authority vested by 49 U.S.C. 20134(a) with respect to laws 
administered by NHTSA pertaining to highway, traffic, and motor vehicle 
safety, in coordination with the Associate Administrator for Research 
and Program Development; the authority vested by 23 U.S.C. 153, 154, 
158, 161, 163, and 164, in coordination with the Federal Highway 
Administrator as appropriate; and the authority vested by 23 U.S.C. 
404, in coordination with the Associate Administrator for 
Communications and Consumer Information.
    (j) Associate Administrator for Research and Program Development. 
The Associate Administrator for Research and Program Development is 
delegated authority to develop and conduct research and development 
programs and projects necessary to support the purposes of 23 U.S.C. 
chapter 4, any uncodified provisions of law related to that chapter, 
and cross-cutting safety initiatives; conduct research and development 
activities described or specifically enumerated in 23 U.S.C. 403; carry 
out the functions and exercise the authority vested in the Secretary 
and Administrator under section 10202 of the Safe, Accountable, 
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, 
Public Law 109-59 [42 U.S.C. 300d-4], as amended by section 31108 of 
the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112-
141, relating to emergency medical services, except for authority 
reserved to the Secretary under Sec.  1.21 or the Administrator under 
Sec.  501.7; and exercise the authority vested by 49 U.S.C. 20134(a) 
with respect to laws administered by NHTSA pertaining to highway, 
traffic, and motor vehicle safety, in coordination with the Associate 
Administrator for Regional Operations and Program Delivery.
    (k) Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. The Associate 
Administrator for Rulemaking is delegated authority, except for 
authority reserved to the Administrator or delegated to the Chief 
Counsel, to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the 
Administrator with respect to the setting of motor vehicle safety and 
theft prevention standards, fuel economy standards, procedural 
regulations, the National Driver Register, and the development of 
consumer information and odometer regulations authorized under 49 
U.S.C. chapters 301, 303, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, and 331, and any 
uncodified provisions of law related to such issues. The Associate 
Administrator for rulemaking is also delegated authority to perform 
activities that support the development of these regulations and 
standards; extend comment periods (both self-initiated and in response 
to a petition or request for extension of time) for noncontroversial 
rulemakings; make technical amendments or corrections to a final rule; 
extend the effective date of a noncontroversial final rule; and develop 
and conduct the New Car Assessment Program.
    (l) Associate Administrator for Vehicle Safety Research. The 
Associate Administrator for Vehicle Safety Research is delegated 
authority to develop and conduct research, development, test, and 
evaluation programs and projects necessary to support the purposes of 
49 U.S.C. chapters 301, 323, 325, 327, 329, and 331, any uncodified 
provisions of law related to such issues, and any cross-cutting safety 
initiatives.
    (m) Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer is 
delegated authority to direct the NHTSA planning and evaluation system 
in conjunction with Departmental requirements and planning goals; 
coordinate the development of the Administrator's plans, budgets, and 
programs, and analyses of their expected impact; exercise procurement 
authority with respect to NHTSA requirements; administer NHTSA 
financial management programs, including systems of funds control and 
accounts of all financial transactions; and enter into inter- and 
intra-departmental reimbursable agreements other than

[[Page 5942]]

with the head of another Department or agency, provided that this 
authority to enter into such agreements may be redelegated only to 
Office Directors and Contracting Officers.
    (n) Chief Information Officer. The Chief Information Officer is 
delegated authority to formulate IT policy, guidance, procedures, 
security, and best practices; implement an IT capital planning program, 
an integrated Enterprise Architecture program, and a mission 
information protection program that ensures privacy, security, and 
critical infrastructure protection for NHTSA systems and data; and 
provide for other NHTSA IT functions to support the agency's mission, 
performance goals, and objectives.

    Issued in Washington, DC, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 
1.81 and 1.95.
Mark R. Rosekind,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-02101 Filed 2-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-59-P