Search Results for agency_names:"Commerce Department"

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has put out a call for public feedback on information collection practices related to geospatial metadata. This request invites comments on the necessity, accuracy, and methods of collecting such data, with the goal of minimizing the public's reporting burden. Public comments will be accepted until March 30, 2021, and will be considered in the agency's submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. NOAA's tools for collecting metadata support various scientific research fields and aim to enhance understanding and reuse of geospatial data.

The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) implemented new export control rules to manage the global distribution of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models and computing technologies. These rules introduce tighter controls on exporting certain AI model weights and advanced computing chips to protect national security. The measures include new licensing requirements, exceptions, and procedures for companies to follow when exporting these technologies. Additionally, BIS aims to balance securing these technologies with allowing their beneficial uses, ensuring that they are shared responsibly and securely.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is asking for public comments on its information collection related to incidental take authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This collection helps assess the impact on marine mammals when small numbers are taken accidentally during certain activities. NOAA requires detailed information from applicants, including assessments of impact and monitoring reports, to ensure compliance with the law. The public has 60 days to provide feedback on these collections, aiming to improve their efficiency and reduce the burden on those who must provide the information.

Fahad Saleem Kharbey was convicted in a U.S. District Court for unlawfully exporting firearms and magazines to Dubai without a license. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce has denied his export privileges for seven years, until May 31, 2026. This means he cannot participate in or benefit from any export activities and others are also prohibited from exporting to him. Kharbey can appeal this order within 45 days.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting public comments on the continuation of information collection related to fishery products involved in trade restrictions, under the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This collection ensures that imported fishery products comply with existing U.S. laws and standards. Public comments can be submitted via email, and the information collected helps in evaluating whether the current processes efficiently protect fishery compliance with international regulations. The NOAA aims to minimize the reporting burden while maintaining the flow of trade.

The Census Bureau of the Commerce Department is inviting public comments on updates to the Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS). This survey, conducted every two weeks, provides important real-time data on how businesses are doing in the U.S., such as changes in revenue, employment, and the use of technologies like artificial intelligence. The bureau aims to improve the quality of data and reduce the reporting burden on businesses. Comments are welcomed to help assess and refine these updates before seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing changes to regulations for West Coast salmon fisheries. They plan to remove rebuilding plans for the Queets River and Strait of Juan de Fuca coho salmon from the rules because these fish stocks have been successfully rebuilt. This action aims to prevent confusion by eliminating outdated plans that are no longer necessary under the Pacific Fishery Management Council's guidelines. Additionally, this proposed rule is considered a deregulatory action, meaning it simplifies existing regulations without significant economic impacts on small fishing businesses.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has revoked the export privileges of Issam Hamade for 10 years, until April 27, 2030, due to his conviction for conspiracy to export parts and technology to Lebanon without the necessary licenses. This conviction was connected to the illegal export of technology potentially used in unmanned aerial vehicles for Hizballah. Under this order, Hamade and anyone acting on his behalf are prohibited from engaging in transactions involving items subject to export regulations. Hamade is also given the right to appeal the decision within 45 days.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is making minor corrections to a rule about patent fees that was previously published. These changes involve fixing typos and other small errors in the document, ensuring everything is accurate without changing the rule's substance. The corrections aim to prevent confusion by providing the correct information before the rule becomes effective on January 19, 2025. These amendments have been made without public comment since they are administrative and do not alter any major aspects of the rule.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), part of the Department of Commerce, is conducting a mandatory survey called the Quarterly Survey of U.S. Airline Operators' Foreign Revenues and Expenses (BE-37). This survey collects data from U.S. airline operators involved in international transportation if their total revenues or expenses are $500,000 or more. Reports must be submitted using BEA's electronic system, and they are due 30 days after the end of each quarter. The survey aims to measure U.S. trade in transport services and is authorized by the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act.