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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 Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has published a notice detailing the standard prices and fee percentage for cost recovery under the Central Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Rockfish Program. The program's cost recovery fees cover management and enforcement costs and are capped at 3% of the ex-vessel value of harvested rockfish. For 2020, despite the actual costs being 3.66%, the fee percentage has been set at 3.0%, the same as in 2019, due to legal restrictions. The decrease in fishery value from the previous year resulted in a higher fee percentage calculation before adjustments.

The Department of Commerce is inviting comments on a survey designed to study how small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are coping during the COVID-19 pandemic and planning for future disasters. This survey, known as the "Small and Medium-Sized Business Complex Event COVID-19 Survey (Wave 3)," is a part of ongoing research to understand business resilience. The feedback will be used to assess the impact of data collection and reduce any reporting burden on the public. Interested parties can comment until March 22, 2021, and participation in the survey is voluntary.

Jesse Rodriguez was convicted in 2019 for illegally handling and selling ammunition classified as defense articles. As a result, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has revoked his export privileges for five years, effective until January 16, 2024. This order prohibits Rodriguez from participating in any export-related activities, and it also cautions others against aiding him in such activities. Rodriguez has the option to appeal this decision within 45 days.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the Department of Commerce has announced it is conducting the BE-9 survey, which is mandatory for U.S. representatives of foreign airlines that have significant revenue or expenses in the U.S. The survey gathers data on these airlines' revenues, expenses, and passenger numbers. U.S. entities that meet the criteria will be contacted by BEA and must submit their reports within 30 days after each quarter. The survey aims to help analyze U.S. trade in transport services and is authorized by federal law.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, issued a temporary order to deny export privileges for 180 days to several entities, including Kirill Gordei and Apelsin Logistics Inc. This decision was made because they were involved in shipping U.S. goods to Russia, bypassing U.S. export rules using false documents in collaboration with other companies. The investigation revealed significant and deliberate violations, such as transshipping a Mass Spectrometer and other goods to Russia without the necessary licenses. The order aims to prevent further violations and serves as a warning to others to avoid transactions with these entities.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office, part of the Department of Commerce, is requesting comments on the information collection for the admission and roster of registered patent attorneys and agents. This process involves a series of forms required for registration, reinstatement, and practice before the USPTO. The estimated total annual burden for respondents is 18,188 hours, with an additional non-hour cost of $875,706. The submissions help the USPTO assess the qualifications of individuals wishing to represent applicants in patent processes.

The Department of Commerce through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public comments on the proposed information collection related to financing resilience in coastal areas. This initiative aims to assess the needs of coastal managers in funding resilience activities and compiling a market analysis of available funding mechanisms. The information will be gathered through interviews with key stakeholders and will inform NOAA's strategy in offering technical and financial support for coastal resilience. Comments on the proposal are welcome and should be submitted by March 29, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Commerce issued an order denying Siddharth Bhatt's export privileges for ten years because he was convicted of illegally trying to export a thermal imaging camera to the UAE without the necessary license. Bhatt, who has addresses in Chicago and Mumbai, was sentenced to probation and fined. The order prohibits him and others acting on his behalf from participating in any transactions involving items subject to export regulations from the U.S. Bhatt can appeal this order within 45 days, but this denial takes immediate effect.

The Department of Commerce is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a non-substantive change to continue the Small Business Pulse Survey. This survey helps collect data on how the COVID-19 pandemic affects small businesses in the United States. The aim is to gather information on changes in business operations, finances, and expectations, as well as disruptions in supply chains. The information will be used to guide the nation’s response to the pandemic, and participation in the survey is voluntary.