Search Results for keywords:"National Defense Authorization Act"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to update the list of chemicals required for toxic chemical release reporting under two acts: the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). This update adds nine specific chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), based on a Congressional mandate from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. These PFAS must be reported in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) starting with the 2025 reporting year. The rule is effective from February 5, 2025, and aims to improve public and governmental understanding of PFAS releases for better environmental management.

The Department of Defense is updating its Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database system, which gathers information about sexual assaults involving armed forces members. This update aligns with new requirements, like including cases from the U.S. Space Force, and improving prevention efforts. It also adds routine uses for the data and updates various system sections, including using cloud storage. Comments on the proposed routine uses will be accepted until January 21, 2025.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on its plan to ask for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew a data collection related to the Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. This information is used to determine which training centers can be designated as CoEs. The renewal is part of a strategy to maintain and modernize the maritime workforce, in line with the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018. Public and institutions have 30 days to provide feedback on this proposal.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) regulations to explicitly include certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the list of "toxic chemicals," as those are automatically added under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) starting January 1, following specific criteria. This clarification ensures that suppliers must notify their customers about products containing these PFAS at the beginning of each year. The action aims to align regulations with existing NDAA provisions without adding new requirements, merely clarifying when notifications must occur. Comments on this proposal are open until February 18, 2025.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a final rule related to the procurement of telecommunications equipment and services, targeting equipment or services from specific Chinese and Russian entities. This rule bans the use of such technology in any system that is vital or essential, aiming to enhance the security of defense systems. Changes to the reporting timelines for discovering prohibited equipment and the actions taken for mitigation have been extended, giving more time for compliance. The rule also includes specific requirements that apply to all contractors, including those involved in small business.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is implementing a final rule to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) in line with a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. This change extends the period during which the DoD can validate certain restrictions on technical data and software from three to six years, allowing exceptions if restrictions are fraudulently claimed. The rule aligns terminology with statutory language and aims to provide clarity and consistency, affecting small entities with DoD contracts but not imposing new reporting or compliance requirements. The rule is effective starting January 17, 2025.

The President of the United States issued a memorandum on December 11, 2024, delegating specific functions and authorities under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 to several high-ranking officials. These officials include the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Energy, as well as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Each official is tasked with certain responsibilities related to sections 1352 and 1353 of the Act, and they are to consult with each other as needed. Additionally, the Secretary of Defense is instructed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

The Department of Defense has identified several companies as "Chinese military companies" in accordance with the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. This list includes entities such as 360 Security Technology, Huawei, and Tencent Holdings, among others. These designations mean the companies are linked to the Chinese military, and the list must be updated and published annually until 2030. Companies on this list have the option to request reconsideration if they believe they were wrongly included.

The President issued a determination stating there is enough oil available from countries other than Iran to allow for a significant reduction in purchasing Iranian oil. This decision is based on reports from the Energy Information Administration and considers global economic conditions, increased oil production by other nations, and strategic reserves. The Secretary of State is tasked with publishing this determination in the Federal Register. This action aligns with Section 1245(d)(4)(B) and (C) of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012.

The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and NASA have finalized a rule to change the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This rule updates how the government deals with people found to have violated arms control treaties or agreements with the United States by clarifying rules around suspending and banning contractors from government work. The revisions include specifying a minimum two-year ban for false certifications, incorporating public feedback, and ensuring continuous rule application without adding further paperwork for businesses. Additionally, the rule maintains that the certification requirement does not apply to smaller contracts or those for commercial items.