Search Results for keywords:"conflict of interest"

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has announced the extension and revision of the Procurement Solicitation Package, effective on March 7, 2025. This package includes tools to help the Board fairly select suppliers for goods and services by evaluating their proposals. The new Contractor Conflict of Interest Screening form (FR 1400E) ensures that potential contractors do not have conflicts of interest, particularly when accessing sensitive information related to the Board's mission. Although the public had 60 days to comment on these revisions, no comments were received, and the changes will be implemented as planned.

The Securities and Exchange Commission announced a notice regarding an application from the Esoterica Thematic Trust and Esoterica Capital LLC. They are seeking an exemption to allow modifications of subadvisory agreements without shareholder approval and relief from certain disclosure rules about fees. The requested exemption would enable more efficient operations by allowing the Adviser to select and amend agreements with subadvisers, subject to approval by the board of trustees, without the need for shareholder meetings. This is intended to streamline processes while ensuring transparency through aggregated fee disclosures.

The Federal Reserve has issued an interim final rule to extend relief for certain loans guaranteed under the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) until March 31, 2021. This extension also includes PPP second draw loans and exempts insider loans from certain banking regulations if these loans pose minimal risk. This rule aims to facilitate lending to small businesses owned by bank insiders, ensuring they have access to financial resources without being hindered by restrictions. The public is invited to comment on the rule until April 5, 2021.

The Department of Labor has granted an exemption to the Boilermakers Western States Apprenticeship Fund, allowing it to purchase a property in Page, Arizona, from Lodge 4, despite restrictions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This decision was made to avoid the costs and time of relocating the Plan's training program and because the property is already modified for this purpose. An independent fiduciary will ensure that the property is bought at fair market value, adhering to all necessary conditions. The purchase will help maintain the training program and provide administrative space for the Plan's headquarters.

On November 15, 2024, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced they were looking for applicants interested in joining the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Advisory Committee. The initial deadline for applications was December 16, 2024, but the NTIA has now extended the deadline to January 15, 2025. People applying cannot seek Innovation Fund grants or be financially tied to any applicants during their time on the committee. However, current Innovation Fund grant holders can apply to join, as long as they don't apply for new grants while serving.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration granted an exemption allowing the Associated General Contractors of America, San Diego Chapter, Inc. to lease its training facility to its Apprenticeship and Training Fund under specific conditions. The agreement ensures the Plan pays fair market rent, verified by an independent fiduciary, and that the lease benefits participants by providing effective training facilities. The fiduciary also monitors compliance with the lease terms and any rent increases must adhere to changes in the Consumer Price Index. This exemption is designed to avoid conflicts with ERISA's prohibited transaction rules.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule updating regulations for seafood inspection procedures, which were last majorly revised in 1971. The rule aims to improve the consistency and accuracy of seafood inspections by adopting recognized best practices and simplifying procedures. These updates are expected to benefit the seafood industry by modernizing inspection methods and shifting regulatory language to a digital manual. The rule will become effective on January 15, 2025, and aligns definitions with existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is inviting nominations for individuals to serve on the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC). This committee advises on manufactured housing standards and regulations. The Secretary of HUD will appoint 22 members, 21 with voting rights, from three categories: producers, users, and general interest/public officials. Nominations must be submitted by January 2, 2025, and previous applicants do not need to reapply.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has announced closed meetings scheduled for February 21 and February 24, 2025, according to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. These meetings are closed to the public to protect confidential information discussed during grant application reviews. The February 21 meeting will focus on the relationship between sleep and substance use disorders, while the February 24 meeting will examine the link between autophagy, HIV, and substance use disorders. Both meetings will be held virtually, and specific contact information is provided for those interested.

LCM Healthcare Fund I, L.P., located in Dallas, Texas, is a federal licensee under the Small Business Investment Act seeking an exemption from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The exemption is requested for a proposed equity financing deal with Northwest Surgical Development Company, Inc., which is considered a conflict of interest as it does not meet specific terms and conditions required by SBA regulations. The SBA is asking for public comments on this transaction within fifteen days of the notice's publication. Thomas Morris from the SBA is in charge of this matter.