Search Results for agency_names:"Centers for Medicare

The Department of Education is inviting applications for new fiscal year 2021 awards supporting the creation of a National Technical Assistance Center. This center will focus on improving postsecondary education and training outcomes for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among various educational and vocational entities to better meet the needs of these individuals, providing technical assistance and disseminating effective educational practices. The department has allocated $4,000,000 in available funds for this project period.

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is seeking public comments on a proposal to renew an information collection process with revisions. This process concerns collecting data on individuals interested in being nominated for the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children in line with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004. The BIE aims to improve clarity and functionality by incorporating changes such as correcting typographical errors and allowing self-nominations. Individuals wishing to comment have until February 10, 2021, and their feedback will be public record.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) Program for fiscal year 2025. This program aims to provide training and technical assistance to state agencies and service providers to improve services and support for older adults who are blind, focusing on independence and self-sufficiency. Applicants have until March 17, 2025, to apply, and the funding available is estimated at $599,706 for a single cooperative agreement that will run for up to 60 months.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), part of the USDA, has announced a funding opportunity under the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program for 2024. This program will help lenders provide loans to entities looking to build or improve sawmills and wood processing facilities near priority U.S. Forest Service lands. Over $200 million will be available starting in 2025, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The goal is to support ecological restoration efforts by using byproducts from these projects and to advance rural economic opportunities, while prioritizing climate change mitigation and racial equity.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a final interpretive rule regarding energy conservation standards for products like residential furnaces and commercial water heaters. The rule states that non-condensing technology and its associated venting is considered a "feature" that must be preserved under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). This decision comes after public comments and aims to prevent eliminating this technology through energy-saving regulations. This interpretation may limit potential energy savings but allows consumers more choices and prevents unnecessary building modifications. The DOE also withdrew previous proposals on energy conservation standards that were inconsistent with this interpretation.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of a new web form that museum and library awardees can use to request advance or reimbursement payments. This request is part of a program aimed at reducing the burden of collecting information, both in terms of time and financial resources, and ensuring the data is collected in a useful and clear format. The public is invited to submit comments on this proposal by February 10, 2021, focusing on the necessity, burden, and utility of the information collection. This effort supports the agency's mission to empower libraries and museums across the nation through thoughtful grant-making and policy development.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for grants under the Demonstration Grants for Indian Children and Youth Program. This program aims to support community-driven projects that create innovative services to improve the educational opportunities for Indian students. The Department is offering an estimated $20 million for this competition, with awards ranging from $400,000 to $500,000 each. These projects should focus on preparing Native youth for college and careers and may gain additional points if they include partnerships with local businesses or focus on early learning initiatives.

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on a proposal related to safety in underground coal mines. The proposal involves collecting information about emergency shelters, known as refuge alternatives, which are used when miners cannot escape during an emergency. This request is part of a review process under the Paperwork Reduction Act, and the public has until February 24, 2025, to submit their comments. This information will help ensure the safety regulations are practical and effective.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is requesting public comments on an information collection proposal related to the Jobs for Veterans State Grants Reports. These grants provide funds to states and territories to support veteran employment services. The project is sponsored by the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) and is up for review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The public can share feedback on the necessity, usefulness, and efficiency of the information being collected until May 19, 2025.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking public comments on its information collection for the Patents for Humanity Program and Trademarks for Humanity Program, which are initiatives aimed at encouraging the use of patents and trademarks to address humanitarian issues. The Patents for Humanity Program incentivizes patent holders to distribute technology for humanitarian purposes, offering award certificates that can accelerate patent matters. In 2023, the USPTO introduced the Trademarks for Humanity Program, which recognizes brand owners using trademarks to tackle societal challenges. Public comments are invited on these programs to help the USPTO assess and reduce reporting burdens.