Search Results for agency_names:"Office of the Secretary"

The Department of Defense has issued a notice about the potential sale of additional missile defense systems to the United Arab Emirates. This sale will include 12 THAAD launchers, support, and upgrade services valued at $1.163 billion, raising the total case value to $8.113 billion. The sale aims to enhance the UAE's defense capabilities and strengthen its partnership with the United States, contributing to regional security and stability. The highest security classification for this sale is SECRET.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is providing extra support to farmers impacted by COVID-19. This final rule offers more help to swine producers who applied for CFAP 1 and extends aid to some swine and poultry contract producers under CFAP 2. It also updates eligible commodities, changes payment calculations for some crops, and includes new rules based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Eligible producers don't have to reapply if they've applied before but must meet certain criteria to receive aid.

The Department of Commerce has issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for inflation as mandated by federal law. This rule applies to CMPs with specific dollar amounts and is set to become effective on January 15, 2025. The adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index changes from October 2023 to October 2024, ensuring that penalties keep their deterrence value. These changes apply only to penalties assessed after the rule's effective date and do not involve prior public notice or comment since the adjustments follow a prescribed methodology.

The Department of Labor's Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is requesting approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an information collection about the certification and qualification for individuals to perform specific duties in coal mining, like operating hoists and testing for dangerous conditions. This request is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and public comments on the collection are encouraged until February 16, 2021. The MSHA aims to ensure that only qualified individuals perform these critical safety tasks by using a standardized form to assess candidates' qualifications. The collection is estimated to involve 674 respondents, with a total annual burden of 330 hours.

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced a proposed sale of military equipment to the Government of Greece, including up to 40 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and various supporting items, with an estimated total cost of $8.6 billion. This sale is intended to support U.S. foreign policy by strengthening the military capabilities of Greece, a NATO ally, and improving its ability to maintain regional security. The equipment will help Greece modernize its air force and enhance its interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. The DoD assures that this sale will not negatively affect U.S. defense readiness and has been authorized for export to Greece.

The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) has announced a proposal inviting public comment on a new information collection related to the Defense Community Infrastructure Program. This initiative is designed to support grants for projects that enhance military value, resilience, or quality of life at military installations. Public comments are sought by February 18, 2025, regarding the necessity, utility, and burden of the information collection. The program is open to State and local governments, as well as not-for-profit utility services, with an annual burden of 2,250 hours anticipated for 150 respondents.

The Department of Defense has released an unclassified notification about a potential arms sale to Finland, involving upgrades to their Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). This upgrade, reported on December 18, 2023, would enhance Finland's defense capabilities against regional threats and is part of the U.S. strategy to strengthen ties with NATO allies. The sale, which excludes major defense equipment, is valued at a total of $575 million and is intended to support U.S. national and foreign policy interests by aiding an important ally in Europe.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a proposed sale of up to 386 Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missiles and related support services to the Government of the Netherlands. This sale aims to enhance the Netherlands' defense capabilities, supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening a NATO ally. Lockheed Martin in Orlando, FL, will be the main contractor, and the sale will not affect the U.S.'s own defense readiness. The sale is valued at approximately $150 million and includes technical assistance and program support.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking approval for an information collection request regarding the National Compensation Survey from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The survey gathers data on earnings and benefits from private firms and government, which is used to produce important economic indicators like the Employment Cost Index. The DOL invites public comments on the necessity, accuracy, and burden of the data collection, which is crucial for evaluating employee compensation trends. Responses to this request are due by March 31, 2021.

The Department of Defense has announced a proposed arms sale to the Republic of Türkiye. This transaction includes the purchase of 40 new F-16 aircraft and the modernization of 79 existing F-16 jets, along with various related equipment, for an estimated cost of $23 billion. The sale supports U.S. foreign policy by enhancing Türkiye's capabilities, enabling it to better protect its airspace, participate in NATO missions, and maintain compatibility with U.S. and NATO forces. The sale will not affect the U.S. military balance, and the primary contractor will be Lockheed Martin.