Search Results for agency_names:"Commerce Department"

The Department of Commerce is requesting public comments on its information collection activities related to a Foreign National Request Form. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, the department seeks feedback to help reduce the public's reporting burden and assess the impact of its information requirements. Individuals have until May 30, 2025, to submit comments. The collected information will be used to manage access by foreign nationals to Commerce facilities, with the goal of ensuring security and compliance with current guidelines.

The Department of Commerce is inviting the public and other federal agencies to comment on the Chinook Salmon Economic Data Report (EDR) Program managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This program collects data to help assess how well measures to reduce bycatch of Chinook salmon in the Bering Sea pollock fishery are working. They are renewing the information collection process which includes three forms: the Compensated Transfer Report, Vessel Fuel Survey, and Vessel Master Survey. Public comments are open for 60 days, and the information gathered will aid in enhancing the quality and utility of the data collected while minimizing reporting burdens.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking public comments on the renewal of an information collection related to patent petitions and reexamination processing fees. This collection is crucial for the USPTO to manage the impact of its information requirements and lessen the burden on the public. On average, individuals may spend between five minutes to 12 hours completing each response, depending on complexity, which generates a total annual burden of about 72,958 hours. Interested parties can review or comment on this collection through specified online resources within 30 days of the notice's publication.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce, is seeking public comments on information collection related to scientific research and exemptions under fishing regulations, as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Interested parties have until March 10, 2025, to submit their comments, which will help NOAA assess and minimize the reporting burden. This request is an extension of an existing collection and involves submitting reports and requests for permits regarding scientific and educational activities that require temporary exemptions from regular fishing rules. Comments will assist in evaluating the necessity, feasibility, and impact of these collections.

The Deepwater Horizon natural resource Trustees in Texas have released a draft plan to restore wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats affected by the oil spill. They are focusing on using dredged materials for this purpose, with an estimated cost of $40 million for seven proposed projects. Public comments on this plan are welcome until February 18, 2025, and a public meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2025, to discuss the proposals. Details about the plan and the comment submission process are available online.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce, is inviting public comments on a new information collection related to U.S. commercial fisheries. The goal is to gather economic data to better manage marine resources and support laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. They aim to collect information about costs, earnings, and other economic factors from various fisheries, focusing on a different set each year to reduce the burden on respondents. This data will help NOAA and other agencies make informed decisions regarding the fishing industry.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting comments from the public on its plan to extend an information collection about small-scale fishermen in the U.S. Caribbean, which includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The study aims to gather data on demographics, fishing practices, and economic conditions to help improve fishery management and comply with legal standards. Participation is voluntary, and the surveys will be conducted in person. They anticipate a total of 1,500 respondents, with each survey taking about 30 minutes, leading to an estimated 750 total hours of public engagement annually. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until April 26, 2021.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced a proposal to update regulations concerning inventions funded by federal grants, especially those created by nonprofit organizations and small businesses. These updates aim to simplify existing rules, correct outdated sections, and better define terms and processes. NIST seeks public feedback on these proposed changes by April 5, 2021, and plans to hold a public webinar to discuss these revisions further. These changes are intended to enhance the commercialization and application of federally funded innovations, in line with efforts to boost American innovation.

The Department of Commerce and NOAA are gathering feedback on their information collection related to 3D elevation data in the United States, under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This request is part of the ongoing 3D Nation Elevation Data Requirements and Benefits Study, which aims to improve technology systems and data services by understanding the needs and uses of 3D data. The study invites comments from government, academic, nonprofit, and commercial entities to better shape future programs. Comments are open until March 30, 2021, and participants will provide input through surveys and possible interviews.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced a decrease in the fee rate for a loan financing the reduction of fishing capacity in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands non-pollock groundfish fishery. Starting January 1, 2025, the fee for Loan A will reduce from $0.020 to $0.016 per pound, while Loan B will remain at $0.001 per pound. This rate adjustment ensures that the loans are repaid on time based on current fish catch projections and financial requirements. Fee payments at the new rate are due by February 15, 2025.