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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking public comments on changes to a previously approved information collection related to training evaluation forms. These forms help FEMA assess the effectiveness of its training programs by collecting feedback from participants several months after completing the training. This helps FEMA understand how the training impacts the participants’ jobs and if the skills learned are being applied in real-life situations. FEMA invites comments on the necessity, accuracy, and effectiveness of this data collection to improve its processes.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is offering $180 million in competitive grants for the fiscal year 2021 under the Low or No Emission Grant Program. These grants are aimed at supporting the purchase or lease of low or no-emission vehicles with advanced technology for transit operations. Eligible applicants like states, local government authorities, and tribes can apply electronically through GRANTS.GOV until April 12, 2021. The program aligns with federal goals to enhance sustainable public transportation and address climate change challenges.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has disapproved a proposed rule change submitted by the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., which aimed to extend the time allowed for certain exchange-traded products (ETPs) to meet minimum listing requirements. The Exchange wanted to increase the compliance period from 12 to 36 months for ETPs to have a minimum of 50 beneficial holders, arguing it aligns better with the ETP lifecycle and current market conditions. However, the SEC found that the Exchange did not provide enough evidence to ensure this change would protect against market manipulation and protect investors. Despite receiving some support from commenters, the proposal was deemed inconsistent with the necessary regulatory requirements.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is proposing updates to the rules governing operational contract support (OCS) outside the United States. These changes aim to broaden the scenarios where contracted support can be used, improve accountability and reporting of contractor personnel, and clarify the responsibilities of those involved. The updated rule seeks to enhance integration and oversight of contracted support as a vital defense capability, addressing areas identified as high-risk by the Government Accountability Office. Overall, these efforts intend to minimize wastage and improve the effectiveness of military operations supported by contractors.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking public comments on proposed revisions to its Major Facilities Guide (MFG). These revisions aim to enhance project planning, management, and oversight for major facilities by providing guidance on construction schedules, project personnel competencies, and funding plans. The NSF supports various large-scale research facilities, and these updates are designed to improve efficiency and accountability. The public is invited to comment on the necessity and practicality of the information collection, and the deadline for submitting comments is April 5, 2021.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is inviting public comments on updates to its Research Infrastructure Guide (RIG). These revisions aim to improve guidelines for planning and managing infrastructure projects, focusing on aspects like construction, operations, and cyberinfrastructure. The NSF requests feedback on specific sections of the guide and outlines the estimated workload for complying with reporting requirements. Comments are needed by March 10, 2025, to be assured of consideration.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a final rule to change how Federal Wage System (FWS) wage area boundaries are defined, making them more similar to those used for General Schedule (GS) locality pay areas. This rule, effective October 1, 2025, and impacting about 10% of FWS employees, aims to address pay disparities by reducing the number of FWS wage areas and aligning them more closely with GS locality pay areas. It is based on recommendations from the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee (FPRAC) and is expected to result in pay increases for some workers while others may see little change or enter pay retention due to the restructuring.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has proposed new rules to encourage public utilities to invest in cybersecurity measures beyond what is currently required. These rules offer financial incentives like an increased rate of return and deferred cost recovery for utilities that enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure. The aim is to protect the Bulk-Power System against growing cyber threats by using established standards and frameworks like the Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards and the NIST Framework. Comments on this proposed rule are invited to ensure a wide range of insights, with a deadline for submissions set for April 6, 2021, and replies by May 6, 2021.

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 Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued a final rule to update the rules for civil money penalties by adjusting them for inflation. This adjustment is in line with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act, ensuring penalties stay current with economic changes. The new penalty amounts will be effective from January 16, 2025, and apply to violations occurring on or after January 15, 2025. The FHFA will calculate penalties on a case-by-case basis, using a formula tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index, and these updates are mandated by law.