Search Results for agency_names:"Centers for Medicare

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a final rule to update its regulations by incorporating the latest standards (Version 004) for business practices and communication protocols for public utilities. These standards, developed by the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB), aim to enhance consistency in utility operations and bolster cybersecurity. FERC requires utilities to make compliance filings by June 27, 2025, and to implement cybersecurity standards by February 27, 2026, with the remaining standards by August 27, 2026. The rule ensures public utilities adhere to updated practices that support reliable and secure energy systems.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program for fiscal year 2021. This program provides federal financial assistance to important transportation projects, focusing on enhancing highway and freight infrastructure of national or regional importance. Key objectives for project selection include promoting economic growth, addressing climate change, advancing racial equity, and encouraging innovation. The deadline for submitting applications through the Grants.gov platform is March 19, 2021.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service under the USDA has issued a notice inviting applications for grants under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program for the fiscal year 2021. These grants aim to promote economic development and job creation in rural areas by funding business opportunity and enterprise projects. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2021, to the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office. Eligibility is limited to public bodies, government entities, Indian Tribes, or nonprofit entities primarily serving rural areas, with strict requirements and a competitive selection process based on specific criteria.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking public feedback on an information collection request related to authorizing the release of medical information for Black Lung Benefits. The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) has submitted this request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as part of their review process. The public is encouraged to comment by January 13, 2025, focusing on the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements for the collection process. This request involves gathering consent from individuals to use their medical evidence in support of Black Lung claims, impacting around 5,990 respondents annually.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking public comments on a new information collection related to noise barriers along highways, as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites feedback on the necessity and accuracy of the information collection and suggests ways to make the process more efficient. Comments can be submitted by March 3, 2021, through different channels, including an online portal, fax, mail, or in person. The goal is to update and manage data on noise barriers to help state highway agencies and other stakeholders.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has finalized amendments to its rules about margin requirements for certain swaps. These changes update how entities determine if they fall under the requirement to exchange initial margin for swaps that aren't centrally cleared. The amendments align the CFTC rules with international standards set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the International Organization of Securities Commissions. In addition, it allows certain swap dealers to use a risk-based model from other registered swap dealers to calculate necessary initial margins, making compliance more practical and internationally consistent.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comments on their plan to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new collection of information. This notice relates to the Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration Grants for fiscal years 2023-2026, which are available to eligible entities like State Departments of Transportation and Tribal governments. The FHWA will collect information annually to help distribute these grants, and the public is encouraged to share thoughts on the necessity and burden of this data collection process. For submitting comments, the agency has provided several methods including online, fax, and mail.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is extending the comment period on the request for information about export lists for human food from other countries until February 21, 2025. This extension allows individuals and companies more time to provide input, especially regarding the potential fees for export certification services, which could affect businesses significantly. This decision follows requests for more time due to the overlap with the holiday season and the complexity of the proposed changes. Interested parties can submit comments electronically or via mail.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is asking for information to help improve testing for Lyme disease. They want to know about the current technology and challenges involved in creating better tests. The HHS, through its Lyme Innovation initiative and the LymeX Innovation Accelerator, is working on partnerships to develop new diagnostic tools. The information gathered will be used to help create incentives and partnerships to develop advanced tests for Lyme disease.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has amended the margin rules for uncleared swaps for swap dealers and major swap participants without a prudential regulator. The new rules allow for a minimum transfer amount (MTA) of up to $50,000 for each separately managed account (SMA) of a legal entity. They also permit separate MTAs for initial and variation margin, provided they don't exceed $500,000 combined. These changes aim to reduce operational burdens while ensuring the swaps market continues to function smoothly and safely.