Search Results for keywords:"CNMI Economic Vitality

The Department of Commerce is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a non-substantive change to continue the Small Business Pulse Survey. This survey helps collect data on how the COVID-19 pandemic affects small businesses in the United States. The aim is to gather information on changes in business operations, finances, and expectations, as well as disruptions in supply chains. The information will be used to guide the nation’s response to the pandemic, and participation in the survey is voluntary.

The Department of Labor is seeking public feedback on an information collection request about the Consumer Price Index Housing Survey. This request, backed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is being submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval. The survey helps gather essential data to calculate the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation and is used to adjust dollar values. Individuals and households are primarily involved in this survey, and comments can be submitted until April 7, 2025.

The Department of Commerce is planning to submit an information collection request for the Annual Business Survey (ABS) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This survey aims to reduce the burden on businesses while gathering data on business characteristics, such as research and development, innovation, and demographics of business owners. The 2025 survey will include a reduced sample size and changes to the survey process to be more efficient, with data collected through an online questionnaire. This information will help various stakeholders, including government and business leaders, understand and assess business dynamics in the U.S.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public feedback on the proposed information collection for the Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQ) for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Alaska. The IFQ Program aims to provide economic stability and manage these fisheries effectively, supporting coastal communities while protecting small-scale fishers. Public comments are invited until March 15, 2021, and individuals or organizations can submit their thoughts via email. The collection includes various forms and requirements to manage permits and quota shares effectively, and the feedback will help evaluate and improve the program's utility and reduce the reporting burden.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has decided to permanently adopt the increased delegated authorities for Certified Development Companies (CDCs) under the ALP Express Pilot. These authorities, originally set under the Economic Aid Act, allow CDCs to manage 504 loans of $500,000 or less with greater autonomy. After a successful evaluation period, the SBA is proceeding with this change following positive public feedback. This decision aims to streamline the loan process, reduce processing times, and help small businesses access capital more efficiently.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a rule to establish annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs), and accountability measures (AMs) for bottomfish in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to promote sustainability. These measures, effective from 2020 to 2022 for Guam and 2020 to 2023 for the Northern Mariana Islands, aim to prevent overfishing and rebuild fish stocks if necessary. Public comments on this proposal are being requested, with a submission deadline of March 15, 2021. The NMFS plans to adjust catch limits in future years based on average catches to maintain healthy fish populations.

The Federal Communications Commission has decided to use adjustment factor values in the 5G Fund auctions to direct more support to areas that are harder to serve due to challenges like varying terrain and lower household income. These adjustment factors will also be applied to the method for distributing legacy high-cost support, meaning that regions with different costs of deployment will receive appropriately adjusted funding. While some concerns were raised about these factors not accounting for all possible costs, the Commission believes that their use will help ensure that funding is allocated more fairly and efficiently, particularly to less profitable areas. These decisions aim to encourage bids for serving tough-to-reach locations, thereby boosting the deployment of 5G services across the United States.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed regulations to implement Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery. This proposed rule aims to revise fishery management for South Atlantic red snapper by changing the fishing season dates, catch limits, and fishing practices to prevent overfishing and reduce dead discards. The rule suggests increasing total allowable catch, which includes a larger number of fish but with the goal of ensuring the red snapper population continues to rebuild. Additionally, the rule includes the establishment of a snapper-grouper discard reduction season and new provisions for conducting annual experimental studies to further boost fishing opportunities while safeguarding the fishery.

The Department of Commerce is collecting public comments on the Annual Business Survey (ABS), which gathers data to better understand business dynamics in the U.S. The survey, conducted by the Census Bureau, includes information on business owners' demographics, and research and development activities, particularly aiming to improve minority and disadvantaged groups' access to resources. For 2021, the survey will expand to cover more nonprofit organizations, adding to its 308,000 respondents. The collected data will support government programs and agencies, enhance business support services, and contribute to national economic analyses.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a list of rules they plan to review as part of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The aim of this review is to determine if these rules should stay the same, be changed, or removed to lessen their economic impact on small businesses. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on these rules by January 9, 2025, to help the SEC make informed decisions. This includes important rulings such as those related to crowdfunding and small business exemptions under securities law.