Search Results for keywords:"eligibility criteria"

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This involves the use of form VAF 28-8832 for the Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG) benefits, which helps determine eligibility. Comments are invited on various aspects, such as the necessity and utility of the information and ways to minimize the burden on respondents. The form is intended for veterans, service members, and their families, with an estimated annual response time of 2,750 hours and a total of 11,000 respondents.

The Economic Development Administration (EDA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has received petitions from several firms seeking Trade Adjustment Assistance. These petitions claim that increased imports have negatively affected their businesses and their employees. The EDA is investigating whether these claims are valid and if the firms deserve assistance. People interested in this matter can request a public hearing by following the procedures outlined in EDA's regulations.

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 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing a new voluntary plan to use the 900 MHz band for broadband purposes. This plan seeks input on changing current rules and procedures to allow the entire ten megahertz of the band to be used for broadband, if applicants reach private agreements. The proposal includes ways to protect existing narrowband operations while supporting new broadband developments and involves substantial changes to application and eligibility criteria. The FCC invites comments on these proposals, with an aim to boost the availability and efficiency of broadband services, especially in critical areas like utilities and infrastructure.

The Department of Commerce has issued a final rule to implement the HAVANA Act of 2021, which allows for payments to be made to current and former employees, as well as their dependents, who have suffered certain brain injuries. The rule maintains the criteria for a qualifying injury as outlined in a previous interim rule, requiring either permanent brain function changes or a medical diagnosis requiring extended treatment. The regulation includes procedures for submitting claims and emphasizes consistency with existing State Department standards. Additionally, the Department addressed public comments, clarifying that it cannot extend compensation to injuries before January 1, 2016, and explaining the reasoning behind the criteria for qualifying injuries.

The Department of Agriculture has asked the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review a requirement for collecting information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. They are inviting public comments by January 15, 2025, about whether this information collection is necessary and how it might be improved. The focus is on the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which helps rural businesses and agricultural producers reduce energy costs with grants and loans. Comments can be submitted online, and there are specific rules about how the collected information must display a valid OMB control number.

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has updated its regulations to remove racial and ethnic presumptions for determining eligibility for its programs. This change was made to comply with a court ruling that declared such presumptions unconstitutional, as they were previously outlined in the Minority Business Development Act of 2021. The court's decision requires the MBDA to amend parts of its regulations, making eligibility determinations based on actual social or economic disadvantage without relying on racial or ethnic classifications. These updates aim to clarify and modify the criteria for accessing MBDA's assistance programs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting public comments on the extension of a currently approved information collection related to the State Administrative Plan for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This plan is a guide detailing how states, territories, or tribal governments will manage the grant funds. The purpose is to ensure these governments have a FEMA-approved plan in place before receiving HMGP funds. The information was previously shared for public comment, and FEMA now invites further input on it before January 10, 2025.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for people interested in joining the Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy. They are requesting resumes and statements of interest by February 18, 2025. The Board reviews programs of the Academy and advises FEMA on operations and improvements. Applicants will serve up to three years and may need to provide financial disclosures. Current DHS employees, contractors, and lobbyists cannot apply.