Search Results for keywords:"confidentiality concerns"

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the Department of Commerce has announced it is conducting the BE-9 survey, which is mandatory for U.S. representatives of foreign airlines that have significant revenue or expenses in the U.S. The survey gathers data on these airlines' revenues, expenses, and passenger numbers. U.S. entities that meet the criteria will be contacted by BEA and must submit their reports within 30 days after each quarter. The survey aims to help analyze U.S. trade in transport services and is authorized by federal law.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requesting public comments on certain information collections as part of their efforts to reduce paperwork burdens, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). They are particularly interested in feedback about whether the information is useful, the burden estimates' accuracy, and ways to improve or reduce the burden, especially for small businesses. The FCC emphasizes that no one is obligated to provide information unless an authorized Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number is displayed. Comments should be submitted by March 22, 2021.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has put out a call for public feedback on information collection practices related to geospatial metadata. This request invites comments on the necessity, accuracy, and methods of collecting such data, with the goal of minimizing the public's reporting burden. Public comments will be accepted until March 30, 2021, and will be considered in the agency's submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. NOAA's tools for collecting metadata support various scientific research fields and aim to enhance understanding and reuse of geospatial data.

The Department of Commerce is asking for public feedback on a new information collection process in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This process involves firms wishing to participate in NATO International Bidding, which requires them to be certified as competent. These companies must submit a form (BIS-4023P) along with financial reports and project resumes. The feedback period is open for 60 days, aiming to assess the necessity and efficiency of the information being collected.

On January 30, 2024, the Canadian National Railway Company and Grand Trunk Corporation filed an application to take control of Iowa Northern Railway Company. The Surface Transportation Board approved the application, requiring a three-year period of oversight to ensure compliance and effectiveness. During this time, the applicants are obliged to provide regular reports on service, operations, and competition metrics. In response to concerns about confidentiality, the Board adjusted reporting requirements to balance transparency with the protection of sensitive data.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking an extension for collecting information using Form ADV-E under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Form ADV-E is required when a public accountant files certificates of accounting due to changes in their engagement status under investment adviser rules. The SEC estimates that around 1,998 filings related to surprise examinations and terminations will be submitted, totaling an estimated annual burden of 99.90 hours. The public can review the information request and comment on it from December 16, 2024, to January 13, 2025.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is planning to gather information to create tools for Section 3 compliance, specifically aimed at documenting labor hours for Section 3 workers and businesses. This initiative falls under existing regulations and is not mandatory, but serves as a sample process for those without current methods. Comments from the public are invited until March 31, 2025, to discuss the necessity, accuracy, and ways to improve or reduce the effort needed to collect the information. HUD urges feedback to ensure the tools are effective and user-friendly.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is inviting public comments on the information collection related to "Minority and Women Inclusion," which aims to promote diversity on the boards of directors of the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Office of Finance. This initiative is part of the requirements set by the Paperwork Reduction Act and FHFA's Minority and Women Inclusion regulations. The FHFA plans to extend the information collection for an additional three years, ensuring that diversity is included at all levels of these organizations. Comments can be submitted through various methods until March 18, 2025.

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences announced that they will be holding two meetings in March 2021 to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings will be closed to the public to protect confidential information, including trade secrets and personal details. The meetings will be held virtually at the National Institutes of Health, and the two committees involved will be the Training and Workforce Development Subcommittee—A and Subcommittee—C. Specific contact information for the Scientific Review Officers handling each committee is provided in the notice.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that they are accepting applications for special permits aimed at helping endangered species recover and survive, as allowed by the Endangered Species Act. They are asking for comments from the public and various government agencies on these applications until February 20, 2025. This public input will be used to decide whether or not to issue the permits, which will enable certain activities that are normally prohibited with endangered species. The comments received, unless requested otherwise, may be made publicly available.