[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 32 (Friday, February 15, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11222-11226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-03529]
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
National Institute of Corrections
Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement--Production of Five Live
Satellite/Internet Broadcasts (15 Hours)
AGENCY: National Institute of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice.
ACTION: Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement.
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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is soliciting
proposals from organizations, groups, or individuals to enter into a
cooperative agreement with NIC for up to 12 months beginning March
2013. Through this cooperative agreement, funds will be made available
for the production of a minimum of five live satellite/Internet
broadcasts. NIC will accept proposals for the creative use of 15
broadcast hours, using either NIC's traditional 3-hour long-form talk
show broadcast format or other suggested formats for this work. All of
the proposed satellite/Internet programs are 3-hour and/or 2-day, 6-
hour (3 hours each day) interactive training broadcasts, featuring on-
and off-air activities during nationwide broadcasts. This agreement
also includes the production of pre-recorded video clips and screen
captures that will enhance the instructional value of the broadcast or
otherwise enhance the ``look and feel'' of visual materials, the set,
or other items to be used during the broadcast.
DATES: Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. (EDT) on Friday,
March 8, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be sent to: Director, National
Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street NW., Room 5002, Washington,
DC 20534. Applicants are encouraged to use Federal Express, UPS, or
similar service to ensure delivery by the due date.
Hand-delivered applications should be brought to 500 First Street
NW., Washington, DC 20534. At the front desk, dial 7-3106, extension 0,
for pickup. Faxed applications will not be accepted. Only electronic
applications submitted via www.grants.gov will be accepted.
[[Page 11223]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of this announcement can be
downloaded from the NIC Web site at www.nicic.gov. All technical and/or
programmatic questions concerning this announcement should be directed
to Leslie LeMaster, Correctional Program Specialist, Academy Division,
National Institute of Corrections. She may be reached by calling 800-
995-6429, ext 6620, or by email at [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: Satellite/Internet broadcasting is training/education
between trainers/facilitators at one location and participants/students
as they receive instruction at other locations via technology. NIC uses
satellite broadcasting and the Internet economically to reach a larger
and broader audience from federal, state, tribal, and local criminal
justice agencies, as well as new partners and vested stakeholders who
have a common interest in and/or contact with offender populations.
Many of these audiences were previously hard to reach using traditional
modes of training. In recent years, the vast majority of NIC's audience
for broadcasts is accessing this service via streaming Internet
connections. Depending upon broadcast subject matter, agencies may
convene audiences in larger groups at downlink and/or connection sites.
Additionally, NIC, as a leader in correctional learning,
continually seeks to use and integrate various forms of visual
technology to support and enhance learning within its full continuum of
training delivery strategies.
Purpose: The purpose of funding this initiative is to produce a
minimum of five live satellite/Internet broadcasts. NIC will accept
proposals for the creative use of 15 broadcast hours, using either
NIC's traditional 3-hour long-form talk show broadcast format or other
suggested formats for this work. All of the proposed satellite/Internet
programs are 3-hour and/or 2-day, 6-hour (3 hours each day) interactive
training broadcasts, featuring on- and off-air activities during
nationwide broadcasts with the ultimate outcome of disseminating
information and/or providing training on current and emergent
information to the criminal justice community. Additionally, as part of
this award, the agreement includes the production of pre-recorded video
clips and screen captures that will enhance the instructional value of
each broadcast or otherwise enhance the ``look and feel'' of visual
materials, the set, or other items to be used during the broadcast.
Examples of these items may include but are not limited to: The
production of 12 to 15 short video vignettes (less than 3 minutes each)
to support the content of the satellite/Internet broadcasts or to be
used by NIC to enhance other training projects; up to 20 short 10- to
15-second video bumps designed around the theme of the broadcast to
assist in transitions between content elements of the broadcast; custom
designed visuals and props used during a specific broadcast to enhance
the set design or otherwise support the content of the broadcast, and
editing of video clips shot at the studio at the National Corrections
Academy (typically one-on-one interview testimonials) for inclusion in
broadcasts.
Scope of Work: To address the scope of work for this project, the
following will be needed:
Producer Consultation and Creative Services: The producer for this
project plays a key role in managing the project, but he/she must also
possess a wide range of technical experience, including script writing,
in the development and delivery of video broadcasts. The producer will
(1) consult and collaborate with NIC's distance learning administrator
(DLA) on program design, program coordination, design and field
segments, and content development and (2) participate in/coordinate all
planning meetings and planning activities that support each broadcast.
A minimum of one face-to-face planning session will be held for each
broadcast. Planning sessions typically last 2.5 days and are convened
in the NIC Aurora office or at the Washington, DC, headquarters.
Planning sessions for 2-day training broadcasts are 3.5 days in
duration.
The producer must plan all other activities through telephone and
various virtual online platforms (e.g., WebEx, which NIC provides) and
consult and collaborate with NIC's DLA in the selection of talent for
each broadcast. This will entail review of print and audiovisual
materials, as well as phone conversations with potential talent. Face-
to-face interviews typically will not be required.
The producer must work with each consultant/trainer to develop his/
her content for delivery using the satellite/Internet format. This will
entail regular email and telephone communication as well as regularly
scheduled updates with key stakeholders on the broadcast team.
The producer will coordinate script and rundown development,
graphic design, production elements, and rehearsals for each broadcast
and use his/her professional expertise in designing creative ways to
deliver satellite/Internet broadcasts.
The producer will develop detailed storyboards for each broadcast.
Significant contribution to the development of the storyboard will come
from designated content experts, the talent selected to appear in the
broadcast, and NIC's DLA. NIC's DLA maintains final approval of all
storyboards, video, and other materials produced or used in any
broadcast. Please refer to ``Content Development Countdown'' attached
to this announcement and also found on NIC's Web site at http://static.nicic.gov/UserShared/2013-02-11_content_dev_countdown_2012_-_for_coop_agree_sol_final_(1).pdf.
The producer will supervise camera and audio crews assigned to
capture testimonial footage from leaders in the criminal justice field,
who answer questions and provide general comment on an array of
correctional topics. There will be two or more of these sessions during
this agreement. Each shoot will entail 1- to 2-day video shoots at
national correctional conferences where appropriate talent/audiences
will be convening. The producer will work in concert with the NIC DLA
and the NIC broadcast program coordinator(s) in creating testimonial
questions for each upcoming broadcast topic to be capture at scheduled
conferences/events.
Content Development Process: Having both quality content
development and innovative as well as engaging content delivery, are
critical components of successful live broadcasts and interactive
distance training via satellite/Internet. Therefore, the content
development process, as part of the storyboard/rundown development for
each broadcast, must be carefully developed. The following process
outlines the necessary steps the producer must take to ensure that the
content of each broadcast is informative, innovative, and engaging.
While each broadcast must be treated as a unique product, it is
expected that the following processes will be followed. If adjustments
or modifications need to be made to the process to meet the unique
needs or circumstances of any of the broadcasts, approval of the DLA is
required. Please refer to ``Content Development Countdown'' attached to
this announcement and also found on NIC's Web site at http://static.nicic.gov/UserShared/2013-02-11_content_dev_countdown_2012_-_for_coop_agree_sol_final_(1).pdf.
Step One: Convene a 2.5-day planning meeting (or longer depending
upon broadcast type) with the NIC DLA, an NIC representative/program
manager(s)
[[Page 11224]]
with content knowledge of the broadcast, and 4 to 5 other stakeholders
vested in the topic being developed. (Attendees fees, travel, and per
diem for the planning meeting and the rehearsal/broadcast days are paid
for by NIC and are not part of this award.) Attendees are told they are
helping develop ideas for a broadcast on a specific topic.
Participation in the planning meeting does not necessarily mean that
participants will be used as talent during the live broadcast. Note:
The exception may be if some of the attendees have been specifically
determined by NIC to be critical to the broadcast because of their
specific expertise or background.
NIC's DLA will lead meetings with the broadcast host(s) and video
producer in attendance. (Costs associated with the producer's
participation in the planning meetings and the rehearsal/broadcast days
for each broadcast are to be included within this award.) The meeting
will (1) set learning objectives, (2) develop a theme, metaphor, or
other creative hook that will set a context for the broadcast (The hook
will support the content of the broadcast and will assist in
determining the creative approaches through which that content can be
delivered in a live broadcast.), (3) develop a rough outline of key
content for each broadcast segment, using content learning objectives
as a guideline, (4) generate a list of resources (videos, photos, etc.)
that could support the segment, (5) discretely determine which experts
might be good on camera and involved in the future development process,
and (6) determine potential segment team assignments for further
content development if casting for an in-studio team is deemed
appropriate.
Step Two: Cast the program after the meeting is complete. The
producer, host(s), and DLA will meet with appropriate NIC staff soon
after the planning meeting----the next day is preferred. Together, the
meeting participants will (1) determine and finalize a list of
presenters for the program, (2) determine the fields that the
presenters should come from and what casting types are needed to cover
each segment or content type (if needed), (3)create a cast list, (4)
set deadlines for pre-interviewing and recruiting those available on
the scheduled dates for the rehearsal and broadcast (Note: Selected
talent must be available for both the rehearsal day and the broadcast
day in order to participate.), (5) conduct pre-interviews to gather
content and make suggestions for on-camera appearances, and (6) work
with the DLA and appropriate NIC staff named as on-camera presenters
and assign them to specific program segments.
Step Three: Develop content for the broadcast. The producer will
schedule a call/video conference with the producer, host(s), DLA, and
each segment's small group of presenters; review, revise, and annotate
the broadcast outline; generate a further list of resources during the
call (The producer may need two calls per segment, but the goal would
be one.); and have the DLA sign off on the broadcast's content outline.
If the broadcast is a 2-day interactive training broadcast, the
producer will work directly with segment teams on the development of
their segment outlines, in concert with the NIC DLA, and a designated
broadcast curriculum materials developer if applicable.
Step Four: Develop the broadcast programming. The producer,
host(s), and/or DLA will (1) outline the program and its elements,
including content questions (most segments of each program will be
designed so that a host(s) will facilitate each segment, rather than
allowing small groups of practitioners to facilitate on their own.);
(2) revise outlines and make initial testimonial selections, working
from transcripts, acquired clips, and other source materials; (3) work
with DLA to identify graphic/visual needs and content; (4) work with
production staff to compile support materials (making direct contact
with prisons, jails, etc.); (5) work with production staff to develop
all graphics and visuals for approval; (6) work with the DLA to review
and approve all materials and program development, including
standardized intro and outro segments highlighting NIC and its graphic
image. If the broadcast is a 2-day interactive training broadcast, the
producer will work directly with segment teams on the above items, in
concert with the NIC DLA and a designated broadcast curriculum
materials developer if applicable.
Step Five: Prepare the broadcast.
The awardee will book one preparation call, in addition to the
final run-through Webex with presenters/trainers the week before the
cast and crew travel to the shoot location. The call will cover
logistics and an overview of the agenda for the 2 days. On rehearsal
day (typically, Tuesday morning), the producer will show all broadcast
staff and talent the final video clips, graphics, and visuals, etc.,
and complete a technical run-through of the program. The host(s) and
producer will lead staff through the program outline. Note: If the
schedule allows, it would be best to have 12 to 14 weeks between each
planning meeting and the broadcast. Please refer to ``Content
Development Countdown'' attached to this announcement and also found on
NIC's Web site at http://static.nicic.gov/UserShared/2013-02-11_content_dev_countdown_2012_-_for_coop_agree_sol_final_
(1).pdf.
Production schedules will overlap to fit all broadcasts within the
award period. It is necessary, due to the 12- to 14-week planning
development process and minimum of 5 broadcasts (15 hours of broadcast
time) to be delivered as part of this award (a combination of 3-hour
and/or 2-day, 6 hour [3 hours each day] interactive training
broadcasts), that the awardee prepare to provide ample time for one
producer to be able to handle multiple projects at once and/or be
staffed to provide multiple producers to achieve the scope of work for
this agreement. A definitive plan to accomplish this role and function
must be included in the proposal.
Pre-Production Video: The producer will supervise the production of
vignettes to be used in each of the broadcasts, as well as the
vignettes to be produced as stand-alone pieces to support other NIC
curriculum projects. There will be twelve to fifteen of these vignettes
in all. Content experts (typically, correctional professionals) will
draft conceptual outlines of the scripts for each vignette. From these
outlines, the producer (or a script writing expert) will develop
scripts and have them approved by NIC's DLA. These scripts will be
developed and approved in advance of the shoot and will generally use 2
to 4 speaking parts per scene (and additional extras). As topics are
determined, the producer will work with the DLA to apportion the
shooting days and/or to use those days to produce other equivalent
creative elements for each broadcast.
The producer will budget for at least four 10-hour days of vignette
shooting, which will include: (1) Professional actors playing the parts
designated by the script, (2) a professional video crew, (3)
professional quality scenery, props, and wardrobe elements, and (4)
broadcast quality lighting and high definition camera gear. It is
expected that each shooting day will include 3 to 6 scenes, each
resulting in 1 to 4 minutes of screen time.
Additionally, testimonial video footage must be captured well in
advance of broadcast delivery dates to ensure ample time for
considering the clips for inclusion in the storyboard of a broadcast
and to allow sufficient time for editing. These video clips are used in
the broadcasts to support the content
[[Page 11225]]
delivery and to provide transitions/bumps between segments/modules
within the broadcast. NIC will provide the raw footage of up to 10
testimonial interviews (approximately 15 minutes each) to the producer
for each of the five broadcasts. Testimonial footage will also be
captured by the producer from video shoots that NIC will arrange to
occur at 2 to 3 relevant correctional and/or criminal justice
conferences where targeted audiences will generally convene. The
producer will provide the interviewer, camera staff, and any required
lighting and audio equipment for each conference testimonial shoot. The
format for all field shooting will be either Betacam, DVD Pro Digital,
and/or Mini DVD. NIC will also tape testimonial footage to be included
in broadcasts at its National Corrections Academy Studio in Aurora,
Colorado, and would expect the awardee to edit footage produced for
inclusion in relevant broadcasts.
Video Production: Video production for each of the broadcasts and
each video vignette for stand-alone projects will consist of
videotaping content-related events in the field, editing existing
video, and videotaping experts for testimonial presentations. It will
also include voiceover, audio, and music, if necessary, for each
broadcast or vignette. The awardee will develop a detailed storyboard/
rundown for each broadcast. Significant contribution to the development
of the storyboard/rundown will come from designated content experts,
the talent selected to appear in the broadcasts, and the DLA. The DLA
maintains final approval of all storyboards/rundowns, video, and other
materials used in any broadcast. Innovative and thought-provoking
opening sequences must be produced for each broadcast show open with
graphics, video, and music. Show opens will be approximately 45 seconds
in length. In addition, the broadcasts will use graphics to enhance
viewer learning. Graphic design will be used as packaging for all video
roll-ins and carried out through all PowerPoint slides and onscreen
graphics.
The producer will coordinate art direction, lighting, set design,
props, and furniture for all broadcast segments. Customized set design
will be required for each broadcast. The producer will budget for a
creative treatment that is unique to each broadcast, which will include
simple on-set design elements (e.g., a freestanding door that opens,
large scale graphics printed on foam core, lighting effects with
customized gobos, thematic prop elements, etc. Each set will include
signage, posters, props, and/or other visuals that clearly relate to
the content of the broadcast. The producer will organize and supervise
the complete production crew on rehearsal and production days.
Production: The awardee's production group will set up and maintain
studio lighting, adjust audio, and have a complete production crew for
the days and hours set by the DLA for each rehearsal and broadcast. The
producer will coordinate art direction, lighting, set design, props,
and furniture for all broadcast segments. Customized set design will be
required for each broadcast. Each set should include signs, posters,
props and/or other visuals that clearly relate to the content of the
broadcast. The producer will organize and supervise the complete
production crew on rehearsal and production days. A production crew
shall include the following: Director, audio operator, video operator,
character generator operator, floor director, four camera operators,
teleprompter operator, online Internet coordinator, makeup artist (at
production time only), and interactive assistance personnel (for fax,
email, live online chat, and telephone communications).
Post-Production: The producer oversees the production and editing
of a DVD of each broadcast for a final and approved cut by the DLA.
Within one week after each broadcast, the awardee will provide the DLA
a live and active link to the archived version of the broadcast. Within
sixty (60) days after each broadcast, the awardee will provide the DLA
five master copies of the edited and approved broadcast. Final file
formats should be accessible for Mac, Windows, and mobile/tablet device
(e.g., .mov, .mp4, .wmv). These copies must be provided on a single-
sided DVD. The broadcast footage will need to be edited to include a
splash page that provides an outline/menu of the content of the
broadcast by modules, and/or other appropriate categories to assist
users in finding specific content in which they may have an interest.
Additionally, any original vignettes produced for the broadcast must be
included on the DVD. All edits must be approved by the DLA. All final
documents and other materials submitted under this project must meet
the federal government's requirement for Section 508 accessibility,
including those provisions outlined in 1194 Subpart B, Technical
Provisions; Subpart C, Functional Performance Criteria; and Subpart D,
Documentation and Support. NIC's voluntary product accessibility
template (available at www.nicic.gov/GPAT) outlines the agency's
minimum criteria for meeting this requirement.
Transmission: The producer will (1) purchase satellite uplink time
that will include the footprints of Alaska, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands,
and the continental United States; (2) acquire downlink transponder
time from Ku band; (3) acquire Internet streaming capacity for up to
1000+ simultaneous downloads for delivery in a variety of formats
including Mac, Windows, and mobile/tablet device for each program, (4)
schedule and run up to five Internet streaming tests for viewing
audience compatibility tests in advance of each scheduled program, and
(5) be able to provide closed captioning on the final edited DVD of
each production. For each broadcast, the awardee will test the Internet
link and streaming. The test should verify connectivity to the site, as
well as audio and video quality. The test must occur at least 72 hours
prior to the start of the live broadcast. The awardee will provide
real-time, live, toll-free telephone support to participant sites or
individual participants to address access, connectivity, and quality
issues on the day of the live broadcast beginning at least 1 hour in
advance of the broadcast and continuing through the broadcast.
Equipment: Applicants must have a minimum of the following
equipment: Broadcast studio of approximately 2,000 square feet, with an
area for a studio audience of 10 to 20 people; four digital studio
cameras (one of which must be an overhead camera with robotic control);
chroma key: at least one wall with chroma key capability, along with a
digital ultimate keying system, a tape operation facility providing
playback/record in various formats, including DVD, Betacam, Betacam SP,
SVHS, VHS, U-Matic \3/4\ and SP, and state-of-the-art editing bay that
will be compatible with all platforms used in broadcast; three-
dimensional animation with computer graphics; Internet streaming
capacity for 1000+ simultaneous downloads in a variety of formats, and
Microsoft Media Player-Capture Closed Captioning; archive ability for
all satellite/Internet broadcasts from this agreement; computer
teleprompter for at least three studio cameras; interruptible fold back
or in-ear monitor for all presenters and the moderator/hosts during
each live broadcast with individual control from the control room and
the DLA; a method for the NIC DLA to receive verbal communications from
on-camera talent on the studio floor during rehearsals and during the
broadcasts; wireless microphones for each presenter/all talent during
the live broadcasts; and
[[Page 11226]]
microphones for the studio audience at each roundtable (they should be
able to pick up audio) during the training program (It is expected that
studio audiences will be used in at least four of the live
broadcasts.); satellite uplink and transponder: Ku band digital with
the footprints of Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, and the continental
United States; Web/Internet equipment for Internet link during live
broadcasts with enough capacity to support the broadcasts' expected
audience; and portable field equipment (digital video cameras with
recording decks, portable lighting kits, microphones [both hand-held
and lapel], field monitors, audio mixers, and camera tripods).
Personnel: Applicants must have a minimum of the following
qualified personnel: Producer/director; script writer; set designer;
lighting designer; audio operator; graphics operator; tape operator;
location camera operator; teleprompter operator; clerical/
administrative support; makeup artist (as needed during live
production); closed caption operator (as needed during production).
Application Requirements: Applications should be concisely written,
typed double spaced, and reference the project by the ``NIC Opportunity
Number'' and Title in this announcement. The package must include a
cover letter that identifies the audit agency responsible for the
applicant's financial accounts, as well as the audit period or fiscal
year that the applicant operates under (e.g., July 1 through June 30);
a program narrative in response to the statement of work; a budget
narrative in response to the statement of work; and a budget narrative
explaining projected costs. The following forms must also be included:
OMB Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance; OMB Standard
Form 424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (These forms are
available at http://www.grants.gov) and DOJ/NIC Certification Regarding
Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and other Responsibility Matters; and
Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (available at http://www.nicic.gov/Downloads/General/certif-frm.pdf Applications may be submitted in hard
copy, or electronically via http://www.grants.gov. If submitted in hard
copy, there must be an original and three copies of the full proposal
(program and budget narratives, application forms, and assurances). The
original should have the applicant's signature in blue ink.
Authority: Pub. L. 93-415.
Funds Available: NIC is seeking the applicant's best ideas
regarding accomplishment of the scope of work and the related costs for
achieving the goals of this solicitation. Funds may be used only for
activities that are linked to the desired outcome of the project.
This project will be a collaborative venture with the NIC Academy
Division.
Eligibility of Applicants: An eligible applicant is any public or
private agency, educational institution, organization, individual, or
team with expertise in the described areas.
Review Considerations: Applications received under this
announcement will be subjected to an NIC 3- to 5-member review panel.
The criteria for the evaluation of each application will be as follows:
Technical and Programmatic (30%)
Are all elements outlined within the scope of work effectively
understood and a description provided of how each element will be
addressed? Is there a complete and precise, technically sufficient
description of the design and methodology for the required services? Is
there a clear statement of how each project deliverable will be
accomplished, including major tasks that will lead to achieving the
goal, the strategies to be employed, required staffing, and other
required resources? Are there any innovative approaches, techniques, or
design aspects proposed that will enhance the project?
Organizational (40%)
Does the proposed project staff possess the skills, knowledge, and
expertise necessary to complete the tasks, including all of the
elements listed within the project scope of work? Does the applicant
agency, institution, organization, individual, or team have the
organizational capacity to complete all deliverables? If consultants
and/or partnerships are proposed, is there a reasonable justification
for their inclusion in the project and a clear structure to ensure
effective coordination? Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to
purchase satellite uplink and Internet streaming with closed
captioning? Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to produce
vignettes and capture testimonials for each broadcast? Are the proposed
project management and staffing plans realistic and sufficient to
complete the project within the award period? Is the proposed budget
realistic, does it provide sufficient cost detail/narrative, and does
it represent good value relative to the anticipated results? Is the
applicant able to work within the time constraints outlined in the
solicitation?
Past Performance (30%)
Is the applicant experienced in producing live broadcasts, in
producing training video to support program and training content, or in
capturing video from field locations? Does the applicant have
experience writing original, scripted content for broadcast? Has the
applicant worked with non-professional actors/talent in the past? Can
the applicant provide adequate studio space and all equipment necessary
to produce the required deliverables? Does the applicant provide
audiovisual examples of past work?
Note: NIC will not award a cooperative agreement to an applicant
who does not have a Dun and Bradstreet Database Universal Number
(DUNS) and is not registered in the Central Contractor Registry
(CCR).
A DUNS number can be received at no cost by calling the dedicated
toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-800-333-0505 (if you are a sole
proprietor, you would dial 1-866-705-5711 and select option 1).
Registration in the CRR can be done online at the CRR Web site:
www.ccr.gov. A CRR Handbook and worksheet can also be reviewed at the
Web site.
Number of Awards: One
NIC Opportunity Number: 13AC02. This number should appear as a
reference line in your cover letter, where indicated on Standard Form
424, and on the outside of the envelope in which the application is
sent.
Catalog Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 16.601.
Executive Order 12372: This program is not subject to the
provisions of Executive Order 12372.
Robert Brown,
Acting Director, National Institute of Corrections.
[FR Doc. 2013-03529 Filed 2-14-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-36-P