📑Technical Assistance for Indian Child Welfare Act Compliance
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Children's Bureau (CB) is seeking public comment, in particular from State and Tribal title IV-B agencies and Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations and consortia (Tribes), and State and Tribal courts on providing technical assistance related to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA), removing undue burden related to meeting the requirements of title IV-B of the Social Security Act (the Act), changes to the Court Improvement Program, and amendments aimed at increasing the number of studies of programs and services eligible for review by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. ACF is issuing this Federal Register Notice in response to requirements in the Supporting America's Children and Families Act, Public Law 118-258. The comments ACF receives in response will inform ACF's work to meet the new requirements in Public Law 118- 258. ACF is also planning to hold consultation with Tribes later this year on these topics and will announce that through Dear Tribal Leader Letters. This Federal Register Notice is in addition to ongoing ACF consultation with Tribes, including consultation on title IV-B provisions not included in this Notice.
Learn More📊SBA Holds Tribal Consultation for Business Development Programs
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces that it is holding a tribal consultation meeting in Anchorage, Alaska requesting comments and input on a variety of topics relating to the 8(a) program and the mentor-prot[eacute]g[eacute] program. SBA is requesting general comments and input on how the 8(a) program is working and is inviting suggestions on potential avenues for making the program more efficient or reducing the regulatory burden on participants in the program. Additionally, SBA requests comments and input on best practices for how entity-owned firms market their capabilities to procuring agencies. SBA is also requesting comments and input on how to ensure the mentor-prot[eacute]g[eacute] program is operating as intended.
Learn More📜Business Implications of WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources and IP
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, announces a Tribal Consultation, and requests written comments, regarding the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources (GRs) and Associated Traditional Knowledge (ATK) (hereinafter, the "Treaty") adopted by WIPO Member States in Geneva, Switzerland on May 24, 2024. The Tribal Consultation will consist of virtual webinars and a request for written comments on whether the United States should sign and implement the Treaty and any impacts of taking those actions. For purposes of this Notice, the words "Tribe" or "Tribes" are intended to refer to Tribal Nations, State recognized Tribes, other Tribes, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.
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