References: None. Background: a. This is the third consecutive year that the Department of Labor and the National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference have jointly sponsored an annual all-grantee technical assistance and training conference. The next such conference will be held in Providence, Rhode Island, April 22-26, 1996. This bulletin is being issued to all section 401 grantees to solicit input on the content of technical assistance to be offered at the conference. b. In an attempt to involve grantee staff in the planning process for this conference, it is the wish of the new NINAETC Executive Committee that the new committees and subcommittees planning the Providence conference be comprised of dedicated volunteers. Grantees are encouraged to sign up for one or more of the committees outlined in Attachment 2. Current volunteers for the redefined committees and subcommittees are also listed in Attachment 2. Grantees having questions about the activities involved in any given area should contact the committee chair or co-chair for more information. c. The third issue to be addressed in this bulletin concerns the establishment of a lasting tribute to Ms. Alice Bigpond Roach. At the planning meeting held in Providence on July 19-20, it was decided that the awards luncheon which Ms. Roach almost single-handedly brought into existence be renamed the "Alice Bigpond Roach Awards Luncheon" in her honor. It was further decided that an award and/or? endowment be created in her honor, similar to the one currently honoring Howard Yackus. However, there were differences of opinion at that meeting as to the type of people who should be eligible for that award, and what form that award should take. Because so many people who were close to Ms. Roach were not represented in Providence, it was decided that all grantees should have the opportunity to comment in this area also, before any decisions are finalized. Action Required. Grantees desiring to have further input on the nature and content of the Providence conference should complete Attachment 1 and submit it to Teresa Johnson by December 31. Grantees willing to volunteer staff for one or more of the committees/subcommittees should complete Attachment 2 and return it to the appropriate committee chair or co-chair as soon as possible. Comments on the nature of the award honoring the memory of Ms. Roach should also be sent directly to Teresa Johnson at the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. Questions. Questions should be addressed directly to Ms. Teresa Johnson, NINAETC Executive Secretary, at (405) 436-2603 ex. 360, or to Greg Gross, DINAP, at (202) 219-7509.

References: None. Background: The Department of Labor (DOL) is requesting comments on options for funding PY 1996 technical assistance and training (TAT) for Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) section 401 grantees. The current section 401 program regulations at 20 CFR 632.171(b) give the Department authority to reserve up to one percent (1%) of the title IV-A allocation for TAT purposes. Because this option has never been exercised, it is the desire of the Department and Native American Employment and Training Council (hereafter referred to as "the Council") to seek broad grantee input on this important issue prior to any decision regarding the use of program funds for TAT purposes. However, a few basic facts should be clearly understood by all grantees prior to informing the Department and the Council of your position on this important issue: a. All grantees will experience another reduction in funding for PY 96. At this time, we can only estimate possible reduced levels based on pending authorization legislation of 8 to 16 percent. b. Grantees affected by the application of 1990 Census data and the hold harmless process will again feel the impact of these reductions for a third year. It should be noted that most grantees in this category have almost reached their final adjusted levels based on the hold harmless process. c. Grantees passed a resolution at the National Employment and Training Conference held in Bismarck, North Dakota in May of 1995 supporting the use of program funds for TAT IF no Departmental TAT funds were available. d. This issue was discussed at the September meeting of the Native American Employment and Training Council, and it was agreed that the Department would seek broad input from all grantees on this important issue prior to any final decision. More importantly, the Department has stated that it will not use program funds for TAT purposes without the consensus support of the section 401 grantees. e. For the past three years, the Department has used most of the TAT funds for reimbursing the travel costs of small grantees to attend the national TAT conference. TAT funds have also been used to produce the New Director's Manual, provide peer-to-peer TAT, fund the Partnership Plan meetings, and pay technical/logistical costs associated with the national conference. f. That any TAT provided from the approved use of program funds be agreed upon in consultation with grantees and the Council. If you support the use of PY 1996 program funds for TAT purposes, please list priority items on the attached response form. Options: It is the strong belief of the Department of Labor and the Council that technical assistance and training (TAT) is crucial to the successful operation of section 401 programs. No PY 1996 TAT funds have been budgeted for this purpose from Sec. 453 of JTPA. However, the Department can set-aside up to one percent (1%) from the title IV-A allocation for PY 1996 and provide TAT through the use of these funds. Because the Department has never before utilized this option and because all grantees are facing absolute program dollar cuts for PY 1996, it is the decision of the Department, in consultation with the Council, to seek grantee input and support for this approach. The Department hereby proposes the following three options for providing TAT for section 401 grantees during PY 1996: a. The first option is for DOL to continue to provide TAT, utilizing a portion of one percent (1%) of PY 1996 program funds as allowed by the regulations. b. The second option is for DOL to provide TAT utilizing a full one percent (1%) of PY 1996 program funds as allowed by the regulations. c. The final option is not to utilize the TAT set-aside authority at all, thus providing NO TAT funding through the Department during PY 1996. This option would mean that section 401 grantees would be responsible for funding their own PY 1996 TAT activities. Action Required. All JTPA section 401 grantees are strongly encouraged to voice their opinions on these options and to submit their opinions in writing to the Department. Because of the requirement to publish preliminary allocation figures for grantee planning purposes in a timely manner, the deadline for receiving these comments is relatively short. Grantees are therefore encouraged to submit their comments NO LATER THAN JANUARY 12, 1996, so that the appropriate decisions and adjustments may be accomplished in a timely manner. Grantees are hereby notified that any reduction of PY 1996 title IV-A allocations for TAT will not decrease the dollar amounts available from allocations for administrative costs. Questions: Questions should be addressed to Mr. Thomas Dowd on (202) 219-8502 or to Greg Gross on (202) 219-7509.

Reference: None. Background: All programs administered by the Office of Special Targeted Programs are participating in an electronic communication effort through the use of Sprint Mail. Sprint Mail is an electronic mail service system operated by the Sprint Telecommunication Corporation. Electronic mail services are varied and use many different names; however, the generic term for electronic mail is e-mail. The Division of Indian and Native American Programs (DINAP) has been working with its grantee partners for the past 14 months to implement an electronic communication system that enables the entire grantee community to communicate electronically through the use of e-mail. To ensure the involvement of all grantees, DINAP through a special grant with the California Indian Manpower Consortium (CIMC), provided 35 small grantees with computer hardware and several more grantees with modem communication software. Additionally, technical assistance has been provided on-site as well as at regional and national TAT conferences. To date, only a handful of grantees have installed the Sprint Mail software that was mailed to all grantees several months ago. These same grantees have begun communicating electronically with each other and DINAP. However, it is critical for the remaining grantee community to get on-line. Getting on-line means installing the Sprint Mail software and using it. Technical Support Information: The enclosed directory lists each grantee's Sprint Mail user name and Internet address. The following technical information will assist you with using Sprint Mail user names and Internet addresses: 1. You use a Sprint Mail user name to communicate with another Sprint Mail user. For example, when contacting another grantee who is on-line, you simply use their sprint user name which includes a last name followed by a first name initial. For example, Mr. Don Eddy, JTPA Director with the Colorado River Indian Tribes sprint user name is EddyD. In some cases, the user name is listed by city e.g., Flagstaff. In most cases, the use of city user names is preferred to avoid the constant updating of user names caused by personnel changes. 2. You can also contact grantees and DINAP staff by using the Sprint Mail software to send an e-mail message via the Internet. You must use an Internet address when you send an e-mail message to an individual that does not use Sprint Mail software. For example, if you want to contact a person who uses the America On-Line service provider, you would need to use an Internet address e.g., Thomas.Dowd@aol.com. Grantees must use an internet address to contact DINAP team members e.g., ETA.JTP.HallD@doleta.gov. 3. What is meant by being on-line? Simply put, grantees are set up to send and receive e-mail. You will find a column on the far right side of the directory titled on-line. Grantees with a yes signifies they have received and installed their Sprint Mail software. Additionally, they are connected to a phone line that transmits and receives their e-mail messages. They are on-line! Action Required: If you are not on-line, we strongly encourage you to seek assistance and get on-line. If you are on-line, you are encouraged to communicate with other grantees on-line and with your Fed Rep Team. Like all other new tools, this one will also require practice and discipline of use. Please review the directory and inform DINAP of any information changes or updates required. Questions. If you need technical assistance with software installation or have questions about making telephone connec- tions, please contact DINAP's technical support technician, Mr. Earl McLetchie on (202) 219-5504 or Mr. Chris Pata with CIMC on (916) 920-0285. All other questions should be directed to Mr. Thomas Dowd on (202) 219-8502.

References. DINAP Bulletins Nos. 95-06 and 95-14. Background. a. The Department of Labor's Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) funds were rescinded for Program Year (PY) 1995 and eliminated from the Department's Fiscal Year 1996 budget request by both the House and the Senate appropriation committees. For these reasons, this is the last year that travel assistance will be provided to small grantees to attend the national conference for the foreseeable future. b. Only 52% of the section 401 grantees responded to DINAP Bulletin No. 95-15 in favor of using program funds to support TAT activities for PY 1996. Because a grantee consensus was not achieved, DINAP will not reserve any section 401 program funds for TAT purposes in PY 1996. c. This bulletin provides the final list of grantees eligible for travel and per diem reimbursement for one staff person to attend the national TAT conference to be held in Providence, Rhode Island (reference DINAP Bulletin No. 95-14 for additional conference details). d. Grantees eligible for reimbursement should register for the conference immediately, if they have not already done so. The TAT contractor, ACKCO, Inc., will provide the appropriate travel reimbursement forms at the conference. There will be a 90-day limit on receipt of reimbursement claims in order to facilitate contractual obligations. e. Reimbursement will cover local transportation expenses (POV mileage, parking, taxis, etc.), lodging expenses, and meals and incidental expenses. Airfare and conference registration fees will be paid directly by ACKCO. Expenses for rental cars and telephone calls WILL NOT be reimbursed. Federal travel rates in effect at the time of the conference will be applied to all reimbursement claims. Action Required. Grantees appearing on the attached list should immediately register for the conference (if they have not already done so), according to the conference planning committee instructions sent to all section 401 grantees. No money should be submitted with this registration. ACKCO will be paying the NINAETC directly for the registration fees of those conference attendees to be reimbursed. Grantees to be reimbursed should contact ACKCO as soon as possible to make their airfare arrangements. To save money, all reservations will be handled through a single travel agent retained by ACKCO. Tickets will be mailed to the grantee staff designated to attend. Questions. Questions should be addressed directly to ACKCO, Inc., on 1-800-525-2859.

References. a. JTPA Regulations at 20 CFR Part 632 b. DINAP Bulletin No. 85-15, Administrative Cost limit c. DINAP Bulletin No. 88-20, Administrative Requirements for DOL Grantees d. DINAP Bulletin No. 92-26, Transition Guidance for the Implementation of the JTPA Amendments of 1992 e. DINAP Bulletin No. 94-3, Implementation of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 (revised) f. DINAP Bulletin No. 95-11, Instructions and Reporting Requirements g. DINAP Bulletin No. 95-12, Removal of Title IV-A Carry-In Limits; Submission of modification(s) to transfer funds between expired grants and current grants. Background. The U.S. Congress had not passed the Department of Labor's (DOL) Fiscal Year 1996 appropriation prior to the issuance of this bulletin. Each year, DOL's appropriation includes the forward-funded allotment for the JTPA, Section 401 Indian and Native American Program. However, to facilitate the grantee planning process, the initial planning figures provided are based on the proposed House appropriation of $50 million. This is approximately $9 million less than the Title IV-A PY 1995 funding level of $59.8 million. For most grantees, this represents on average, a 16 percent reduction in available program funds for PY 1996. For others, it represents a substantially larger reduction due to the use of 1990 Census data; however, to prevent an even deeper reduction, the hold-harmless formula is being applied for a third consecutive year at the 90 percent level. Information. Several important changes have been made to the CAP planning instructions from past years. Each change reflects our partnership commitment to reduce administrative burden, streamline the submission process, and clarify previously misunderstood requirements. Please review the following carefully: a. Due Date: All Section 401 grantees must submit a CAP for PY 1996 by MAY 10, 1996. This is the latest due date ever set for the submission of Section 401 CAPs. It provides grantees with approximately thirteen (13) weeks to prepare and submit their PY 1996 CAPs. Additionally, because the due date is after the April 22-26 National Indian JTPA TAT Conference to be held in Providence, Rhode Island, grantees are encouraged to bring their draft plans to the conference to obtain technical assistance provided by DINAP Federal Representatives. Any grantee that submits a CAP after the due date will have their allocation reduced by one week's worth of funding for every week the CAP is late. b. CAP Narrative: Grantees designated for the current two year grant period (PYs 1995 and 1996) are not required to submit a CAP narrative section as a part of their PY 1996 CAP. Grantees have two options to consider: Option 1: The grantee's service delivery plan (activities and justification) for PY 1996 remains essentially the same as the approved PY 1995 CAP narrative; or Option 2: The grantee will submit a new CAP narrative with the CAP package. Grantees must complete the PY 1996 CAP NARRATIVE CONTINUATION sheet indicating which option was selected (Attachment CAP 96-2). c. Definitions: A list of definitions is provided as an attachment to assist those unfamiliar with JTPA terminology and acronyms. d. Regulations: Section 401 grantees will continue to use and comply with the existing regulations at 20 CFR Part 632, as well as the mandatory provisions in the 1992 amendments to the JTPA referenced in DINAP Bulletin No. 92-26. A DINAP Bulletin regarding the use of a new general waiver provision for PY 1996 will be issued in May. e. Carry-in Policy: In the past, grantees were restricted to a 20 percent carry-in limit of funds from one program year to the next. However, due to the substantial cuts in Title IV-A funds, the loss of II-B funds, and the transition effects caused by the use of 1990 Census data, this policy was changed with the issuance of DINAP Bulletin No. 92-12: It is the policy of the DOL's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) that all carry-in limits previously issued since 1991 for Title IV-A funds are hereby withdrawn effective July 1, 1995. It is further DOL/ETA policy that carry-in limits are suspended in general. Grantees that exceed the former 20 percent carry-in limit for PY 1995 must submit a written justification. If the justification is unacceptable, the former limit will be reimposed on a case-by-case basis. f. Required CAP Items: It is recommended that grantees refer to the CAP checklist (see Attachment No. 5) to ensure that all required forms and documents are completed properly and included in the CAP submission package. Additionally, all required forms and other attachments that comprise the CAP package are labeled sequentially from CAP 96-1 thru CAP 96-19. Any page labeled with a CAP 96 marking in the upper righthand corner must be submitted, and if appropriate, requested information provided, signed and dated. g. Number of Copies to Submit: The original and two copies of the CAP must be submitted to DINAP with a completed Grant Signature Sheet (CAP 96-1). Grantees that want a copy of the CAP with an original signature for their files must provide an original signature on each of the copies (29 CFR 97.10(b)(2)). h. Requests for Acquisition of Real Property and Equipment: Prior Grant Officer approval is required for the acquisition of all real property (OMB Circulars A-87 and A-122). Approval for the purchase of equipment must be submitted separately from the CAP submission even if the grantee indicates the purchase of equipment in the CAP. Prior Grant Officer approval is also required for: a. Equipment acquired by non-tribal grantees if the unit cost exceeds $5,000 and it has a useful life of more than one year (29 CFR 95.2(l) and 29 CFR 95.34). b. Equipment acquired by tribal grantees defined as having a unit cost in excess of $5,000 or more and a useful life of more than one year (29 CFR 97.3 and 29 CFR 97.32). Allocations. The title IV-A allocation list is attached to this bulletin (see Attachment No. 1-A). This is the third consecutive Program Year that 1990 Census data have been used to calculate grantee allocations. As previously stated in this bulletin, a hold-harmless factor was applied to the calculation formula that lessens the impact on those grantees receiving reduced funding. Action. Grantees must submit their CAPs, postmarked no later than May 10, 1996, to the following address: U.S. Department of Labor ETA/Division of Indian and Native American Programs Room N-4641 200 Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210 ATTN: MIS DESK Inquiries. Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative Team (202) 219-5504.

Reference. - JTPA Section 604 of Amendments of 1992 - DINAP Bulletins 84-2, 84-41, 86-39 and 89-37 Background. Section 401 of the JTPA Amendments of 1992 requires individuals participating in any program established under this Act to provide evidence that they have registered with the Selective Service pursuant to Section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act. This is applicable only to male applicants born after December 31, 1959, who are between the ages of 18 and 26. Therefore, all male applicants who are within the eligible age group must register with the Selective Service. It has come to our attention that occasionally males applying to participate in the Section 401 program who were born after December 31, 1959, have failed to register with the Selective Service, and are no longer eligible because they are older than 26 years of age. In the past, grantees were required to complete an "advisory form" for these applicants to be sent to the Selective Service. The Selective Service responded by issuing an "advisory opinion letter." However, officials with the Selective Service have determined that final decisions for dispersing benefits, rights or training rests solely with the various provider agencies. Accordingly, starting in January of 1995, Selective Service no longer issues "advisory opinion letters." The former opinion letter has been replaced with a "Status Information Letter" indicating the applicant's Selective Service status. (See attached sample letters.) Action. Individuals over 26 years of age possessing a letter from the Selective Service indicating the individual is not registered and cannot be registered because the law does not allow for registration after the age of 26, are to be determined eligible for the JTPA, Section 401 program, providing all other eligibility requirements are met. Inquiries. Contact your DINAP Federal Representative Team at (202) 219-8502.

Reference. DINAP Bulletins Nos. 95-03 and 95-12. Background. As was stated in DINAP Bulletin No. 95-03, there will be no new title II-B appropriations from which to allot new funds to eligible grantees for the summer of 1996, although summer youth activities remain allowable under the Act. As also stated in that bulletin, grantees with unspent title II-B funds may carry them over to the summer of 1996 to provide allowable summer youth activities/services. Because no new funds have been appropriated under title II-B for summer youth programs, section 401 grantees are not required to submit a Summer Plan. However, those grantees who have sufficient carry-over title II-B funds to provide summer program activities during 1996 must submit a formal modification requesting Grant Officer approval (see MOD attachment). Action. Grantees planning to use title II-B funds to provide allowable Summer Youth activities during the summer of 1996 must submit a formal modification to the Department of Labor by April 12, 1996. Mail modifications to: U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Division of Indian and Native American Programs Room N-4641 FPB 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210 ATTENTION: MIS DESK This modification should clearly state that the grantee intends to expend title II-B funds carried over to provide allowable Summer Youth activities during the summer of 1996. Grantees must also complete a Budget Information Summary (BIS) form indicating the level of Federal funds to be devoted to the 1996 summer program. To utilize title II-B funds appropriated prior to 1995 (under the now-expired 99-1/B-3 grants), grantees should have submitted a modification according to the instructions contained in DINAP Bulletin No. 95-12. If a modification request to transfer title II-B funds from expired grant periods to the current grant has not been submitted, it must be prior to the submission of a modification requesting approval to provide Summer Youth activities in 1996 with II-B carry-over funds. All previously-issued rules, regulations, and statutory requirements for the title II-B program remain in effect during 1996, including reporting requirements. Grantees are reminded that only Federal (JTPA) funds utilized for 1996 title II-B activities need to be accounted for in the summer Financial Status Report. Questions. Contact your DINAP Federal Representative Team.

Reference. Job Training Reform Amendments of 1992. Background. As required by the Job Training Reform Amendments of 1992, the Native American Employment and Training Council was established by charter, effective July 1, 1993. The charter provides for eighteen members appointed for two years. Currently, the Council has two vacancies, the Region I representative position which expires on June 30, 1996, and the Other Discipline Member which expires on June 30, 1997. Additionally, the nine memberships which will expire as of June 30, 1996, are as follows: Region I Region V Vacant Karen Kay Central Maine Indian Assoc. Michigan Indian Employment Bangor, Maine and Training Services, Inc. Expires June 30, 1996 Holt, Michigan Expires June 30, 1996 Region II Alaska Ms. Marie Benedict Mr. Alexie Morris St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Association of Village Council Hogansburg, New York Presidents Expires June 30, 1996 Bethel, Alaska Expires June 30, 1996 Hawaii Ms. Winona Whitman Alu Like, Inc. Honolulu, Hawaii Expires June 30, 1996 Other Disciplines Mr. Gaiashkibos Vacancy Lac Courte Oreilles Expires June 30, 1997 Hayward, Wisconsin Expires June 30, 1996 Dr. Rose-Alma McDonald-Jacobs Mr. Clarence Skye Native American Consultant United Sioux Tribes of South Hogansburg, New York Dakota Expires June 30, 1996 Pierre, South Dakota Expires June 30, 1996 Mr. Eddie Tullis Poarch Band of Creek Indians Atmore, Alabama Expires June 30, 1996 Grantees may renominate these individuals for these memberships, or may submit the names of new individuals. Consistent with the terms of the charter, all nominees must be Indian or Alaskan Native or Hawaiian Native individuals. Only grantees in Regions I, II, IV, and Hawaii may submit nominations for the membership vacancies in those areas. The Department of Labor (the Department) will accept nominations for "other discipline" vacancies from all Section 401 grantees. Indian tribes or Indian, Alaskan Native or Hawaiian Native organizations that do not operate Section 401 grants may also submit nominations for the "other discipline" category. Self nominations will also be considered. In submitting nominations, grantees should consider the willingness of the nominee to attend Council meetings, and to provide feedback to the grantee community. The Department views the Council as its major source for consultation with the grantee community, and, as such, communication between the Council member and his/her constituency is critical. Action. If you would like to suggest nominees for the Council, please submit the names of these individuals to the following address: Thomas Dowd Chief Division of Indian and Native American Programs U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Room N-4641 Washington, D.C. 20210 ATTN: Council Desk We would appreciate having the nominations postmarked no later than April 12, 1996. Questions. Contact Thomas Dowd, Chief, Division of Indian and Native American Programs on (202) 219-8502. In his absence, call Mr. Greg Gross at (202) 219-7509.

References. DINAP Bulletin No. 94-23. Background. a. To assist grantees missing numerous active DINAP bulletins, DINAP has put these bulletins onto a 3.5" diskette. Paper copies of the supplemental attachments complete the bulletin diskette packet. b. You will need access to a computer with the following system requirements to use the diskette: 1. IBM Compatible. 2. 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive. 3. WordPerfect 6.0 or higher. 4. Printer. c. PY 1994 and PY 1995 bulletins are available on the TTRC database. To access, refer to Section 4: Configuring Other Systems Information of the PC Sprintmail for Windows Installation and Configuration Guide provided to all grantees with their Sprintmail software. d. The bulletin diskette is intended for those programs missing many or all of the active operating bulletins. Grantees missing only a few bulletins can receive them by FAX, Sprintmail (attachment), or standard mail. Action Required. Determine what bulletins you are missing by referencing DINAP Bulletin 94-23 and contact your Federal Representative (Fed. Rep.) Team and inform them of your needs. You are strongly encouraged to communicate your request by utilizing your Sprintmail account. Questions. Contact your Fed. Rep. Team.

Reference. DINAP Bulletin No. 95-16. Background. All programs administered by the Office of Special Targeted Programs are participating in an electronic communication effort through the use of Sprintmail. To be online significantly benefits grantees by enabling them to communicate with DINAP staff via E-Mail and Sprintmail as well as allowing the program access to all applicable DINAP Bulletins, regulations and other valuable information. It is critical for the remaining grantee community to get online. In an effort to assist those grantees still not online, DINAP provides technical assistance and support to resolve problems preventing them from becoming active online users. To date, 64 DINAP grantees have installed the Sprintmail software that was mailed to all grantees and now have the capability to communicate electronically with each other and DINAP. The following provides a status on the grantees who have joined the online partners by multi-regional areas: Area Region No. Of Grantees Grantees On-Line Percent On-Line EAST I-V 59 16 27% MIDWEST VI-VIII 70 31 44% WEST IX & X 60 18 29% TOTALS 189 65 34% Technical Support Information. The enclosed directory provides an updated list with each grantee's Sprintmail user name and Internet address. A "Yes" in the Online column on the far right side of the directory signifies grantees who have installed their Sprintmail software and are active online users. Action Required. We strongly encourage you to seek assistance and get online. If you are online, you are encouraged to communicate with other grantees online and with your Federal Representative Team. Please review the directory and inform DINAP of any information changes or updates required. Questions. If you need technical assistance with software installation or have questions about making telephone connections, please contact DINAP's technical support technician, Earl McLetchie on (202) 219-5504. All other questions should be directed to Thomas Dowd on (202) 219-8502.