Short Takes – 9-30-26 - Federal Register Edition

Avian Influenza  

Amendments To Import Requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. APHIS notice of proposed rulemaking. Summary: “Current APHIS regulations specify that live birds and other avian commodities may not be exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or sourced from premises quarantined for HPAI within the 90 days immediately preceding export to the United States. We are proposing to reduce this timeframe to 28 days preceding export to the United States. This action is necessary to align APHIS regulations with international standards regarding HPAI transmission. This action would allow foreign regions to resume the export of live birds and other avian commodities to the United States sooner following an outbreak of HPAI, while still providing adequate safeguards that the importation of the birds or other avian commodities does not present a risk of disseminating HPAI within the United States.” 

Medical Device Security  

Robotically-Assisted Surgical Devices-Premarket Submissions; Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff. FDA notice of availability. Summary: “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of the draft guidance titled “Robotically-Assisted Surgical Devices—Premarket Submissions.” This draft guidance provides draft recommendations for premarket submissions for robotically-assisted surgical devices (RASDs). This draft guidance is not final nor is it for implementation at this time.” NOTE: includes cybersecurity guidance. 

Space Geek  

Name of Information Collection: NASA Small Business Supplier Development Program (Formerly Known as the NASA Mentor-Protégé Program). NASA 30-day ICR revision notice. Summary: “The purpose of the Program is to provide incentives to NASA prime contractors (mentors) to assist small businesses and other protégés to enhance their capabilities and increase their participation in NASA, other Government, and in commercial contracts and subcontracts. Under the Program, mentor-protégé agreements specify the assistance to be provided by the mentor and agreement milestones, as well as reporting requirements for the mentor and protégé firm. This information collection (i.e., application and reports submitted pursuant to mentor-protégé agreements) is required by NASA to monitor the performance and progress of both the mentor and the protégé in this developmental assistance program.” 

Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Blue Origin New Glenn Cadence Increase at Space Launch Complex 36A, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. FAA notice of availability. Summary: “In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), DOT Order 5610.1D, DOT's Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts, and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment Blue Origin New Glenn Cadence Increase at Space Launch Complex 36A, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida (Draft EA).” 

Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and Open a Public Scoping Period for the SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy Operations at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida. FAA notice of intent. Summary: “In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, and Department of War (DoW) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) NEPA Implementing Procedures, FAA is announcing its intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) concerning Space Exploration Technologies Corp.'s (SpaceX) proposal obtain a modification to their existing vehicle operator license from the FAA to authorize commercial Starship-Super Heavy operations at Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS). This SEIS supports FAA's adoption of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (2025 DAF EIS), EIS Identification Number: EISX-007-057-USF-1730277197. The proposed operations would include up to 76 Starship-Super Heavy launches and up to 152 landings per year (up to 76 Super Heavy Booster and up to 76 Starship vehicle landings), including return-to-launch-site (RTLS) and ocean landings. FAA is requesting comments concerning the scope and content of the SEIS. A Draft SEIS will be released for public review and comment later.”