On February 18, 2010, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and Mexican Secretary of Public Safety Luna signed a Declaration of Principles of Cooperation on joint efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and share information about transnational threats while streamlining legitimate travel and trade. (DHS press release, dated 02/18/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1266515652313.shtm.)
On February 17, 2010, Transportation Secretary LaHood announced Recovery Act awards to fund innovative transportation projects. The TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program was included in the Recovery Act to spur transportation projects that promise significant economic and environmental benefits, including improvements to roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities. (White House, dated 02/17/10, available for http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/secretary-lahood-announces-funding-over-50-innovative-strategic-transportation-proj.)
The Commerce Secretary released data for January 2010 indicating that retail sales increased 0.5 percent from December, exceeding the 0.3 percent increase expected by the private sector. Retail sales rose 7.6 percent at an annual rate in the fourth quarter, following a gain of 6.4 percent in the third quarter. (Press release, dated 02/12/10, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008908)
BAE Systems PLC1 and the Justice Department have announced that the BAES has pleaded guilty and settled criminal charges of conspiring to make false statements about its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) compliance program, and to violate the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms REgulations (ITAR).
The Justice Department has issued a fact sheet containing a "snapshot" of over 100 of its major export and embargo-related criminal prosecutions since January 2007.
The Bureau of Industry and Security has announced that its Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee will meet on February 18 and 19, 2010 in Washington, DC, which will be open to the public on February 18. ETRAC advises on emerging technology and research activities, including those related to deemed exports. (FR Pub 02/05/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2502.pdf)
The Department of Energy is requesting information from stakeholders on questions pertaining to the Buy American provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. DOE is requesting information regarding (1) the availability of manufactured goods produced in the U.S. that are needed to carry out certain projects; and (2) the application and implementation of certain Buy American provisions in Recovery Act projects. Comments are due by 11:59 p.m. on February 18, 2010. (FR Pub 02/04/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2378.pdf)
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has posted an instruction document for applicants on uploading documents to the D-Trade2 system for electronic agreements, and a PowerPoint presentation on electronic agreement concepts and processes.
The Federal Maritime Commission has announced that it will hold an open meeting on February 10, 2010 in Washington, DC. Agenda topics include a FY 2010 budget status update, a petition from NCBFAA for exemption from mandatory rate tariff publication, etc. (Notice, posted 02/02/10, available at http://www.fmc.gov/home/February102010Meeting.asp)
The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners gave preliminary approval tonearly $9 million in extra incentives to further boost participation in the Green Flag air quality program and toincrease the use of trains to move import and export cargo containers. The Green Flag Program, whichgives financialincentives to ship operators to slow down their vessels near the Port,will double to $6 million a year. (News release, posted 02/02/10, available at http://www.polb.com/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=666&targetid=1)