Federal Register #PTO-C-2026-0562

NOAA Seabed Mining Exploration License, USPTO Community Outreach Office Locations, and Other Federal Notices

This summary covers several federal agency actions and requests for public input: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce: - Plans to issue a 10-year exploration license to TMCUSA for seabed mining activities in the Application B Area - Activities include vessel and autonomous vehicle operations, sonar use, and sample collection - Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared, considering alternatives and mitigation measures - United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce: - Seeks public comments on locations for new Community Outreach Offices (COOs) in the Southwest (Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri) - Focus on enhancing patent outreach, education, and support for innovators and underrepresented groups - Department of Defense (DoD): - Requests comments on extending the Mentor-Protege Program information collection requirement - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): - Announces environmental review and public scoping for the CP2 LNG Expansion Project in Louisiana and Texas

Key Details: - No specific Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or commercial vendors are named for product procurement - The NOAA license to TMCUSA is notable for its 10-year duration and environmental monitoring requirements - USPTO's initiative aims to improve access and support for innovators in the Southwest - No product line items, part numbers, or purchase quantities are specified in these notices

Description

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking public comments on the selection of locations for one or more community outreach offices (COOs) in its Southwest Region, which includes Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. The COOs aim to enhance outreach, education, and support for innovators, including individual inventors, small businesses, veterans, and underrepresented groups. Comments are invited on the services COOs should provide, potential locations, and other relevant considerations. Written comments must be submitted by September 16, 2026.

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