Scientists Hold Secret Meetings to Judge Other Scientists
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants to keep collecting info from people selling big defense deals worth $500,000 or more, like political contributions and fees. If you’re involved in these sales to foreign military or the Defense Department, this affects you. They’re asking for public comments by January 12, 2026, before renewing this info collection—no new costs, just a quick 1-hour form per sale.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory reporting for big defense sales
If you request a license or approval for U.S. Munitions List defense articles or services worth $500,000 or more (or enter a Department of Defense contract worth $500,000 or more), you must inform the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) when political contributions paid, offered, or agreed to are $5,000 or more in the aggregate, or when fees or commissions paid, offered, or agreed to equal or exceed $100,000 in the aggregate. This reporting is mandatory under ITAR sections referenced in the notice.
Paperwork time burden estimate
The Department estimates 57 respondents and 450 responses, with an average time of 1 hour per response and a total estimated burden of 450 hours for this information collection. Responding is mandatory and submissions are made as attachments to relevant license applications or approval requests.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22524, 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Nontransfer and Use Certificate
The Department of State wants to keep collecting info through the Nontransfer and Use Certificate form, which businesses, nonprofits, and individuals fill out when needed. They’re asking for public feedback by January 12, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. This form helps the government track how certain items are used and shared, and it usually takes about an hour to complete.
Next: 2025-22526, Airport Terminal Program; FY 2026 Funding Opportunity
The FAA is offering about $1 billion in grants for airports to fix and upgrade terminals and control towers in 2026. This is the last year for this funding program, so airports need to apply by January 15, 2026. If you run an airport, now’s the time to grab this chance to modernize your facilities and keep things running smoothly!