Organization and Delegation of Duties |
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Mark R. Rosekind
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
4 February 2016
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 23 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5937-5942]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-02101]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
49 CFR Part 501
[Docket No. NHTSA-2015-0129]
RIN 2127-AL46
Organization and Delegation of Duties
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT) is updating its regulations
governing the organization of NHTSA and delegations of authority from
the Administrator to Agency officials, to provide for a reorganization
of the Agency's internal structure. These changes will enable NHTSA to
achieve its mission more effectively and efficiently.
DATES: This rule is effective February 4, 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Russell Krupen, Office of the
Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-1834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
This final rule amends 49 CFR part 501, the chapter of the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) that sets forth the organization of the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and delegations
of authority from the NHTSA Administrator to other Agency officials, to
reflect a reorganization of the Agency's internal structure, to update
out-of-date information, and to improve accuracy and clarity. In
addition, this rule amends the succession to the Administrator to
conform to the new organizational structure. These changes will enable
the Agency to achieve its mission more effectively and efficiently.
In particular, NHTSA is eliminating the Senior Associate
Administrator positions that were created in 2002 (67 FR 44083) from
its internal organization and adding the Executive Director and the
Chief Financial Officer positions, as well as their functions and
responsibilities. Conforming changes to the regulations, including
descriptions of the Associate Administrator positions, succession to
the Administrator, and delegations of authority, are included.
Additional changes have been made to improve formatting and consistency
throughout part 501.
The amendments in this final rule relate solely to changes in the
organizational structure and the placement of the delegations of
authority for various functions within the agency. This final rule does
not impose substantive requirements on the public. It is ministerial in
nature and relates only to Agency management, organization, procedure,
and practice. Therefore, the Agency has determined that notice and
comment are unnecessary and that the rule is exempt from prior notice
and comment requirements under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(A). As these changes
will not have a substantive impact on the public, the Agency does not
expect to receive significant comments on the substance of the rule.
Therefore, the Agency finds that there is good cause under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3) to make this rule effective less than 30 days after
publication in the Federal Register.
II. Regulatory Analyses and Notices
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures
NHTSA has determined that this final rule is not a significant
regulatory action under Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034). It was not reviewed by the
Office of Management and Budget. There are no costs associated with
this rule.
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)
This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles
and criteria contained in Executive Order 13132 (``Federalism''). This
final rule does not have substantial direct effects on the States, on
the relationship between the national government and the States, or on
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels
of government. Therefore, the consultation requirements of Executive
Order 13132 do not apply.
Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments)
This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles
and criteria contained in Executive Order 13175 (``Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments''). Because this final rule
does not significantly or uniquely affect the communities of the Indian
tribal governments and does not impose substantial direct compliance
costs, the
[[Page 5938]]
funding and consultation requirements of Executive Order 13175 do not
apply.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is required for this rule
under the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553, the provisions of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply.
This rule will not impose any costs on small entities because it is
merely organizational in nature and will not have a substantive impact
on the public. I hereby certify that this final rule will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule contains no information collection requirements under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) does
not require a written statement for this final rule because the rule
does not include a Federal mandate that may result in the expenditure
in any one year by State, local, and tribal governments, or the private
sector, exceeding the threshold set forth in 2 U.S.C. 1532(a).
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 501
Authority delegations (Government agencies), Organization and
functions (Government agencies).
For the reasons stated in the preamble, NHTSA revises 49 CFR part
501 to read as follows:
PART 501--ORGANIZATION AND DELEGATION OF POWERS AND DUTIES
Sec.
501.1 Purpose.
501.2 General.
501.3 Organization and general responsibilities.
501.4 Succession to Administrator.
501.5 Exercise of authority.
501.6 Secretary's reservations of authority.
501.7 Administrator's reservations of authority.
501.8 Delegations.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 105 and 322, and delegations of authority
at 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.95.
Sec. 501.1 Purpose.
This part describes the organization of the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an operating administration
within the U.S. Department of Transportation, and provides for the
performance of duties imposed on, and the exercise of powers vested in,
the Administrator of NHTSA.
Sec. 501.2 General.
The responsibilities and authorities delegated to NHTSA and the
Administrator are set forth in Sec. Sec. 1.81, 1.94, and 1.95 of this
title.
Sec. 501.3 Organization and general responsibilities.
NHTSA consists of a headquarters organization located in
Washington, DC, a unified field organization consisting of ten
geographic regions with a Regional Office located in each region, the
Vehicle Research and Test Center located in East Liberty, Ohio, and the
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Test Facility located in San Angelo,
Texas. The organization of, and general spheres of responsibility
within, NHTSA are as follows:
(a) Office of the Administrator--(1) Administrator. (i) Represents
the Department and is the principal advisor to the Secretary in all
matters related to 49 U.S.C. chapters 301, 303, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329
and 331; 23 U.S.C. chapter 4, except section 409; 23 U.S.C. 153, 154,
158, 161, 163, 164 and 313 (with respect to matters within the primary
responsibility of NHTSA); and such other responsibilities and
authorities as are delegated by the Secretary of Transportation (49 CFR
1.94 and 1.95);
(ii) Establishes NHTSA program policies, objectives, and priorities
and directs the development of action plans to accomplish the NHTSA
mission;
(iii) Directs, controls, and evaluates the organization, program
activities, performance of NHTSA staff, program and field offices;
(iv) Approves broad legislative, budgetary, fiscal and program
proposals and plans; and
(v) Takes management actions of major significance, such as those
relating to changes in basic organizational structure, appointment of
key personnel, allocation of resources, and matters of special
political or public interest or sensitivity.
(2) Deputy Administrator. Assists the Administrator in discharging
responsibilities. Directs and coordinates the Administration's
management and operational programs, and related policies and
procedures at headquarters and in the field.
(3) Executive Director. As the principal advisor to the
Administrator and Deputy Administrator, provides direction on internal
management and mission support programs. Provides executive direction
over the Associate Administrators, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief
Information Officer.
(4) Director, Office of Civil Rights. As the principal advisor to
the Administrator and Deputy Administrator on all matters pertaining to
civil rights, serves as Director of Equal Employment Opportunity and of
Title VI Compliance (Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and related
regulations). Assures agency compliance with Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
and other nondiscrimination statutes, regulations, Executive Orders,
and policies. Periodically reviews and evaluates the civil rights
programs of State Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety
Offices to ensure that recipients of NHTSA financial assistance meet
applicable Federal civil rights requirements. Monitors the
implementation of and compliance with civil rights requirements,
investigates complaints of discrimination, conducts compliance reviews,
provides technical assistance to recipients of NHTSA financial
assistance and stakeholders, and provides assistance to the Office of
the Secretary in investigating and adjudicating formal complaints of
discrimination.
(5) Director, Office of Governmental Affairs, Policy & Strategic
Planning. As the principal advisor to the Administrator and Deputy
Administrator on all intergovernmental matters, including
communications with Congress, communicates agency policy and serves as
coordinator on legislative affairs. Also, serves as coordinator of
agency policy discussions and activities and communicates with other
operating administrations and the Office of Secretary on strategic
planning efforts.
(6) Director of Communications. As the principal advisor to the
Administrator and Deputy Administrator on external communications and
information dissemination, serves as coordinator on public affairs.
(b) Chief Counsel. As chief legal officer for the Administrator and
the Administration, provides general legal services and legal services
related to legislative activities; prepares litigation and issues
subpoenas; and effects rulemaking actions.
(c) Associate Administrators, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief
Information Officer--(1) Associate Administrator for Administration.
Administers and conducts NHTSA's personnel management activities;
initiates and oversees a comprehensive program of administrative
support services to meet agency requirements, including development,
maintenance, and operation of NHTSA's manuals, notices, and orders,
property management, and the purchase, delivery, and
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administration of a range of supplies, equipment, and other support
services; is responsible for administrative operational expenses and
working capital fund operations; serves as the agency's technical
expert for all administrative activities; and administers an executive
correspondence program and maintains policy files for the Administrator
and Deputy Administrator.
(2) Associate Administrator for Communications and Consumer
Information. Represents NHTSA to the general public and others;
provides reliable, timely, and accurate traffic safety information to
the general public, consumers, partner organizations, and citizens
groups through media and public education efforts; and provides
scheduling and speechwriting support for the Administrator.
(3) Associate Administrator for Enforcement. Directs matters
related to the enforcement of motor vehicle safety, fuel economy, theft
prevention, damageability, consumer information, and odometer laws and
regulations; conducts testing, inspection, and investigation necessary
for the identification and correction of safety-related defects in
motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment; and ensures recalls of
noncomplying and defective vehicles and motor vehicle equipment are
effective and are conducted in accordance with Federal law and
regulations.
(4) Associate Administrator for National Center for Statistics and
Analysis. Provides the data, analysis, and evaluation to support
determination of the nature, causes, and injury outcomes of motor
vehicle traffic crashes, the strategies and interventions that will
reduce crashes and their consequences, and the potential impact, costs,
and benefits of highway safety programs and regulatory activities;
targets the collection and analysis of data and the dissemination of
information to identify potential highway safety problems, evaluate
expected program and regulatory impact and actual goal achievement, and
support data driven decisions; and identifies, advances, and promotes
new methodologies, technologies, systems, and procedures that improve
the completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility of data
collection, analysis, and evaluation.
(5) Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and Program
Delivery. Directs the management of State and community highway safety
programs; administers and coordinates all Regional activities,
including activities having a headquarters-regional interface;
develops, reviews, implements, and coordinates related programs,
policies, and procedures; and coordinates with the Federal Highway
Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and
other Federal agencies on traffic safety programs, as appropriate.
(6) Associate Administrator for Research and Program Development.
Administers traffic safety programs and provides national leadership
and technical assistance to States, local communities, national
organizations, and other partners in the identification, research,
planning, development, demonstration, implementation, evaluation, and
dissemination of highway safety programs designed to prevent or reduce
traffic-related crashes and the resulting deaths, injuries, property
damage, and associated costs. Coordinates with the Federal Highway
Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and
other Federal agencies on traffic safety programs, as appropriate.
(7) Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. Develops and
promulgates Federal standards dealing with motor vehicle safety, theft
prevention, consumer information, the National Driver Register, and
fuel economy, and directs programs relating to bumper standards, safety
performance standards, and other regulations for new and used motor
vehicles and equipment, including tires. Develops and conducts the New
Car Assessment Program.
(8) Associate Administrator for Vehicle Safety Research. Develops
and conducts research, development, test, and evaluation programs and
projects necessary to support consumer information programs,
guidelines, industry voluntary standards, and Federal motor vehicle
regulations; manages the facilities and programs related to these
activities; and conducts crash data analyses in defining safety
problems.
(9) Chief Financial Officer. Administers the agency planning and
budget activities in coordination with the Department of
Transportation, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress;
assures the appropriate development of budget requests and the
subsequent execution of operating budgets within the agency to meet all
programmatic requirements; conducts all necessary accounting
transactions to assure full and accurate accountability for all
financial resources of the agency; initiates and oversees a
comprehensive program of acquisition support for agency buying and
supplier requirements, including acquisition planning, purchasing,
payments, and administration; facilitates, coordinates, tracks, and
monitors all external audits, reviews, and other oversight activities
of agency programs, finances, transactions, or activities--working
closely with responsible program and operational officials; facilitates
and oversees the agency travel program, including the administration
and operation of the travel management system, the travel card program,
and the provision of travel management advice and guidance; and serves
as the agency's technical expert for all financial management
activities.
(10) Chief Information Officer. Administers all NHTSA Information
Technology functions and needs to ensure that IT resources are
effectively acquired and managed to maximize mission performance and
return on IT investments.
Sec. 501.4 Succession to Administrator.
(a) The Deputy Administrator is the ``first assistant'' to the
Administrator for purposes of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998
(5 U.S.C. 3345-3349d) and shall, in the event the Administrator dies,
resigns, or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of
the office, serve as the Acting Administrator, subject to the
limitations established by law.
(b) In the event both the Administrator and the Deputy
Administrator die, resign, and/or are otherwise unable to perform the
functions and duties of their respective offices, or in the event that
both positions are vacant, the following officials, subject to
paragraph (c) and in the order indicated, shall serve as Acting Deputy
Administrator and shall perform the functions and duties of the
Administrator, except for any non-delegable statutory and/or regulatory
functions and duties:
(1) The Chief Counsel;
(2) The Executive Director;
(3) Further officials as may be designated in an internal order on
succession.
(c) In order to qualify for the line of succession, officials must
be encumbered in their position on a permanent basis.
Sec. 501.5 Exercise of authority.
(a) All authorities lawfully vested in and reserved to the
Administrator in this title, part, or other NHTSA regulation or
directive may be exercised by the Deputy Administrator and, in the
absence or disability of both officials, by the Chief Counsel, unless
specifically prohibited by statute, regulation, or order.
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(b) In exercising the powers and performing the duties delegated by
this part, officers of NHTSA and their delegates are governed by
applicable laws, executive orders, regulations, and other directives,
and by policies, objectives, plans, standards, procedures, and
limitations as may be issued from time to time by or on behalf of the
Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator, the Deputy
Administrator, the Chief Counsel, and the Executive Director or, with
respect to matters under their jurisdiction, by or on behalf of the
Associate Administrators, the Regional Administrators, and the
Directors of Staff Offices.
(c) Each officer to whom authority is delegated by this part may
redelegate and authorize successive redelegations of that authority
subject to any conditions the officer prescribes.
(d) Each officer to whom authority is delegated will administer and
perform the functions described in the officer's respective functional
statements.
Sec. 501.6 Secretary's reservations of authority.
The authorities reserved to the Secretary of Transportation are set
forth in Sec. 1.21 of this title.
Sec. 501.7 Administrator's reservations of authority.
The delegations of authority in this part do not extend to the
following authority, which is reserved to the Administrator, except
when exercised pursuant to Sec. Sec. 501.4 and 501.5(a):
(a) The authority under 23 U.S.C. chapter 4 (except section 403)
and any uncodified provision of law to apportion authorization amounts
and distribute obligation limitations or award grants to States for
highway safety programs or other highway safety purposes;
(b) The authority to issue, amend, or revoke uniform State highway
safety guidelines and rules identifying highly effective highway safety
programs under 23 U.S.C. 402;
(c) The authority to fix the rate of compensation for non-
government members of agency sponsored committees which are entitled to
compensation.
(d) The authority under 49 U.S.C. chapter 301 to:
(1) Issue, amend, or revoke final Federal motor vehicle safety
standards and regulations;
(2) Make final decisions concerning alleged safety-related defects
and noncompliances with Federal motor vehicle safety standards;
(3) Grant or renew temporary exemptions from Federal motor vehicle
safety standards; and
(4) Grant or deny appeals from determinations upon a manufacturer's
petition for decision of inconsequential defect or noncompliance and
exemption from the notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C.
chapter 301 in connection with a defect or noncompliance.
(e) The authority under 49 U.S.C. chapters 303, 321, 323, 325, and
329 (except section 32916(b)) to:
(1) Issue, amend, or revoke final rules and regulations; and
(2) Assess civil penalties and approve manufacturer fuel economy
credit plans under chapter 329.
(f) The authority to carry out, in coordination with the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administrator, the authority vested in the
Secretary by 49 U.S.C. chapter 311 subchapter III, to promulgate safety
standards for commercial motor vehicles and equipment subsequent to
initial manufacture when the standards are based upon and similar to a
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard promulgated, either
simultaneously or previously, under 49 U.S.C. chapter 301.
Sec. 501.8 Delegations.
(a) Deputy Administrator. The Deputy Administrator is delegated
authority to act for the Administrator, except where specifically
limited by law, order, regulation, or instructions of the
Administrator. The Deputy Administrator is delegated authority to
assist the Administrator in providing executive direction to all
organizational elements of NHTSA.
(b) Executive Director. The Executive Director is delegated line
authority for executive direction over the Associate Administrators,
the Chief Financial Officer, and the Chief Information Officer.
(c) Director, Office of Civil Rights. The Director, Office of Civil
Rights is delegated authority to:
(1) Serve as the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity.
(2) Serve as the compliance coordinator for:
(i) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et
seq.), as amended, and related regulations;
(ii) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
(iii) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and
(iv) Other nondiscrimination statutes, regulations, Executive
Orders, and policies.
(3) Investigate complaints of civil rights discrimination, conduct
compliance reviews, and provide technical assistance to recipients of
NHTSA financial assistance and stakeholders.
(4) Review and evaluate the civil rights programs of State
Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety Offices to ensure that
recipients of NHTSA financial assistance meet applicable Federal civil
rights requirements.
(d) Chief Counsel. The Chief Counsel is delegated authority to:
(1) Exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Administrator
with respect to:
(i) Issuing odometer regulations authorized under 49 U.S.C. chapter
327.
(ii) Providing technical assistance and granting extensions of time
to the states under 49 U.S.C. 32705.
(iii) Granting or denying petitions for approval of alternate motor
vehicle mileage disclosure requirements under 49 U.S.C. 32705.
(2) Establish the legal sufficiency of all investigations and
enforcement actions conducted under the authority of 49 U.S.C. chapters
301, 303, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329 and 331; to make an initial penalty
demand based on a violations of any of these chapters; and to
compromise:
(i) Any civil penalty imposed under 49 U.S.C. 30165 in an amount of
$1,000,000 or less.
(ii) Any civil penalty or monetary settlement other than those
imposed under 49 U.S.C. 30165 in an amount of $100,000 or less.
(3) Exercise the powers of the Administrator under 49 U.S.C.
30166(c), (g), (h), (i), and (k).
(4) Issue subpoenas, after notice to the Administrator, for the
attendance of witnesses and production of documents pursuant to 49
U.S.C. chapters 301, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329 and 331.
(5) Issue authoritative interpretations of the statutes
administered by NHTSA and the regulations issued by the agency.
(6) Administer 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA) and 49 CFR part 7 (Public
Availability of Information) in connection with the records of NHTSA.
(7) Administer the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and 49 CFR
part 10 (Maintenance of and Access to Records Pertaining to
Individuals) in connection with the records of NHTSA.
(8) Carry out the functions and exercise the authority vested in
the Secretary for 23 U.S.C. 313 (Buy America), with respect to matters
within the primary responsibility of NHTSA.
(e) Associate Administrator for Administration. The Associate
Administrator for Administration is
[[Page 5941]]
delegated authority to administer and conduct NHTSA's personnel
management activities; conduct administrative and management services
in support of NHTSA missions and programs; and administer an executive
correspondence program.
(f) Associate Administrator for Communications and Consumer
Information. The Associate Administrator for Communications and
Consumer Information is delegated authority to manage and coordinate
market research, planning coordination, development, and promotion of
public education campaigns for both paid media and unpaid public
services to support program efforts; develop overall agency messaging
and communications strategies in support of program initiatives; and
develop agency policies on messaging and communications procedures and
processes.
(g) Associate Administrator for Enforcement. The Associate
Administrator for Enforcement is delegated authority to administer the
NHTSA enforcement program for all laws, standards, and regulations
pertinent to vehicle safety, fuel economy, theft prevention,
damageability, consumer information, and odometers, authorized under 49
U.S.C. chapters 301, 323, 325, 327, 329, and 331; conduct testing,
inspection, and investigation necessary for the identification and
correction of safety-related defects in motor vehicles and motor
vehicle equipment and noncompliances with Federal motor vehicle safety
standards; make initial decisions concerning alleged safety-related
defects and noncompliances with Federal motor vehicle safety standards;
grant or deny a manufacturer's petition for decision of inconsequential
defect or noncompliance and exemption from the notification and remedy
requirements of 49 U.S.C. chapter 301 in connection with a defect or
noncompliance; issue regulations relating to the importation of motor
vehicles under 49 U.S.C. 30141-30147; and grant and deny petitions for
import eligibility determinations submitted to NHTSA by motor vehicle
manufacturers and registered importers under 49 U.S.C. 30141.
(h) Associate Administrator for National Center for Statistics and
Analysis. The Associate Administrator for National Center for
Statistics and Analysis is delegated authority to provide the data,
analysis, and evaluation and create and maintain information systems
necessary to support the purposes of 49 U.S.C. chapters 301, 303, 323,
325, 327, 329, and 331, 23 U.S.C. chapter 4, any uncodified provisions
of law related to such issues, and any cross-cutting safety
initiatives; to develop, maintain, and operate the National Driver
Register and a nationwide clearinghouse of problem drivers; and to
support State integrated highway and traffic records safety information
systems.
(i) Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and Program
Delivery. The Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and
Program Delivery is delegated authority, except for authority reserved
to the Administrator, to exercise the powers and perform the duties of
the Administrator with respect to grants to States for highway safety
programs or other State programs under 23 U.S.C. chapter 4 (except
section 403) and uncodified provisions of law, including approval and
disapproval of State highway safety plans and vouchers, in accordance
with the procedural requirements of the Administration. The Associate
Administrator for Regional Operations and Program Delivery is also
delegated authority over programs with respect to the authority vested
by section 210(2) of the Clean Air Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7544(2));
the authority vested by 49 U.S.C. 20134(a) with respect to laws
administered by NHTSA pertaining to highway, traffic, and motor vehicle
safety, in coordination with the Associate Administrator for Research
and Program Development; the authority vested by 23 U.S.C. 153, 154,
158, 161, 163, and 164, in coordination with the Federal Highway
Administrator as appropriate; and the authority vested by 23 U.S.C.
404, in coordination with the Associate Administrator for
Communications and Consumer Information.
(j) Associate Administrator for Research and Program Development.
The Associate Administrator for Research and Program Development is
delegated authority to develop and conduct research and development
programs and projects necessary to support the purposes of 23 U.S.C.
chapter 4, any uncodified provisions of law related to that chapter,
and cross-cutting safety initiatives; conduct research and development
activities described or specifically enumerated in 23 U.S.C. 403; carry
out the functions and exercise the authority vested in the Secretary
and Administrator under section 10202 of the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users,
Public Law 109-59 [42 U.S.C. 300d-4], as amended by section 31108 of
the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 112-
141, relating to emergency medical services, except for authority
reserved to the Secretary under Sec. 1.21 or the Administrator under
Sec. 501.7; and exercise the authority vested by 49 U.S.C. 20134(a)
with respect to laws administered by NHTSA pertaining to highway,
traffic, and motor vehicle safety, in coordination with the Associate
Administrator for Regional Operations and Program Delivery.
(k) Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. The Associate
Administrator for Rulemaking is delegated authority, except for
authority reserved to the Administrator or delegated to the Chief
Counsel, to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the
Administrator with respect to the setting of motor vehicle safety and
theft prevention standards, fuel economy standards, procedural
regulations, the National Driver Register, and the development of
consumer information and odometer regulations authorized under 49
U.S.C. chapters 301, 303, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, and 331, and any
uncodified provisions of law related to such issues. The Associate
Administrator for rulemaking is also delegated authority to perform
activities that support the development of these regulations and
standards; extend comment periods (both self-initiated and in response
to a petition or request for extension of time) for noncontroversial
rulemakings; make technical amendments or corrections to a final rule;
extend the effective date of a noncontroversial final rule; and develop
and conduct the New Car Assessment Program.
(l) Associate Administrator for Vehicle Safety Research. The
Associate Administrator for Vehicle Safety Research is delegated
authority to develop and conduct research, development, test, and
evaluation programs and projects necessary to support the purposes of
49 U.S.C. chapters 301, 323, 325, 327, 329, and 331, any uncodified
provisions of law related to such issues, and any cross-cutting safety
initiatives.
(m) Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer is
delegated authority to direct the NHTSA planning and evaluation system
in conjunction with Departmental requirements and planning goals;
coordinate the development of the Administrator's plans, budgets, and
programs, and analyses of their expected impact; exercise procurement
authority with respect to NHTSA requirements; administer NHTSA
financial management programs, including systems of funds control and
accounts of all financial transactions; and enter into inter- and
intra-departmental reimbursable agreements other than
[[Page 5942]]
with the head of another Department or agency, provided that this
authority to enter into such agreements may be redelegated only to
Office Directors and Contracting Officers.
(n) Chief Information Officer. The Chief Information Officer is
delegated authority to formulate IT policy, guidance, procedures,
security, and best practices; implement an IT capital planning program,
an integrated Enterprise Architecture program, and a mission
information protection program that ensures privacy, security, and
critical infrastructure protection for NHTSA systems and data; and
provide for other NHTSA IT functions to support the agency's mission,
performance goals, and objectives.
Issued in Washington, DC, under authority delegated in 49 CFR
1.81 and 1.95.
Mark R. Rosekind,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-02101 Filed 2-3-16; 8:45 am]
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