[Federal Register: March 7, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 45)]
[Notices]
[Page 11031-11033]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07mr03-29]
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Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
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[[Page 11031]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
March 4, 2003.
The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments
regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy
of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality,
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Washington, DC 20503 and to
Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington,
DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are
best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of
this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by
calling (202) 720-6746.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number.
Office of the Secretary, Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Title: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants.
OMB Control Number: 0503-NEW.
Summary of Collection: The responsibility of the Office of Faith-
based and Community Initiatives is to fulfill the mandate of Executive
Orders 13198 and 13199 which prescribe agency responsibilities related
to Faith-based and Community Initiatives. Specifically, the office is
working to remove all barriers to the full participation of faith-based
and community organizations in federal social service programs. The
Department of Education has initiated a government-wide survey to gauge
the number and quality of applications from faith-based and community
organizations. USDA is requesting approval from OMB to implement this
survey in conjunction with the application process for the grant
programs it administers.
Need and Use of the Information: USDA's Office of Faith-based and
Community Initiatives plans to collect information from faith-based and
community organizations through a brief survey. The information will be
used to judge the effectiveness of the technical assistance and
outreach efforts of the faith-based and community initiative. The data
collected through the survey will be kept from the decision-makers who
oversee the award of grant funds.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions.
Number of Respondents: 7,377.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 590.
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Title: Application for Authorization to Use the 4-H Name and/or
Emblem.
OMB Control Number: 0524-0034.
Summary of Collection: Use of the 4-H Name and/or Emblem is
authorized by an Act of Congress, (Pub. L. 772, 80th Congress, 645, 2nd
Session). Use of the 4-H Name and/or Emblem by anyone other than the 4-
H Clubs and those duly authorized by them, representatives of the
Department of Agriculture, the Land-Grant colleges and universities,
and person authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture is prohibited by
the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 707. The Secretary has delegated authority
to the Administrator of the Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service (CSREES) to authorize others to use the 4-H Name and/
or Emblem. Therefore, anyone requesting authorization from the
Administrator to use the 4-H Name and Emblem is asked to describe the
proposed use in a formal application. CSREES will collect information
using form CSREES-01 ``Application for Authorization to Use the 4-H
Club Name and Emblem
Need and Use of the Information: CSREES will collect information on
the name of individual, partnership, corporation, or association;
organizational address, name of authorized representative; telephone
number; proposed use of the 4-H Name or Emblem, and plan for sale or
distribution of product. The information collected by CSREES will be
used to determine if those applying to use the 4-H Name and Emblem are
meeting the requirements and quality of materials, products and/or
services provided to the public. If the information were not collected,
it would not be possible to ensure that the products, services, and
materials meet the high standards of 4-H, its educational goals and
objectives.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions;
Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 60.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (every 3 years).
Total Burden Hours: 30.
Foreign Agricultural Service
Title: Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program.
OMB Control Number: 0551-0038.
Summary of Collection: The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops
(TASC) program is authorized by Section 3205 of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171). This section provides
that the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a program to address
unique barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty
crops. The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) administers the program
for the Commodity Credit Corporation. The TASC is designed to assist
U.S. organizations by providing funding for projects that address
sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical
[[Page 11032]]
barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. speciality crops.
Need and Use of the Information: FAS collects data for fund
allocation, program management, planning and evaluation. FAS will
collect information from applicant desiring to receive grants under the
program to determine the viability of requests for funds. The program
could not be implemented without the submission of project proposals,
which provide the necessary information upon which funding decisions
are based.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit; Business or other for-
profit; Federal Government; State, Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 20.
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion;
Annually.
Total Burden Hours: 640.
Farm Service Agency
Title: Horse Breeder Loan Program.
OMB Control Number: 0560-0221.
Summary of Collection: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes direct
and guaranteed loans to family farmers who cannot obtain loans from
commercial sources at reasonable rates and terms. The Horse Breeder
Loans Program will assist horse breeder who have suffered economic loss
as a result of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS). To determine
whether an applicant is eligible for a loan FSA must document the
severity of the horse breeder's loss. A veterinary certification is
used to document the losses. MRLS is a veterinary medical condition,
which requires a trained expert to determine the number and type of
loss. The Horse Breeder Loan Program is authorized under the
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (The Act), enacted November
28, 2001. FSA will collect information using several forms.
Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information to
evaluate an applicant's eligibility and feasibility for loan
assistance. If the information is not collected from each applicant, or
collected less frequently, FSA would be unable to make eligibility and
feasibility determinations.
Description of Respondents: Farms; Individuals or households;
Business or other for-profit; Federal Government.
Number of Respondents: 267.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (Eligibility).
Total Burden Hours: 414.
Natural Resources and Conservation Service
Title: Volunteer Program--Earth Team.
OMB Control Number: 0578-0024.
Summary of Collection: Volunteers have been a human resource to the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) since 1985. NRCS is
authorized by the Federal Personnel Manual (FPM) Supplement 296-33,
Subchapter 22, to recruit, train and accept, with regard to Civil
Service classification law, rules, or regulations, the service of
individuals to serve without compensation. Volunteers may assist in any
agency program/project and may perform any activities which agency
employees are allowed to do. Volunteers must be 14 years of age. NRCS
will collect information using several NRCS forms.
Need and Use of the Information: NRCS will collect information on
the type of skills and type of work the volunteers are interested in
doing. NRCS will also collect information to implement and evaluate the
effectiveness of the volunteer program. Without the information, NRCS
would not know which individuals are interested in volunteering.
Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or
other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions.
Number of Respondents: 30,320.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Semi-annually.
Total Burden Hours: 916.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Title: Low Pathogenic AI Payment of Indemnity.
OMB Control Number: 0579-0208.
Summary of Collection: In accordance with 21 U.S.C. 111-113, 114,
115, 117, 120, 123, and 134a, the Secretary of Agriculture has the
authority to promulgate regulations and take measures to prevent the
introduction into the United States and the interstate dissemination
within the United States of communicable diseases of livestock and
poultry, and to pay claims growing out of the destruction of animals.
Disease prevention is the most effective method of maintaining a
healthy animal population and enhancing the ability of the United
States to compete in the global market of animal and animal products.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is charged with
carrying out this disease prevention mission. Highly pathogenic avian
influenza (AI) is an extremely infectious and deadly form of AI and can
cause sudden death in poultry without any warning signs of infection.
Low pathogenic AI, however, causes few clinical sign infected birds.
APHIS will collect information using several of APHIS' forms.
Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect the name,
address, the number, type and age of poultry for which the claimant is
seeking payment; and the appraised value of the poultry. APHIS will
also collect information to document the loss of poultry from
diagnostic testing of backyard flocks. Information provided will be
used to reimburse poultry owners for poultry dying as a result of the
test. Failure to collect the information would make it impossible for
APHIS to launch a control program in Virginia, possibly leading to
outbreaks in other States.
Description of Respondents: Farms; Individuals or households;
Federal Government; State, Local, or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 800.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting; On occasion.
Total burden Hours: 1,600.
Food and Nutrition Service
Title: Status of Claims Against Households.
OMB Control Number: 0584-0069.
Summary of Collection: Section 11, 13, and 16 of the Food Stamp Act
of 1977, as amended (the Act) and appropriate Food Stamp Program
Regulation are the bases for the information collected on FNS-209. Food
Stamp Program regulations require that State agencies submit quarterly
form NFS-209, Status of Claims Against Households, reports. The
required information provided on this report must be obtained from a
State accountable system responsible for establishing claims, sending
demand letters, collecting claims, and managing other claim activity.
Need and use of the Information: The Food and Nutrition Service
(FNS) will collect information on the outstanding aggregate claim
balance; claims established; collections; any balance and collection
adjustments; and the amount to be retained for collecting non-agency
error claims. The information will be used by State agencies to
ascertain aggregate claim balance and collections for determining
overall performance, the collection amounts to return to FNS, and claim
retention amounts. FNS will receive collections and report collection
activity to Treasury.
Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 53.
[[Page 11033]]
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Quarterly.
Total Burden Hours: 42.
Forest Service
Title: Special Use Administration.
OMB Control Number: 0596-0082.
Summary of Collection: Title 5 of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA, P.L. 94-579), the Organic Administration
Act of 1897, (30 Stat. 34) and the Secretary's Regulations at Title 36,
Code of Federal Regulations, Section 251, Subpart B (36 CFR 251,
Subpart B), provides for authorities and requirements for the
application, issuance, and administration of special uses on National
Forest System Lands. There is a basic obligation of the agency to
ensure that the use of Federal lands is in the public interest; is
compatible with the mission of the Forest Service (FS); and that
environmental and social impacts are identified and mitigated and that
a fee based on fair market value is received. The evaluation can only
be accomplished with the cooperation and information furnished by the
applicant or permit holder. The information is needed from those
parties who seek special-use authorizations to conduct private or
commercial operations or National Forest System land, or from those who
are currently utilizing National Forest System lands for private or
public use. FS will collect informationusing several forms.
Need and Use of the Information: FS will collect information on:
(1) the identity of the applicant; (2) the nature of the request and
project description; (3) location of National Forest System lands
requested for use; (4) technical and financial capability of the
requester; (5) alternatives considered, including use of nonfederal
lands and; (6) anticipated environmental impacts and proposed
mitigation of those impacts. The authorized forest officer evaluates
this information and makes a decision to approve or disapprove the
requested use. The information required to evaluate the merits of the
applicant's request to use National Forest System lands that is a not
available elsewhere. The use of the forms helps reduce the burden on
the applicant by providing a listing of the information that is
required by law and tailored to the intended use proposed by the
respondent. Use of the forms is of extreme benefit to applicants in
that they do not have to refer to the regulations or policy manuals to
determine what information is needed by the agency. Without the forms,
the cost to the applicant would be increased.
Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or
other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Farms; Federal
Government; State, Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 60,750.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Quarterly;
Annually.
Total Burden Hours: 82,775.
Forest Service
Title: National Visitor Use Monitoring, and Customer and Use Survey
Techniques for Operations, Management, Evaluation, and Research.
OMB Control Numbers: 0596-0110.
Summary of Collection: The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of
1976 and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Act (RPA) of 1974
require a comprehensive assessment of present and anticipated uses,
demand for and supply of renewable resources from the nation's public
and private forests and rangelands. The Forest Service (FS) is required
to report to Congress and others in conjunction with these legislated
requirements as well as the use of appropriated funds. An important
element in the reporting is the number of visits to National Forests
and Grasslands, as well as to Wilderness Areas that the agency manages.
The Customer and Use Survey Techniques for Operations, Management,
Evaluation and Research (CUSTOMER) study combines several different
survey approaches to gather data describing visitors to and users of
public recreation lands, including their trip activities, satisfaction
levels, evaluations, demographic profiles, trip characteristics,
spending, and annual visitation patterns. FS will use face-to-face
interviewing for collecting information on-site as well as written
survey instruments to be mailed back by respondents.
Need and Use of the Information: FS plans to collect information
from a variety of National Forests and other recreation areas.
Information gathered through the various Customer modules has been and
will continue to be used by planners, researchers, managers, policy
analysts, and legislators in resource management areas, regional
offices, regional research stations, agency headquarters, and
legislative offices.
Description of Respondents: Individuals or households.
Number of Respondents: 66,000.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting; Quarterly; Annually.
Total Burden Hours: 9,000.
Food and Nutrition Service
Title: Child Nutrition Labeling Program.
OMB Control Number: 0584-0320.
Summary of Collection: The Child Nutrition Labeling Program is a
voluntary technical assistance program administered by the Food and
Nutrition Service (FNS). The program is designed to aid schools and
institutions participating in the National School Lunch Program, the
School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and
the Summer Food Service Program in determining the contribution a
commercial product makes towards the meal pattern requirements. By
requiring that companies that sell food to the government for use in
nutrition program to identify the contribution of a product to the
established meal pattern requirements. The Child Nutrition Labeling
Program is implemented in conjunction with existing label approval
programs administered by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS),
the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), and the U.S. Department of
Commerce. In addition to an application for approval of a Child
Nutrition label, companies must include a separate statement on how the
product satisfies meal pattern requirements. All information is
submitted to FSIS on form FSIS 7234-1, Application for Approval of
Labels, Marking or Device.
Need and Use of the Information: FNS uses the information collected
by FSIS to aid school food authorities and other institutions
participating in child nutrition programs in determining the
contribution a commercial product makes towards the established meal
pattern requirements.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 946.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (as needed).
Total Burden Hours: 1,938.
Sondra Blakey,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 03-5433 Filed 3-6-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-M