[Federal Register: July 29, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 146)]
[Notices]
[Page 43946-43947]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29jy08-72]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Office of Health Affairs; BioWatch Filter Holder Log
AGENCY: Office of Health Affairs, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and
Biodefense, Chem/Bio Early Detection Division, DHS.
ACTION: 30-Day Notice and request for comments; New Information
Collection Request 1601-NEW.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs,
WMD and Biodefense, has submitted the following information collection
request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review
and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The Office of Health Affairs,
WMD and Biodefense are soliciting comments concerning a new information
collection request, Bio Watch Filter Holder Log Form 9500. DHS
previously published this information collection request (ICR) in the
Federal Register on April 4, 2008 at 73 FR 18542, for a 60-day public
comment period. No comments were received by DHS. The purpose of this
notice is to allow additional 30-days for public comments.
DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until August 28,
2008. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.1.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on
the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be
addressed to OMB Desk Officer for the Department of Homeland Security,
Office of Health Affairs, and sent via electronic mail to oira_
submission@omb.eop.gov or faxed to (202) 395-6974.
The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in
comments which:
1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility;
2. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of
the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and
4. 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, e.g., permitting electronic
submissions of responses.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If additional information is required
contact: the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs,
WMD and Biodefense, Chem/Bio Early Detection Division, Washington, DC
20528. Attn: Division Director, Dr. Jeffrey Stiefel, 703-647-8056 or
202-254-6076.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
Office of Health Affairs, WMD and Biodefense, Chem/Bio Early Detection
Division requires the collection of information by BioWatch
jurisdictions. The BioWatch Program operates aerosol collector
equipment in approximately 30 U.S. jurisdictions to monitor for the
presence of organisms that may be related to the deliberate release of
a select subset of biological threat agents. Information is collected
in writing by a representative of a BioWatch jurisdiction (either an
employee, or a contractor) responsible for installing and removing
filters from aerosol collection devices and transporting them to local
laboratories for sample analysis. A standard filter holder log is
completed for each sample and is archived by the BioWatch jurisdiction
for a year. The DHS BioWatch Program provides financial support to the
participating jurisdictions
[[Page 43947]]
for the cost of collection and laboratory analysis activities,
including the preparation of the filter holder log and other
documentation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has instructed
the BioWatch Program to maintain a written record for each collected
filter sample to support law enforcement activities, including criminal
prosecution in the case of a deliberate release of a biological agent.
Collection of written records establishing chain of custody for samples
containing biological agents and toxins for the purpose of evidence in
a criminal proceeding is consistent with the ``Best Evidence Rule'',
Section 1002, of the federal Rules of Evidence. The FBI instruction to
the BioWatch program is consistent with Section 7 of the FBI Quality
Assurance Guidelines for Laboratories Performing Microbial Forensic
Work, produced by the members of the Scientific Working Group on
Microbial Genetics and Forensics (SWGMGF). Such record keeping supports
mandatory reporting requirements directed by The APHIS Interim Final
Rule 7 CFR Part 331, Possession, Use, and Transfer of Biological Agents
and Toxins; and the CDC Interim Final Rule 42 CFR Part 73 Possession,
Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins, inter alia.
Analysis
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs,
WMD and Biodefense, Chem/Bio Early Detection Division.
Title: BioWatch Filter Holder Log.
DHS Form: 9500 (5/07).
OMB Number: 1601-NEW.
Frequency: Once daily.
Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Governments.
Number of Respondents: 522.
Estimated Time per Respondent: 1 minute.
Total Burden Hours: 3,182 annual burden hours.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.00.
Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $144,770.
Dated: July 17, 2008.
Richard Mangogna,
Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-17338 Filed 7-28-08; 8:45 am]
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