04-24286. Information Collection Requirement; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Acquisition of Information Technology

AGENCY:

Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments regarding a proposed extension of an approved information collection requirement.

SUMMARY:

In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), DoD announces the proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved this information collection requirement for use through October 31, 2004. DoD proposes that OMB extend its approval for use through October 31, 2007.

DATES:

DoD will consider all comments received by January 3, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments, identified by OMB Control Number 0704-0341, using any of the following methods:

• Defense Acquisition Regulations Web site: http://emissary.acq.osd.mil/​dar/​dfars.nsf/​pubcomm. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• E-mail: [e-mail]. Include OMB Control Number 0704-0341 in the subject line of the message.
• Fax: [phone].
• Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations Council, Attn: Ms. Amy Williams, OUSD (AT&L) DPAP (DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062.
• Hand Delivery/Courier: Defense Acquisition Regulations Council, Crystal Square 4, Suite 200A, 241 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22202-3402.

All comments received will be posted to http://emissary.acq.osd.mil/​dar/​dfars.nsf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Amy Williams, [phone]. The information collection requirements addressed in this notice are available electronically on the Internet at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/​dpap/​dfars/​index.htm. Paper copies are available from Ms. Amy Williams, OUSD (AT&L) DPAP (DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title and OMB Number: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 239, Acquisition of Information Technology, and the associated clauses at DFARS 252.239-7000 and 252.239-7006; OMB Control Number 0704-0341.

Needs and Uses: This requirement provides for the collection of information from contractors regarding security of information technology; tariffs pertaining to telecommunications services; and proposals from common carriers to perform special construction under contracts for telecommunications services. Contracting officers and other DoD personnel use the information to ensure that information systems are protected; to participate in the establishment of tariffs for telecommunications services; and to establish reasonable prices for special construction by common carriers.

Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions.

Annual Burden Hours: 1,428.

Number of Respondents: 424.

Responses Per Respondent: Approximately 4.

Annual Responses: 1,571.

Average Burden Per Response: 1 hour.

Frequency: On occasion.

Summary of Information Collection

The clause at DFARS 252.239-7000, Protection Against Compromising Emanations, requires that the contractor provide, upon request of the contracting officer, documentation that information technology used or provided under the contract meets appropriate information assurance requirements.

The clause at DFARS 252.239-7006, Tariff Information, requires that the contractor provide to the contracting officer: (1) Upon request, a copy of the contractor's existing tariffs; (2) before filing, a copy of any application to a Federal, State, or other regulatory agency for new rates, charges, services, or regulations relating to any tariff or any of the facilities or services to be furnished solely or primarily to the government, and, upon request, a copy of all information, material, and data developed or prepared in support of or in connection with such an application; and (3) a notification to the contracting officer of any application submitted by anyone other than the contractor that may affect the rate or conditions of services under the agreement or contract.

DFARS 239.7408 requires the contracting officer to obtain a detailed special construction proposal from a common carrier that submits a proposal or quotation that has special construction requirements related to the performance of basic telecommunications services.

Michele P. Peterson,

Executive Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council.