03-28680. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to identify persons authorized to certify reports on behalf of an educational institution or job training establishment.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 20, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20S52), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0262” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Designation of Certifying Official(s), VA Form 22-8794.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0262.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Education institution or job training establishment use VA Form 22-8794 to notify VA of the designated person(s) who may certify reports of the enrollment and pursuit or training on behalf of an educational institution or job training establishment. The information is used to ensure that educational benefits are not made improperly based on a report from someone other than a designated certifying official.

Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Government, Business or other for-profit, and Not for-profit institutions.

Estimated Annual Burden: 333 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,000.

Dated: November 5, 2003.

By direction of the Secretary.

Jacqueline Parks,

IT Specialist, Records Management Service.