03-29050. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Acquisition Policy and Oversight within DHS is soliciting comments concerning a proposed new collection, Solicitation of Proposal Information for Award of Public Contracts.

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before January 20, 2004, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Acquisition Policy and Oversight, Attn: Angelie Jackson, 245 Murray Drive, Bldg. 410 (RDS), Washington, DC 20528. Direct e-mail to [e-mail], and reference the information collection for pre-award documents. Comments should also be submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of Homeland Security.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the form(s) and instructions should be directed to the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Acquisition Policy and Oversight, Attn: Angelie Jackson, 245 Murray Drive, Bldg. 410 (RDS), Washington, DC 20528; [phone]. Direct e-mail to [e-mail], and reference the information collection for pre-award documents.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Solicitation of Proposal Information for Award of Public Contracts.

Abstract: This notice provides a request to include a designated OMB Control Number on information requested from prospective contractors. The information requested is specific to each acquisition solicitation, and is required for DHS to evaluate properly the capabilities and experiences of potential contractors who desire to provide the supplies and/or services to be acquired. Evaluation will be used to determine which proposals most benefit the Government.

Current Actions: New submission.

Type of Review: New collection.

Affected Public: Businesses and individuals seeking contracting opportunities with the DHS.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,584.

Estimated Time per Respondent: 14 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 106,176.

Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (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 respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

Steve Cooper,

Chief Information Officer.