E6-19704. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

November 16, 2006.

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), [e-mail] or fax [phone] 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 [phone].

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.

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

Title: Assurance of Compliance with the Department of Agriculture Regulations Assuring Civil Rights Compliance Organization Information.

OMB Control Number: 0524-0026.

Summary of Collection: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) has primary responsibility for providing linkages between the Federal and State components of a broad-based, national agricultural research, extension, and higher education system. Focused on national issues, its purpose is to represent the Secretary of Agriculture and the intent of Congress by administering formula and grant funds appropriated for agricultural research, extension, and higher education. Before awards can be made, certain information is required from applicant to assure compliance with the civil rights laws and to effectively assess the potential recipient's capacity to manage Federal funds. CSREES will collect information using forms CSREES 665, “Assurance of Compliance with the Department of Agriculture Regulations Assuring Civil Rights Compliance and CSREES 666, “Organizational Information.”

Need and Use of the Information: CSREES will collect information to determine that applicants recommended for awards are responsible recipients of Federal funds. Also, CSREES will collect information to determine that applicant agrees that they will offer programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, political beliefs, religion, marital status, or familial status. If the information were not collected, it would not be possible to determine that the prospective grantees are responsible and are complying with the Civil Rights Act.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business or other for-profit; Individuals or households; State, Local, or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 150.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 1,020.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.