E7-23015. Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a list of information collection requests under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). To request a copy of these requests, call the CDC/ATSDR Reports Clearance Officer at [phone] or send an e-mail to [e-mail]. Send written comments to CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC or by fax to [phone]. Written comments should be received within 30 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

Select Agent Distribution Activity: Request for Select Agent (OMB Control No. 0920-0591)—Reinstatement without change—National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases (NCPDCID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is requesting a three year extension to continue data collection under the Select Agent Distribution Activity. The form used for this activity is currently approved under OMB Control No. 0920-0591. The purpose of this data collection is to provide a systematic and consistent mechanism to review requests that come to CDC for Select Agents. The term select agents is used to described a limited group of viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, and toxins that have the potential for use as agents of bioterrorism, inflicting significant morbidity and mortality on susceptible populations. In light of current terrorism concerns and the significant NIH grant monies directed toward Select Agent research, CDC receives hundreds of requests for Select Agents from researchers. Applicants are required to complete an application form in which they identify themselves and their institution, provide a Curriculum Vitae or biographical sketch, a summary of their research proposal, and sign indemnification and material transfer agreement statements. A user fee will be collected to recover costs for materials, handling and shipping (except for public health laboratories). The cost to the respondent will vary based on which agent is requested. CDC is updating the name of the National Center on the application form. The National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases officially became a National Center in April, 2007. The total estimated annualized burden hours are 450.

Estimated Annualized Burden

Respondent	Number of respondents	Number of responses per respondent	Average burden per response (in hours)
Researcher	900	1	30/60

Dated: November 20, 2007.

Maryam I. Daneshvar,

Acting Reports Clearance Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.