04-27315. Federal Acquisition Regulation; Information Collection; OMB Circular A-119

AGENCIES:

Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comments regarding an extension to an existing OMB clearance (9000-0153).

SUMMARY:

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning OMB Circular A-119. The clearance currently expires on March 31, 2005.

Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before February 14, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Submit comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (V), 1800 F Streets, NW., Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405. Please cite OMB Control No.

9000-0153, OMB Circular A-119, in all correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Jeritta Parnell, Contract Policy Division, GSA [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Purpose

On February 19, 1998, a revised OMB Circular A-119, “Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities,” was published in the Federal Register at 63 FR 8545, February 19, 1998. FAR Subparts 11.1 and 11.2 were revised and a solicitation provision was added at 52.211-7, Alternatives to Government-Unique Standards, to implement the requirements of the revised OMB circular. If an alternative standard is proposed, the offeror must furnish data and/or information regarding the alternative in sufficient detail for the Government to determine if it meets the Government's requirements.

B. Annual Reporting Burden

Respondents: 100.

Responses Per Respondent: 1.

Total Responses: 100.

Hours Per Response: 1.

Total Burden Hours: 100.

Obtaining Copies of Proposals: Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (V), Room 4035, 1800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20405, telephone [phone]. Please cite OMB Control No. 9000-0153, OMB Circular A-119, in all correspondence.

Dated: December 7, 2004

Laura Auletta

Director,Contract Policy Division.