2013-30502. 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Voluntary Disclosures

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment and submission to the Office of Management and Budget of proposed collection of information.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 30 days for public comment.

DATES:

Submit comments directly to OMB up to January 22, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

Direct comments to the Department of State Desk Officer in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at OMB. You may submit comments by the following methods:

• Email: [e-mail]. You must include the DS form number, information collection title, and OMB control number in the subject line of your message.
• Fax: [phone]. Attention: Desk Officer for Department of State.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information to Mr. Nicholas Memos, PM/DDTC, SA-1, 12th Floor, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, 20522-0112, who may be reached via phone at [phone], or via email at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Voluntary Disclosures.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0179.
• Type of Request: Extension of Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, PM/DDTC.
• Form Number: None.
• Respondents: Business and Nonprofit Organizations.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 850.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 1,500.
• Average Hours Per Response: 10 hours.
• Total Estimated Burden: 15,000 hours.
• Frequency: On Occasion.
• Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public records. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of proposed collection: The export, temporary import, and brokering of defense articles, defense services, and related technical data are licensed by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR,” 22 CFR 120-130) and Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). Those who manufacture or export defense articles, defense services, and related technical data, or the brokering thereof, must register with the Department of State. Persons desiring to engage in export, temporary import, and brokering activities must submit an application or written request to conduct the transaction to the Department to obtain a decision whether it is in the interests of U.S. foreign policy and national security to approve the transaction. Also, registered brokers must submit annual reports regarding all brokering activity that was transacted, and registered manufacturers and exporters must maintain records of defense trade activities for five years. ITAR § 127.12 encourages the disclosure of information to DDTC by persons who believe they may have violated any provision of the AECA, ITAR, or any order, license, or other authorization issued under the AECA. The violation is analyzed by DDTC to determine whether to take administrative action under ITAR part 128 and whether to refer the matter to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.

Methodology: This information collection may be sent to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls via the following methods: Electronically or mail.

Dated: December 6, 2013.

C. Edward Peartree,

Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State.