E6-22095. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

December 20, 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.

Food and Nutrition Service

Title: Performance Reporting System, Management Evaluation.

OMB Control Number: 0584-0010.

Summary of Collection: The purpose of the Performance Reporting System is to ensure that each State agency and project area is operating the Food Stamp Program in accordance with the Act, regulations, and the State agency's Plan of Operation. Section 11 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, amended, requires State agencies to maintain necessary records to ascertain that the Food Stamp Program is operating in compliance with the Act and regulations and must make these records available to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for inspection.

Need and Use of the Information: FNS will use the information to evaluate state agency operations and to collect information that is necessary to develop solutions to improve the State's administration of Program policy and procedures. Each State agency is required to submit one review schedule every one, two, or three years, depending on the project areas make-up of the state.

Description of Respondents: State, Local, or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 54.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 492,356.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.