E5-7171. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, existing collection in use without an OMB control number and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to ensure contracts between VA and training facilities and vendors are consistent with the Federal Procurement Regulations.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before February 7, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-New (28-1903)” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Contract for Training and Employment (Chapter 31, Title 38 U.S. Code), VA Form 28-1903.

OMB Control Number: 2900-New (28-1903).

Type of Review: Existing collection in use without an OMB number.

Abstract: VA Form 28-1903 is used to standardize contracts agreements between VA and training facilities/vendors providing vocational rehabilitation training and employment to veterans. VA uses the data collected to ensure that veterans are receiving the training/employment as agreed in the contract.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Not for-profit institutions, Individuals or households, Farms.

Estimated Annual Burden: 1,200 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 60 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One-time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,200.

Dated: November 29, 2005.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.