2023-03363. Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under OMB Review

AGENCY:

Small Business Administration.

ACTION:

30-day notice.

SUMMARY:

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and OMB procedures, SBA is publishing this notice to allow all interested member of the public an additional 30 days to provide comments on the proposed collection of information.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before March 20, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations for this information collection request should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection request by selecting “Small Business Administration”; “Currently Under Review,” then select the “Only Show ICR for Public Comment” checkbox. This information collection can be identified by title and/or OMB Control Number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

You may obtain a copy of the information collection and supporting documents from the Agency Clearance Office at [e-mail]; [phone], or from www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) statutory mission is to “aid, counsel, assist and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small business concerns.” The Agency's Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED) helps to carry out this mission by providing training and counseling programs and initiatives, such as the Regional Innovation Clusters (RIC) initiative, to existing and prospective small businesses.

Through the RIC initiative, the SBA is investing in regional clusters—geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, academic institutions, service providers, and associated organizations with a specific industry focus— throughout the United States that span a variety of industries, ranging from energy and manufacturing to advanced defense technologies.

The RIC Initiative capitalizes on the theory of regional cluster development by supporting “actively managed” clusters ( i.e., clusters that are administered by a team of individuals and possess a form of governance rather than a cluster that occurs naturally without intervention in a regional economy). The clusters provide a host of services to the target population of small and emerging businesses within their regional and industry focuses. Services include direct business advising and support and sponsoring events, such as networking opportunities with investors, large businesses, and other stakeholders in the regions.

Solicitation of Public Comments

Comments may be submitted on (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the agency to properly perform its functions; (b) whether the burden estimates are accurate; (c) whether there are ways to minimize the burden, including through the use of automated techniques or other forms of information technology; and (d) whether there are ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information.

OMB Control 3245-0392

Title: Evaluation of the Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) Initiative.

Description of Respondents: Small business concerns.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 256.

Estimated Annual Responses: 256.

Estimated Annual Hour Burden: 1,212.

Curtis Rich,

Agency Clearance Officer.