[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9240-9241]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-4608]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment
Request
AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.), the Department of the Interior announces that the following
Information Collection Request (ICR) for grantees participating in the
Public Law 102-477 program is being forwarded to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for review and extension: Public Law 102-
477 Reporting, OMB 1076-0135 (expiring 3-31-98).
The proposed information collection requirement, with no
appreciable changes, is submitted to OMB for review and extension, as
required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, 44
U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). The Department invites public comments on the
subject proposal described below.
DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments
regarding this proposal on or before April 27, 1998.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The information collection is needed to document satisfactory
compliance with statutory requirements of the various integrated
programs. Public Law 102-477 authorizes tribal governments to integrate
federally funded employment, training and related services programs
into a single, coordinated, comprehensive service delivery plan.
Funding agencies include the Department of the Interior, Department of
Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services. The Bureau of
Indian Affairs is statutorily required to serve as the lead agency.
Section 11 of this Act requires that the Secretary of the Interior make
available a single universal report format which shall be used by a
tribal government to report on integrated activities and expenditures
undertaken. The Bureau of Indian Affairs shares the information
collected from these reports with the Department of Labor and
Department of Health and Human Services.
II. Method of Collection
Public Law 102-477 grantees are required to complete two single
page, one-sided report forms and one narrative report, with four pages
of instructions, annually. They replace 166 pages of instructions and
applications representing three different agencies and twelve different
funded but related programs. We estimate a 95 percent reduction in
reporting which is consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act and
goals of the National Performance Review. The statistical and narrative
report will be used to demonstrate how well a plan was executed in
comparison to proposed goals. The financial status report will be used
to track cash flow, and will allow an analysis of activities versus
expenditures and expenditures to approved budget. It is a slightly
modified SF-269-A (short form).
[[Page 9241]]
These report forms and narrative are limited but satisfy the
Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Labor and the
Department of the Interior. They reduce the burden on tribal
governments by consolidating data collection for employment, training,
education, child care and related service programs. The reports are due
annually. These forms have been developed within a partnership between
tribes and representatives of all three Federal agencies, to
standardized terms and definitions, eliminate duplication and reduce
frequency of collection.
Respondents: Tribes participating in Pub. L. 102-477 will report
annually. Currently there are 21 grantees participating in the program.
Burden: We estimate that completion of the reporting requirements
will require ten hours per year to complete for each grantee.
Request for Comments
Comments may include:
(a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the
proper performance of the functions of the bureau, including whether
the information will have practical utility.
(b) The accuracy of the bureau's estimate of the burden of the
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology
and assumptions used.
(c) The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be
collected.
(d) How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated
electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology.
Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB Control
Number and should be sent to Lynn Forcia, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, MS-4660-MIB, Washington,
DC 20240.
All written comments will be available for public inspection in
room 4644 of the Main Interior building, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington,
DC, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
additional copies of the information collection instructions should be
directed to Lynn Forcia, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the
Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 4660-MIB, Washington, DC 20240,
telephone 202-219-5270 (this is not a toll-free number).
Dated: February 16, 1998.
Kevin Gover,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 98-4608 Filed 2-23-98; 8:45 am]
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