05-2535. 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, including each proposed extension of a previously approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed from accredited and nonaccredited educational institutions.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before April 11, 2005.

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. 2900-0568” 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: Submission of School Catalog to the State Approving Agency.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0568.

Type of Review: Extension of a previously approved collection.

Abstract: Accredited and non-accredited educational institutions, with the exceptions of elementary and secondary schools, must submit copies of their catalog to State approving agency when applying for approval of a new course. State approval agencies use the catalog to determine what courses can be approved for VA training. VA pays educational assistance to veterans, persons on active duty or reservists, and eligible persons pursuing an approved program of education. Educational assistance is not payable when claimants pursue unapproved courses.

Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions, business or other for-profit.

Estimated Annual Burden: 2,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 15 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,000.

Dated: January 31, 2005.

By direction of the Secretary.

Loise Russell,

Director, Records Management Service.