06-1210. Federal Acquisition Regulation; Information Collection; Central Contractor Registration

AGENCIES:

Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comments regarding an extension to an existing OMB clearance.

SUMMARY:

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning the Central Contractor Registration database. The clearance currently expires on June 30, 2006.

Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before April 10, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

Submit comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to the General Services Administration, Regulatory Secretariat (VIR), 1800 F Street, NW, Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Mr. Ernest Woodson, Contract Policy Division, GSA, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Purpose

The Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary vendor database for the U.S. Federal Government. CCR collects, validates, stores, and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition missions.

Both current and potential Federal Government vendors are required to register in CCR in order to be awarded contracts by the Federal Government. Vendors are required to complete a one-time registration to provide basic information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. Vendors must update or renew their registration at least once per year to maintain an active status.

CCR validates the vendor information and electronically shares the secure and encrypted data with Federal agency finance offices to facilitate paperless payments through electronic funds transfer (EFT). Additionally, CCR shares the data with Federal Government procurement and electronic business systems.

B. Annual Reporting Burden

Respondents: 54,199.

Responses Per Respondent: 1.

Annual Responses: 54,199.

Hours Per Response: 1.

Total Burden Hours: 54,199.

Obtaining Copies of Proposals: Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (VIR), Room 4035, 1800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20405, telephone [phone]. Please cite OMB Control Number 9000-0159, Central Contractor Registration, in all correspondence.

Dated: February 6, 2006.

Gerald Zaffos,

Director, Contract Policy Division.