03-5535. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, DoD.

ACTION:

Notice.

In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs announces the proposed extension of a public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Consideration will be given to all comments received by May 9, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed information collection should be sent to The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, Attn: CR&PL (Mr. Michael Byers), 1400 Defense, The Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1400.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

To request more information on this proposed information collection or to obtain a copy of the proposal and associated collection instruments, please write to the above address, or call the Directorate for Programs and Community Relations, at [phone].

Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: “Request for Armed Forces Participation in Public Events (Non-Aviation),” DD Form 2536, and “Request for Military Aerial Support,” DD Form 2535, OMB Number 0704-0290.

Needs and Uses: The information collection requirement is necessary to evaluate the eligibility of events to receive Armed Forces community relations support and to determine whether requested military assets are available.

Affected Public: Individuals or households; State or local governments; Federal agencies or employees; non-profit institutions.

Annual Burden Hours: 5,547.

Number of Respondents: 43,000.

Responses per Respondent: 1.

Average Burden per Response: 8 minutes.

Frequency: On occasion.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Summary of Information Collection

Respondents are individuals or representatives of Federal and non-Federal government agencies, community groups, non-profit organizations, and civic organizations requesting Armed Forces support for patriotic events conducted in the civilian domain. DD Forms 2535 and 2536 record the type of military support requested, event data, and sponsoring organization information. The completed forms provide the Armed Forces the minimum information necessary to determine whether an event is eligible for military participation and whether the desired support permissible and/or available. If the forms are not provided, the review process is greatly increased because the Armed Forces must make additional written and telephonic inquiries with the event sponsor. In addition, use of the forms reduces the event sponsor's preparation time because the forms provide a detailed outline of information required, eliminate the need for a detailed letter, and contain concise information necessary for determining appropriateness of military support. Use of the forms is essential to reduce preparation and processing time, increase productivity, and maximize responsiveness to the public.

Dated: March 3, 2003.

Patricia L. Toppings,

Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.