E9-6759. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

March 23, 2009.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Foreign Agricultural Service

Title: CCC's Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102).

OMB Control Number: 0551-0004.

Summary of Collection: The Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) is administered by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program provides guarantees to exporters in order to maintain and increase overseas importers ability to purchase U.S. agricultural goods. The Export Credit Guarantee Program underwrites credit extended by U.S. private banks to approved foreign banks using dollar-denominated, irrevocable letters of credit. The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) will collect information from the guarantee application submitted by the participants in writing (via fax or e-mail) or mail.

Need and Use of the Information: FAS will collect information from participating U.S. exporters in order to determine the exporters eligibility for program benefits. The information is also used in fulfilling CCC obligation under the issued payment guarantee. If the information were not collected CCC would be unable to determine if export sales under the program would be eligible for coverage or, if coverage conformed to program requirements.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 73.

Frequency of Responses: Record keeping.

Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 2,555.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.