E6-3319. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

March 7, 2006.

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.

Rural Housing Service

Title: 7 CFR 1944-I, “Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants”.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0043.

Summary of Collection: This regulation prescribes policies and responsibilities, including the collection and use of information, necessary to administer the Section 523 Mutual and Self-Help housing (MSH) program. The MSH program affords low-income families the opportunity for home ownership by providing funds to non-profit organizations for supervisory and technical assistance to the homebuilding families. Rural Housing Service (RHS) will collect information from non-profit organizations that want to develop a Self-Help program in their area to increase the availability of affordable housing. The information is collected at the local, district and state levels. The information requested by RHS includes financial and organizational information about the non-profit organization.

Need and Use of the Information: RHS needs this information to determine if the organization is capable of successfully carrying out the requirements of the Self-Help program. The information is collected on an as requested or needed basis. RHS has reviewed the program's need for the collection of information versus the burden placed on the public.

Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government; Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 160.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Monthly, Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 4,372.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.