01-8957. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), 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 currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on requirements relating to the biennial survey of individuals holding gravesite set-asides in national cemeteries to determine if they wish to retain their set-aside, or wish to relinquish it.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before June 11, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Joycelyn Hearn, National Cemetery Administration (402B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail comments to: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0546” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joycelyn Hearn at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C., 3501-3520), 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, NCA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of NCA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of NCA'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: Gravesite Reservation Survey (2 Year), VA Form 40-40.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0546.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: In the past, the survey was conducted annually. VA Form Letter 40-40 will be sent biennially (once every two years on a 24 month rotating basis) to individuals holding gravesite set-asides in national cemeteries to ascertain their wish to retain their set-aside, or wish to relinquish it. The collection of information is necessary to assure that gravesite set-asides are not wasted. Some holders become ineligible, are buried elsewhere, or simply wish to cancel a gravesite set-aside for them. Without this information, unused set-asides would exist which could be used by other veterans.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 3,000.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Biennially.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 18,000.

Dated: March 19, 2001.

By direction of the Secretary.

Donald L. Neilson,

Director, Information Management Service.