05-7917. National Security and Critical Technology Assessment of the U.S. Industrial Base

ACTION:

Proposed collection: comment request.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before June 20, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, [phone], Department of Commerce, Room 6611, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. (or via internet at [e-mail].)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Pat Heinig, BIS ICB Liaison, [phone], Department of Commerce, Room 6716, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The Department of Commerce/BIS, in coordination with other government agencies and private entities, conduct assessments of U.S. industries deemed critical to our national security. The information gathered is needed to assess the health and competitiveness as well as the needs of the targeted industry sector in order to maintain a strong U.S. industrial base.

II. Method of Collection

Written response.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0694-0119.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission for extension of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Individuals, businesses or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 4 hours per response.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 24,000.

Estimated Total Annual Cost: No capital expenditures are required.

IV. Request for Comments

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 (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they will also become a matter of public record.

Dated: April 15, 2005.

Madeleine Clayton,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.