E9-9320. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

April 20, 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.

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

Title: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Application Kit for Research and Extension Programs.

OMB Control Number: 0524-0039.

Summary of Collection: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) sponsor ongoing research, education, and extension programs under which competitive, formula, and special awards of a high-priority nature are made. These programs are authorized pursuant to the authorities contained in the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3101), the Smith-Lever Act, and other legislative authorities. Before awards can be issued, certain information is required from applicants as part of an overall application. In addition to a project summary, proposal narrative, vitae of key personnel, and other pertinent technical aspects of the proposed project, supporting documentation of an administrative and budgetary nature also must be provided. This information is obtained via applications through the use of Federal-wide standard grant application forms and CSREES specific application forms. Because competitive applications are submitted, many of which necessitate review by peer panelists, it is particularly important that applicants provide the information in a standardized fashion to ensure equitable treatment for all.

Need and Use of the Information: The fundamental purpose of the information requested is for USDA proposal evaluation, award, management, reporting, and recordkeeping, as part of the overall administration of the research, education, and extension programs administered by CSREES. In addition to Federal-wide standard grant application forms, CSREES will use the following program and agency specific components as part of its application package: Supplemental Information Form; Application Type Form; Application Modification Form; Form CSREES-2008, Assurance Statement(s); Form CSREES-2010, Fellowships/Scholarships Entry/Annual Update/Exit Form; and the Summary of USDA/1890 Cooperation Form.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business or other for-profit; Individuals or household; Federal Government; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 5,050.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 12,154.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.