2010-9439. Agency Information Collection Extension

AGENCY:

U.S. Department of Energy.

ACTION:

Notice and request for Comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, intends to extend, for three years, an information collection request with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Comments were invited on: (a) Whether the extended 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 of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (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.

DATES:

Comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before June 22, 2010. If you anticipate difficulty in submitting comments within that period or if you want access to the collection of information, without charge, contact the person listed below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments should be sent to the following: Denise Clarke, Procurement Analyst, MA-612/L'Enfant Plaza Building, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-1615, [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Denise Clarke, at the above address, or by telephone at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This information collection request contains: (1) OMB No.: 1910-0400 (Renewal); (2) Information Collection Request Title: DOE Financial Assistance Information Clearance; (3) Type of Review: Continuation of Mandatory Information Collection under Paperwork Reduction Act; (4) Purpose: This information collection package covers collections of information necessary to annually plan, solicit, negotiate, award and administer grants and cooperative agreements under the Department's financial assistance programs. The information is used by Departmental management to exercise management oversight with respect to implementation of applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and obligations. The collection of this information is critical to ensure that the government has sufficient information to judge the degree to which awardees meet the terms of their agreements; that public funds are spent in the manner intended; and that fraud, waste, and abuse are immediately detected and eliminated; (5) Respondents: 48,860; and (6) Estimated Number of Burden Hours: 890,537.

Statutory Authorities: Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act, 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13).

Issued in Washington, DC, on April 19, 2010.

Edward R. Simpson,

Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management.