04-7730. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Office of Acquisition and Materiel Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Office of Acquisition and Materiel Management (OA&MM), 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 the information needed to repair technical medical equipment and devices or mechanical equipment.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before June 7, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Donald E. Kaliher, Office of Acquisition and Materiel Management (049A5A), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0587” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Donald E. Kaliher at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), 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, OA&MM invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of OA&MM's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of OA&MM'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: Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Clause 852.211-70, Service Data Manual (previously 852.210-70)

OMB Control Number: 2900-0587.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VAAR clause 852.211-70, Service Data Manual, is used when VA purchases technical medical equipment and devices, or mechanical equipment. The clause requires the contractor to furnish both operator's manuals and maintenance/repair manuals with the equipment provided to the Government. This clause sets forth those requirements and sets forth the minimum standards those manuals must meet to be acceptable. Generally, this is the same operator's manual furnished with each piece of equipment sold to the general public and the same repair manual used by company technicians in repairing the company's equipment. The cost of the manuals is included in the contract price or listed as separately priced line items on the purchase order. The operator's manual will be used by the individual actually operating the equipment to ensure proper operation and cleaning. The repair manual will be used by VA equipment repair staff to repair equipment.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit; Individuals and households; and Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Annual Burden: 2,500 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 15,000.

Dated: March 25, 2004.

By direction of the Secretary.

Loise Russell,

Director, Records Management Service.