04-7732. 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 ensure that shellfish purchased by VA comes from a State- and Federal-approved and inspected source.

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. 2900-0589” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Donald E. Kaliher at [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, 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) Provision 852.270-3, Shellfish.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0589.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VAAR clause 852.270-3, Shellfish, requires that a firm furnishing shellfish to VA must ensure that the shellfish is packaged in a container that is marked with the packer's State certificate number and State abbreviation. In addition, the firm must ensure that the container is tagged or labeled to show the name and address of the approved producer or shipper, the name of the State of origin, and the certificate number of the approved producer or shipper. This information normally accompanies the shellfish from the packer and is not information that must be separately obtained by the seller. The information is needed to ensure that shellfish purchased by VA comes from a State- and Federal-approved and inspected source. The information is used to help ensure that VA purchases healthful shellfish.

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

Estimated Annual Burden: 17 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 1 minute.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,000.

Dated: March 25, 2004.

By direction of the Secretary.

Loise Russell,

Director, Records Management Service.