03-12226. Federal Acquisition Regulation; Submission for OMB Review; Small Disadvantaged Business Procurement Credits

AGENCIES:

Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comments regarding an extension to an existing OMB clearance (9000-0150).

SUMMARY:

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning small business procurement credit programs. A request for public comments was published in the Federal Register at 68 FR 12685 on March 17, 2003. No comments were received.

Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before June 16, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Submit comments including suggestions for reducing this burden to the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (MVA), 1800 F Street, NW., Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Rhonda Cundiff, Acquisition Policy Division, GSA, 501-0044.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Purpose

This FAR requirement concerning small disadvantaged procurement credit programs implements the Department of Justice proposal to reform affirmative action in Federal procurement, which was designed to ensure compliance with the constitutional standards established by the Supreme Court. The credits include price evaluation factor targets and certifications.

B. Annual Reporting Burden

Number of Respondents: 20,340.

Responses Per Respondent: 8.97.

Total Responses: 183,257.

Average Burden Hours Per Response: 2.09.

Total Burden Hours: 383,007.

Obtaining Copies of Proposals: Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (MVA), Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405, telephone [phone]. Please cite OMB Control No. 9000-0150, Small Disadvantaged Business Procurement Credit Programs, in all correspondence.

Dated: May 9, 2003.

Ralph J. Destefano,

Acting Director, Acquisition Policy Division.