E5-2708. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), 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 for information needed to obtain certification from State approving agency and employees of VA certifying that they do not own any interest in a proprietary profit school.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before July 26, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0657” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [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, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA'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: Conflicting Interests Certification for Proprietary Schools, VA form 22-1919.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0657.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA pays education benefits to veterans and other eligible person pursuing approved programs of education. 38 U.S.C. 3683 prohibits employees of VA and State approving agency enrolled in a proprietary profit school from owning any interest in the school. Veterans or eligible person who is an official authorized to signed certificates of enrollment or verification/certifications of attendance, an owner or an officer are prohibited from receiving educational assistance based on their enrollment in any proprietary school. The information contained on VA Form 22-1919 completed by propriety schools officials certifying that the institution and enrollees do not have any conflict of interest.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Estimated Annual Burden: 25 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 150.

Dated: May 20, 2005.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.