E6-8371. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

May 25, 2006.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Agricultural Research Service

Title: Web Forms for Research Data, Models, Materials, and Publications as well as Study and Event Registration.

OMB Control Number: 0518-0032.

Summary of Collection: OMB Circular 130 Management of Federal Information Resources, establishes that “agencies will use electronic media and formats * * * in order to make government information more easily accessible and useful to the public. * * *” The Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), 44 U.S.C. 3504, Title XVII, required agencies to provide the option of electronic submission of information to the public. In order to provide information and services related to its program responsibilities defined at 7 CFR 2.65, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) needs to obtain certain basic information from the public. Online forms are needed to allow the public to request from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) research data, models, materials, and publications as well as registration for scientific studies and events.

Need and Use of the Information: ARS will use the information to respond to requests for specific services. The information will be collected electronically, by telephone, or by mail. If this collection is not conducted, ARS will be hindered from reducing the burden on its customers by providing them the most timely and efficient was to request services.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households.

Number of Respondents: 25,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 1,250.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.