E9-14223. 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS-4024, DS-4024e, American Citizens Services Internet Based Registration Service (IBRS), OMB number 1405-0152

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment in the Federal Register preceding submission to OMB. We are conducting this process in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

• Title of Information Collection: American Citizens Services Internet Based Registration Service (IBRS).
• Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services (CA/OCS).
• Form Number: DS-4024, DS-4024e.
• Respondents: United States Citizens and Nationals.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 676,946.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 676,946.
• Average Hours per Response: 20 minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden: 225,648 hours.
• Frequency: On Occasion.
• Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to 60 days from June 17, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• E-mail: [e-mail].
• Mail (paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions): U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/PRI, SA-29, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20520.
• Fax: [phone].
• Hand Delivery or Courier: U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/PRI, 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037.

You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and OMB control number in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed information collection and supporting documents, to Derek A. Rivers, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services (CA/OCS/PRI), U.S. Department of State, SA-29, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20520, who may be reached on [phone] or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of our functions.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of technology.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

The American Citizens Services Internet Based Registration Service (IBRS) makes it possible for U.S. nationals to register on-line from anywhere in the world. In the event of a family emergency, natural disaster or international crisis, U.S. embassies and consulates rely on this registration information to provide critical information and assistance to them.

Methodology

99% of responses are received via electronic submission on the Internet. The service is available on the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Web site http://travel.state.gov at https://travelregistration.state.gov/​ibrs/​. The paper version of the collection permits respondents who do not have Internet access to provide the information to the U.S. embassy or consulate by fax, mail or in person.

Dated: May 20, 2009.

Mary Ellen Hickey,

Managing Director, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State.