2019-13256. Agency Information Collection Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Clause 852.211-72, Technical Industry Standards

AGENCY:

The Office of Management (OM), Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Office of Management (OM), 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.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before August 20, 2019.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Rafael Taylor, Office of Acquisition and Logistics (003A2A), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0586” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Danny S. Green at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995, 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, OM invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of OM functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of OM 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.

Authority: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521).

Title: Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Clause 852.211-72, Technical Industry Standards.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0586.

Type of Review: Renewal with changes of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: This Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) submission seeks renewal with changes of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval No. 2900-0586 as follows: Due to the decreased number of respondents, the total annual burden hours decreased by 666, from 1,225 to 559. However, the average burden time per response has not changed.

VAAR clause 852.211-72, Technical Industry Standards, requires that items offered for sale to VA under the solicitation conform to certain technical industry standards, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or the USDA Institutional Meat Purchase Specification (IMPS) and that the contractor furnish evidence to VA that the items meet that requirement. The evidence is normally in the form of a tag or seal affixed to the item, such as the UL tag on an electrical cord or a label on beef product. In most cases, this requires no additional effort on the part of the contractor, as the items come from the factory with the tags already in place, as part of the manufacturer's standard manufacturing operation. Occasionally, for items not already meeting standards or for items not previously tested, a contractor will have to furnish a certificate from an acceptable laboratory certifying that the items furnished have been tested in accordance with, and conform to, the specified standards. Only firms whose products have not previously been tested to ensure the products meet the industry standards required under the solicitation and contract will be required to submit a separate certificate. The information will be used to ensure that the items being purchased meet minimum safety standards and to protect VA employees, VA beneficiaries, and the public.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Annual Burden: 559 Burden Hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 Minutes.

Frequency of Response: One per awarded contract.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,118.

By direction of the Secretary.

Danny S. Green,

Interim VA Clearance Officer, Office of Quality, Performance and Risk, Department of Veterans Affairs.