2022-16292. Agency Information Collection Activity: VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Clause 852.211-72, Technical Industry Standards

AGENCY:

Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OAL), 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 September 27, 2022.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Bogdan Vaga, Office of Acquisition & Logistics, Procurement Policy & Warrant Management Services (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:

Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise and Integration, Data Governance Analytics (008), 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006, [phone] or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0586” in any correspondence.

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, OAL invites comments on: (1) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of OAL's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of OAL'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.

Authority:Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.

Title: VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Construction Provisions and Clauses.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0586.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: This Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) submission seeks an extension of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval No. 2900-0586 for collection of information for both commercial and non-commercial item, service, and construction solicitations and contracts using VAAR Clause 852.211-72, Technical Industry Standards, as prescribed in CFR Title 48, Federal Acquisition Regulations System, VAAR 811.204-70, Contract clause. 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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the USDA Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (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 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.

Estimated Annual Burden: 559 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One per contract.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,118.

By direction of the Secretary.

Maribel Aponte,

VA PRA Clearance Officer, Office of Enterprise and Integration/Data Governance Analytics, Department of Veterans Affairs.