2010-16782. Proposed Information Collection (Availability of Educational, Licensing, and Certifications Records) Activity: 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 determine whether payments provided to educational institutions and licensing and certification organizations are correct.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before September 7, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at http://www.Regulations.gov or 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. 2900-0696” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

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 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: Availability of Educational, Licensing, and Certifications Records; 38 CFR 21.4209.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0696.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Educational institutions offering approved courses and licensing and certification organizations offering approved tests are required to make their records and accounts pertaining to eligible claimants available to VA. The data collected will be used to ensure benefits paid under the education programs are correct.

Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Annual Burden: 6,000 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondents: 5 hours.

Estimated Annual Responses: 3,000.

Dated: July 6, 2010.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Enterprise Records Service.