2011-20250. Intent To Request Renewal From OMB of One Current Public Collection of Information: Airport Security

AGENCY:

Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION:

60-day Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites public comment on one currently approved Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0002, abstracted below that we will submit to OMB for renewal in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. These programs require airport operators to maintain and update records to ensure compliance with security provisions outlined in 49 CFR part 1542.

DATES:

Send your comments by October 11, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Comments may be e-mailed to [e-mail] or delivered to the TSA PRA Officer, Office of Information Technology (OIT), TSA-11, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 20598-6011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joanna Johnson at the above address, or by telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The ICR documentation is available at http://www.reginfo.gov. Therefore, in preparation for OMB review and approval of the following information collection, TSA is soliciting comments to—

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed information requirement is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Information Collection Requirement

OMB Control Number 1652-0002; Airport Security, 49 CFR part 1542. The information collected is used to determine compliance with 49 CFR part 1542 and to ensure passenger safety and security by monitoring airport operator security procedures. TSA is seeking to renew its OMB control number, 1652-0002, Airport Security. TSA has implemented airport operator security standards at 49 CFR part 1542 to require each airport operator to which this part applies to adopt and carry out a security program. These TSA-approved security programs establish procedures that airport operators must carry out to protect persons and property traveling on flights provided by U.S. aircraft operators and foreign air carriers against acts of criminal violence, aircraft piracy, and the introduction of explosives, incendiaries, or weapons aboard an aircraft.

This information collection is mandatory for airport operators. As part of their security programs, affected airport operators are required to maintain and update, as necessary, records of compliance with the security program provisions set forth in 49 CFR part 1542. This regulation also requires affected airport operators to make their security programs and associated records available for inspection and copying by TSA to ensure transportation security and regulatory compliance.

The information requested of airport operators has increased due to the security measures mandated by the Federal Government since September 11, 2001. The information TSA now collects includes identifying information on individuals with unescorted access to the most secured areas of the airport. Under this regulation, airport operators must ensure that individuals seeking unescorted access authority submit to and receive a criminal history records check (CHRC). As part of the CHRC process, the individual must provide identifying information, including fingerprints. Additionally, airport operators must maintain these records and make them available to TSA for inspection and copying upon request.

TSA will continue to collect information to determine airport operator compliance with other requirements of 49 CFR part 1542. TSA estimates that there will be approximately 444 airport operator respondents to the information requirements described above requiring approximately 535,705 hours per year to process.

The current estimated annual burden is 535,705 hours annually.

Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on August 4, 2011.

Joanna Johnson,

TSA Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of Information Technology.