2018-17559. 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Statement of Political Contributions, Fees, and Commissions Relating to Sales of Defense Articles and Defense Services

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment.

DATES:

Submit comments directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) up to September 14, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

Direct comments to the Department of State Desk Officer in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). You may submit comments by the following methods:

• Email: [e-mail]. You must include the DS form number, information collection title, and the OMB control number in the subject line of your message.

Fax: [phone]. Attention: Desk Officer for Department of State.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Andrea Battista, SA-1, 12th Floor, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Bureau of Political Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20522-0112, via phone at [phone], or via email at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Statement of Political Contributions, Fees, and Commissions Relating to Sales of Defense Articles and Defense Services.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0025.
• Type of Request: Extension.
• Originating Office: Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).
• Form Number: No Form.
• Respondents: Persons requesting a license or other approval for the export, reexport, or retransfer of USML-regulated defense articles or defense services valued in an amount of $500,000 or more that are being sold commercially to or for the use of the armed forces of a foreign country or international organization or persons who enter into a contract with the Department of Defense for the sale of defense articles or defense services valued in an amount of $500,000 or more under section 22 of the AECA.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 120.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 500.
• Average Time per Response: 60 minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 500 hours.
• Frequency: On occasion.
• Obligation to Respond: Mandatory.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this 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 information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of proposed collection: DDTC regulates the export and temporary import of defense articles and services enumerated on the USML in accordance with the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR parts 120-130). In accordance with section 39 of the AECA, the Secretary of State must require, in part, adequate and timely reporting of political contributions, gifts, commissions and fees paid, or offered or agreed to be paid in connection with the sales of defense articles or defense services licensed or approved under AECA sections 22 and 38. Pursuant to ITAR § 130.9(a), any person applying for a license or approval required under section 38 of the AECA for sale to the armed forces of a foreign country or international organization valued at $500,000 or more must inform DDTC, and provide certain specified information, when they have paid, offered to, or agreed to pay, (1) political contributions in an aggregate amount of $5,000 or greater; or (2) fees or commissions in an aggregate amount equaling or exceeding $100,000. Similarly, ITAR § 130.9(b) requires any person who enters into a contract with the Department of Defense under section 22 of the AECA, valued at $500,000 or more, to inform DDTC and provide the specified information, when they or their vendors, have paid, or offered or agreed to pay, in respect to any sale (1) political contributions in an aggregate amount of $5,000 or greater; or (2) fees or commissions in an aggregate amount equaling or exceeding $100,000. Respondents are also required to collect information pursuant to Sections 130.12 and 130.13 prior to submitting their report to DDTC.

Methodology: Respondents will submit information as attachments to relevant license applications or requests for other approval.

Anthony M. Dearth,

Chief of Staff (Acting), Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, U.S. Department of State.