2022-16584. Agency Information Collection Activities; The SUPPORT Act Grants Evaluation

ACTION:

Notice of availability; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting this Chief Evaluation Office (CEO)-sponsored information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). Public comments on the ICR are invited.

DATES:

The OMB will consider all written comments that the agency receives on or before September 2, 2022.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

Comments are invited on: (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden and cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nicole Bouchet by telephone at 202-693-0213, or by email at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

CEO, in partnership with the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), is sponsoring an implementation evaluation of grants awarded under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act. CEO is seeking approval from OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act for data collection instruments associated with the evaluation. With the goal of producing important information on innovative practices and implementation challenges in providing services that integrate employment services and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, DOL awarded nearly $20 million in SUPPORT Act grants to four state workforce agencies. Grantees may use these funds to provide a range of employment services for affected individuals. The grants can also be used to train and support two types of workers: workers personally affected by opioid misuse or other SUDs (including having a friend or family member with a substance use disorder), and workers who seek to transition to professions that address the opioid crisis (such as addiction and SUD treatment, mental health services, and pain management). Finally, grantees can use a portion of their funds for individual or group outpatient treatment and recovery services, in addition to using funds for employment services. DOL contracted with Abt Associates and its partner to conduct an implementation evaluation will inform program administrators and practitioners on providing services that address both employment and treatment needs for people with SUDs. For additional substantive information about this ICR, see the related notice published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2022 (87 FR 21924).

This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless the OMB approves it and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid OMB Control Number. See5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6.

DOL seeks PRA authorization for this information collection for three (3) years. OMB authorization for an ICR cannot be for more than three (3) years without renewal. The DOL notes that information collection requirements submitted to the OMB for existing ICRs receive a month-to-month extension while they undergo review.

Agency: DOL-CEO.

Title of Collection: The SUPPORT Act Grants Evaluation.

OMB Control Number: 1290-0NEW.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 116.

Total Estimated Number of Responses: 116.

Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 85 hours.

Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: $0.

(Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D))

Nicole Bouchet,

Senior PRA Analyst.