2021-21285. Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) Information Collection System

AGENCY:

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Commerce.

ACTION:

Notice of Information Collection, request for comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before November 29, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by mail to Maureen O'Reilly, Management Analyst, NIST by email to [e-mail]. Please reference OMB Control Number 0693-0003 in the subject line of your comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to Bethany Hackett, National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2140; phone: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This is a request to revise and extend this currently approved information collection. This information is collected from all testing or calibration laboratories that apply for NVLAP accreditation. Applicants provide the minimum information necessary for NVLAP to evaluate the competency of laboratories to carry out specific tests or calibrations or types of tests or calibrations. The collection is mandated by 15 CFR 285.

II. Method of Collection

Each new or renewal applicant laboratory electronically submits its application for NVLAP accreditation through a self-service, web-based portal called the “NVLAP Interactive Web System” (NIWS). This method of collection also gives applicant laboratories the ability to upload document files needed to support the application process and to maintain their own profile information.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0693-0003.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission, revision of a current information collection.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations; not-for-profit institutions; and Federal, State or local government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 650.

Estimated Time per Response: 3 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,950 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain benefits.

IV. Request for Comments

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) 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; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Sheleen Dumas,

Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department.