00-6294. Proposed Collection; Comment Request Entitled Small Disadvantaged Business Procurement Credits

AGENCIES:

Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comments regarding an extension to an existing OMB clearance (9000-0150).

SUMMARY:

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning Small Business Procurement Credit Programs. This OMB clearance expires on June 30, 2000.

Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Comments may be submitted on or before May 15, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Comments, including suggestions for reducing this burden, should be submitted to: FAR Desk Officer, OMB, Room 10102, NEOB, Washington, DC 20503, and a copy to the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (MVRS), 1800 F Street, NW, Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Victoria Moss, Federal Acquisition Policy Division, GSA, 501-4764.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Purpose

This FAR requirement concerning small disadvantaged procurement credit programs implements the Department of Justice proposal to reform affirmative action in Federal procurement, which was designed to ensure compliance with the constitutional standards established by the Supreme Court. The credits include price evaluation factor targets and certifications.

B. Annual Reporting Burden

Number of Respondents: 20,340.

Responses Per Respondent: 8.97.

Total Responses: 183,257.

Average Burden Hours Per Response: 2.09.

Total Burden Hours: 383,007.

Obtaining Copies of Proposals

Requester may obtain a copy of the proposal from the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (MVRS), Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405, telephone [phone]. Please cite OMB Control No. 9000-0150, Small Disadvantaged Business Procurement Credit Programs, in all correspondence.

Dated: March 9, 2000.

Edward C. Loeb,

Director, Federal Acquisition Policy Division.