04-14692. Notice of Public Information Collections Being Reviewed by the U.S. Agency for International Development; Comments Requested

SUMMARY:

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is making efforts to reduce the paperwork burden. USAID invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act for 1995. Comments are requested concerning: (a) Whether the proposed or continuing collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the burden estimates; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before August 30, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Beverly Johnson, Bureau for Management, Office of Administrative Services, Information and Records Division, U.S. Agency for International Development, Room 2.07-106, RRB, Washington, DC 20523, [phone] or via e-mail [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB No.: OMB 0412-0520.

Form No.: AID 1420-17.

Title: Information Collection Elements in the USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), 48 Chapter 7.

Type of Review: Renewal of Information Collection.

Purpose: USAID is authorized to make contracts with any corporation, international organization, or other body of persons in or outside of the United States in furtherance of the purposes and within limitations of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA). The information collections requirements placed on the public are published in 48 CFR chapter 7, and include such items as the Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet and Performance and Progress Reports (AIDAR 752.7026). These are all USAID unique procurement requirements. The pre-award requirements are based on a need for prudent management in the determination that an offeror either has or can obtain the ability to competently manage development assistance programs utilizing public funds. The requirements for information collection requirements during the post-award period are based on the need to administer public funds prudently.

Annual Reporting Burden:

Respondents: 6,300.

Total annual responses: 53,270.

Total annual hours requested: 74,620 hours.

Dated: June 22, 2004.

Joanne Paskar,

Chief, Information and Records Division, Office of Administrative Services, Bureau for Management.