2011-4948. Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. Alternatively, to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instrument, call 404-639-4773 and send comments to Carol E. Walker, CDC Acting Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road NE., MS-D74, Atlanta, Georgia 30333; comments may also be sent by e-mail to [e-mail].

Comments are invited on (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have a practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarify of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of information technology. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

Select Agent Distribution Activity: Request for Select Agent (OMB Control No. 0920-0591 exp. 2/28/2011)—Reinstatement without change—National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), officially established as a substructure on July 9, 2010.

Background and Brief Description

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is requesting a three year extension to continue data collection under the Select Agent Distribution Activity. The form used for this activity is currently approved under OMB Control No. 0920-0591. The purpose of this data collection is to provide a systematic and consistent mechanism to review requests that come to CDC for Select Agents. The term select agents is used to describe a limited group of viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, and toxins that have the potential for use as agents of bioterrorism, inflicting significant morbidity and mortality on susceptible populations.

In light of current terrorism concerns and the significant NIH grant monies directed toward Select Agent research, CDC receives hundreds of requests for Select Agents from researchers. The approximately 900 applicants are required to complete an application form in which they identify themselves and their institution, provide a Curriculum Vitae or biographical sketch, a summary of their research proposal, and sign indemnification and material transfer agreement statements. In this request, CDC is requesting approval for approximately 450 hours; no change from the currently approved burden. The only correction to this data collection request is updating the name of the National Center on the application form. A user fee will be collected to recover costs for materials, handling and shipping (except for public health laboratories). The cost to the respondent will vary based on which agent is requested.

Estimate of Annualized Burden Hours

Respondent	Number of respondents	Number of responses per respondent	Average burden per response (in hours)	Total burden (in hours)
Researcher	900	1	30/60	450
Total				450

Dated: February 25, 2011.

Carol E. Walker,

Acting Reports Clearance Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.