2012-8212. Notice of Intent To Request an Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

AGENCY:

Agricultural Research Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) intention to seek approval to collect information in support of research and related activities.

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received on or before June 4, 2012 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Address all comments concerning this notice to Jill Philpot, ARS Webmaster, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Contact Jill Philpot, ARS Webmaster, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Web Forms for Research Data, Models, Materials, and Publications as well as Study and Event Registration.

Type of Request: Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection.

OMB Number: 0518-0032.

Expiration Date: September 30, 2012.

Abstract: Sections 1703 and 1705 the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), Public Law 105-277, Title XVII, require agencies, by October 21, 2003, to provide for the option of electronic submission of information by the public. To advance GPEA goals, online forms are needed to allow the public to request from ARS research data, models, materials, and publications as well as registration for scientific studies and events. For the convenience of the public, the forms itemize the information we need to provide a timely response. Information from forms will only be used by the Agency for the purposes identified.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3 minutes per response (range: 1-5 minutes).

Respondents: Agricultural researchers, students and teachers, business people, members of service organizations, community groups, other federal and local government agencies, and the general public.

Estimated Number Respondents: 15,000. This is a reduction from the 25,000 estimated number of respondents in the previous Approved Information Collection due to less actual annual respondents than originally estimated from 2009-2012.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 750 hours.

Copies of forms used in this information collection can be obtained from Jill Philpot, ARS Webmaster, at [phone].

The information collection extension requested by ARS is for a period of three years. 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 will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

Dated: March 23, 2012.

Edward B. Knipling,

ARS Administrator.