2019-19759. Proposed Collection of Information: Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Market Research Study

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Currently the Bureau of the Fiscal Service within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments concerning the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Market Research Study.

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before November 12, 2019 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments and requests for additional information to Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Bruce A. Sharp, Room #4006-A, P.O. Box 1328, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328, or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Market Research Study.

OMB Number: 1530-0022.

Form Number: None.

Abstract: This is a generic clearance to conduct customer satisfaction surveys, focus groups, and interviews among recipients of federal benefit and vendor payments through EFT. The need for this market research continues to arise from a Congressional directive that accompanied legislation enacted in 1996, as part of the Debt Collection Improvement Act (Pub. L. 104-134), expanding the scope of check recipients required to use direct deposit to receive Federal benefit payments (see 31 U.S.C. 3332). Congress directed Treasury to “study the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of those who currently do not have Direct Deposit and determine how best to increase usage among all groups.” 142 Cong. Rec. H4090 (daily ed. April 25, 1996).

Current Actions: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Type of Review: Regular.

Affected Public: Individuals or households, Federal Government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 19,500.

Estimated Time per Respondent: 16 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 5,200.

Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: 1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; 2. the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; 3. ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 4. ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and 5. estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

Dated: September 9, 2019.

Bruce A. Sharp,

Bureau Clearance Officer.