2021-16055. Notice of Intent To Renew 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 intention of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to seek approval to collect information in support of research and related activities.

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received on or September 27, 2021 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jill Lake, ARS Webmaster, [e-mail].

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: February 28, 2022.

Abstract: Sections 1703 and 1705 of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), (Pub. L. 105-277) Title XVII, require agencies by October 21, 2003, to provide the public with the option of electronic submission of information. To advance GPEA goals, online forms are needed to allow the public to request from ARS research data, models, materials, and publications and to register for scientific studies and events. For the convenience of the public, the forms itemize the information needed to provide a timely response. Information from forms will be used by ARS only 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; teachers; businesspeople; members of service organizations; community groups; other Federal, State, and local government agencies; and the general public.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 11,600. This is an increase of 2,850 from the 8,750 estimated respondents in the previous Approved Information Collection due to an annual increase in actual respondents since the 2018 estimate, as well as 10 more software models available for download. As of July 2021, 157 software models were available for download through the ARS website https://www.ars.usda.gov/​research/​software/​.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 580 hours.

Copies of forms used in this information collection can be obtained from Jill Lake, ARS Webmaster, [e-mail].

The information collection extension requested by ARS is for a period of 3 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.

Simon Y. Liu,

Acting Administrator, ARS.