Peace Corps August 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Peace Corps will be submitting the National Agency Check (NAC) Questionnaire for Peace Corps Volunteer Background Investigation (OMB Control Number 0420-0001) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Notice of the information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on May 25, 2011, at 76 FR 12939, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. Peace Corps received 16 identical comments stating that ``the Peace Corps must ensure that the proposed information collection activity screens out and excludes those individuals motivated exclusively (or near exclusively) to promote or participate in the harmful male genital mutilation known as circumcision.'' As the NAC Questionnaire for Peace Corps Volunteer Background Investigation (OMB Control Number 0420-0001) requests only identifying information about Volunteer applicants in order to locate records pertaining to applicants' legal activities and legal suitability for Peace Corps Volunteer service. As those records are not likely to contain information concerning views about circumcision, it will not be possible to make such a judgment about applicants using this form. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comments. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points: (1) Evaluate 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; (2) Evaluate 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; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.