Information Collection Activity; Comment Request, 6113-6114 [E8-1892]

Download as PDF mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 22 / Friday, February 1, 2008 / Notices The proposed revisions would provide applicants for service with an optional grade designation for pea and lentil certification and remove the requirement that for Mixed Dry Peas, the percentage of each class in the mixture be shown on the grade line. The notice provided an opportunity for interested parties to forward written comments to the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) until May 17, 2007. Due to the continued high level of interest in this notice, we are reopening the comment period to provide interested parties with additional time in which to comment. DATES: We will consider comments that we receive by April 1, 2008. ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit your comments on the notice. You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • E-mail: Send comments via electronic mail to comments.gipsa@usda.gov. • Mail: Send hardcopy written comments to Tess Butler, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1633–S, Washington, DC 20250–3604. • Fax: Send comments by facsimile transmission to: (202) 690–2173. • Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver comments to: Tess Butler, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1643–S, Washington, DC 20250–3604 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulation.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Instructions: All comments should make reference to the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. • Read Comments: All comments will be available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours (7 CFR 1.27 (b)). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beverly A. Whalen at USDA, GIPSA, FGIS, Market and Program Analysis Staff, Suite 180, STOP 1404, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, Missouri, 64133; Telephone (816) 823–4648; Fax Number (816) 823–4644; e-mail Beverly.A.Whalen@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: GIPSA published a notice in the Federal Register on April 17, 2007 (72 FR 19169), inviting comments from all interested persons on the proposed revisions to the U.S. Standards for Whole Dry Peas, Split Peas, and Lentils. The proposed revisions would provide applicants for service with an optional grade designation for pea and lentil certification and remove the requirement for Mixed Dry Peas, the VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:22 Jan 31, 2008 Jkt 214001 percentage of each class in the mixture be shown on the grade line. For ease of reference, we have included in this notice the discussion of the revisions to the U.S. Standards for Whole Dry Peas, Split Peas, and Lentils that are under consideration. Optional Grade Designation and Certification Procedures Currently, inspectors certify peas and lentils offered for inspection as a specific quality (U.S. grade), such as U.S. No. 2 Smooth Green Dry Peas. Certifying a specific grade is commonly referred to as ‘‘Option 1’’ grade designation. This works well most of the time, however, there are exceptions. At times, sellers find when preparing to load peas or lentils for shipment that the supply of a particular grade of pea or lentil may be insufficient to meet the quality and quantity requirements specified in the sales contract. When this happens, the seller may find it necessary to ship peas or lentils of a better quality. However, current inspection procedures do not allow the flexibility to describe or certify superior quality peas or lentils as being of a lower quality. If the lot presented for inspection is not uniform in quality for the declared grade, the inspector certifies each portion separately according to quality. That is, if a consignment consists of both U.S. No. 1 and 2 Smooth Green Dry Peas, current procedure requires that the quantity representing each of the different qualities receive separate certification. Such certification may not meet the terms of sale for the contract. An alternative approach is termed ‘‘Option 2’’ grade designation. When a contract specifies an Option 2 grade designation, the applicant may specifically request Option 2 certification. Under Option 2 certification, there would be no limitation placed on the amount of better quality peas and lentils in the lot. When a lot meets or is of better quality than the declared grade, inspectors would include the term ‘‘or better’’ immediately following the numerical or sample grade designation. We would like to offer the Option 2 grade designation and certification approach for peas and lentils. Under such an approach, the applicant for inspection can obtain the optional certification procedure by requesting it on the application for inspection. The applicant would file the request for the optional certification prior to the beginning of inspection so the inspector knows how to certify the lot. Peas or lentils that are a better quality than that specified by the contract would be PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 6113 certified as a specific grade ‘‘or better;’’ (for example, U.S. No. 2, or better, Smooth Dry Peas). We believe that Option 2 grade designation and certification will provide sellers with the flexibility to ship peas and lentils of better quality, and provide buyers with the desirable option of receiving better quality. Mixed Whole Dry Peas We also propose to eliminate the requirement that certain grade related information be shown on the grade line of the certificate for the class of Mixed Whole Dry Peas. Currently, the U.S. standards for Whole Dry Peas require a breakdown of the different classes, in order of predominance, be shown on the grade line of the certificate, in addition to the regular grade designation information, when the peas are classed as Mixed peas. Instead of showing this information on the grade line, we propose to enter such information in the ‘‘Results’’ section of the certificate. This approach will not change the grade of the product and will enhance the readability of the certificate. Comments The comment period of 30 days from the date of publication (72 FR 19169) closed on May 17, 2007. Due to continued high level of interest in the April 17, 2007, notice, GIPSA is reopening the comment period to provide interested parties additional time to comment. As a result, the comment period is reopened for a 60 day period. We welcome both comments from interested persons who did not comment during the initial 30 day period, as well as those interested persons who have already commented. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. David R. Shipman, Acting Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. [FR Doc. E8–1820 Filed 1–31–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–KD–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Information Collection Activity; Comment Request Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service’s (RUS) an agency delivering the U.S. Department E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM 01FEN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES 6114 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 22 / Friday, February 1, 2008 / Notices of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Programs, invites comments on this information collection for which approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by April 1, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele L. Brooks, Acting Director, Program Development & Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1522, Room 5168—South Building, Washington, DC 20250–1522. Telephone: (202) 690–1078. Fax: (202) 720–8435. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implanting provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13) requires that interested members of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that RUS is submitting to OMB for extension. Comments are invited on (a) whether the 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 burden including the validity of the methodology and assumption 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 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques on other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Joyce McNeil, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 5166-South, STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250–1522. Fax: (202) 720–8435. Email: Joyce.mcneil@wdc.usda.gov. Title: 7 CFR 1726, Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures. OMB Control Number: 0572–0107. Type of Request: Extension of a previously approved collection. Abstract: In order to facilitate the programmatic interest of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. (RE Act), and, in order to assure that loans made or guaranteed by RUS are adequately secured, RUS, as a secured lender, has established certain VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:22 Jan 31, 2008 Jkt 214001 standards and specifications for materials, equipment, and construction of electric systems. The use of standard forms, construction contracts, and procurement procedures helps assure RUS that appropriate standards and specification are maintained; RUS’ loan security is not adversely affected; and the loan and loan guarantee funds are used effectively and for the intended purposes. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.5 minutes per response. Respondents: Businesses or other for profits; Not-for-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents: 697. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 5. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 71 hours. Copies of this information collection, and related form and instructions, can be obtained from Joyce McNeil, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, at (202) 720–0812. 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: January 24, 2008. James M. Andrew, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. E8–1892 Filed 1–31–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce (DOC) will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Agency: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Title: Expenditures Incurred by Recipients of Biomedical Research Awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). OMB Control Number: None. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Burden Hours: 1,650. Number of Respondents: 150. Average Hours Per Response: 11. Needs and Uses: The survey to obtain the distribution of expenditures incurred by recipients of biomedical research awards from the National Institutes of Health Research (NIH) will PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 provide information on how the NIH award amounts are expended across several major categories. This information, along with wage and price data from other published sources, will be used to generate the Biomedical Research and Developmental Price Index (BRDPI). The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the Department of Commerce develops this index for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under reimbursable contract. The BRDPI is an index of prices paid for the labor, supplies, equipment, and other inputs required to perform the biomedical research the NIH supports in its intramural laboratories and through its awards to extramural organizations. The BRDPI is a vital tool for planning the NIH research budget and analyzing future NIH programs. A survey of award recipient entities is currently the only means for updating the expenditure categories that are used to prepare the BRDPI. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations, and not-for-profit institutions. Frequency: Annually. Respondent’s Obligations: Voluntary. Legal Authority: 45 CFR Subpart C, Post-Award Requirements, Sections 74.21 and 74.53; 42 U.S.C. 282; Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535 and 1536); 15 U.S.C. 1525; and 15 U.S.C. 1527a. OMB Desk Officer: Paul Bugg, (202) 395–3093. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, (202) 482–0266, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington DC 20230, or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov. Send comments on the proposed information collection within 30 days of publication of this notice to Paul Bugg, OMB Desk Officer, via the Internet at pbugg@omb.eop.gov or by fax (202) 395–7245. Dated: January 29, 2008. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8–1831 Filed 1–31–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–06–P E:\FR\FM\01FEN1.SGM 01FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 22 (Friday, February 1, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6113-6114]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-1892]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS) an 
agency delivering the U.S. Department

[[Page 6114]]

of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Programs, invites 
comments on this information collection for which approval from the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by April 1, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele L. Brooks, Acting Director, 
Program Development & Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, 
USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1522, Room 5168--South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250-1522. Telephone: (202) 690-1078. Fax: 
(202) 720-8435.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) 
regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implanting provisions of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) requires that interested members 
of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on 
information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that RUS 
is submitting to OMB for extension.
    Comments are invited on (a) whether the 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 burden including the validity of 
the methodology and assumption 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 the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques on 
other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Joyce 
McNeil, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., 
Room 5166-South, STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250-1522. Fax: (202) 720-
8435. E-mail: Joyce.mcneil@wdc.usda.gov.
    Title: 7 CFR 1726, Electric System Construction Policies and 
Procedures.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0107.
    Type of Request: Extension of a previously approved collection.
    Abstract: In order to facilitate the programmatic interest of the 
Rural Electrification Act of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. (RE Act), and, 
in order to assure that loans made or guaranteed by RUS are adequately 
secured, RUS, as a secured lender, has established certain standards 
and specifications for materials, equipment, and construction of 
electric systems. The use of standard forms, construction contracts, 
and procurement procedures helps assure RUS that appropriate standards 
and specification are maintained; RUS' loan security is not adversely 
affected; and the loan and loan guarantee funds are used effectively 
and for the intended purposes.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 1.5 minutes per response.
    Respondents: Businesses or other for profits; Not-for-profit 
institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 697.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 5.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 71 hours.
    Copies of this information collection, and related form and 
instructions, can be obtained from Joyce McNeil, Program Development 
and Regulatory Analysis, at (202) 720-0812.
    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: January 24, 2008.
James M. Andrew,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-1892 Filed 1-31-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
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