Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request Form FNS-798 and FNS-798A, WIC Financial Management and Participation Report With Addendum, 21900-21901 [E8-8792]

Download as PDF 21900 Notices Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 79 Wednesday, April 23, 2008 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request Form FNS–798 and FNS–798A, WIC Financial Management and Participation Report With Addendum Food and Nutrition Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on proposed information collections. DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received on or before June 23, 2008. ADDRESSES: 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 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Patricia N. Daniels, Director, Supplemental Food Programs Division, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 520, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Joan Carroll at 703–305–2196 or via e-mail to Joan.Carroll@fns.usda.gov. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:58 Apr 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 All written comments will be open for public inspection at the office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302, Room 518. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval, and will become a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection form and instructions should be directed to: Patricia N. Daniels, (703) 305–2749. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: WIC Financial Management and Participation Report with Addendum. OMB Number: 0584–0045. Form Number: FNS 798 and FNS 798A. Expiration Date: 07–31–2008. Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection Form. Abstract: Section 17(f)(4) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(f)(4)) provides that ‘‘State agencies shall submit monthly financial reports and participation data to the Secretary’’ (See also 7 CFR 246.25(b)(1)). The WIC Financial Management and Participation Report with Addendum (FNS–798 and FNS–798A) are the forms State agencies complete to comply with this requirement. FNS and State agencies use the reported information for program monitoring, funds management, budget projections, monitoring caseload, policy development, and responding to requests from Congress and interested parties. In addition, nonentitlement programs, such as the WIC Program, are required to conduct an annual closeout and reconciliation of grants. Departmental regulations at 7 CFR 3016.23(b) require that ‘‘[a] grantee must liquidate all obligations incurred under the award not later than 90 days after the end of the funding period (or as specified in a program regulation) to coincide with the submission of the annual Financial Status Report (SF–269).’’ WIC Program regulations at 7 CFR 246.17(b)(2) instruct State agencies to ‘‘submit to FNS, within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year, final fiscal year closeout reports.’’ The final WIC Financial Management and Participation Report PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (FNS–798) submitted for the year with its addendum (FNS–798A) are used as a substitute for the SF–269, because they maintain the integrity of WIC’s two grant components (food and nutrition services and administration (NSA)) as well as the four NSA grant components (program management, client services, nutrition education, and breastfeeding promotion and support). The proposed revision of the WIC Financial Management and Participation Report (FNS–798) and its addendum (FNS–798A) will: (1) identify breastfeeding women and infant participants as either fully breastfeeding or partially breastfeeding, (2) add columns corresponding to the 12 months of the fiscal year for the NSA cost section of the report, (3) delete the requirement to separately report funds spent forward to the following year attributable to vendor and participant collections, and (4) delete the requirement to report indirect cost rates and bases and the types of indirect cost rates. The revision to the participation categories is proposed so participation will correspond with revisions in participant food packages (See Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages; Interim Rule, December 6, 2007). The proposed columns in the NSA cost section will: (1) Provide a computergenerated cumulative total of NSA costs rather than having the State agency compute and report this amount, (2) make the NSA cost section consistent with the food cost and participation sections which already have columns for the 12 months, and (3) make it easier for State agencies to correct reporting errors made in prior periods. State agencies do not need to separately report the amount of funds spent forward attributable to vendor, participant and local agency collections as this amount is evident based on other data elements. State agencies will continue to report the total amount charged to the grant for indirect costs. However, it is not necessary for them to report the factors used to calculate this amount. Instead, indirect cost calculations should be validated during an audit or financial management technical assistance review. Due to the increase in the number of WIC State agencies reporting and a decrease in the number of responses per respondent, E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM 23APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 23, 2008 / Notices this revision is also an adjustment in the number of respondents from 89 to 90 and the number of responses per respondent from 17 to 15. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3.35 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The total annual burden on respondents was previously 4,713 hours. This revision decreases the total annual burden by 190 hours. Respondents: Directors or Administrators of WIC State agencies. Estimated Number of Respondents: 90 respondents. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 15. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 4,523 hours. Dated: April 16, 2008. Roberto Salazar, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. E8–8792 Filed 4–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Food Stamp Program Redemption Certificate, Form FNS–278B and Food Stamp Program Wholesaler Redemption Certificate, Form FNS–278–4 Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA. ACTION: Notice. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on proposed information collections. The proposed collection is a revision of a currently approved collection. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 23, 2008 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:58 Apr 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Lindy Haffey, Acting Chief, Retailer Operations Branch, Benefit Redemption Division, Food and Nutrition Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 403, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Lindy Haffey at (703) 305–2523 or via email to: brdhq-web@fns.usda.gov. All written comments will be open for public inspection at the office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302, Room 403. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. All comments will be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to Lindy Haffey, (703) 305–2523. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Food Stamp Redemption Certificate. OMB Number: 0584–0085. Form Number: FNS–278B and FNS– 278–4. Expiration Date: July 31, 2008. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection of information. Abstract: The Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, Section 10, (7 U.S.C. 2019) states that regulations issued pursuant to the Act shall provide for the redemption of coupons accepted by retail food stores and wholesale food concerns or through selected financial institutions. FNS provides for this redemption in 7 CFR 278.2 through 278.5. Section 278.4 outlines the procedure for redeeming coupons for wholesale food concerns retail stores. Form FNS–278B, Food Stamp Redemption Certificate, and Form FNS–278–4, Wholesaler Redemption Certificates, collectively called RCs, are required to be used by all authorized wholesalers or retailers, and are processed by financial institutions when they are presented for cash or credit. Requirements in the Food Stamp Program regulations are the basis for the information collected on Form FNS–278B, Food Stamp Redemption PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21901 Certificate, and Form FNS–278–4, Wholesaler Redemption Certificate. The proposed revision to the information collection burden associated with this form is derived from a reduction in the number of RCs submitted by program respondents. The number of responses also declined as FNS phased-out the issuance of paper food coupons; and as the number of States with Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems increased nationwide. Currently, 100 percent of all food stamp benefits are issued electronically. Some paper food coupons remain in circulation, however, as they were issued before EBT was fully implemented in each of the States. Because there is not an expiration date on food coupons, recipients who were previously issued paper food coupons can use the benefits they have until they are spent. Likewise, retailers must also continue to accept paper food coupons as a form of payment, and the Federal government must continue to honor them as legal tender. Currently, there is a legislative proposal to de-obligate the paper food coupon but until legislation is passed, paper food coupons do not expire. FNS is seeking approval not to display the expiration date of the information collection because it is impractical and not cost efficient to incur expenses for a form that hasn’t been used since our last submission to OMB (Form FNS–278–4), or for one thats use is rapidly declining (Form FNS–278B). There are no sensitive questions of private or personal nature involved in this information collection. All data collected concerns food stamp deposits within the banking system. For this information collection package, the estimated reduction of respondents is based on a projected decrease in the number of RCs submitted as a result of fewer paper food coupons remaining in circulation. The estimated burden hours are 28.60442 hours. Respondents: Businesses, wholesale food concerns, or other not-for-profit financial institutions. Estimated Average Number of Respondents: 385.95723. Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 4.3033369. Estimated Total Average Annual Responses: 1,660.904. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average .0172222 hours per response. Estimated Total Average Annual Burden: 28.660442 hours. E:\FR\FM\23APN1.SGM 23APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 79 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21900-21901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8792]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 23, 2008 / 
Notices

[[Page 21900]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request Form FNS-798 and FNS-798A, WIC Financial Management and 
Participation Report With Addendum

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment 
on proposed information collections.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received on or before 
June 23, 2008.

ADDRESSES: 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 the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: 
Patricia N. Daniels, Director, Supplemental Food Programs Division, 
Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park 
Center Drive, Room 520, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be 
submitted via fax to the attention of Joan Carroll at 703-305-2196 or 
via e-mail to Joan.Carroll@fns.usda.gov.
    All written comments will be open for public inspection at the 
office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours 
(8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22302, Room 518.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval, and will become a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection form and instructions should be 
directed to: Patricia N. Daniels, (703) 305-2749.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: WIC Financial Management and Participation Report with 
Addendum.
    OMB Number: 0584-0045.
    Form Number: FNS 798 and FNS 798A.
    Expiration Date: 07-31-2008.
    Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection Form.
    Abstract: Section 17(f)(4) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 
U.S.C. 1786(f)(4)) provides that ``State agencies shall submit monthly 
financial reports and participation data to the Secretary'' (See also 7 
CFR 246.25(b)(1)). The WIC Financial Management and Participation 
Report with Addendum (FNS-798 and FNS-798A) are the forms State 
agencies complete to comply with this requirement. FNS and State 
agencies use the reported information for program monitoring, funds 
management, budget projections, monitoring caseload, policy 
development, and responding to requests from Congress and interested 
parties.
    In addition, nonentitlement programs, such as the WIC Program, are 
required to conduct an annual closeout and reconciliation of grants. 
Departmental regulations at 7 CFR 3016.23(b) require that ``[a] grantee 
must liquidate all obligations incurred under the award not later than 
90 days after the end of the funding period (or as specified in a 
program regulation) to coincide with the submission of the annual 
Financial Status Report (SF-269).'' WIC Program regulations at 7 CFR 
246.17(b)(2) instruct State agencies to ``submit to FNS, within 120 
days after the end of the fiscal year, final fiscal year closeout 
reports.'' The final WIC Financial Management and Participation Report 
(FNS-798) submitted for the year with its addendum (FNS-798A) are used 
as a substitute for the SF-269, because they maintain the integrity of 
WIC's two grant components (food and nutrition services and 
administration (NSA)) as well as the four NSA grant components (program 
management, client services, nutrition education, and breastfeeding 
promotion and support).
    The proposed revision of the WIC Financial Management and 
Participation Report (FNS-798) and its addendum (FNS-798A) will: (1) 
identify breastfeeding women and infant participants as either fully 
breastfeeding or partially breastfeeding, (2) add columns corresponding 
to the 12 months of the fiscal year for the NSA cost section of the 
report, (3) delete the requirement to separately report funds spent 
forward to the following year attributable to vendor and participant 
collections, and (4) delete the requirement to report indirect cost 
rates and bases and the types of indirect cost rates. The revision to 
the participation categories is proposed so participation will 
correspond with revisions in participant food packages (See Special 
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): 
Revisions in the WIC Food Packages; Interim Rule, December 6, 2007). 
The proposed columns in the NSA cost section will: (1) Provide a 
computer-generated cumulative total of NSA costs rather than having the 
State agency compute and report this amount, (2) make the NSA cost 
section consistent with the food cost and participation sections which 
already have columns for the 12 months, and (3) make it easier for 
State agencies to correct reporting errors made in prior periods. State 
agencies do not need to separately report the amount of funds spent 
forward attributable to vendor, participant and local agency 
collections as this amount is evident based on other data elements. 
State agencies will continue to report the total amount charged to the 
grant for indirect costs. However, it is not necessary for them to 
report the factors used to calculate this amount. Instead, indirect 
cost calculations should be validated during an audit or financial 
management technical assistance review. Due to the increase in the 
number of WIC State agencies reporting and a decrease in the number of 
responses per respondent,

[[Page 21901]]

this revision is also an adjustment in the number of respondents from 
89 to 90 and the number of responses per respondent from 17 to 15.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 3.35 hours per response, including 
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 
the collection of information. The total annual burden on respondents 
was previously 4,713 hours. This revision decreases the total annual 
burden by 190 hours.
    Respondents: Directors or Administrators of WIC State agencies.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 90 respondents.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 15.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 4,523 hours.

    Dated: April 16, 2008.
Roberto Salazar,
Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-8792 Filed 4-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

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