Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; Notice of Intent To Revise and Extend a Currently Approved Information Collection, 40830-40831 [E8-16149]

Download as PDF 40830 Notices Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 137 Wednesday, July 16, 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 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; Notice of Intent To Revise and Extend a Currently Approved Information Collection Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations (5 CFR Part 1320) that implement the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.), this notice announces the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service’s (CSREES) intention to request approval to revise and extend a currently approved information collection for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by September 15, 2008 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. E-mail: jhitchcock@csrees.usda.gov; Mail: Jason Hitchcock, Information Systems and Technology Management, USDA/ CSREES, STOP 2216, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–2216; Hand Delivery/Courier: Jason Hitchcock, Information Systems and Technology Management, USDA/CSREES, 800 9th Street, SW., Room 4217, Waterfront Centre, Washington, DC 20024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Hitchcock, (202) 720–4343. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:00 Jul 15, 2008 Jkt 214001 Title: Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. OMB Number: 0524–0044. Expiration Date of Current Approval: January 31, 2009. Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to revise and extend a currently approved information collection for three years. Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) CSREES Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a unique program that began in 1969 and is designed to reach limited resource audiences, especially youth and families with young children. Extension professionals train and supervise paraprofessionals and volunteers who teach food and nutrition information and skills to limited resource families and youth. EFNEP operates through the 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions in all 50 States and in American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Micronesia, the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. EFNEP is authorized under section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343 (d)) and section 1425 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175). The objectives of EFNEP are to assist limited resource families and youth in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and changed behaviors necessary to obtain nutritionally sound diets, and to contribute to their personal development and the nutritional wellbeing of the entire family. CSREES sponsors an integrated data collection process that is used at the county, State, and federal level. The current data collection system, the Nutrition Education Evaluation and Reporting System (NEERS), is an update to the OMB approved Evaluation and Reporting System (E/RS). NEERS has been developed to capture EFNEP impacts. Its purpose is to gauge if the federal assistance provided has had an impact on the target audience. It also enables CSREES staff to make programmatic improvements in delivering nutrition education. Further, the data collected provide information for program management decisions at the local level, and diagnostic assessments of participant needs. Specifications for this system were developed by a committee made up of PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 representatives from across the United States and are in compliance with Federal standards for maintaining, collecting, and presenting data on race and ethnicity and protecting personally identifiable information. NEERS stores information on: (1) Adult program participants, their family structure and their dietary practices; (2) youth group participants; and (3) staff. NEERS consists of separate software sub-systems for the county and State/ territory levels. County data are exported electronically to the State-level systems. University staff import county level data into the State/territory level system. The State/territory level data is used to generate State/territory level reports for stakeholders and to guide program management decisions. States also export State/territory level data electronically to the Federal-level system for State and national assessments of the program’s impact. One revision to the software is that NEERS will not have a formal system for data collection at the Federal level. Instead, the State-compiled data will be aggregated using statistical software and then, as before, will be used to create national reports which are made available to the public. Other revisions to the currently approved information collection include: Receiving latitude and longitude coordinates on people served, and Metropolitan Statistical Area and Congressional District information related to program participation. This feature can be used to illustrate program reach and impact in a targeted way. NEERS also includes a new foods database and revised client impact reports matching the USDA MyPyramid food groupings, quantities consumed, and physical activity measures of clients. This feature allows EFNEP data collection to be consistent with current Federal dietary recommendations. The evaluation processes of EFNEP remain consistent with the requirements of legislation and OMB requirements. The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) (Pub. L. 103–62) and the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (Pub. L. 105–185), together with OMB requirements, support the reporting requirements requested in this information collection. One of the five Presidential Management Agenda initiatives, Budget E:\FR\FM\16JYN1.SGM 16JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 16, 2008 / Notices mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES and Performance Integration, builds on GPRA and earlier efforts to identify program goals and performance measures and link them to the budget process. AREERA requires a performance evaluation to be conducted to determine whether federally funded agricultural research, extension, and education programs result in public goods that have national or multistate significance (7 U.S.C. 7671). Estimate of Burden: The respondents include the 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions in all 50 States and in American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Micronesia, the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The number of respondents has increased from 56 to 75 institutions (i.e. State/territory level responses annually), thus constituting a total annual estimated burden of 91,982 hours for this data collection process— for participant education and data entry, aggregation, and reporting. Updates to NEERS are still being implemented in some states in FY 08, so burden estimates reflect the previous version of the data collection system. Comments: 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 being collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Obtaining a Copy of the Information Collection: A copy of the information collection and related instructions may be obtained free of charge by contacting Jason Hitchcock by telephone, (202) 720–4343, or by e-mail, jhitchcock@csrees.usda.gov. Done in Washington, DC, this 10th day of July, 2008. Merle Pierson, Deputy Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics. [FR Doc. E8–16149 Filed 7–15–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–22–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:00 Jul 15, 2008 Jkt 214001 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary Notice of Appointment of Members to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Research, Education, and Economics, USDA. ACTION: Solicitation for membership. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., the United States Department of Agriculture announces solicitation for nominations to fill 6 vacancies on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. DATES: Deadline for Advisory Board member nominations is August 25, 2008. The nominee’s name, resume, and completed Form AD–755 must be sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Office, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 344– A, Whitten Building, Washington, DC 20250–2255. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Hunter, Executive Director, National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 344–A, Whitten Building, Washington, DC 20250–2255, telephone: 202–720–3684; fax: 202– 720–6199; e-mail: khunter@csrees.usda.gov. ADDRESSES: Section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) was amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2008 by deleting six members to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, to total 25 members. Since the inception of the Advisory Board by congressional legislation in 1996, each member has represented a specific category related to farming or ranching, food production and processing, forestry research, crop and animal science, landgrant institutions, non-land grant college or university with a historic commitment to research in the food and agricultural sciences, food retailing and marketing, rural economic development, and natural resource and consumer interest groups, among many others. The Board was first appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture in September SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40831 1996 and one-third of its members were appointed for a one-, two-, and threeyear terms, respectively. The terms for 6 members who represent specific categories will expire September 30, 2008. Nominations for a 3-year appointment for these 6 vacant categories are sought. All nominees will be carefully reviewed for their expertise, leadership, and relevance to a category. The 6 slots to be filled are: Category B. Farm Cooperatives Category D. Plant Commodity Producer Category G. National Aquaculture Association Category J. National Food Science Organization Category L. National Nutritional Science Society Category M. Land-Grant Colleges and Universities–1862 Nominations are being solicited from organizations, associations, societies, councils, federations, groups, and companies that represent a wide variety of food and agricultural interests throughout the country. Nominations for one individual who fits several of the categories listed above, or for more than one person who fits one category, will be accepted. In your nomination letter, please indicate the specific membership category for each nominee. Each nominee must fill out a form AD– 755, ‘‘Advisory Committee Membership Background Information’’ (which can be obtained from the contact person below or may be printed out from the following Web site: https:// www.nareeeab.ree.usda.gov and then searching for ‘‘AD–755’’). All nominees will be vetted before selection. Nominations are open to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical handicap, marital status, or sexual orientation. To ensure that recommendations of the Advisory Board take into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the Department, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Appointments to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board will be made by the Secretary of Agriculture. Done at Washington, DC, this 10th day of July 2008. Merle D. Pierson, Deputy Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics. [FR Doc. E8–16189 Filed 7–15–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P E:\FR\FM\16JYN1.SGM 16JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 16, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40830-40831]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-16149]


========================================================================
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. 137 / Wednesday, July 16, 2008 / 
Notices

[[Page 40830]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; 
Notice of Intent To Revise and Extend a Currently Approved Information 
Collection

AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 
USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
regulations (5 CFR Part 1320) that implement the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.), this notice announces the 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service's (CSREES) 
intention to request approval to revise and extend a currently approved 
information collection for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education 
Program (EFNEP).

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by September 
15, 2008 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that 
date will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: 
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments. E-mail: 
jhitchcock@csrees.usda.gov; Mail: Jason Hitchcock, Information Systems 
and Technology Management, USDA/CSREES, STOP 2216, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2216; Hand Delivery/Courier: Jason 
Hitchcock, Information Systems and Technology Management, USDA/CSREES, 
800 9th Street, SW., Room 4217, Waterfront Centre, Washington, DC 
20024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Hitchcock, (202) 720-4343.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
    OMB Number: 0524-0044.
    Expiration Date of Current Approval: January 31, 2009.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to revise and extend a 
currently approved information collection for three years.
    Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) CSREES 
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a unique 
program that began in 1969 and is designed to reach limited resource 
audiences, especially youth and families with young children. Extension 
professionals train and supervise paraprofessionals and volunteers who 
teach food and nutrition information and skills to limited resource 
families and youth. EFNEP operates through the 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant 
Institutions in all 50 States and in American Samoa, the District of 
Columbia, Guam, Micronesia, the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the 
U.S. Virgin Islands. EFNEP is authorized under section 3(d) of the 
Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343 (d)) and section 1425 of the National 
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
U.S.C. 3175).
    The objectives of EFNEP are to assist limited resource families and 
youth in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and changed 
behaviors necessary to obtain nutritionally sound diets, and to 
contribute to their personal development and the nutritional well-being 
of the entire family.
    CSREES sponsors an integrated data collection process that is used 
at the county, State, and federal level. The current data collection 
system, the Nutrition Education Evaluation and Reporting System 
(NEERS), is an update to the OMB approved Evaluation and Reporting 
System (E/RS). NEERS has been developed to capture EFNEP impacts. Its 
purpose is to gauge if the federal assistance provided has had an 
impact on the target audience. It also enables CSREES staff to make 
programmatic improvements in delivering nutrition education. Further, 
the data collected provide information for program management decisions 
at the local level, and diagnostic assessments of participant needs. 
Specifications for this system were developed by a committee made up of 
representatives from across the United States and are in compliance 
with Federal standards for maintaining, collecting, and presenting data 
on race and ethnicity and protecting personally identifiable 
information.
    NEERS stores information on: (1) Adult program participants, their 
family structure and their dietary practices; (2) youth group 
participants; and (3) staff. NEERS consists of separate software sub-
systems for the county and State/territory levels. County data are 
exported electronically to the State-level systems. University staff 
import county level data into the State/territory level system. The 
State/territory level data is used to generate State/territory level 
reports for stakeholders and to guide program management decisions. 
States also export State/territory level data electronically to the 
Federal-level system for State and national assessments of the 
program's impact. One revision to the software is that NEERS will not 
have a formal system for data collection at the Federal level. Instead, 
the State-compiled data will be aggregated using statistical software 
and then, as before, will be used to create national reports which are 
made available to the public.
    Other revisions to the currently approved information collection 
include: Receiving latitude and longitude coordinates on people served, 
and Metropolitan Statistical Area and Congressional District 
information related to program participation. This feature can be used 
to illustrate program reach and impact in a targeted way. NEERS also 
includes a new foods database and revised client impact reports 
matching the USDA MyPyramid food groupings, quantities consumed, and 
physical activity measures of clients. This feature allows EFNEP data 
collection to be consistent with current Federal dietary 
recommendations.
    The evaluation processes of EFNEP remain consistent with the 
requirements of legislation and OMB requirements. The Government 
Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) (Pub. L. 103-62) and the 
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 
(AREERA) (Pub. L. 105-185), together with OMB requirements, support the 
reporting requirements requested in this information collection. One of 
the five Presidential Management Agenda initiatives, Budget

[[Page 40831]]

and Performance Integration, builds on GPRA and earlier efforts to 
identify program goals and performance measures and link them to the 
budget process. AREERA requires a performance evaluation to be 
conducted to determine whether federally funded agricultural research, 
extension, and education programs result in public goods that have 
national or multistate significance (7 U.S.C. 7671).
    Estimate of Burden: The respondents include the 1862 and 1890 Land-
Grant Institutions in all 50 States and in American Samoa, the District 
of Columbia, Guam, Micronesia, the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and 
the U.S. Virgin Islands. The number of respondents has increased from 
56 to 75 institutions (i.e. State/territory level responses annually), 
thus constituting a total annual estimated burden of 91,982 hours for 
this data collection process--for participant education and data entry, 
aggregation, and reporting. Updates to NEERS are still being 
implemented in some states in FY 08, so burden estimates reflect the 
previous version of the data collection system.
    Comments: 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 being collected; 
and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.
    Obtaining a Copy of the Information Collection: A copy of the 
information collection and related instructions may be obtained free of 
charge by contacting Jason Hitchcock by telephone, (202) 720-4343, or 
by e-mail, jhitchcock@csrees.usda.gov.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 10th day of July, 2008.
Merle Pierson,
Deputy Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics.
[FR Doc. E8-16149 Filed 7-15-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.