Notice of Intent To Revise a Currently Approved Information Collection, 45205-45206 [E8-17648]

Download as PDF 45205 Notices Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 150 Monday, August 4, 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 a Currently Approved Information Collection Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR part 1320, this notice announces the intent of the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) to request approval for revision of the currently approved information collection for the CSREES application review process. DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by October 8, 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: Mail: Information Collection Officer, CSREES, USDA, STOP 2216, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–2216; Hand Delivery/Courier: 800 9th Street, SW., Waterfront Centre, Room 4217, Washington, DC 20024; Fax: 202–720– 0857; or e-mail: jhitchcock@csrees.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Hitchcock, jhitchcock@csrees.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: CSREES Application Review Process. OMB Number: 0524–0041. Expiration Date of Current Approval: 01/31/2009. Type of Request: Intent to seek approval for the revision of a currently VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:50 Aug 01, 2008 Jkt 214001 approved information collection for three years. Abstract: CSREES is responsible for performing a review of applications submitted to CSREES competitive award programs in accordance with section 103(a) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, 7 U.S.C. 7613(a). Reviews are undertaken to ensure that projects supported by CSREES are of high quality and are consistent with the goals and requirements of the funding program. Applications submitted to CSREES undergo a programmatic evaluation to determine worthiness of Federal support. The evaluations consist of a peer panel review and may also entail an assessment by Federal employees and ad hoc reviews. Need and Use of the Information: The CSREES Application Review Process is accomplished through the use of the CSREES Peer Review System (PRS), a Web-based system which allows reviewers and potential reviewers to update personal information and to complete and submit reviews electronically to CSREES. Given the highly technical nature of many of these applications, the quality of the peer review greatly depends on the appropriate matching of the subject matter of an application with the technical expertise of a potential reviewer. Information about potential panel and ad hoc reviewers is collected via an electronic questionnaire. New reviewers are prompted via an e-mail message to complete the questionnaire. The information from the completed questionnaire is loaded into a CSREES database system. The questionnaire collects basic biographical information including address, contact information, and professional expertise. If a reviewer’s information is already included in the database, then the questionnaire serves as a request for the potential reviewer to update her/his information. Information in the database system is then used to match applications with the most appropriate (potential) reviewers. When a reviewer is selected by CSREES and the reviewer agrees to perform a review, the application and associated materials are then made available to her/him. With respect to the application, a reviewer must assure PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 s/he: (1) Will comply with the CSREES Confidentiality Guidelines and (2) does not have a conflict of interest. Upon completion of a review, the reviewer completes various worksheets in PRS evaluating an application against established criterion providing comments as necessary. If appropriate, a peer panel is convened to review and discuss proposals and make funding recommendations. Information collected from the reviews and/or peer panel is used to determine whether an application is to be recommended for award. When CSREES has rendered a decision, copies of reviews (excluding the names of the reviewers) and summaries of review panel deliberations, if any, are provided to the submitting Project Director. The CSREES review process is recognized by the grantee and grantor community for its quality. Estimate of Burden: CSREES estimates that six hours are required to review an application on average. Applications receive an average of four written reviews. CSREES estimates that the potential reviewer questionnaire takes 10 minutes to complete. This estimate was based on feedback from a small sample of reviewers that participated in the completion of the reviewer questionnaire and the completion and submission of application reviews for the CSREES. 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 estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (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. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request to OMB for approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1 45206 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 150 / Monday, August 4, 2008 / Notices Done at Washington, DC, this 17th day of July, 2008. Gale Buchanan, Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics. [FR Doc. E8–17648 Filed 8–1–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–22–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Modification of Hoosier National Forest Boundary Forest Service, USDA. Notice of Modification of Hoosier National Forest Boundary. AGENCY: ACTION: Sec. 19; Secs. 27 to 30, inclusive; Sec. 31, N1⁄2, SE1⁄4, S1⁄2SW1⁄4; Secs. 32 to 34, inclusive; Sec. 35, W1⁄2. T. 2 N., R. 1 W., Sec. 2, W1⁄2; Secs. 3 to 10, inclusive; Sec. 11, W1⁄2; Secs. 14 to 18, inclusive. T. 2 N., R. 2 W., Sec. 1, E1⁄2, E1⁄2SW1⁄4, E1⁄2NW1⁄4; Sec. 12, E1⁄2, E1⁄2SW1⁄4, SW1⁄4SW1⁄4 , E1⁄2NW1⁄4; Sec. 13. The areas encompassed by this boundary modification in Orange County, Indiana, including both public and nonpublic lands, contain 16,723 acres. Boundary Retraction Pursuant to authority vested in me by section 11 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (36 Stat. 961), as amended, and section 17(a) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (90 Stat. 2961), the exterior boundary of the Hoosier National Forest is modified as described below, and all lands within these National Forest boundaries, as adjusted, that have been or hereafter are acquired by the United States for National Forest purposes, are hereby designated for administration as part of the Hoosier National Forest. This change in the exterior boundary of the Hoosier National Forest would allow for the acquisition and management of unique limestone karst features located in the Lost River karst system. The land area to be retracted from the Hoosier National Forest is near French Lick, in an area with no National Forest System lands and where future acquisition is not contemplated. DATES: This notice is effective August 4, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Louisa Herrera, Lands Staff, 202–205– 1255; 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Mailstop 1103, Washington, DC 20250– 1124. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The changes to the Hoosier National Forest boundary are: The boundary of the Hoosier National Forest is modified to retract the following described lands: Boundary Extension Secretarial Business Development Mission to Central America and the Dominican Republic September 28–October 4, 2008. SUMMARY: Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez will lead a senior-level business development trade mission to the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES SUMMARY: The boundary of the Hoosier National Forest is modified to include the following described lands: 2nd Principal Meridian Orange County, Indiana T. 3 N., R. 1 W., VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:50 Aug 01, 2008 Jkt 214001 2nd Principal Meridian Dubois County, Indiana T. 1 N., R. 3 W., Secs. 16 to 26, inclusive, and secs. 35 and 36, inclusive. T. 1 S., R. 3 W., Secs. 1 and 2, inclusive. The areas encompassed by this boundary modification in Dubois County, Indiana, are nonpublic lands, containing 9,600 acres. Orange County, Indiana T. 1 N., R. 2 W., Secs. 19 to 21, inclusive; Sec. 28, N1⁄2, N1⁄2SE1⁄4, SW1⁄4SE1⁄4 and SW1⁄4; Secs. 29 to 33, inclusive. T. 1 S., R. 2 W., Secs. 5 and 6, inclusive. The areas encompassed by this boundary modification in Orange County, Indiana, are nonpublic lands, containing 7,002 acres. Dated: July 28, 2008. Mark Rey, Under Secretary of Agriculture. [FR Doc. E8–17740 Filed 8–1–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Mission Statement Department of Commerce. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: Application Deadline Extended PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Costa Rica, September 28–October 4, 2008. The overall focus of the trip will be commercial opportunities for U.S. companies, including joint ventures and export opportunities. In each city (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Managua, Nicaragua and San Jose, Costa Rica) the participants will have a market briefing followed by two days of one-onone appointments with potential buyers/partners and meetings with highlevel government officials. The application deadline has been extended. Applications should be submitted to the Office of Business Liaison by August 7, 2008. Applications received after that date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. Contact: Office of Business Liaison; Room 5062; Department of Commerce; Washington, DC 20230; Tel: (202) 482– 1360; Fax: (202) 482–4054. DATES: Mission Description: Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez will lead a seniorlevel U.S. business delegation to Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua, during September 28– October 4, 2008, to promote U.S. exports and investment in the leading industry sectors in Central America and the Dominican Republic and highlight regional opportunities for U.S. businesses that have resulted from the Central America-Dominican RepublicUnited States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA–DR). The mission will focus on assisting U.S. companies doing business in Central America and the Dominican Republic to increase their current level of exports and business interests as well as help U.S. companies that are experienced exporters enter the Central American and Dominican Republic markets for the first time. The mission will help participating firms gain market information, make business and government contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects, towards the goal of helping U.S. firms increase their exports and business interests in Central America and the Dominican Republic. The mission will include business-to-business matchmaking appointments with local companies, as well as meetings with key government officials, industry and trade associations, and American and local chambers of commerce. The mission will additionally provide a platform to address policy and commercial issues— including transparency, rule of law, financial reform and intellectual property rights protection and enforcement—that U.S. companies face SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 150 (Monday, August 4, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45205-45206]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-17648]


========================================================================
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. 150 / Monday, August 4, 2008 / 
Notices

[[Page 45205]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Notice of Intent To Revise 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 Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR part 1320, 
this notice announces the intent of the Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) to request approval for 
revision of the currently approved information collection for the 
CSREES application review process.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by October 8, 
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:
    Mail: Information Collection Officer, CSREES, USDA, STOP 2216, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2216; Hand Delivery/
Courier: 800 9th Street, SW., Waterfront Centre, Room 4217, Washington, 
DC 20024; Fax: 202-720-0857; or e-mail: jhitchcock@csrees.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Hitchcock, 
jhitchcock@csrees.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: CSREES Application Review Process.
    OMB Number: 0524-0041.
    Expiration Date of Current Approval: 01/31/2009.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval for the revision of a 
currently approved information collection for three years.
    Abstract: CSREES is responsible for performing a review of 
applications submitted to CSREES competitive award programs in 
accordance with section 103(a) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Education Reform Act of 1998, 7 U.S.C. 7613(a). Reviews are 
undertaken to ensure that projects supported by CSREES are of high 
quality and are consistent with the goals and requirements of the 
funding program.
    Applications submitted to CSREES undergo a programmatic evaluation 
to determine worthiness of Federal support. The evaluations consist of 
a peer panel review and may also entail an assessment by Federal 
employees and ad hoc reviews.
    Need and Use of the Information: The CSREES Application Review 
Process is accomplished through the use of the CSREES Peer Review 
System (PRS), a Web-based system which allows reviewers and potential 
reviewers to update personal information and to complete and submit 
reviews electronically to CSREES.
    Given the highly technical nature of many of these applications, 
the quality of the peer review greatly depends on the appropriate 
matching of the subject matter of an application with the technical 
expertise of a potential reviewer.
    Information about potential panel and ad hoc reviewers is collected 
via an electronic questionnaire. New reviewers are prompted via an e-
mail message to complete the questionnaire. The information from the 
completed questionnaire is loaded into a CSREES database system. The 
questionnaire collects basic biographical information including 
address, contact information, and professional expertise. If a 
reviewer's information is already included in the database, then the 
questionnaire serves as a request for the potential reviewer to update 
her/his information. Information in the database system is then used to 
match applications with the most appropriate (potential) reviewers.
    When a reviewer is selected by CSREES and the reviewer agrees to 
perform a review, the application and associated materials are then 
made available to her/him. With respect to the application, a reviewer 
must assure s/he: (1) Will comply with the CSREES Confidentiality 
Guidelines and (2) does not have a conflict of interest. Upon 
completion of a review, the reviewer completes various worksheets in 
PRS evaluating an application against established criterion providing 
comments as necessary. If appropriate, a peer panel is convened to 
review and discuss proposals and make funding recommendations.
    Information collected from the reviews and/or peer panel is used to 
determine whether an application is to be recommended for award. When 
CSREES has rendered a decision, copies of reviews (excluding the names 
of the reviewers) and summaries of review panel deliberations, if any, 
are provided to the submitting Project Director.
    The CSREES review process is recognized by the grantee and grantor 
community for its quality.
    Estimate of Burden: CSREES estimates that six hours are required to 
review an application on average. Applications receive an average of 
four written reviews. CSREES estimates that the potential reviewer 
questionnaire takes 10 minutes to complete. This estimate was based on 
feedback from a small sample of reviewers that participated in the 
completion of the reviewer questionnaire and the completion and 
submission of application reviews for the CSREES.
    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 estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information; (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. All responses to 
this notice will be summarized and included in the request to OMB for 
approval. All comments will become a matter of public record.


[[Page 45206]]


    Done at Washington, DC, this 17th day of July, 2008.
Gale Buchanan,
Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics.
[FR Doc. E8-17648 Filed 8-1-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P
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