Notice of a Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection, 57141-57142 [E9-26620]

Download as PDF 57141 Notices Federal Register Vol. 74, No. 212 Wednesday, November 4, 2009 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 Foreign Agricultural Service Notice of a Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, this notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s intention to request a revision of a currently approved information collection in support of the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing program. DATES: Comments should be submitted no later than January 4, 2010. Additional Information and Comments: Contact Bettyann Gonzales, Dairy Import Specialist, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop 1021, Washington, DC 20250–1021, or by telephone at (202) 720–1344. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing Program. OMB Number: 0551–0001. Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2010. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The currently approved information collection supports the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota regulation (the Regulation) (7 CFR 6.20– 6.37) which governs the administration of the import licensing system applicable to most dairy products subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs). The TRQs were established in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) as a result of certain provisions in the Uruguay Round VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:29 Nov 03, 2009 Jkt 220001 Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103–465) that converted existing absolute quotas to TRQs. Imports of nearly all cheese made from cow’s milk (except soft-ripened cheese such as Brie) and certain noncheese dairy products (including butter and dried milk) are subject to TRQs and the Regulation. Licenses are issued each quota year to eligible applicants and are valid for 12 months (January 1 through December 31). Only licensees may enter specified quantities of the subject dairy articles at the applicable in-quota tariffrates. Importers who do not hold licenses may enter dairy articles only at the over-quota tariff-rates. Each quota year, all applicants must submit form FAS 923 (rev. 7–96). This form, available online, requires applicants to: (1) Certify they are either an importer, manufacturer, or exporter of certain dairy products; (2) certify they meet the eligibility requirements of § 6.23 of the Regulation; and (3) submit documentation required by § 6.23 and § 6.24 as proof of eligibility for import licenses. Applicants for non-historical licenses must also submit form FAS 923A (rev. 7–96) (cheese) and/or FAS 923B (rev. 7–96) (non-cheese dairy products). This form requires applicants to request licenses in descending order of preference for specific products and countries listed on the form. After licenses are issued, § 6.26 requires licensees to surrender by October 1 on form FAS 924A, License Surrender Form, any license amount that a licensee does not intend to enter that year. These amounts are reallocated, to the extent practicable, to existing licensees for the remainder of that year based on requests submitted on form FAS 924B, Application for Additional License Amounts. Form FAS 924A and 924B (one form) requires the licensee to complete a table listing the surrendered amount by license number, or listing the additional amounts requested by dairy article, supplying country and amount requested, in descending order of preference. The estimated total annual burden of 291 hours in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) inventory for the currently approved information collection will be increased by 168 hours to 459 hours. The public reporting burden for this collection of currently approved forms FAS 923, FAS 923A and 923B (one form) (rev. 7–96) is estimated to average 436 hours; and PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 FAS 924A and 924B (one form) is 23 hours. The estimated increase in burden hours is due to the increased number of applications. Estimate of burden: The average burden, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data needed, completing forms, and record keeping is estimated at .75 hour for form FAS 923, 923–A, 923–B (rev. 7–96) and .15 hour for form FAS 924A, 924B. Respondents: Importers and manufacturers of cheese and non-cheese dairy products, and exporters of noncheese dairy products. Estimated number of respondents: 550 for form FAS 923, 923A, 923B (rev. 7–96) and 150 for form FAS 924A, 924B (rev. 7–96). Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 459 hours. Requests for Comments: Send comments regarding (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; (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 automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Bettyann Gonzales, Dairy Import Specialist, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 1021, Washington, DC 20250–1021, or by telephone at (202) 720–1344, or by e-mail bettyann.gonzales@fas.usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require an alternative means for communication of information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments also will become a matter of public record. FAS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork Elimination E:\FR\FM\04NON1.SGM 04NON1 57142 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 4, 2009 / Notices Act (GPEA), which requires Government agencies, in general, to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible. Electronic submission of the information collection was implemented on September 2005 in compliance with the GPEA. Signed at Washington, DC, on October 26, 2009. Michael V. Michener, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service. [FR Doc. E9–26620 Filed 11–3–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–10–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request—Performance Reporting System, Management Evaluation mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), 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 this proposed information collection which concerns the Performance Reporting System for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This collection is a revision of a currently approved collection under OMB No. 0584–0010 which is due to expire March 31, 2010. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before January 4, 2010. 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 shall 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 that were 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 use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Harriet Kornegay, Senior Program Analyst, Program Design Branch, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:29 Nov 03, 2009 Jkt 220001 Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 814, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Harriet Kornegay at 703–305–2486 or via e-mail to harriet.kornegay@fns.usda.gov. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. https:// www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. 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, Room 814, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 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 Harriet Kornegay at 703–305–2501. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Performance Reporting System, Management Evaluation. OMB Number: 0584–0010. Expiration Date: March 31, 2010. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection. Abstract: The purpose of the Performance Reporting System (PRS) is to ensure that each State agency and project area is operating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in accordance with the requirements of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) (7 U.S.C. 2011, et seq.), as amended, and corresponding program regulations. Under Section 11 of the Act (7 U.S.C. 2020), State agencies must maintain necessary records to ascertain that SNAP is operating in compliance with the Act and regulations and must make these records available to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for inspection and audit. The only changes to the existing collection are to the burden amount which has been slightly adjusted to account for a correction to the number of respondents, and a refined assessment, based on past experience, to the number of responses. Despite these edits, the estimated total hours are very nearly the same. Management Evaluation (ME) Review Schedules—Unless the State receives approval for an alternative Management Evaluation review schedule, each State agency is required, under 7 CFR Part 275, to submit one review schedule every one, two, or three years, PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 depending on the project area make-up of the State. Data Analysis—Under 7 CFR Part 275, each State must establish a system for analysis and evaluation of all data available to the State. Data analysis and evaluation is an ongoing process that facilitates the development of effective and prompt corrective action. Corrective Action Plans—Under 7 CFR Part 275, State agencies must prepare a corrective action plan (CAP) addressing identified deficiencies. The State agencies must develop a system for monitoring and evaluating corrective action and submit CAP updates, as necessary. Affected Public: Respondent groups identified include SNAP State and local agencies. Estimated Number of Respondents: The total estimated number of respondents is 53. This includes 53 State agencies. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: Based on past experience FNS estimates that State agencies will submit one review schedule and ME review plan per year, and will conduct and document ME reviews for a total of 30 responses each. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 53 × 30 = 1,590. Estimated Time per Response: FNS estimates that it takes 4 hours to prepare a review schedule, and that each of the 53 State agencies will submit one review schedule per year resulting in a total burden of 212 hours (53 State agencies × 1 review schedule × 4 hours). FNS estimates that it takes on average approximately 80 hours to develop a comprehensive State review plan, resulting in a total of 4240 hours (80 hours × 53 State plans). FNS estimates that it takes an average of 340 hours to conduct a review. It is estimated that ME reviews are conducted for one-half of the total number of project areas (1,430) annually. FNS estimates that it takes approximately 487,820 hours annually to (340 hours × 1430 ME reviews). FNS also estimates that the time necessary for record keeping, that is, the time necessary to find and file a record in the conduct of an ME review, is based on 53 record keepers × approximately 30 hours (1590 hours). The total estimated annual reporting burden is as follows: Prepare Review Schedules 4 × 53 = 212 hours Prepare Review Plans 80 × 53 = 4,240 hours Conduct ME Reviews 340 × 1,430 = 486,200 hours Recordkeeping 30 × 53 = 1,590 hours Total Annual Reporting Burden = 492,242 hours E:\FR\FM\04NON1.SGM 04NON1

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[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 4, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57141-57142]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-26620]


========================================================================
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. 74, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 4, 2009 / 
Notices

[[Page 57141]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Foreign Agricultural Service


Notice of a Request for Revision of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, this notice 
announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture's intention to request a 
revision of a currently approved information collection in support of 
the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing program.

DATES: Comments should be submitted no later than January 4, 2010.
    Additional Information and Comments: Contact Bettyann Gonzales, 
Dairy Import Specialist, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Mail Stop 1021, Washington, DC 20250-1021, or by telephone at (202) 
720-1344.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Licensing Program.
    OMB Number: 0551-0001.
    Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2010.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The currently approved information collection supports 
the Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota regulation (the Regulation) (7 CFR 
6.20-6.37) which governs the administration of the import licensing 
system applicable to most dairy products subject to tariff-rate quotas 
(TRQs). The TRQs were established in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of 
the United States (HTS) as a result of certain provisions in the 
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465) that converted existing 
absolute quotas to TRQs. Imports of nearly all cheese made from cow's 
milk (except soft-ripened cheese such as Brie) and certain non-cheese 
dairy products (including butter and dried milk) are subject to TRQs 
and the Regulation. Licenses are issued each quota year to eligible 
applicants and are valid for 12 months (January 1 through December 31). 
Only licensees may enter specified quantities of the subject dairy 
articles at the applicable in-quota tariff-rates. Importers who do not 
hold licenses may enter dairy articles only at the over-quota tariff-
rates.
    Each quota year, all applicants must submit form FAS 923 (rev. 7-
96). This form, available online, requires applicants to: (1) Certify 
they are either an importer, manufacturer, or exporter of certain dairy 
products; (2) certify they meet the eligibility requirements of Sec.  
6.23 of the Regulation; and (3) submit documentation required by Sec.  
6.23 and Sec.  6.24 as proof of eligibility for import licenses. 
Applicants for non-historical licenses must also submit form FAS 923A 
(rev. 7-96) (cheese) and/or FAS 923B (rev. 7-96) (non-cheese dairy 
products). This form requires applicants to request licenses in 
descending order of preference for specific products and countries 
listed on the form.
    After licenses are issued, Sec.  6.26 requires licensees to 
surrender by October 1 on form FAS 924A, License Surrender Form, any 
license amount that a licensee does not intend to enter that year. 
These amounts are reallocated, to the extent practicable, to existing 
licensees for the remainder of that year based on requests submitted on 
form FAS 924B, Application for Additional License Amounts. Form FAS 
924A and 924B (one form) requires the licensee to complete a table 
listing the surrendered amount by license number, or listing the 
additional amounts requested by dairy article, supplying country and 
amount requested, in descending order of preference.
    The estimated total annual burden of 291 hours in the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) inventory for the currently approved 
information collection will be increased by 168 hours to 459 hours. The 
public reporting burden for this collection of currently approved forms 
FAS 923, FAS 923A and 923B (one form) (rev. 7-96) is estimated to 
average 436 hours; and FAS 924A and 924B (one form) is 23 hours. The 
estimated increase in burden hours is due to the increased number of 
applications.
    Estimate of burden: The average burden, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering data needed, completing forms, and 
record keeping is estimated at .75 hour for form FAS 923, 923-A, 923-B 
(rev. 7-96) and .15 hour for form FAS 924A, 924B.
    Respondents: Importers and manufacturers of cheese and non-cheese 
dairy products, and exporters of non-cheese dairy products.
    Estimated number of respondents: 550 for form FAS 923, 923A, 923B 
(rev. 7-96) and 150 for form FAS 924A, 924B (rev. 7-96).
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 459 hours.
    Requests for Comments: Send comments regarding (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; (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 automated, electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques, or other forms of information 
technology. Comments may be sent to Bettyann Gonzales, Dairy Import 
Specialist, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 
1021, Washington, DC 20250-1021, or by telephone at (202) 720-1344, or 
by e-mail bettyann.gonzales@fas.usda.gov.
    Persons with disabilities who require an alternative means for 
communication of information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) 
should contact USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). 
All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments also will become a matter of 
public record.
    FAS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork 
Elimination

[[Page 57142]]

Act (GPEA), which requires Government agencies, in general, to provide 
the public the option of submitting information or transacting business 
electronically to the maximum extent possible. Electronic submission of 
the information collection was implemented on September 2005 in 
compliance with the GPEA.

    Signed at Washington, DC, on October 26, 2009.
Michael V. Michener,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service.
 [FR Doc. E9-26620 Filed 11-3-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-P
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