Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: State Issuance and Participation Estimates-Form FNS-388, 62556-62558 [E9-28475]

Download as PDF 62556 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 228 / Monday, November 30, 2009 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Information Collection; Operating Plans Forest Service, USDA. Notice, request for comment. AGENCY: WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the extension with no revision of a currently approved information collection, Operating Plans. DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before January 29, 2010 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Lathrop Smith, Forest Management, Mail Stop 1103, Forest Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250–1103. Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to 202–205–1045 or by e-mail to ContractPlans@fs.fed.us. The public may inspect comments received at the Office of the Director, Forest Management Staff, Forest Service, USDA, Room 3NW, Yates Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC, during normal business hours. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 202–205–1496 to facilitate entry to the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lathrop Smith, Forest Management, 202–205–0858. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Operating Plans. OMB Number: 0596–0086. Expiration Date of Approval: April 30, 2010. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection. Abstract: The National Forest Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 472a(14)(c) (Act), requires timber sale operating plans on timber sales that exceed 2 years in length. Operating plans are collected within 60 days of award of a timber sale contract and annually thereafter until contract is complete. Contracts less than 2 years in length require an annual plan. Each FS–2400– 3P, FS–2400–3S, FS–2400–3T, FS– 2400–6, FS–2400–6T, timber sale contract, and FS–2400–13 and FS– 2400–13T Integrated Resource contract VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:58 Nov 27, 2009 Jkt 220001 lists the information requirements for the subject contract. The information collection under each contract varies depending on the size, scope, and length of the contract. The collection generally includes descriptions showing planned road maintenance and construction methods, timber harvesting, stewardship work (Integrated Resource Contracts only), slash disposal, and erosion control measures. Plans may also be required to address measures contractors will use to protect public safety in work areas; measures to prevent and control fires; and methods to prevent and control spills of petroleum products. Contracting officers collect this information from contractors. Information required by a timber sale contract may be submitted in a variety of formats including forms developed by individual contractors, charts, letters, or optional Forest Service form FS–2400– 67. Contractors may submit the information by electronic mail, facsimile, or via conventional mail. The information is needed by the Agency for a variety of uses associated with the administration of Timber Sale and Integrated Resource contracts including the following: (1) Planning and scheduling contract administration workloads, (2) planning and scheduling the delivery of government furnished materials needed by contractors, (3) assuring safety of public in vicinity of contract work, (4) identifying contractor resources that may be used in emergency fire fighting situations, and (5) determining contractor eligibility for additional contract time. Without accurate plans showing when and how a contractor intends to operate, the Forest Service would be hindered in fulfilling its contractual obligations to cooperate with and not encumber the performance of contractors. This could lead to serious problems including disputes, claims, and possible default. Without this information, the Forest Service may be unable to determine if a contractor is eligible for additional contract time to complete a project. Estimate of Annual Burden: 1.6 hours per response. Type of Respondents: Contractors of Timber Sale and/or Integrated Resource contracts. Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 2,500. Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 3.8. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 15,200 hours. Comment is invited on: (1) Whether this collection of information is necessary for the stated purposes and the proper performance of the functions PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical or scientific utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. Comments will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. Dated: November 20, 2009. Gloria Manning, Associate Deputy Chief, NFS. [FR Doc. E9–28451 Filed 11–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: State Issuance and Participation Estimates— Form FNS–388 AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is publishing for public comment a summary of a proposed information collection. The proposed collection is a revision of a collection currently approved under OMB No. 0584–0081 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly the Food Stamp Program) for the form FNS–388, State Issuance and Participation Estimates. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 29, 2010 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 shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 62557 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 228 / Monday, November 30, 2009 / Notices 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 use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Jane Duffield, Chief, State Administration Branch, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 818, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Ms. Duffield at 703–605–0795 or via e-mail to PADMAILBOX@fns.usda.gov. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to 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 818, 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 become a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to Jane Duffield at (703) 605–4385. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Form FNS–388, State Issuance and Participation Estimates. OMB Number: 0584–0081. Expiration Date: 4/30/2010. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: Section 18(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, (the Act) 7 U.S.C. 2027(b), limits the value of allotments paid to SNAP households to an amount not in excess of the appropriation for the fiscal year. If allotments in any fiscal year would exceed the appropriation, the Secretary of Agriculture is required to direct State agencies to reduce the value of SNAP allotments to the extent necessary to stay within appropriated funding limits. Timely State monthly issuance estimates are necessary for FNS to ensure that it remains within the appropriation. The estimates will also have a direct effect upon the manner in which allotments would be reduced if necessary. While benefit reductions have never been ordered in the past under Section 18(b), nor are they anticipated based on current data, the Department must continue to monitor actual program costs against the appropriation. Section 11(e)(12) of the Act, 7 U.S.C. 2020 (e)(12), requires that the State Plan of Operations provide for the submission of reports required by the Secretary of Agriculture. State agencies are required to report on a monthly basis on the FNS–388, State Issuance and Participation Estimates, estimated or actual issuance and participation data for the current month and previous month, and actual participation data for the second preceding month. The FNS– 388 report provides the necessary data for an early warning system to enable the Department to monitor actual and estimated costs for all forms of issuance against the appropriation. State agencies in general only submit one Statewide FNS–388 per month which covers benefits from their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system. The exception is that State agencies which choose to operate an approved alternative issuance demonstration project such as a cash-out system submit a separate report for each additional type of issuance system. In addition, State agencies are required to submit a project area breakdown on the FNS–388 of issuance and participation data twice a year. The project area breakdown attached to the Number of respondents Frequency of response FNS–388 twice a year is known as the FNS–388A. This data is useful in identifying project areas that operate fraud detection units in accordance with the Act. FNS carefully considered the Account Management Agent (AMA) issuance data and whether it could be used for the FNS–388 system. However, AMA data does not include participation data, cash-out benefit data, or other alternative issuance data. Under current reporting, AMA would not be able to mirror our more comprehensive FNS– 388 system. Moving the data would require modifications to several FNS systems that currently report, use, and analyze the FNS–388 data. After careful consideration, EBT issuance and participation estimates will continue on the FNS–388. As of August 2009, 96 percent of the total responses submitted the FNS–388 data electronically and 4 percent submitted paper reports. As of January 2009, the last report month for which the FNS–388A was submitted, 92 percent of the total response submitted FNS–388A data electronically and 8 percent submitted paper reports. Affected Public: State agencies that administer SNAP. Estimated Number of Respondents: 53. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 13.81. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 732. Estimated Hours per Response: 7.14. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The annual reporting and recordkeeping burden for OMB No. 0584–0081 is estimated to be 5,226 hours. This burden is unchanged. SNAP has 53 State agencies that administer SNAP and are respondents as mentioned above. But some State agencies administer more than one issuance system and thus respond more than once so we have 61 who respond for SNAP in total as shown below to show the total annual responses and total burden. Time per response (hrs) Total annual responses WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with NOTICES Affected public Forms State Agencies ...................................... FNS–388 .......... FNS–388A ........ 61 61 10 2 610 122 5.6 14.83 Total Burden Estimates ................. ........................... 61 ........................ 732 ........................ VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:58 Nov 27, 2009 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 Annual burden hours 3,416.00 1,809.7 5,225.7 62558 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 228 / Monday, November 30, 2009 / Notices Dated: November 17, 2009. Julie Paradis, Administrator. [FR Doc. E9–28475 Filed 11–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Information Collection Activity; Comment Request Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 29, 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Brooks, Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1522, Room 5170 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 1320) implementing 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 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 VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:58 Nov 27, 2009 Jkt 220001 techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Richard C. Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5170, STOP 1522, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250–1522. FAX: (202) 720–4120. Title: Wholesale Contracts for the Purchase and Sale of Electric Power. OMB Control Number: 0572–0089. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: Most RUS financed electric systems are cooperatives and are organized in a two-tiered structure. Retail customers are members of the distribution system that brings electricity to their homes and business. Distribution cooperatives, in turn, are members of power supply cooperatives, also known as generation and transmission cooperatives (G&T’s) that generate or purchase power and transmit the power to the distribution systems. For a distribution system a lien on the borrower’s assets generally represents adequate security. However, since most G&T revenues flow from its distribution members, RUS requires, as a condition of a loan or loan guarantee to a G&T that long-term requirements wholesale power contract to purchase their power from the G&T at rates that cover all the G&T’s expenses, including debt service and margins. RUS Form 444 is the standard form of the wholesale power contract. Most borrowers adapt this form to meet their specific needs. The contract is prepared and executed by the G&T and each member and by RUS. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 6 hours per response. Respondents: Small business or other for-profit; not-for-profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 102. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 612 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from MaryPat Daskal, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, at (202) 720–7853; FAX: (202) 720–7853. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: November 23, 2009. Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. E9–28476 Filed 11–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Foreign Agricultural Service Notice of 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 of 1995, this notice announces that the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) intends to request a revision to a currently approved information collection procedure for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program as described in 7 CFR part 1580. DATES: Comments should be received on or before January 29, 2010 to be assured consideration. ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver comments to the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Staff, Import Policies and Export Reporting Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 1021, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250– 1021, or telephone at (202) 720–0638. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Staff, at the address above, or telephone at (202) 720–0638, or e-mail at tradeadjustment@fas.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers. OMB Number: 0551–0040. Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 2010. Type of Request: Revision to currently approved information collection. Abstract: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 reauthorizes and modifies the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Farmers program as established by Subtitle C of Title I of the Trade Act of 2002, which amended the Trade Act of 1974. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides technical assistance and cash benefits to eligible producers of raw agricultural commodities and fishermen when the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator determines that increased imports of raw agricultural E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 228 (Monday, November 30, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62556-62558]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28475]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: State
Issuance and Participation Estimates--Form FNS-388

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is publishing for public comment a
summary of a proposed information collection. The proposed collection
is a revision of a collection currently approved under OMB No. 0584-
0081 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly
the Food Stamp Program) for the form FNS-388, State Issuance and
Participation Estimates.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 29, 2010 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 shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection

[[Page 62557]]

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
use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
Comments may be sent to Jane Duffield, Chief, State Administration
Branch, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Food and Nutrition
Service, USDA, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 818, Alexandria, VA 22302.
Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Ms. Duffield
at 703-605-0795 or via e-mail to PADMAILBOX@fns.usda.gov. Comments will
also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to 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 818, 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
become a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of this information collection should be directed to Jane
Duffield at (703) 605-4385.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Form FNS-388, State Issuance and Participation Estimates.
OMB Number: 0584-0081.
Expiration Date: 4/30/2010.
Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information
collection.
Abstract: Section 18(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, (the
Act) 7 U.S.C. 2027(b), limits the value of allotments paid to SNAP
households to an amount not in excess of the appropriation for the
fiscal year. If allotments in any fiscal year would exceed the
appropriation, the Secretary of Agriculture is required to direct State
agencies to reduce the value of SNAP allotments to the extent necessary
to stay within appropriated funding limits. Timely State monthly
issuance estimates are necessary for FNS to ensure that it remains
within the appropriation. The estimates will also have a direct effect
upon the manner in which allotments would be reduced if necessary.
While benefit reductions have never been ordered in the past under
Section 18(b), nor are they anticipated based on current data, the
Department must continue to monitor actual program costs against the
appropriation.
Section 11(e)(12) of the Act, 7 U.S.C. 2020 (e)(12), requires that
the State Plan of Operations provide for the submission of reports
required by the Secretary of Agriculture. State agencies are required
to report on a monthly basis on the FNS-388, State Issuance and
Participation Estimates, estimated or actual issuance and participation
data for the current month and previous month, and actual participation
data for the second preceding month. The FNS-388 report provides the
necessary data for an early warning system to enable the Department to
monitor actual and estimated costs for all forms of issuance against
the appropriation.
State agencies in general only submit one Statewide FNS-388 per
month which covers benefits from their electronic benefit transfer
(EBT) system. The exception is that State agencies which choose to
operate an approved alternative issuance demonstration project such as
a cash-out system submit a separate report for each additional type of
issuance system.
In addition, State agencies are required to submit a project area
breakdown on the FNS-388 of issuance and participation data twice a
year. The project area breakdown attached to the FNS-388 twice a year
is known as the FNS-388A. This data is useful in identifying project
areas that operate fraud detection units in accordance with the Act.
FNS carefully considered the Account Management Agent (AMA)
issuance data and whether it could be used for the FNS-388 system.
However, AMA data does not include participation data, cash-out benefit
data, or other alternative issuance data. Under current reporting, AMA
would not be able to mirror our more comprehensive FNS-388 system.
Moving the data would require modifications to several FNS systems that
currently report, use, and analyze the FNS-388 data. After careful
consideration, EBT issuance and participation estimates will continue
on the FNS-388.
As of August 2009, 96 percent of the total responses submitted the
FNS-388 data electronically and 4 percent submitted paper reports. As
of January 2009, the last report month for which the FNS-388A was
submitted, 92 percent of the total response submitted FNS-388A data
electronically and 8 percent submitted paper reports.
Affected Public: State agencies that administer SNAP.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 53.
Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 13.81.
Estimated Total Annual Responses: 732.
Estimated Hours per Response: 7.14.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The annual reporting
and recordkeeping burden for OMB No. 0584-0081 is estimated to be 5,226
hours. This burden is unchanged.
SNAP has 53 State agencies that administer SNAP and are respondents
as mentioned above. But some State agencies administer more than one
issuance system and thus respond more than once so we have 61 who
respond for SNAP in total as shown below to show the total annual
responses and total burden.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Time per
Affected public Forms Number of Frequency of Total annual response Annual burden
respondents response responses (hrs) hours
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FNS-388........................ 61 10 610 5.6 3,416.00
State Agencies......................... FNS-388A....................... 61 2 122 14.83 1,809.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Burden Estimates............. ............................... 61 .............. 732 .............. 5,225.7
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[[Page 62558]]

Dated: November 17, 2009.
Julie Paradis,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9-28475 Filed 11-27-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

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