Proposed Collection; Comment Request, 56226-56227 [2011-23209]

Download as PDF 56226 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2011 / Notices Module C3, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306–0149; telephone (304) 625–3518, facsimile (304) 625–5090. Dated: August 29, 2011. R. Scott Trent, CJIS Designated Federal Officer, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation. [FR Doc. 2011–23137 Filed 9–9–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–02–M DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Office of Justice Programs [OJP (OJP) Docket No. 1568] Meeting of the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Justice. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Gregory Joy, Policy Advisor, Bureau of Justice Assistance. This is an announcement of a meeting via conference call of the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board to vote of the position of Board Chairperson, review issues relevant to the nomination review process, discuss pending ceremonies and upcoming activities and other relevant Board issues related thereto. The meeting/ conference call date and time are listed below. DATES: September 29, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET ADDRESSES: This meeting/conference call will take place at the Office of Justice Programs, 810 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20531. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Joy, Policy Advisor, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, 810 7th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20531, by telephone at (202) 514–1369, toll free (866) 859– 2687, or by e-mail at gregory.joy@usdoj.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Review Board carries out those advisory functions specified in 42 U.S.C. 15202. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 15201, the President of the United States is authorized to award the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The primary purpose of this meeting/ conference call is to review and vote on recommendations for the 2010–2011 Medal of Valor nominations. This meeting/conference call is open to the public at the offices of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. For security purposes, members of the public who SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:36 Sep 09, 2011 Jkt 223001 wish to participate must register at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting/conference call by contacting Mr. Joy. All interested participants will be required to meet at the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs; 810 7th Street, NW., Washington, DC and will be required to sign in at the front desk. Note: Photo identification will be required for admission. Additional identification documents may be required. Access to the meeting/conference call will not be allowed without prior registration. Anyone requiring special accommodations should contact Mr. Joy at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting. Please submit any comments or written statements for consideration by the Review Board in writing at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting/conference call date. [FR Doc. 2011–23132 Filed 9–9–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–18–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Bureau of Labor Statistics Proposed Collection; Comment Request Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the ‘‘Cognitive and Psychological Research.’’ A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 section of this notice on or before November 14, 2011. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 4080, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20212. Written comments also may be transmitted by fax to 202–691–5111 (this is not a toll free number). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer, telephone number 202–691–7628 (this is not a toll free number). (See ADDRESSES section.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES I. Background The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Behavioral Science Research Laboratory (BSRL) conducts theoretical, applied, and evaluative research aimed at improving the quality of data collected and published by the Bureau. Since its creation in 1988, the BSRL has advanced the study of survey methods research, approaching issues of nonsampling error within a framework that draws heavily on the theories and methods of the cognitive, statistical, and social sciences. The BSRL research focuses primarily on the assessment of survey instrument design and survey administration, as well as on issues related to interviewer training, the interaction between interviewer and respondent in the interview process, and the usability of data-collection instruments by both interviewers and respondents. Improvements in these areas result in better accuracy and response rates of BLS surveys, frequently reduce costs in training and survey administration, and further ensure the effectiveness of the Bureau’s overall mission. II. Current Action Office of Management and Budget clearance is being sought for ‘‘Cognitive and Psychological Research.’’ The purpose of this request for clearance by the BSRL is to conduct cognitive and psychological research designed to enhance the quality of the Bureau’s data collection procedures and overall data management. The BLS is committed to producing the most accurate and complete data within the highest quality assurance guidelines. The BSRL was created to aid in this effort and over the past 20 years it has demonstrated the effectiveness and value of its approach. Over the next few years, demand for BSRL consultation is expected to remain high as approaches are explored and tested for dealing with increasing E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2011 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES nonresponse in key Bureau surveys. Moreover, as the use of Web-based surveys continues to grow, so too will the need for careful tests of instrument design and usability, human-computer interactions, and the impact of multiple modes on data quality. The BSRL is uniquely equipped with both the skills and facilities to accommodate these demands. The extension of the accompanying clearance package reflects an attempt to accommodate the increasing interest by BLS program offices and other agencies in the methods used, and the results obtained, by the BSRL. This package reflects planned research and development activities for FY2012 through FY2014, and its approval will enable the continued productivity of a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary program of behavioral science research to improve BLS survey methodology. III. Desired Focus of Comments The Bureau of Labor Statistics is particularly interested in comments that: • Evaluate 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. • Evaluate 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. • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. • 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, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Agency: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Title: Cognitive and Psychological Research. OMB Number: 1220–0141. Affected Public: Individuals and Households, Private Sector. Total Respondents: 1,200. Frequency: One time. Total Responses: 1,200. Average Time per Response: 60 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,200 hours. Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0. Total Burden Cost (operating/ maintenance): $0. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:36 Sep 09, 2011 Jkt 223001 Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they also will become a matter of public record. Signed at Washington, DC this 31st day of August 2011. Kimberley D. Hill, Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics. [FR Doc. 2011–23209 Filed 9–9–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–24–P OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET Office of Federal Procurement Policy Publication of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Policy Letter 11–01, Performance of Inherently Governmental and Critical Functions Office of Management and Budget, Office of Federal Procurement Policy. ACTION: Notice of final policy letter. AGENCY: The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is issuing a policy letter to provide to Executive Departments and agencies guidance on managing the performance of inherently governmental and critical functions. The guidance addresses direction to OMB in the Presidential Memorandum on Government Contracting, issued on March 4, 2009, to clarify when governmental outsourcing of services is, and is not, appropriate, consistent with section 321 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2009 (Pub. L. 110–417). Section 321 requires OMB to: (i) Create a single definition for the term ‘‘inherently governmental function’’ that addresses any deficiencies in the existing definitions and reasonably applies to all agencies; (ii) establish criteria to be used by agencies to identify ‘‘critical’’ functions and positions that should only be performed by Federal employees; and (iii) provide guidance to improve internal agency management of functions that are inherently governmental or critical. The Presidential Memorandum is available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/ the_press_office/Memorandum-for-theHeads-of-Executive-Departments-andAgencies-Subject-Government/. Section 321 may be found at https:// www.dod.gov/dodgc/olc/docs/ 2009NDAA_PL110–417.pdf. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56227 The effective date of OFPP Policy 11–01 is October 12, 2011. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mathew Blum, OFPP, (202) 395–4953 or mblum@omb.eop.gov, or Jennifer Swartz, OFPP, (202) 395–6811 or jswartz@omb.eop.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Overview OFPP is issuing a policy letter to provide guidance on managing the performance of inherently governmental and critical functions. The policy letter is intended to implement direction in the President’s March 4, 2009, Memorandum on Government Contracting that requires OMB to ‘‘clarify when governmental outsourcing for services is and is not appropriate, consistent with section 321 of Public Law 110–417 (31 U.S.C. 501 note).’’ The policy letter: • Clarifies what functions are inherently governmental and must always be performed by Federal employees. The policy letter provides a single definition of ‘‘inherently governmental function’’ built around the well-established statutory definition in the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act (FAIR Act), Public Law 105– 270. The FAIR Act defines an activity as inherently governmental when it is so intimately related to the public interest as to mandate performance by Federal employees. The definition provided by this policy letter will replace existing definitions in regulation and policy, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The policy letter provides examples and tests to help agencies identify inherently governmental functions. • Explains what agencies must do when work is ‘‘closely associated’’ with inherently governmental functions. Specifically, when functions that generally are not considered to be inherently governmental approach being in that category because of the nature of the function and the risk that performance may impinge on Federal officials’ performance of an inherently governmental function, agencies must give special consideration to using Federal employees to perform these functions. If contractors are used to perform such work, agencies must give special management attention to contractors’ activities to guard against their expansion into inherently governmental functions. The policy letter includes examples to help agencies identify closely associated functions and a checklist of responsibilities that must be carried out E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 176 (Monday, September 12, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56226-56227]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-23209]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Bureau of Labor Statistics


Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to 
ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The 
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the 
proposed extension of the ``Cognitive and Psychological Research.'' A 
copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be 
obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES 
section of this notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this notice on or before November 14, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer, 
Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 4080, 
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20212. Written comments 
also may be transmitted by fax to 202-691-5111 (this is not a toll free 
number).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer, 
telephone number 202-691-7628 (this is not a toll free number). (See 
ADDRESSES section.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Behavioral Science Research 
Laboratory (BSRL) conducts theoretical, applied, and evaluative 
research aimed at improving the quality of data collected and published 
by the Bureau. Since its creation in 1988, the BSRL has advanced the 
study of survey methods research, approaching issues of non-sampling 
error within a framework that draws heavily on the theories and methods 
of the cognitive, statistical, and social sciences. The BSRL research 
focuses primarily on the assessment of survey instrument design and 
survey administration, as well as on issues related to interviewer 
training, the interaction between interviewer and respondent in the 
interview process, and the usability of data-collection instruments by 
both interviewers and respondents. Improvements in these areas result 
in better accuracy and response rates of BLS surveys, frequently reduce 
costs in training and survey administration, and further ensure the 
effectiveness of the Bureau's overall mission.

II. Current Action

    Office of Management and Budget clearance is being sought for 
``Cognitive and Psychological Research.'' The purpose of this request 
for clearance by the BSRL is to conduct cognitive and psychological 
research designed to enhance the quality of the Bureau's data 
collection procedures and overall data management. The BLS is committed 
to producing the most accurate and complete data within the highest 
quality assurance guidelines. The BSRL was created to aid in this 
effort and over the past 20 years it has demonstrated the effectiveness 
and value of its approach. Over the next few years, demand for BSRL 
consultation is expected to remain high as approaches are explored and 
tested for dealing with increasing

[[Page 56227]]

nonresponse in key Bureau surveys. Moreover, as the use of Web-based 
surveys continues to grow, so too will the need for careful tests of 
instrument design and usability, human-computer interactions, and the 
impact of multiple modes on data quality. The BSRL is uniquely equipped 
with both the skills and facilities to accommodate these demands.
    The extension of the accompanying clearance package reflects an 
attempt to accommodate the increasing interest by BLS program offices 
and other agencies in the methods used, and the results obtained, by 
the BSRL. This package reflects planned research and development 
activities for FY2012 through FY2014, and its approval will enable the 
continued productivity of a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary 
program of behavioral science research to improve BLS survey 
methodology.

III. Desired Focus of Comments

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics is particularly interested in 
comments that:
     Evaluate 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.
     Evaluate 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.
     Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected.
     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, e.g., permitting 
electronic submissions of responses.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Agency: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
    Title: Cognitive and Psychological Research.
    OMB Number: 1220-0141.
    Affected Public: Individuals and Households, Private Sector.
    Total Respondents: 1,200.
    Frequency: One time.
    Total Responses: 1,200.
    Average Time per Response: 60 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,200 hours.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they also will become a 
matter of public record.

    Signed at Washington, DC this 31st day of August 2011.
Kimberley D. Hill,
Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
[FR Doc. 2011-23209 Filed 9-9-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-24-P
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