Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; SABIT Program: Applications and Questionnaires, 29740-29741 [2014-11990]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• International Trade Administration

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 100 (Friday, May 23, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29740-29741]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-11990]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; SABIT Program: 
Applications and Questionnaires

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 22, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at JJessup@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Tracy M. Rollins, SABIT, (202) 482-0073, 
tracy.rollins@trade.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Program 
of the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration 
(ITA), is a key element in the U.S. Government's efforts to support the 
economic transition of Eurasia (the former Soviet Union) and to support 
economic growth in other regions of the world, including Pakistan and 
the Middle East, et al. SABIT develops and implements two to three week 
training programs for groups of up to 20 business and government 
professionals from Eurasia and other regions. These professionals meet 
with U.S. government agencies, non-governmental organizations and 
companies in order to learn about various business practices and 
principles. This unique private sector-U.S. Government partnership was 
created in order to tap into the U.S. private sector's expertise and to 
assist developing regions in their transition to market-based economies 
while simultaneously boosting trade between the United States and other 
countries. Participant applications are needed to enable SABIT to find 
the most qualified participants for the training programs. Participant 
exit questionnaires provide insight as to what the participants have 
learned, and they are used to improve the content and administration of 
future programs. Alumni success story reports track the success of the 
program as regards to business ties between the U.S. and the countries 
SABIT covers.
    The closing date for participant applications is based upon the 
starting date of the program and is published with the application, on 
the program's English-language Web site at www.trade.gov/sabit, and 
also on the Russian-language Web site at www.sabitprogram.org, if 
applicable. Pursuant to section 632(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 
1961, as amended, funding for the programs will be provided by the 
Agency for International Development (AID).
    The SABIT Program propose to revise the collection instruments. The 
instruments are very similar to those used by SABIT in past years. 
However, some wording has been changed to reflect the changing needs of 
SABIT over time. The changes are relatively minor and most of them are 
rephrasing of wording. Two questions have been added to the Participant 
Exit Questionnaire; and instructions for filling out the form, methods 
of submission, and the order of questions have been revised on the 
Participant Application. These revisions are not expected to increase 
the response time to complete the instruments.

II. Method of Collection

    Participant applications are available for download from the SABIT 
English and Russian language Web sites at www.trade.gov/sabit and 
www.sabitprogram.org. Applications may be sent to program candidates 
via email, facsimile, or mail upon request. Applications are collected 
primarily via email, but are also accepted by mail or fax. Participant 
exit questionnaires are given to program participants at the completion 
of programs in person on paper or by email and are collected in paper 
format or by email. Alumni success story reports are used internally by 
SABIT staff to record success information, but at times they may be 
sent to alumni to fill out and submit via email or fax.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0625-0225.
    Form Number(s): ITA-4143P-3.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (revision of a currently 
approved information collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals or households; Business or other for-
profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,000.
    Estimated Time per Response: Participant application, 3 hours; 
participant exit questionnaire, 1 hour; alumni success story report, 1 
hour.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,400.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $4,500 (mailed 
applications).

IV. Request for 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 shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) 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 respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

[[Page 29741]]

    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: May 20, 2014.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2014-11990 Filed 5-22-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-HE-P