Information Collection Activity; Comment Request, 66691-66692 [2014-26615]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 217 / Monday, November 10, 2014 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Michele L. Brooks, Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–1522. Telephone: (202) 690–1078, Fax: (202) 720–8435. Email: Michele.Brooks@ wdc.usda.gov. Title: 7 CFR 1726, Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures. OMB Control Number: 0572–0107. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection. Abstract: In order to facilitate the programmatic interest of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. (RE Act), and, in order to assure that loans made or guaranteed by RUS are adequately secured, RUS, as a secured lender, has established certain standards and specifications for materials, equipment, and construction of electric systems. The use of standard forms, construction contracts, and procurement procedures helps assure that appropriate standards and specification are maintained, that RUS’ loan security is not adversely affected, and the loan and loan guarantee funds are used effectively and for the intended purposes. The list of forms and corresponding purposes for this information collection are as follows: 1. RUS Form 168b, Contractor’s Bond This form is used to provide a surety bond for contracts on RUS Forms 200, 257, 786, 790, & 830. 2. RUS Form 168c, Contractor’s Bond (less than $1 million) This form is used to provide a surety bond in lieu of RUS Form 168b, when contractor’s surety has accepted a small business administration guarantee. 3. RUS Form 187, Certificate of Completion— Contract Construction This form is used for the closeout of RUS Forms 200, 257, 786, and 830. 4. RUS Form 198, Equipment Contract This form is used for equipment purchases. 5. RUS Form 200, Construction Contract— Generating This form is used for generating plant construction or for the furnishing and installation of major items of equipment. 6. RUS Form 213, Certificate (‘‘Buy American’’) This form is used to document compliance with the ‘‘Buy American’’ requirement. 7. RUS Form 224, Waiver and Release of Lien This form is used by subcontractors to provide a release of lien in connection with the closeout of RUS Forms 198, 200, 257, 786, 790, and 830. 8. RUS Form 231, Certificate of Contractor VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:25 Nov 07, 2014 Jkt 235001 This form is used for the closeout of RUS Forms 198, 200, 257, 786, and 830. 9. RUS Form 238, Construction or Equipment Contract Amendment This form is used to amend contracts except for distribution line construction contracts. 10. RUS Form 254, Construction Inventory This form is used to document the final construction in connection with the closeout of RUS Form 830. 11. RUS Form 257, Contract to Construct Buildings This form is used to construct headquarter buildings, generating plant buildings and other structure construction. 12. RUS Form 307, Bid Bond This form is used to provide a bid bond in RUS Forms 200, 257, 786, 790 and 830. 13. RUS Form 786, Electric System Communications and Control Equipment Contract This form is used for delivery and installation of equipment for system communications. 14. RUS Form 790, Electric System Construction Contract Non-Site Specific Construction (Notice and Instructions to Bidders) This form is used for limited distribution construction accounted for under work order procedure. 15. RUS Form 792b, Certificate of Contractor and Indemnity Agreement (Line Extensions) This form is used in the closeout of RUS Form 790. 16. RUS Form 830, Electric System Construction Contract (labor & material) This form is used for distribution and/or transmission project construction. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.5 minutes per response. Respondents: Businesses or other for profits; Not-for-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,210. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 4. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 104 hours. Copies of this information collection, and related forms and instructions, can be obtained from Rebecca Hunt, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, at (202) 205–3660. 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. Dated: November 3, 2014. Jasper Schneider, Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2014–26617 Filed 11–7–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66691 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Information Collection Activity; Comment Request Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S. C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites comments on this information collection for which approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 9, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Brooks, Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, USDA—Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., STOP 1522, Room 5818 South Building, Washington, DC 20250–1522. Telephone: (202) 690–1078. Fax: (202) 720–3485. Email: Michele.Brooks@ wdc.usda.gov SUMMARY: The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) regulation (5 CFR part 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 will be submitted to OMB for approval. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether this 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 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 respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Michele Brooks, Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, USDA—Rural Utilities Service, STOP 1522, 1400 Independence SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\10NON1.SGM 10NON1 asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 66692 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 217 / Monday, November 10, 2014 / Notices Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250–1522. Fax: (202) 720–3485. Title: 7 CFR Part 1724, Electric Engineering, Architectural Services and Design Policies and Procedures. OMB Control Number: 0572–0118. Type of Request: Extension of a previously approved collection. Abstract: The Agency requires borrowers to use standard contract forms under certain circumstances. The use of standard forms helps assure the Agency that: • Appropriate standards and specifications are maintained; • The Agency’s loan security is not adversely affected; and • Loan and loan guarantee funds are used effectively and for the intended purpose. Standardization of forms by the Agency results in substantial savings to: • Borrowers—If standard forms were not used, borrowers would need to prepare their own documents at significant expense; and • Government—If standard forms were not used, each document submitted by a borrower would require extensive and costly review by both the Agency and the Office of General Counsel. The contract forms included in this collection of information are RUS Form 211, ‘‘Engineering Service Contract for the Design and Construction of a Generating Plant,’’ RUS Form 220, ‘‘Architectural Services Contract,’’ and RUS Form 236, Engineering Service Contract, ‘‘Electric System Design and Construction.’’ Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.07 hours per response. Respondents: Businesses, not-forprofit institutions and others. Estimated Number of Respondents: 59. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 63 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Matthew Mullen, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, at (202) 720–1255. Fax: (202) 720–3485. 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. Dated: November 4, 2014. Jasper Schneider, Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2014–26615 Filed 11–7–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:25 Nov 07, 2014 Jkt 235001 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Project Financing Loans, Grants, and Loan Guarantees Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Request for Information and Notice of Listening Session. AGENCY: ACTION: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) seeks public comments on implementing the provisions of Section 6019 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) relating to water and waste disposal direct and guaranteed loans. RUS is requesting written comments regarding the Section 6019 provisions and their relation to project financing requirements. This public input will allow all affected stakeholders to contribute to the development of agency procedures for implementing these provisions that will continue to support the agency’s mission of facilitating the development of affordable, reliable utility infrastructure to improve the quality of life and promote economic development in rural America. As part of our implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill, RUS will be hosting a listening session. The listening session will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and other interested parties to offer their comments, concerns or requests regarding the implementation of these provisions. Instructions regarding registering for and attending the listening session are in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION of this notice. DATES: Written Comments: Interested parties must submit written comments on or before January 9, 2015. Listening Session: The listening session will be on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, and will begin at 1:00 p.m. and is scheduled to end by 3:00 p.m. All Participants must register by Monday, December 8, 2014. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for additional guidance and information on the listening session. ADDRESSES: Submit comments in either paper or electronic format by the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow instructions for submitting comments. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send your comment addressed to Michele Brooks, Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, USDA Rural Development, 1400 Independence Avenue, STOP 1522, Room 5159, Washington, DC 20250– 1522. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Listening Session: The listening session will be held in Room 5141–S of the South Agriculture Building at 14th and Independence Avenue SW., Wing 1, Washington, DC 20250. We invite you to participate in the listening session. The listening session is open to all members of the public who register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela Bennett, USDA—Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 1570, Washington, DC 20250– 1570, telephone (202) 720–9639 or email to WEPFarmBill@wdc.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background RUS provides long term financing to rural communities for the development of water and waste disposal infrastructure under the Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) program. The WWD program is authorized under Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 7 U.S.C. 1926 et seq. (CONACT), to provide financing in the form of loans, grants, and loan guarantees to eligible applicants, including cities, towns, and unincorporated areas with no more than 10,000 inhabitants. This financial assistance is intended to reach communities in greatest need and to provide reasonable user costs for rural residents, businesses and other rural users. Section 6019 of the 2014 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 113–79) amended Section 333 of the CONACT to require RUS to encourage, to the maximum extent practicable, private or cooperative lenders to finance rural water and waste disposal facilities. The section directs the agency to achieve this requirement through the following five provisions: (A) Maximizing the use of loan guarantees to finance eligible projects in rural communities in which the population exceeds 5,500; (B) maximizing the use of direct loans to finance eligible projects if there is a material impact on the rate payers when compared to a loan guarantee; (C) establishing and applying a ‘‘materiality standard’’ to determine when to maximize direct loans as directed in (B); (D) requiring projects that require interim financing in excess of $500,000 to initially seek financing from private or cooperative lenders; and (E) determining if an existing direct loan borrower can refinance with a private or cooperative lender prior to RUS providing a new direct loan. RUS regulations for Water and Waste Disposal Programs guaranteed loans, direct loans and loan servicing are found in 7 CFR Parts 1779, 1780, and E:\FR\FM\10NON1.SGM 10NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 217 (Monday, November 10, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66691-66692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-26615]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S. C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service, an agency 
of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites comments 
on this information collection for which approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 9, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Brooks, Director, Program 
Development and Regulatory Analysis, USDA--Rural Utilities Service, 
1400 Independence Ave. SW., STOP 1522, Room 5818 South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250-1522. Telephone: (202) 690-1078. Fax: (202) 720-
3485. Email: Michele.Brooks@wdc.usda.gov

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) 
regulation (5 CFR part 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 will 
be submitted to OMB for approval.
    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether this 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 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 respond, including through the 
use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical or other 
technological collection techniques, or other forms of information 
technology. Comments may be sent to Michele Brooks, Director, Program 
Development and Regulatory Analysis, USDA--Rural Utilities Service, 
STOP 1522, 1400 Independence

[[Page 66692]]

Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-1522. Fax: (202) 720-3485.
    Title: 7 CFR Part 1724, Electric Engineering, Architectural 
Services and Design Policies and Procedures.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0118.
    Type of Request: Extension of a previously approved collection.
    Abstract: The Agency requires borrowers to use standard contract 
forms under certain circumstances. The use of standard forms helps 
assure the Agency that:
     Appropriate standards and specifications are maintained;
     The Agency's loan security is not adversely affected; and
     Loan and loan guarantee funds are used effectively and for 
the intended purpose.
    Standardization of forms by the Agency results in substantial 
savings to:
     Borrowers--If standard forms were not used, borrowers 
would need to prepare their own documents at significant expense; and
     Government--If standard forms were not used, each document 
submitted by a borrower would require extensive and costly review by 
both the Agency and the Office of General Counsel.
    The contract forms included in this collection of information are 
RUS Form 211, ``Engineering Service Contract for the Design and 
Construction of a Generating Plant,'' RUS Form 220, ``Architectural 
Services Contract,'' and RUS Form 236, Engineering Service Contract, 
``Electric System Design and Construction.''
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 1.07 hours per response.
    Respondents: Businesses, not-for-profit institutions and others.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 59.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 63 hours.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Matthew 
Mullen, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, at (202) 720-1255.
    Fax: (202) 720-3485.
    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.

    Dated: November 4, 2014.
Jasper Schneider,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-26615 Filed 11-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P

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