Fast Track Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery, 70077-70078 [2015-28716]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Notices Number of potential suppliers Component 70077 FRA findings mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Æ FRA finds that the time to design, test, and manufacture a HSR brake system precludes this manufacturer from delivering the system in a reasonable time. On November 20, 2014, FRA published on its Web site public notice of Amtrak’s waiver request. FRA received thirteen (13) online comments to this notice. Only one of the commenters identified a domestic source for any of the Components. The commenter asserted that the potential supplier identified in the table above is a major domestic brake system supplier and is capable of providing the brake systems. However, as described above, FRA has determined that brake systems are not domestically available for HSR trainsets nor can the one potential supplier deliver a brake system within a reasonable time. Of the thirteen (13) comments, ten (10) commenters were in favor of granting the waiver and three were against granting the waiver. Several of the ten (10) commenters in favor of granting the waiver cited safety as their reason. Many commenters also asserted that granting the waiver would be necessary to establish HSR in the United States and would lay a foundation for future domestic HSR manufacturing. The three commenters opposing the waiver argued that granting a waiver will lead to more waivers and that manufacturers could produce the HSR trainset components in the United States. Though domestic production of the HSR trainset components for which a waiver has been requested is theoretically possible, FRA believes significant safety, capacity, and technology transfer problems would result. Moreover, the delays to overcome these issues would negatively impact the schedules proposed by Amtrak. FRA believes a waiver is appropriate because the Components are not manufactured in the United States and because domestically-produced Components meeting the specific safety/ service-proven, technical, design, and schedule needs of Amtrak cannot be delivered within a reasonable time. FRA bases its determination on the following: • All of Amtrak’s bidders independently indicated in their responses to Amtrak’s Request for Proposal that the Components, other than vehicle paint, could not be sourced domestically. As noted above, the paint may be able to be manufactured domestically but cannot be produced VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:15 Nov 10, 2015 Jkt 238001 and exported in time to for use on the car shell components. • The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST–MEP) did not identify any domestic manufacturer currently producing the Components. • Amtrak conducted extensive outreach with manufacturers NIST–MEP identified as potential future manufacturers for the non-available components. FRA agrees with Amtrak’s assertion that even if any of the identified manufacturers would attempt to produce the Components domestically, the Components could not be bought or produced in the United States within a reasonable time. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 24405(a)(4), FRA is publishing notice of its decision to grant Amtrak’s waiver request in the Federal Register to provide notice of such finding and an opportunity for public comment after which this waiver will become effective. This waiver applies only to the HSR trainset Components, including spares, for Amtrak’s HSR trainset procurement as identified in its November 3, 2014 waiver request. Moreover, excluding assembly of prototype trainsets, which have been addressed in a separate waiver, the trainsets must be finally assembled in the United States, and all other components that are not described in this waiver must have been produced in the United States or be the subject of a future waiver. Questions about this letter can be directed to, John Johnson, AttorneyAdvisor, at john.johnson@dot.gov or 202–493–0078. Sincerely, Sarah Feinberg Administrator Sarah L. Inderbitzin, Acting Chief Counsel. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary [Docket No. DOT–OST–2015–0194] Fast Track Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery Office of the Secretary (OST), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of the Secretary (OST) announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval and invites public comment. Executive Order 12862 directs Federal agencies to provide service to the public that matches or exceeds the best service available in the private sector. In order to work continuously to ensure that our programs are effective and meet our customers’ needs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks to obtain OMB approval of a generic clearance to collect feedback on our service delivery. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 11, 2016. ADDRESSES: Your comments should be identified by Docket No. DOT–OST– 2015–0194 and may be submitted through one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Room W12– 140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. All written comments will be available for public inspection on Regulations.gov. SUMMARY: [FR Doc. 2015–28708 Filed 11–10–15; 8:45 am] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: BILLING CODE 4910–06–P Habib Azarsina, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, 202–366–1965 (Voice), 202–366–7870 PO 00000 Frm 00143 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12NON1.SGM 12NON1 70078 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 218 / Thursday, November 12, 2015 / Notices (Fax), or habib.azarsina@dot.gov (Email). mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Fast Track Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery. Abstract: The information collection activity will garner qualitative customer and stakeholder feedback in an efficient, timely manner, in accordance with the Department’s commitment to improving service delivery. By qualitative feedback we mean information that provides useful insights on perceptions and opinions, but are not statistical surveys that yield quantitative results that can be generalized to the population of study. This feedback will provide insight into customer or stakeholder perceptions, opinions, experiences and expectations, provide an early warning of issues with service, or focus attention on areas where communication, training or changes in operations might improve delivery of products or services. These collections will allow for ongoing, collaborative and actionable communications between the Department of Transportation and its customers and stakeholders. It will also allow feedback to contribute directly to the improvement of program management. Feedback or information collected under this generic clearance will provide useful information, but it will not yield data that can be generalized to the overall population. The Department will submit a collection for approval under this generic clearance if it meets the following conditions: • The collections are voluntary. • The collections are low-burden for respondents (based on considerations of total burden hours, total number of respondents, or burden-hours per respondent) and are low-cost for both the respondents and the Federal Government. • The collections are noncontroversial and do not raise issues of concern to other Federal agencies. • Any collection is targeted to the solicitation of opinions from respondents who have experience with the program or may have experience with the program in the near future. • Personally identifiable information (PII) is collected only to the extent necessary and is not retained. • Information gathered is intended to be used only internally for general service improvement and program management purposes and is not intended for release outside of the Department (if released, the Department must indicate the qualitative nature of the information). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:15 Nov 10, 2015 Jkt 238001 This type of generic clearance for qualitative information will not be used for quantitative information collections that are designed to yield reliably actionable results, such as monitoring trends over time or documenting program performance. Such data uses require more rigorous designs that address: The target population to which generalizations will be made, the sampling frame, the sample design (including stratification and clustering), the precision requirements or power calculations that justify the proposed sample size, the expected response rate, methods for assessing potential nonresponse bias, the protocols for data collection, and any testing procedures that were or will be undertaken prior to fielding the study. Depending on the degree of influence the results are likely to have, such collections may still be eligible for submission for other generic mechanisms that are designed to yield quantitative results. Type of Review: New Affected Public: Individuals and households, businesses and organizations, State, Local or Tribal Governments. Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,000. Estimated Annual Responses: 2,000. Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 2,000 hours. Frequency: One-time requirement. Issued in Washington, DC, on November 3, 2015. Patricia Lawton, DOT Paperwork Reduction Act Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–28716 Filed 11–10–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary [Docket No. DOT–OST–2015–0221] 60-Day Notice of Request for Renewal of a Previously Approved Collection Office of the Secretary (OST), Department of Transportation (Department) or (DOT). ACTION: Notice and requests for comments. AGENCY: The OSDBU invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The collection involves the following form with an expiration date of 2/29/2016, and is presently in use. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00144 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Please submit comments by January 12, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by Docket No. DOT–OST– 2015–0221] through one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail or Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Dockets Management Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Room W12– 140, Washington, DC 20590. • Agency Web site: https:// www.regulations.gov. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Harris, 202–366–1930 ext. 62253, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Office ofthe Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W56–444, Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: SBTRC Regional Field Offices Intake Form (DOT F 4500). OMB Control Number: 2105–0554. Background: In accordance with Public Law 95–507, an amendment to the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1953, OSDBU is responsible for the implementation and execution of DOT activities on behalf of small businesses, in accordance with Section 8, 15 and 31 of the Small Business Act (SBA), as amended. The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization also administers the provisions of Title 49, of the United States Cole, Section 332, the Minority Resource Center (MRC) which includes the duties of advocacy, outreach, and financial services on behalf of small and disadvantaged businesses and those certified under CFR 49 parts 23 and or 26 as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). SBTRC’s Regional Field Offices will collect information on small businesses, which includes Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Women-Owned Small Business (WOB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVOB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), HubZone, and types of services they seek from the Regional Field Offices. Services and responsibilities of the Field Offices include business analysis, general management & technical assistance and training, business counseling, outreach services/ E:\FR\FM\12NON1.SGM 12NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 218 (Thursday, November 12, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70077-70078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28716]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary

[Docket No. DOT-OST-2015-0194]


Fast Track Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative 
Feedback on Agency Service Delivery

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary (OST), Department of Transportation 
(DOT).

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Department of Transportation's (DOT) Office of the Secretary (OST) 
announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) 
described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its 
review and approval and invites public comment. Executive Order 12862 
directs Federal agencies to provide service to the public that matches 
or exceeds the best service available in the private sector. In order 
to work continuously to ensure that our programs are effective and meet 
our customers' needs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks to 
obtain OMB approval of a generic clearance to collect feedback on our 
service delivery.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 11, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Your comments should be identified by Docket No. DOT-OST-
2015-0194 and may be submitted through one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West 
Building, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays.
    All written comments will be available for public inspection on 
Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Habib Azarsina, Office of the Chief 
Information Officer, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, 202-
366-1965 (Voice), 202-366-7870

[[Page 70078]]

(Fax), or habib.azarsina@dot.gov (Email).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Fast Track Generic Clearance for the Collection of 
Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery.
    Abstract: The information collection activity will garner 
qualitative customer and stakeholder feedback in an efficient, timely 
manner, in accordance with the Department's commitment to improving 
service delivery. By qualitative feedback we mean information that 
provides useful insights on perceptions and opinions, but are not 
statistical surveys that yield quantitative results that can be 
generalized to the population of study. This feedback will provide 
insight into customer or stakeholder perceptions, opinions, experiences 
and expectations, provide an early warning of issues with service, or 
focus attention on areas where communication, training or changes in 
operations might improve delivery of products or services. These 
collections will allow for ongoing, collaborative and actionable 
communications between the Department of Transportation and its 
customers and stakeholders. It will also allow feedback to contribute 
directly to the improvement of program management. Feedback or 
information collected under this generic clearance will provide useful 
information, but it will not yield data that can be generalized to the 
overall population.
    The Department will submit a collection for approval under this 
generic clearance if it meets the following conditions:
     The collections are voluntary.
     The collections are low-burden for respondents (based on 
considerations of total burden hours, total number of respondents, or 
burden-hours per respondent) and are low-cost for both the respondents 
and the Federal Government.
     The collections are noncontroversial and do not raise 
issues of concern to other Federal agencies.
     Any collection is targeted to the solicitation of opinions 
from respondents who have experience with the program or may have 
experience with the program in the near future.
     Personally identifiable information (PII) is collected 
only to the extent necessary and is not retained.
     Information gathered is intended to be used only 
internally for general service improvement and program management 
purposes and is not intended for release outside of the Department (if 
released, the Department must indicate the qualitative nature of the 
information).
    This type of generic clearance for qualitative information will not 
be used for quantitative information collections that are designed to 
yield reliably actionable results, such as monitoring trends over time 
or documenting program performance. Such data uses require more 
rigorous designs that address: The target population to which 
generalizations will be made, the sampling frame, the sample design 
(including stratification and clustering), the precision requirements 
or power calculations that justify the proposed sample size, the 
expected response rate, methods for assessing potential nonresponse 
bias, the protocols for data collection, and any testing procedures 
that were or will be undertaken prior to fielding the study. Depending 
on the degree of influence the results are likely to have, such 
collections may still be eligible for submission for other generic 
mechanisms that are designed to yield quantitative results.
    Type of Review: New
    Affected Public: Individuals and households, businesses and 
organizations, State, Local or Tribal Governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,000.
    Estimated Annual Responses: 2,000.
    Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 2,000 hours.
    Frequency: One-time requirement.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 3, 2015.
Patricia Lawton,
DOT Paperwork Reduction Act Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief 
Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-28716 Filed 11-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-9X-P

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