60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Energy and Performance Information Center (EPIC), 19234-19235 [2016-07665]

Download as PDF 19234 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices evaluation to be implemented as part of the expansion of the Moving to Work (MTW) demonstration program. The 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act (the Act) authorizes HUD to expand the MTW demonstration program by an additional 100 high performing Public Housing Agencies over a period of seven years.1 Agencies will be added to the MTW demonstration by cohort and the Act requires that for each cohort of agencies ‘‘the Secretary shall direct one specific policy change to be implemented by the agencies.’’ Having an entire cohort adopt a specific policy will facilitate the evaluation of that policy. DATES: Comments Due Date: May 4, 2016. Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding specific policy and evaluation proposals to the Moving to Work Office, Office of Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 4130, Washington, DC 20410–0001 or email at mtw-info@hud.gov. HUD strongly encourages commenters to submit comments electronically. Communications must refer to the above docket number and title and should contain the information specified in the ‘‘Request for Public Comments’’ section. No Facsimile Comments. Facsimile (FAX) comments are not acceptable. Public Inspection of Public Comments. A summary of all comments received by HUD will be made available on HUD’s Web site at: https:// www.hud.gov/mtw. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions concerning this notice should be directed to the Moving to Work Office, Office of Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development at mtw-info@ hud.gov. ADDRESSES: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES I. Background The statutory purpose 2 of the MTW demonstration is to give agencies and HUD the flexibility to design and test various approaches for providing and administering housing assistance that: (1) reduce cost and achieve greater cost effectiveness in federal expenditures; (2) give incentives to families with children where the head of household is working; is seeking work; or is preparing for work by participating in 1 Pub. Law 114–113, Sec. 239. originally authorized the MTW demonstration in 1996 (Pub. Law 104–134; 42 U.S.C. 1437f note). 2 Congress VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:00 Apr 01, 2016 Jkt 238001 job training, educational programs, or programs that assist people to obtain employment and become economically self-sufficient; and (3) increase housing choices for eligible low-income families. Agencies will be added to the MTW demonstration by cohort and per the Act: ‘‘the Secretary shall direct one specific policy change to be implemented by the agencies, and with the approval of the Secretary, such agencies may implement additional policy changes.’’ As part of the process to expand the MTW demonstration, the Act states that ‘‘[t]he Secretary shall establish a research advisory committee which shall advise the Secretary with respect to specific policy proposals and methods of research and evaluation for the demonstration.’’ Through this Notice, HUD is requesting specific policy proposal recommendations, and methods for research and evaluation recommendations, that will inform the advisory committee in making its own recommendations to the Secretary. With the expansion of the MTW demonstration, HUD aims to learn from MTW interventions in order to improve the delivery of federally assisted housing and promote self-sufficiency for low-income families across the country. • Developing strategies to better utilize project-based vouchers; • Improving the health and wellbeing of elderly and disabled residents; • Achieving the goal of ending homelessness for families, veterans, youth, and the chronically homeless; and • Cultivating supportive or sponsorbased housing policies. II. Request for Public Comments HUD seeks public comments on specific policy proposal recommendations, and research and evaluation proposal recommendations, as described in sections II.A and II.B below. Public housing agencies, HUDassisted housing residents, researchers, and HUD stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments. Dated: March 28, 2016. ´ Lourdes Castro Ramırez, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. Katherine M. O’Regan, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. A. Specific Policy Proposal Recommendations HUD seeks specific policy proposal recommendations related to the three MTW demonstration statutory objectives of cost effectiveness, selfsufficiency, and housing choice. For example, HUD is interested in specific policy areas such as: • Increasing moves of low-income families to high-opportunity neighborhoods; • Improving education outcomes through housing partnerships; • Using administrative flexibilities to reduce costs and improve operations, governance, and financial management; • Structuring alternative rent-setting methods; • Streamlining admissions and/or occupancy policies (i.e., work requirements, time limits, waitlist preference alterations); DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 B. Research and Evaluation Proposal Recommendations HUD also seeks recommendations for research and evaluation methods to be utilized in association with specific policy proposals that will be implemented by MTW agencies in the expanded MTW demonstration. The Act specifically requires that rigorous research methods be used to test the policy proposals. HUD seeks specific proposals of what the committee should consider as rigorous research in addition to randomized control trials. In addition, the law calls for the advisory committee to recommend what policies already are proven effective and could be implemented without further research. HUD seeks comment on what policies should be considered as having already been proven successful, with specific reference to the rigorous research that supports the claim. [FR Doc. 2016–07663 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P [Docket No. FR–5916–N–05] 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Energy and Performance Information Center (EPIC) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, HUD. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: HUD is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD is requesting comment from all interested parties on the proposed collection of information. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2016 / Notices DATES: Comments Due Date: June 3, 2016. Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB Control Number and should be sent to: Colette Pollard, Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 4176, Washington, DC 20410–5000; telephone 202–402–3400 (this is not a toll-free number) or email at Colette.Pollard@hud.gov for a copy of the proposed forms or other available information. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number through TTY by calling the tollfree Federal Relay Service at (800) 877– 8339. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arlette Mussington, Office of Policy, Programs and Legislative Initiatives, PIH, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., (L’Enfant Plaza, Room 2206), Washington, DC 20410; telephone 202– 402–4109, (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877– 8339. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Mussington. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice informs the public that HUD is seeking approval from OMB for the information collection described in section A. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: A. Overview of Information Collection Title of Information Collection: Energy and Performance Information Center (EPIC). OMB Approval Number: 2577–0274. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection. Form Numbers: N/A—all information collected electronically. Description of the need for the information and proposed use: The Department has recognized the need for improving energy efficiency in affordable housing and has prioritized this in Agency Priority Goal # 4, Measure # 13. The energy efficiency data collected through EPIC gives the Department a more comprehensive dataset regarding energy efficiency. The EPIC data system will gradually automate the collection of the five year plan and annual statement forms from grantees. These are required forms presently collected in hard copy on Forms HUD 50075.1 and HUD 50075.2 under collection OMB control number 2577–0226. These forms also collect VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:03 Apr 01, 2016 Jkt 238001 data on the eventual, actual use of funds; this data will be gradually collected electronically through the EPIC data system as well. Electronic collection will enable the Department to aggregate information about the way grantees are using Federal funding. Additionally, PHA grantees will be able to submit Replacement Housing Factor fund plans, the mechanism by which PHAs are allowed to accumulate special funds received based on units removed from the inventory from year to year. This information is presently collected in hard copy at the field office level; the EPIC data system will automate and centralize this collection in order to streamline the process and improve transparency. Furthermore, the EPIC data system will be loaded with Physical Needs Assessment (‘‘PNA’’) data. This data being in the system coupled with the electronic planning process will streamline grantee planning. The EPIC data system will collect information about the Energy Performance Contract (‘‘EPC’’) process, including the energy efficiency improvements. As the Department moves to shrink its energy footprint in spite of rising energy costs, clear and comprehensive data on this process will be crucial to its success. Finally, the Department has prioritized in Agency Performance Goal # 2, Measure # 5 making housing more available for more families. In the light of the recent housing crisis, this goal has become simultaneously more challenging and more important. Tracking of the use of Federal funds paid through the Public Housing Capital Fund, the only Federal funding stream dedicated to the capital needs of the nation’s last resort housing option, is crucial to understanding how the Department can properly and efficiently assist grantees in meeting this goal as well as assessing the Department’s own progress. The EPIC data system will track development of public housing with Federal funds and through other means, including mixedfinance development. Respondents (i.e. affected public): Members of Affected Public: State, Local or Local Governments and Non-profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,150. Estimated Number of Responses: 31,800 annual responses . Frequency of Response: 1. Average Hours per Response: 2.19 . Total Estimated Burdens: 69,645 hours. B. Solicitation of Public Comment This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19235 parties concerning the collection of information described in section A on the following: (1) 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; (2) The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (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 those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. HUD encourages interested parties to submit comment in response to these questions. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35 as amended. Dated: March 26, 2016. Merrie Nichols-Dixon, Deputy Director, Office of Policy, Programs and Legislative Initiatives. [FR Doc. 2016–07665 Filed 4–1–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs [167 A2100DD/AAKC001030/ A0A501010.999900] Indian Gaming; Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compact Taking Effect in the State of New Mexico Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Pueblo of Sandia and State of New Mexico entered into a Tribal-State compact governing Class III gaming; this notice announces that the compact is taking effect. DATES: Effective April 4, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Paula L. Hart, Director, Office of Indian Gaming, Office of the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs, Washington, DC 20240, (202) 219–4066. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 11 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) requires the Secretary of the Interior to publish in the Federal Register notice of approved Tribal-State compacts that are for the purpose of engaging in Class III gaming activities on Indian lands. See Public Law 100– SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM 04APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19234-19235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07665]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR-5916-N-05]


60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Energy and 
Performance Information Center (EPIC)

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
Housing, HUD.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: HUD is seeking approval from the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for the information collection described below. In 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD is requesting comment 
from all interested parties on the proposed collection of information. 
The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment.

[[Page 19235]]


DATES: Comments Due Date: June 3, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding 
this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB 
Control Number and should be sent to: Colette Pollard, Reports 
Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 
451 7th Street SW., Room 4176, Washington, DC 20410-5000; telephone 
202-402-3400 (this is not a toll-free number) or email at 
Colette.Pollard@hud.gov for a copy of the proposed forms or other 
available information. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may 
access this number through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay 
Service at (800) 877-8339.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arlette Mussington, Office of Policy, 
Programs and Legislative Initiatives, PIH, Department of Housing and 
Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., (L'Enfant Plaza, Room 2206), 
Washington, DC 20410; telephone 202-402-4109, (this is not a toll-free 
number). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this 
number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at 
(800) 877-8339. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be 
obtained from Ms. Mussington.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice informs the public that HUD is 
seeking approval from OMB for the information collection described in 
section A.

A. Overview of Information Collection

    Title of Information Collection: Energy and Performance Information 
Center (EPIC).
    OMB Approval Number: 2577-0274.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Form Numbers: N/A--all information collected electronically.
    Description of the need for the information and proposed use: The 
Department has recognized the need for improving energy efficiency in 
affordable housing and has prioritized this in Agency Priority Goal # 
4, Measure # 13. The energy efficiency data collected through EPIC 
gives the Department a more comprehensive dataset regarding energy 
efficiency. The EPIC data system will gradually automate the collection 
of the five year plan and annual statement forms from grantees. These 
are required forms presently collected in hard copy on Forms HUD 
50075.1 and HUD 50075.2 under collection OMB control number 2577-0226. 
These forms also collect data on the eventual, actual use of funds; 
this data will be gradually collected electronically through the EPIC 
data system as well. Electronic collection will enable the Department 
to aggregate information about the way grantees are using Federal 
funding. Additionally, PHA grantees will be able to submit Replacement 
Housing Factor fund plans, the mechanism by which PHAs are allowed to 
accumulate special funds received based on units removed from the 
inventory from year to year. This information is presently collected in 
hard copy at the field office level; the EPIC data system will automate 
and centralize this collection in order to streamline the process and 
improve transparency. Furthermore, the EPIC data system will be loaded 
with Physical Needs Assessment (``PNA'') data. This data being in the 
system coupled with the electronic planning process will streamline 
grantee planning. The EPIC data system will collect information about 
the Energy Performance Contract (``EPC'') process, including the energy 
efficiency improvements. As the Department moves to shrink its energy 
footprint in spite of rising energy costs, clear and comprehensive data 
on this process will be crucial to its success. Finally, the Department 
has prioritized in Agency Performance Goal # 2, Measure # 5 making 
housing more available for more families. In the light of the recent 
housing crisis, this goal has become simultaneously more challenging 
and more important. Tracking of the use of Federal funds paid through 
the Public Housing Capital Fund, the only Federal funding stream 
dedicated to the capital needs of the nation's last resort housing 
option, is crucial to understanding how the Department can properly and 
efficiently assist grantees in meeting this goal as well as assessing 
the Department's own progress. The EPIC data system will track 
development of public housing with Federal funds and through other 
means, including mixed-finance development.
    Respondents (i.e. affected public): Members of Affected Public: 
State, Local or Local Governments and Non-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,150.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 31,800 annual responses .
    Frequency of Response: 1.
    Average Hours per Response: 2.19 .
    Total Estimated Burdens: 69,645 hours.

B. Solicitation of Public Comment

    This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and 
affected parties concerning the collection of information described in 
section A on the following:
    (1) 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;
    (2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information;
    (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 
those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
    HUD encourages interested parties to submit comment in response to 
these questions.

     Authority:  Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35 as amended.

    Dated: March 26, 2016.
Merrie Nichols-Dixon,
Deputy Director, Office of Policy, Programs and Legislative 
Initiatives.
[FR Doc. 2016-07665 Filed 4-1-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4210-67-P
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