Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request: Assessment of Mandatory Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training (E&T) Programs, 31716-31722 [2018-14538]

Download as PDF 31716 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2018 / Notices accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https:// www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to Joseph Binns at 703–605–1181. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Background Investigation Request for Contractor Employees Form. Form Number: FNS–775. OMB Number: 0584–NEW. Expiration Date: Not yet determined. Type of Request: Update of a currently approved collection. Abstract: Form FNS–775 is designed to collect user information required to conduct background investigations for contractor employees required in order to grant security clearances for contractor employees. Affected Public: Contractors, FNS. Estimated Number of Respondents: 750. The respondents are contractor employees at all FNS locations across the nation, inclusive of the FNS Headquarters in Alexandria, VA and at the seven (7) FNS regional offices across the USA. The estimated annual number of respondents who will be required to complete the FNS–775 for requisite background investigation requests for contract employees is 750. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 750. Estimated Time per Response: 0.167 of an hour. Each respondent takes approximately 0.167 of an hour, or 10 minutes, to complete the required information on the online form. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 125 hours. See the table below for estimated total annual burden for each type of respondent. ESTIMATED TOTAL ANNUAL BURDEN ON RESPONDENTS Number of respondents Affected public Form number Contractors ................... Annualized Totals ......... FNS–775 ..................... ..................................... Dated: June 19, 2018. Brandon Lipps, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 2018–14539 Filed 7–6–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request: Assessment of Mandatory Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training (E&T) Programs Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection for the Assessment of Mandatory Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment &Training (E&T) Programs. This collection is a new information collection. This study will help identify how specific E&T processes and services affect a participant’s likelihood of participating or being sanctioned, with particular attention to potential leakage points, such as initial referral, intake, and orientation. This study also will describe what data exists on how well sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:00 Jul 06, 2018 Jkt 244001 Number of responses annually per respondent 750 750 Total annual responses 1 1 mandatory programs help SNAP participants gain skills, certificates and credentials and gain stable, well-paying employment. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 7, 2018. ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to: Jordan Younes, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1024, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Jordan Younes at 703–305–2576 or via email to jordan.younes@ fns.usda.gov. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https:// www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to Jordan Younes at 703–305–2935. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 750 750 Estimate of burden hours per response 0.16667 (10 minutes) .. 10 minutes .................. Total annual burden hours 125 125 agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions that were 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 are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title: Assessment of Mandatory Employment and Training (E&T) Programs. Form Number: N/A. OMB Number: 0584–XXXX. Expiration Date: Not Yet Determined. Type of Request: New collection. Abstract: Section 17 [7 U.S.C. 2026] (a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, provides general legislative authority for the planned data collection. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts with private institutions to undertake research that will help to improve the administration and effectiveness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in delivering nutrition-related benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has funded the Assessment of Mandatory E&T Programs to examine program features and administrative practices of mandatory State SNAP E&T programs E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2018 / Notices and assess how those features and practices may affect E&T participation, sanctions, and outcomes for mandatory E&T participants. While the intent of the mandatory E&T program is to assist SNAP participants in ‘‘gaining skills, trainings, or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment,’’ little is known about whether or how specific E&T processes and services affect a participant’s likelihood of participating or being sanctioned. In particular, little is known on whether complex intake or referral processes, rather than a lack of interest in participating in E&T, may negatively impact participation in mandatory programs. This study also seeks to understand what data exists on how well mandatory programs help SNAP participants gain skills, certificates, and credentials as well as stable, goodpaying jobs. The findings from this study will identify lessons learned and best practices for operating mandatory E&T programs. To address these issues, FNS is conducting a study to accomplish three objectives: 1. Understand the process for screening and notifying participants and enrolling them in mandatory E&T programs. 2. Determine the main reasons why mandatory E&T participants are sanctioned, with particular attention to program drop-off points that result in sanctions. 3. Assess how well mandatory programs help SNAP E&T participants gain skills, certificates, and credentials; gain stable, well-paying employment; and move toward economic selfsufficiency. The study will gather data through site visits to six States operating mandatory E&T programs and from administrative caseload data. Data will be collected in each of the six study States through: (1) Interviews with the State SNAP director and E&T manager; (2) in-person interviews, processmapping group discussions, and observations at two local SNAP offices; and (3) in-person interviews and observations at three local E&T providers. These data will provide information on overall State policies, client flow through the process, and staff perspectives on the effects of different practices on participation and sanctions. SNAP administrative caseload data will also be requested from the six study States, and if available, from E&T providers to obtain quantitative data to complement the interviews. Administrative data will be used to examine the characteristics of mandatory E&T participants in each VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:00 Jul 06, 2018 Jkt 244001 State and to assess the E&T services, sanctions, case closures, and other outcomes associated with their E&T participation. Affected Public: (1) State, Local and Tribal Governments; (2) Business or Other For-Profit; and (3) Not-For-Profit. Respondent groups identified include: 1. State, Local, and Tribal Government: State SNAP directors, State E&T managers, State database administrators, and State E&T provider staff and database administrators in six study States 1; and Local SNAP office staff in six study States; 2. Business or Other For-Profit: Business E&T provider staff and database administrators in six study States; 3. Not-For-Profit: Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff and database administrators in six study States Note that the E&T providers are assumed to be a mix of State, Business or Other For-Profit, and Not-For-Profit organizations (i.e., 1 State, 1 For-Profit, and 1 Not-For-Profit E&T provider per State). Estimated Number of Respondents: The total estimated number of respondents is 147 (includes 101 State and Local Government staff, 23 Business or Other For-Profit staff, and 23 Not-ForProfit staff). Out of the 147 contacted, 138 are estimated to be responsive and 9 are estimated to be nonresponsive. The breakout is as follows: 1. 101 State and Local Government staff: (out of 12 State SNAP staff contacted, 12 are estimated to be responsive; out of 6 State database administrators contacted, 6 are estimated to be responsive; out of 23 State E&T provider staff contacted, 20 are estimated to be responsive; out of 60 Local office staff contacted, 60 are estimated to be responsive.) 2. 23 Business or Other For-Profit staff: (out of 23 Business E&T provider staff contacted, 20 are estimated to be responsive.) 1 The study assumes information will be collected from 6 States. Information will be collected from 1 State SNAP agency per State for a total of 6 State offices; 2 local SNAP offices per State for a total of 12 local offices; and 3 E&T providers per State for a total of 18 E&T provider organizations. The 3 E&T providers are assumed to be a mix of State, Business or Other For-Profit, and Not-For-Profit organizations (i.e., 1 State, 1 For-Profit, and 1 Not-For-Profit E&T provider per State). Interviews will be conducted with all 3 of the E&T providers in each State (i.e., interviews will be conducted with staff at a total of 18 E&T providers), but only 1 of the 3 E&T providers will provide administrative data in each State (i.e., data files will be obtained from a total of 6 E&T providers comprised of 2 State, 2 Business, and 2 Not-For-Profit E&T providers). The 3 E&T providers in each State will indicate which 1 will provide administrative data in the initial contact with the E&T provider. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31717 3. 23 Not-For-Profit staff: (out of 23 Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff contacted, 20 are estimated to be responsive.) Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.5714 (based on 231 total annual responses (222 responsive and 9 nonresponsive) made by the 147 respondents (138 responsive and 9 nonresponsive). See table below for the estimated number of responses per respondent for each type of respondent. The breakout is as follows: 1. State SNAP Staff: The estimated number of responses per State SNAP staff is 1.5: • 6 State SNAP directors will respond to advance materials and scheduling; the same 6 State SNAP directors plus 6 additional State E&T managers will take part in an interview. 2. State Database Administrators: The estimated number of responses per State Database Administrator is two: • 6 State SNAP database administrators will respond to advance materials and scheduling; the same 6 State SNAP database administrators will submit an administrative data file. 3. State E&T Provider Staff: The estimated number of responses per State E&T provider staff is 1.4: • 6 State E&T provider staff will respond to advance materials and scheduling, the same 6 E&T provider staff plus 12 additional E&T provider staff will take part in an interview (3 other State E&T provider staff will not respond). • 2 State E&T provider database administrators will respond to advance materials and scheduling; the same 2 State SNAP database administrators will submit an administrative data file. 4. Local SNAP Office Staff: The estimated number of responses per Local SNAP office staff is 1.8: • 12 Local SNAP office staff will respond to advance materials and scheduling, the same 12 Local SNAP office staff plus 24 additional Local SNAP office staff will take part in an interview; 36 of the Local SNAP office staff plus 24 additional Local SNAP office staff will take part in a group mapping exercise. 5. Business E&T Provider Staff: The estimated number of responses per Business E&T provider staff is 1.4: • 6 Business E&T provider staff will respond to advance materials and scheduling, the same 6 Business E&T provider staff plus 12 additional Business E&T provider staff will take part in an interview (3 other Business E&T provider staff will not respond). • 2 Business E&T provider database administrators will respond to advance materials and scheduling; the same 2 E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1 31718 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2018 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Business SNAP database administrators will submit an administrative data file. 6. Not-For-Profit E&T Provider Staff: The estimated number of responses per Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff is 1.4: • 6 Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff will respond to advance materials and scheduling, the same 6 Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff plus 12 additional Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff will take part in an interview (3 other NotFor-Profit E&T provider staff will not respond). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:00 Jul 06, 2018 Jkt 244001 • 2 Not-For-Profit E&T provider database administrators will respond to advance materials and scheduling; the same 2 Not-For-Profit SNAP database administrators will submit an administrative data file. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 230.9958 (222 annual responses for responsive participants and 9 annual responses for nonresponsive participants). Estimated Time per Response: 1.33047619 hours (1.38239 hours for responsive participants and 0.45 hours PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 for nonresponsive participants). The estimated time of response varies from 0.05 hours to 8.7 hours depending on respondent group and activity, as shown in the table below. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 307.34 hours (306.89 hours for responsive participants, and 0.45 hours for nonresponsive participants). See the table below for estimated total annual burden for each type of respondent. BILLING CODE 3410–30–P E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES VerDate Sep<11>2014 Instruments and Activities Sample Size Non-Responsive Total Annual Frequency Total Hours Annual Number of Frequency Total Annual Burden Number of Hours per burden Estimate Annual per burden Nonof of Annual respondents response responses response (hours) respondents response responses response (hours) State, Local, and Tribal government Jkt 244001 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2018 / Notices 18:00 Jul 06, 2018 Responsive Respondent Type of Category respondents PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 0.0 0.0 Sfmt 4725 0.0 0.0 State E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 0.0 09JYN1 materials and preparation Submit 9.0 31719 EN09JY18.000</GPH> sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 31720 VerDate Sep<11>2014 Instruments and Activities Sample Size Number of Frequency of Total Annual Hours per Annual burden (hours) Number of Non- Total Annual Frequency Total Annual Burden Hours per burden Estimate of Annual response (hours) responses Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Local Fmt 4703 exercise with 5 local staff in 2 sites over 6 States 90.0 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 9.0 18.0 ~ 09JYN1 Business or Other ForProfit I=R. T 18.0 1.0 18.0 1.0 18.0 0.0 0.0 0.0: 0.0 0.0 18.0 0.0 4.0 nrnvirl~r l-lrrnJir1Cor 9.0 31.5 EN09JY18.001</GPH> Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2018 / Notices 18:00 Jul 06, 2018 Non-Responsive Responsive Respondent Type of Category respondents sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES VerDate Sep<11>2014 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Instruments and Activities Sample Size Non-Responsive Frm 00007 Total Annual Frequency Total Hours Annual Number of Frequency Total Annual Burden Number of Hours per burden Estimate Annual per burden Nonof of Annual respondents response (hours) response responses response (hours) respondents response responses Not-For-Profit Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2018 / Notices 18:00 Jul 06, 2018 Responsive Respondent Type of Category respondents 31721 EN09JY18.002</GPH> 31722 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 131 / Monday, July 9, 2018 / Notices Dated: June 28, 2018. Brandon Lipps, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 2018–14538 Filed 7–6–18; 8:45 am] COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Notice of Public Meeting of the Minnesota Advisory Committee U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. ACTION: Announcement of meeting. AGENCY: BILLING CODE 3410–30–C DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) that a meeting of the Minnesota Advisory Committee (Committee) to the Commission will be held from 3:00–4:00 p.m. CDT Monday August 6, 2018 to discuss civil rights concerns in the State. SUMMARY: Forest Service Shasta-Trinity National Forest; California; I–5 Corridor Fuels Reduction Project AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. Withdrawal of Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. ACTION: The meeting will be held on Monday August 6, 2018, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. CDT. Public Call Information: Dial: 888– 500–6973; Conference ID: 9083856. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carolyn Allen at callen@usccr.gov or (312) 353–8311. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This meeting is available to the public through the above toll-free call-in number. Any interested member of the public may call this number and listen to the meeting. Callers can expect to incur charges for calls they initiate over wireless lines, and the Commission will not refund any incurred charges. Callers will incur no charge for calls they initiate over land-line connections to the toll-free telephone number. Persons with hearing impairments may also follow the proceedings by first calling the Federal Relay Service at 1–800–877– 8339 and providing the Service with the conference call number and conference ID number. Members of the public are entitled to make comments during the open period at the end of the meeting. Members of the public may also submit written comments; the comments must be received in the Regional Programs Unit within 30 days following the meeting. Written comments may be mailed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Regional Programs Unit, 230 S. Dearborn, Suite 2120, Chicago, IL 60604. They may be faxed to the Commission at (312) 353–8324, or emailed Carolyn Allen at callen@ usccr.gov. Persons who desire additional information may contact the Regional Programs Unit at (312) 353– 8311. Records and documents discussed during the meeting will be available for public viewing prior to and after the meeting at https://facadatabase.gov/ DATES: The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is withdrawing its Notice of Intent issued on April 22, 2011, for preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the I–5 Corridor Fuels Reduction Project. No significant issues were identified during this scoping period or any other opportunity to comment. Upon further evaluation, it also appears that there are no potential significant impacts to the human environment associated with the project. As a result, the Forest is withdrawing its intent to prepare an EIS and is now preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA). All comments previously received regarding this project will be retained and considered in the development of the EA. If it is determined that the project may have significant impacts, the EIS process will be reinitiated and a notice of intent will be published. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Questions concerning this notice and requests to be added to the project mailing list should be directed to Andrew Spain, Shasta Lake Ranger District, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, 14225 Holiday Road, Redding, CA 96003. Telephone: (530) 242–5548. Email: aspain@fs.fed.us. Individuals who have previously submitted comments on this project will remain on the project mailing list and do not need to contact the Forest. Dated: June 8, 2018. Chris French, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System . [FR Doc. 2018–14578 Filed 7–6–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:00 Jul 06, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 committee/meetings.aspx?cid=256. Please click on the ‘‘Meeting Details’’ and ‘‘Documents’’ links to download. Records generated from this meeting may also be inspected and reproduced at the Regional Programs Unit, as they become available, both before and after the meeting. Persons interested in the work of this Committee are directed to the Commission’s website, https:// www.usccr.gov, or may contact the Regional Programs Unit at the above email or street address. Agenda I. Welcome II. Approval of Minutes III. Discussion: Civil Rights Concerns in Minnesota IV. Public Comment V. Next Steps VI. Adjournment Dated: July 2, 2018. David Mussatt, Supervisory Chief, Regional Programs Unit. [FR Doc. 2018–14589 Filed 7–6–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Notice of Public Meetings of the Hawai’i Advisory Committee Commission on Civil Rights. Announcement of meetings. AGENCY: ACTION: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission), and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) that a meeting of the Hawai’i Advisory Committee to the Commission will convene by conference call at 11:00 a.m. (HDT) on: Monday, July 9, 2018. The purpose of the meeting is for the Committee to approve a list of speakers, and to approve a date for the briefing. DATES: Monday, July 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. HDT. PUBLIC CALL-IN INFORMATION: Conference call-in number: 888–724–9513 and conference ID# 1067565. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Barreras, at dbarreras@usccr.gov or by phone at 312–353–8311. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Interested members of the public may listen to the discussion by calling the following tollfree conference call-in number: 1–888– 724–9513 and conference ID# 1067565. Please be advised that before placing them into the conference call, the conference call operator will ask callers to provide their names, their organizational affiliations (if any), and email addresses (so that callers may be SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09JYN1.SGM 09JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31716-31722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14538]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service


Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request: 
Assessment of Mandatory Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
Employment & Training (E&T) Programs

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment 
on this proposed information collection for the Assessment of Mandatory 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment &Training 
(E&T) Programs. This collection is a new information collection.
    This study will help identify how specific E&T processes and 
services affect a participant's likelihood of participating or being 
sanctioned, with particular attention to potential leakage points, such 
as initial referral, intake, and orientation. This study also will 
describe what data exists on how well mandatory programs help SNAP 
participants gain skills, certificates and credentials and gain stable, 
well-paying employment.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 7, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to: Jordan Younes, Food and Nutrition 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 
1024, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to 
the attention of Jordan Younes at 703-305-2576 or via email to 
[email protected]. Comments will also be accepted through the 
Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov, and 
follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will 
be a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of this information collection should be directed to Jordan 
Younes at 703-305-2935.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 of the proposed collection of 
information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
that were 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 are to respond, including 
use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Title: Assessment of Mandatory Employment and Training (E&T) 
Programs.
    Form Number: N/A.
    OMB Number: 0584-XXXX.
    Expiration Date: Not Yet Determined.
    Type of Request: New collection.
    Abstract: Section 17 [7 U.S.C. 2026] (a)(1) of the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, provides general legislative 
authority for the planned data collection. It authorizes the Secretary 
of Agriculture to enter into contracts with private institutions to 
undertake research that will help to improve the administration and 
effectiveness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
in delivering nutrition-related benefits.
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service 
(FNS) has funded the Assessment of Mandatory E&T Programs to examine 
program features and administrative practices of mandatory State SNAP 
E&T programs

[[Page 31717]]

and assess how those features and practices may affect E&T 
participation, sanctions, and outcomes for mandatory E&T participants. 
While the intent of the mandatory E&T program is to assist SNAP 
participants in ``gaining skills, trainings, or experience that will 
increase their ability to obtain regular employment,'' little is known 
about whether or how specific E&T processes and services affect a 
participant's likelihood of participating or being sanctioned. In 
particular, little is known on whether complex intake or referral 
processes, rather than a lack of interest in participating in E&T, may 
negatively impact participation in mandatory programs. This study also 
seeks to understand what data exists on how well mandatory programs 
help SNAP participants gain skills, certificates, and credentials as 
well as stable, good-paying jobs. The findings from this study will 
identify lessons learned and best practices for operating mandatory E&T 
programs.
    To address these issues, FNS is conducting a study to accomplish 
three objectives:
    1. Understand the process for screening and notifying participants 
and enrolling them in mandatory E&T programs.
    2. Determine the main reasons why mandatory E&T participants are 
sanctioned, with particular attention to program drop-off points that 
result in sanctions.
    3. Assess how well mandatory programs help SNAP E&T participants 
gain skills, certificates, and credentials; gain stable, well-paying 
employment; and move toward economic self-sufficiency.
    The study will gather data through site visits to six States 
operating mandatory E&T programs and from administrative caseload data. 
Data will be collected in each of the six study States through: (1) 
Interviews with the State SNAP director and E&T manager; (2) in-person 
interviews, process-mapping group discussions, and observations at two 
local SNAP offices; and (3) in-person interviews and observations at 
three local E&T providers. These data will provide information on 
overall State policies, client flow through the process, and staff 
perspectives on the effects of different practices on participation and 
sanctions. SNAP administrative caseload data will also be requested 
from the six study States, and if available, from E&T providers to 
obtain quantitative data to complement the interviews. Administrative 
data will be used to examine the characteristics of mandatory E&T 
participants in each State and to assess the E&T services, sanctions, 
case closures, and other outcomes associated with their E&T 
participation.
    Affected Public: (1) State, Local and Tribal Governments; (2) 
Business or Other For-Profit; and (3) Not-For-Profit.
    Respondent groups identified include:
    1. State, Local, and Tribal Government: State SNAP directors, State 
E&T managers, State database administrators, and State E&T provider 
staff and database administrators in six study States \1\; and Local 
SNAP office staff in six study States;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The study assumes information will be collected from 6 
States. Information will be collected from 1 State SNAP agency per 
State for a total of 6 State offices; 2 local SNAP offices per State 
for a total of 12 local offices; and 3 E&T providers per State for a 
total of 18 E&T provider organizations. The 3 E&T providers are 
assumed to be a mix of State, Business or Other For-Profit, and Not-
For-Profit organizations (i.e., 1 State, 1 For-Profit, and 1 Not-
For-Profit E&T provider per State). Interviews will be conducted 
with all 3 of the E&T providers in each State (i.e., interviews will 
be conducted with staff at a total of 18 E&T providers), but only 1 
of the 3 E&T providers will provide administrative data in each 
State (i.e., data files will be obtained from a total of 6 E&T 
providers comprised of 2 State, 2 Business, and 2 Not-For-Profit E&T 
providers). The 3 E&T providers in each State will indicate which 1 
will provide administrative data in the initial contact with the E&T 
provider.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. Business or Other For-Profit: Business E&T provider staff and 
database administrators in six study States;
    3. Not-For-Profit: Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff and database 
administrators in six study States
    Note that the E&T providers are assumed to be a mix of State, 
Business or Other For-Profit, and Not-For-Profit organizations (i.e., 1 
State, 1 For-Profit, and 1 Not-For-Profit E&T provider per State).
    Estimated Number of Respondents: The total estimated number of 
respondents is 147 (includes 101 State and Local Government staff, 23 
Business or Other For-Profit staff, and 23 Not-For-Profit staff). Out 
of the 147 contacted, 138 are estimated to be responsive and 9 are 
estimated to be nonresponsive. The breakout is as follows:
    1. 101 State and Local Government staff: (out of 12 State SNAP 
staff contacted, 12 are estimated to be responsive; out of 6 State 
database administrators contacted, 6 are estimated to be responsive; 
out of 23 State E&T provider staff contacted, 20 are estimated to be 
responsive; out of 60 Local office staff contacted, 60 are estimated to 
be responsive.)
    2. 23 Business or Other For-Profit staff: (out of 23 Business E&T 
provider staff contacted, 20 are estimated to be responsive.)
    3. 23 Not-For-Profit staff: (out of 23 Not-For-Profit E&T provider 
staff contacted, 20 are estimated to be responsive.)
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.5714 (based on 231 
total annual responses (222 responsive and 9 nonresponsive) made by the 
147 respondents (138 responsive and 9 nonresponsive). See table below 
for the estimated number of responses per respondent for each type of 
respondent.
    The breakout is as follows:
    1. State SNAP Staff: The estimated number of responses per State 
SNAP staff is 1.5:
     6 State SNAP directors will respond to advance materials 
and scheduling; the same 6 State SNAP directors plus 6 additional State 
E&T managers will take part in an interview.
    2. State Database Administrators: The estimated number of responses 
per State Database Administrator is two:
     6 State SNAP database administrators will respond to 
advance materials and scheduling; the same 6 State SNAP database 
administrators will submit an administrative data file.
    3. State E&T Provider Staff: The estimated number of responses per 
State E&T provider staff is 1.4:
     6 State E&T provider staff will respond to advance 
materials and scheduling, the same 6 E&T provider staff plus 12 
additional E&T provider staff will take part in an interview (3 other 
State E&T provider staff will not respond).
     2 State E&T provider database administrators will respond 
to advance materials and scheduling; the same 2 State SNAP database 
administrators will submit an administrative data file.
    4. Local SNAP Office Staff: The estimated number of responses per 
Local SNAP office staff is 1.8:
     12 Local SNAP office staff will respond to advance 
materials and scheduling, the same 12 Local SNAP office staff plus 24 
additional Local SNAP office staff will take part in an interview; 36 
of the Local SNAP office staff plus 24 additional Local SNAP office 
staff will take part in a group mapping exercise.
    5. Business E&T Provider Staff: The estimated number of responses 
per Business E&T provider staff is 1.4:
     6 Business E&T provider staff will respond to advance 
materials and scheduling, the same 6 Business E&T provider staff plus 
12 additional Business E&T provider staff will take part in an 
interview (3 other Business E&T provider staff will not respond).
     2 Business E&T provider database administrators will 
respond to advance materials and scheduling; the same 2

[[Page 31718]]

Business SNAP database administrators will submit an administrative 
data file.
    6. Not-For-Profit E&T Provider Staff: The estimated number of 
responses per Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff is 1.4:
     6 Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff will respond to 
advance materials and scheduling, the same 6 Not-For-Profit E&T 
provider staff plus 12 additional Not-For-Profit E&T provider staff 
will take part in an interview (3 other Not-For-Profit E&T provider 
staff will not respond).
     2 Not-For-Profit E&T provider database administrators will 
respond to advance materials and scheduling; the same 2 Not-For-Profit 
SNAP database administrators will submit an administrative data file.
    Estimated Total Annual Responses: 230.9958 (222 annual responses 
for responsive participants and 9 annual responses for nonresponsive 
participants).
    Estimated Time per Response: 1.33047619 hours (1.38239 hours for 
responsive participants and 0.45 hours for nonresponsive participants). 
The estimated time of response varies from 0.05 hours to 8.7 hours 
depending on respondent group and activity, as shown in the table 
below.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 307.34 hours (306.89 
hours for responsive participants, and 0.45 hours for nonresponsive 
participants). See the table below for estimated total annual burden 
for each type of respondent.
 BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

[[Page 31719]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09JY18.000


[[Page 31720]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09JY18.001


[[Page 31721]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09JY18.002



[[Page 31722]]


    Dated: June 28, 2018.
Brandon Lipps,
Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14538 Filed 7-6-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-30-C


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.