Agency Information Collection Activities: Solicitation of Proposal Information for Award of Public Contracts, 700-24, 700-25, 76595-76597 [2020-26284]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 230 / Monday, November 30, 2020 / Notices Estimated Number of Respondents: 25,000. Estimated Number of Annual Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Number of Total Annual Responses: 25,000. Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,150. Dated: November 20, 2020. Seth D. Renkema, Branch Chief, Economic Impact Analysis Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. [FR Doc. 2020–26315 Filed 11–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY [Docket Number–2020–0048] Agency Information Collection Activities: Solicitation of Proposal Information for Award of Public Contracts, 700–24, 700–25 Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ACTION: 60-Day notice and request for comments; extension without change of a currently approved collection, 1600– 0005. AGENCY: The Department of Homeland Security, will submit the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until January 29, 2021. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.1 ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number Docket # 2020–0048, at: Æ Federal rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Please follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number Docket # 2020–0048. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collects information, when necessary, when inviting firms to submit bids, proposals, and offers for public contracts for supplies and TKELLEY on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:03 Nov 27, 2020 Jkt 253001 service. Using solicitation methods such as Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Information (RFI), and Broad Agency Announcements (BAA), the Government requests information from prospective offerors such as pricing information, delivery schedule compliance, and evidence that the offeror has the resources (both human and financial) to accomplish requirements. The information collection is necessary for compliance with the Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR), 48 CFR Chapter 30, and the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, 15 U.S.C 628. The prior information collection request for OMB No. 1600–0005 was approved through November 30, 2021, and includes the following: • 3052.209–70 Prohibition on Contracts with Corporate Expatriates (Required in all solicitations and contracts) The offeror must disclose whether it is a foreign incorporated entity that should be treated as an inverted domestic corporation. • 3052.209–71 Reserve Officer Training Corps and Military Recruiting on Campus (Required in all solicitations and contracts with institutions of higher education) Requires that the Contractor represent that it does not now have, and agrees that during performance of the contract that it will not adopt, any policy or practice described in paragraph (b) of the clause. • 3052.209–72 Organizational Conflict of Interest, paragraphs (c), (d) and (e), (Required in all solicitations and contracts where a potential organizational conflict of interest exists and mitigation may be possible) The offeror must disclose whether it is aware of any facts which create any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest; and, provide information as required by the Government and a mitigation plan relating to the conflict, if applicable. • 3052.209–74 Limitations on Contractors Acting as Lead System Integrators (Required in solicitations for the acquisition of a major system when the acquisition strategy envisions the use of a lead system integrator) The offeror must disclose whether it proposes to perform this contract as a lead system integrator with system responsibility, and whether it has a direct financial interest in the system that is the subject of the solicitation; and, provide evidence, as needed. • 3052.209–76 Prohibition on Federal Protective Service (FPS) Guard Services Contracts with Business Concerns Owned, Controlled, or PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 76595 Operated by an Individual Convicted of a Felony, paragraphs (a) through (g), (Required in in all solicitations and contracts for FPS guard services) The offeror must disclose whether it is owned, operated or controlled by an individual convicted of any felony. A business concern owned, operated or controlled by an individual convicted of any felony may submit an award request to the Government. The request must include information that is considered personally identifiable information, and any additional information the Government deems necessary. • 3052.215–70 Key Personnel and Facilities (Required in solicitations and contracts when the selection for award is substantially based on the offeror’s possession of special capabilities regarding personnel or facilities) Before removing or replacing any of the specified individuals or facilities, the offeror must notify the Government, in writing, before the change becomes effective. • 3052.219–72 Evaluation of Prime Contractor Participation in the DHS Mentor-Prote´ge´ Program (Required in all solicitations containing (HSAR) 48 CFR 3052.219–71, DHS Mentor-Prote´ge´ Program and (FAR) 48 CFR 52.219–9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan) The offeror must provide a signed letter of mentor-prote´ge´ agreement, if it wishes to receive credit under the source selection factor. • 3052.247–70 F.o.b. Origin Information (Required in solicitations as appropriate) The offeror must provide information related to the offeror’s shipping point. The DHS Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate issues BAAs soliciting when white papers and proposals from the public. DHS S&T evaluates white papers and proposals received in response to a DHS S&T BAA using the evaluation criteria specified in the BAA through a peer or scientific review process in accordance with FAR 35.016(d). Unclassified white papers and proposals are typically collected via the DHS S&T BAA secure website, while classified white papers and proposals must be submitted via proper classified courier or proper classified mailing procedures as described in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NSPOM). Federal agencies with an annual extramural research and development (R&D) budget exceeding $100 million are required to participate in the SBIR Program. Similarly, Federal agencies with an extramural R&D budget exceeding $1 billion are required to participate in the STTR Program. Federal agencies who participate in the E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 TKELLEY on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with NOTICES 76596 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 230 / Monday, November 30, 2020 / Notices SBIR and STTR programs must collect information from the public to meet: (1) Applicable reporting requirements under 15 U.S.C. 638 (b)(7), (g)(8), (i), (j)(1)(E), (j)(3)(C), (l), (o)(10), and (v); (2) The requirement to maintain both a publicly accessible database of SBIR/ STTR award information and a government database of SBIR/STTR award information for SBIR and STTR program evaluation under 15 U.S.C. 638 g(10, (k), (o)(9), and (o)(15); and (3) Requirements for public outreach under 15 U.S.C. 638 (j)(2)(F), (o)(14), and (s). DHS is seeking to renew this collection, and revise it to add, for purposes of entering into other transaction agreements pursuant to 6 U.S.C. 391, 6 U.S.C. 596(1), and 49 U.S.C. 106(l)(6), Form 700–24, Other Transaction Agreement Solicitation, and Form 700–25, Other Transaction Agreement Solicitation Amendment. On the forms, respondents submit an Employer Identification Number, as well as the business’ name, address and title. Respondents must also identify the authorized business representative’s personal name, and must include a signature. The information being collected is used by the Government’s contracting officers and other acquisition personnel, including technical and legal staff to determine the adequacy of technical and management approach, experience, responsibility, responsiveness, and expertise of the firms submitting offers; the identification of members of the public (i.e., small businesses) who qualify for and are interested in participating in the DHS SBIR Program; and, provide the DHS SBIR Program Office necessary and sufficient information to determine whether proposals submitted by the public to the DHS SBIR Program meet the criteria for consideration under the program. Failure to collect this information would adversely affect the quality of products and services DHS receives from contractors. Potentially, contracts would be awarded to firms without sufficient experience and expertise, thereby placing the Department’s operations in jeopardy. Defective and inadequate contractor deliverables would adversely affect DHS’s fulfillment of the mission requirements in all areas. Additionally, the Department would be unsuccessful in identifying small businesses with research and development (R&D) capabilities, which would adversely affect the mission requirements in this area. Many sources of the requested information use automated word VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:03 Nov 27, 2020 Jkt 253001 processing systems, databases, and web portals to facilitate preparation of material to be submitted and to post and collect information. It is common place within many of DHS’s Components for submissions to be electronic as a result of implementation of e-Government initiatives. Information technology (i.e., electronic web portal) is used in the collection of information to reduce the data gathering and records management burden. DHS uses a secure website the public can use to propose SBIR research topics and submit proposals in response to SBIR solicitations. In addition, DHS uses a web portal to review RFIs and register to submit a white paper or proposal in response to a specific BAA. The data collection forms standardize the collection of information that is necessary and sufficient for the DHS SBIR Program Office to meet its requirements under 15 U.S.C. 638. This information collection required by the HSAR and the SBIR and STTR programs may or may not involve small business contractors, depending on the particular transaction. The burden applied to small businesses has been reduced to the least burdensome commensurate with the DHS need for the information. In certain cases, information collection is done via a secure website which is intended to minimize burden for businesses (including small businesses) and other for-profit entities, and not-for-profit institutions. Small businesses and other small entities will be able to enter identifying information and subsequently update rather than resubmit the information via the internet. Less frequent incidence of collecting such information as offerors’ technical approach, management approach, experience statements, and resumes indicating level of expertise would negatively affect the quality of products and services DHS received from contractors. Potentially, contracts would be awarded to firms without sufficient experience and expertise, thereby placing the Department’s operations in jeopardy. Additionally, DHS collects information that is both necessary and sufficient to comply with 15 U.S.C. 638 and receive white papers and proposals from the public in response to BAAs. Failure to allow the public to submit information would diminish the ability of the DHS SBIR Program Office to meet its obligation for outreach as required by 15 U.S.C. 638, evaluate white papers and proposals in accordance with the criteria in the BAA and provide the respondents with the results of the PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 evaluation. DHS/ALL/PIA–006 General Contact Lists dated June15, 2007 covers the basic contact information that must be collected for DHS. Other information collected will typically pertain to the contract itself, and not individuals. All information for this information collection is submitted voluntarily. However, sensitive information (e.g., felony conviction information) may also be collected through this information collection. Due to this sensitivity, and the sensitivities regarding the procurement process as a whole, a new PIA is required to document and identify any potential risks associated with collecting this information. There is no assurance of confidentiality provided to the respondents. The burden estimates are based upon definitive proposals reported by DHS and its Components to the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) for FY 2019, and, for the forms, data reported by contracting activities related to single source DHS other transaction awards and modifications issued in FY 2019. No program changes occurred and there have been no changes to the information being collected. However, the burden was adjusted to reflect an agency adjustment increase of 13,206 in the number of respondents within DHS for FY 2019, to include the number of respondents added as a result of the new forms, as well as an increase in the average hourly wage rate. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments which: 1. Evaluate 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. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; 3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 4. Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. Analysis Agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS). E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 230 / Monday, November 30, 2020 / Notices Title: Solicitation of Proposal Information for Award of Public Contracts. OMB Number: 1600–0005. Frequency: On occasion. Affected Public: Private Sector. Number of Respondents: 130,418. Estimated Time per Respondent: 1.8. Total Burden Hours: 1,358,512. Robert Dorr, Acting Executive Director, Business Management Directorate. [FR Doc. 2020–26284 Filed 11–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9112–FL–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [212.LLHQ220000.L10200000.PK0000; OMB Control Number 1004–0041] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Authorizing Grazing Use Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are proposing to renew an information collection. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before December 30, 2020. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. Please provide a copy of your comments to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street NW, Room 5647, Attn. Chandra Little, Washington, DC 20240; or by email to cclittle@blm.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 1004–0041 in the subject line of your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information about this ICR, contact Brian Thrift by email at bthrift@blm.gov, or by telephone at 208–373–3869. Individuals who are hearing or speech impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 1–800–877– 8339 for TTY assistance. You may also view the ICR at https://www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain. You may also view TKELLEY on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:03 Nov 27, 2020 Jkt 253001 the ICR at https://www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide the general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. A Federal Register notice with a 60day public comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on August 17, 2020 (85 FR 50045). The comment period ended on October 16, 2020. The BLM received one comment. The comment was not relevant to this collection of information. As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, we are again soliciting comments from the public and other Federal agencies on the proposed ICR that is described below. We are especially interested in public comment addressing the following: (1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether or not the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of response. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 76597 cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Abstract: The BLM is required by the Taylor Grazing Act (43 U.S.C. 315–315r) and Subchapter IV of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1751–1753) to manage domestic livestock grazing on public lands consistent with land use plans, principles of multiple use and sustained yield, and other relevant factors. Compliance with these statutory provisions necessitates collection of information on matters such as permittee and lessee qualifications for a grazing permit or lease, base property used in conjunction with public lands, and the actual use of public lands for domestic livestock grazing. Most permits and leases are in effect for 10 years and are renewable if the BLM determines that the terms and conditions of the expiring permit or lease are being met. Title of Collection: Authorizing Grazing Use (43 CFR subparts 4110 and OMB Control Number: 1004–0041. Form Number: 4130–1, 4130–1a, 4130–1b, 4130–3a, 4130–4, and 4 Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Respondents/Affected Public: Any U.S. citizen or validly licensed business may apply for a BLM grazing permit or lease. The BLM administers nearly 18,000 permits and leases for grazing domestic livestock, at least part of the year on public lands. Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 18,010. Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 33,810. Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 10 to 35 minutes, depending on activity. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 7,811. Respondent’s Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit. Frequency of Collection: The BLM collects the information on Forms 4130– 1, 4130–1a, 4130–1b, and 4130–4 on occasion. The BLM collects the information on Forms 4130–3a and 4130–5 annually. Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $30,000. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Chandra Little, Regulatory Analyst. [FR Doc. 2020–26302 Filed 11–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–84–P E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 230 (Monday, November 30, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76595-76597]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26284]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Docket Number-2020-0048]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Solicitation of 
Proposal Information for Award of Public Contracts, 700-24, 700-25

AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: 60-Day notice and request for comments; extension without 
change of a currently approved collection, 1600-0005.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security, will submit the following 
Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until January 29, 
2021. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.1

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number Docket 
# 2020-0048, at:
    [cir] Federal rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Please 
follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number Docket # 2020-0048. All comments received will be 
posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 
collects information, when necessary, when inviting firms to submit 
bids, proposals, and offers for public contracts for supplies and 
service. Using solicitation methods such as Requests for Proposals 
(RFP), Requests for Information (RFI), and Broad Agency Announcements 
(BAA), the Government requests information from prospective offerors 
such as pricing information, delivery schedule compliance, and evidence 
that the offeror has the resources (both human and financial) to 
accomplish requirements. The information collection is necessary for 
compliance with the Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR), 48 
CFR Chapter 30, and the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and 
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, 15 U.S.C 628.
    The prior information collection request for OMB No. 1600-0005 was 
approved through November 30, 2021, and includes the following:
     3052.209-70 Prohibition on Contracts with Corporate 
Expatriates (Required in all solicitations and contracts) The offeror 
must disclose whether it is a foreign incorporated entity that should 
be treated as an inverted domestic corporation.
     3052.209-71 Reserve Officer Training Corps and Military 
Recruiting on Campus (Required in all solicitations and contracts with 
institutions of higher education) Requires that the Contractor 
represent that it does not now have, and agrees that during performance 
of the contract that it will not adopt, any policy or practice 
described in paragraph (b) of the clause.
     3052.209-72 Organizational Conflict of Interest, 
paragraphs (c), (d) and (e), (Required in all solicitations and 
contracts where a potential organizational conflict of interest exists 
and mitigation may be possible) The offeror must disclose whether it is 
aware of any facts which create any actual or potential organizational 
conflicts of interest; and, provide information as required by the 
Government and a mitigation plan relating to the conflict, if 
applicable.
     3052.209-74 Limitations on Contractors Acting as Lead 
System Integrators (Required in solicitations for the acquisition of a 
major system when the acquisition strategy envisions the use of a lead 
system integrator) The offeror must disclose whether it proposes to 
perform this contract as a lead system integrator with system 
responsibility, and whether it has a direct financial interest in the 
system that is the subject of the solicitation; and, provide evidence, 
as needed.
     3052.209-76 Prohibition on Federal Protective Service 
(FPS) Guard Services Contracts with Business Concerns Owned, 
Controlled, or Operated by an Individual Convicted of a Felony, 
paragraphs (a) through (g), (Required in in all solicitations and 
contracts for FPS guard services) The offeror must disclose whether it 
is owned, operated or controlled by an individual convicted of any 
felony. A business concern owned, operated or controlled by an 
individual convicted of any felony may submit an award request to the 
Government. The request must include information that is considered 
personally identifiable information, and any additional information the 
Government deems necessary.
     3052.215-70 Key Personnel and Facilities (Required in 
solicitations and contracts when the selection for award is 
substantially based on the offeror's possession of special capabilities 
regarding personnel or facilities) Before removing or replacing any of 
the specified individuals or facilities, the offeror must notify the 
Government, in writing, before the change becomes effective.
     3052.219-72 Evaluation of Prime Contractor Participation 
in the DHS Mentor-Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Program (Required in all 
solicitations containing (HSAR) 48 CFR 3052.219-71, DHS Mentor-
Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Program and (FAR) 48 CFR 52.219-9 Small Business 
Subcontracting Plan) The offeror must provide a signed letter of 
mentor-prot[eacute]g[eacute] agreement, if it wishes to receive credit 
under the source selection factor.
     3052.247-70 F.o.b. Origin Information (Required in 
solicitations as appropriate) The offeror must provide information 
related to the offeror's shipping point.
    The DHS Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate issues BAAs 
soliciting when white papers and proposals from the public. DHS S&T 
evaluates white papers and proposals received in response to a DHS S&T 
BAA using the evaluation criteria specified in the BAA through a peer 
or scientific review process in accordance with FAR 35.016(d). 
Unclassified white papers and proposals are typically collected via the 
DHS S&T BAA secure website, while classified white papers and proposals 
must be submitted via proper classified courier or proper classified 
mailing procedures as described in the National Industrial Security 
Program Operating Manual (NSPOM).
    Federal agencies with an annual extramural research and development 
(R&D) budget exceeding $100 million are required to participate in the 
SBIR Program. Similarly, Federal agencies with an extramural R&D budget 
exceeding $1 billion are required to participate in the STTR Program. 
Federal agencies who participate in the

[[Page 76596]]

SBIR and STTR programs must collect information from the public to 
meet:
    (1) Applicable reporting requirements under 15 U.S.C. 638 (b)(7), 
(g)(8), (i), (j)(1)(E), (j)(3)(C), (l), (o)(10), and (v);
    (2) The requirement to maintain both a publicly accessible database 
of SBIR/STTR award information and a government database of SBIR/STTR 
award information for SBIR and STTR program evaluation under 15 U.S.C. 
638 g(10, (k), (o)(9), and (o)(15); and
    (3) Requirements for public outreach under 15 U.S.C. 638 (j)(2)(F), 
(o)(14), and (s).
    DHS is seeking to renew this collection, and revise it to add, for 
purposes of entering into other transaction agreements pursuant to 6 
U.S.C. 391, 6 U.S.C. 596(1), and 49 U.S.C. 106(l)(6), Form 700-24, 
Other Transaction Agreement Solicitation, and Form 700-25, Other 
Transaction Agreement Solicitation Amendment. On the forms, respondents 
submit an Employer Identification Number, as well as the business' 
name, address and title. Respondents must also identify the authorized 
business representative's personal name, and must include a signature.
    The information being collected is used by the Government's 
contracting officers and other acquisition personnel, including 
technical and legal staff to determine the adequacy of technical and 
management approach, experience, responsibility, responsiveness, and 
expertise of the firms submitting offers; the identification of members 
of the public (i.e., small businesses) who qualify for and are 
interested in participating in the DHS SBIR Program; and, provide the 
DHS SBIR Program Office necessary and sufficient information to 
determine whether proposals submitted by the public to the DHS SBIR 
Program meet the criteria for consideration under the program.
    Failure to collect this information would adversely affect the 
quality of products and services DHS receives from contractors. 
Potentially, contracts would be awarded to firms without sufficient 
experience and expertise, thereby placing the Department's operations 
in jeopardy. Defective and inadequate contractor deliverables would 
adversely affect DHS's fulfillment of the mission requirements in all 
areas. Additionally, the Department would be unsuccessful in 
identifying small businesses with research and development (R&D) 
capabilities, which would adversely affect the mission requirements in 
this area.
    Many sources of the requested information use automated word 
processing systems, databases, and web portals to facilitate 
preparation of material to be submitted and to post and collect 
information. It is common place within many of DHS's Components for 
submissions to be electronic as a result of implementation of e-
Government initiatives.
    Information technology (i.e., electronic web portal) is used in the 
collection of information to reduce the data gathering and records 
management burden. DHS uses a secure website the public can use to 
propose SBIR research topics and submit proposals in response to SBIR 
solicitations. In addition, DHS uses a web portal to review RFIs and 
register to submit a white paper or proposal in response to a specific 
BAA. The data collection forms standardize the collection of 
information that is necessary and sufficient for the DHS SBIR Program 
Office to meet its requirements under 15 U.S.C. 638.
    This information collection required by the HSAR and the SBIR and 
STTR programs may or may not involve small business contractors, 
depending on the particular transaction. The burden applied to small 
businesses has been reduced to the least burdensome commensurate with 
the DHS need for the information. In certain cases, information 
collection is done via a secure website which is intended to minimize 
burden for businesses (including small businesses) and other for-profit 
entities, and not-for-profit institutions. Small businesses and other 
small entities will be able to enter identifying information and 
subsequently update rather than resubmit the information via the 
internet.
    Less frequent incidence of collecting such information as offerors' 
technical approach, management approach, experience statements, and 
resumes indicating level of expertise would negatively affect the 
quality of products and services DHS received from contractors. 
Potentially, contracts would be awarded to firms without sufficient 
experience and expertise, thereby placing the Department's operations 
in jeopardy.
    Additionally, DHS collects information that is both necessary and 
sufficient to comply with 15 U.S.C. 638 and receive white papers and 
proposals from the public in response to BAAs. Failure to allow the 
public to submit information would diminish the ability of the DHS SBIR 
Program Office to meet its obligation for outreach as required by 15 
U.S.C. 638, evaluate white papers and proposals in accordance with the 
criteria in the BAA and provide the respondents with the results of the 
evaluation. DHS/ALL/PIA-006 General Contact Lists dated June15, 2007 
covers the basic contact information that must be collected for DHS. 
Other information collected will typically pertain to the contract 
itself, and not individuals. All information for this information 
collection is submitted voluntarily. However, sensitive information 
(e.g., felony conviction information) may also be collected through 
this information collection. Due to this sensitivity, and the 
sensitivities regarding the procurement process as a whole, a new PIA 
is required to document and identify any potential risks associated 
with collecting this information.
    There is no assurance of confidentiality provided to the 
respondents.
    The burden estimates are based upon definitive proposals reported 
by DHS and its Components to the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) 
for FY 2019, and, for the forms, data reported by contracting 
activities related to single source DHS other transaction awards and 
modifications issued in FY 2019. No program changes occurred and there 
have been no changes to the information being collected. However, the 
burden was adjusted to reflect an agency adjustment increase of 13,206 
in the number of respondents within DHS for FY 2019, to include the 
number of respondents added as a result of the new forms, as well as an 
increase in the average hourly wage rate.
    The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in 
comments which:
    1. Evaluate 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. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    4. Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submissions of responses.

Analysis

    Agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

[[Page 76597]]

    Title: Solicitation of Proposal Information for Award of Public 
Contracts.
    OMB Number: 1600-0005.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Affected Public: Private Sector.
    Number of Respondents: 130,418.
    Estimated Time per Respondent: 1.8.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,358,512.

Robert Dorr,
Acting Executive Director, Business Management Directorate.
[FR Doc. 2020-26284 Filed 11-27-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9112-FL-P
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