Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comments Requested, 8755-8756 [2021-02600]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 25 / Tuesday, February 9, 2021 / Notices Specialist, Rural Utilities Service, Tennessee State Office, 441 Donelson Pike, Suite 310, Nashville, TN, 37214. Telephone: (615) 783–1300. Fax: (855) 776–7057 or email taylor.marable@ usda.gov. The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implementing provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13) requires that interested members of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that RUS is submitting to OMB for revision. 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 will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and, in the ‘‘Search’’ box, enter the Docket ID No ‘‘RUS–21–WATER–0002’’ to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site’s ‘‘Help’’ button at the top of the page. Title: Water and Waste Loan and Grant Program. OMB Control Number: 0572–0121. Expiration date of Approval: May 21, 2021. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection. Abstract: USDA Rural Development, through the Rural Utilities Service, is authorized by Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926) to make loans to public agencies, nonprofit corporations, and Indian Tribes to fund water and waste disposal projects serving the most financially needy rural khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Feb 08, 2021 Jkt 253001 communities through the Water and Waste Disposal loan and grant program. Financial assistance should result in reasonable user costs for rural residents, rural businesses, and other rural users. The program is limited to rural areas and small towns with a population of 10,000 or less. The Water and Waste Loan and Grant Program is administered through 7 CFR part 1780. The items covered by this collection include forms and related documentation to support a loan application. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2.64 hours per response. Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local or Tribal Government. Estimated Number of Respondents: 896. Estimated Number of Responses: 61,782. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 68. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 163,203 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Lynn Gilbert, Regulations Management Division, at (202) 690–2682 or email: lynn.gilbert@ usda.gov All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Christopher A. McLean, Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2021–02601 Filed 2–8–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service [Docket #: RUS–21–AGENCY–0001] Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comments Requested Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which the RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by April 12, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lauren Cusick, Management Analyst, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8755 Regulations Management Division, Innovation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, STOP 1571, South Building, Washington, DC 20250–1522. Telephone: (202) 720–1414. Email: Lauren.Cusick@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implementing provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13) requires that interested members of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that RUS is submitting to OMB as extension to an existing collection with Agency adjustment. 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 will 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 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 through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent by the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https:// www.regulations.gov and, in the lower ‘‘Search Regulations and Federal Actions’’ box, select ‘‘RUS’’ from the agency drop-down menu, then click on ‘‘Submit.’’ In the Docket ID column, select 0572–0095 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site’s ‘‘User Tips’’ link. Title: 7 CFR 1773, Policy on Audits of RUS Borrowers. OMB Control Number: 0572–0095. Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 2022. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection. Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service relies on the information provided by the borrowers in their financial E:\FR\FM\09FEN1.SGM 09FEN1 8756 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 25 / Tuesday, February 9, 2021 / Notices statements to make lending decisions as to borrowers’ credit worthiness and to assure that loan funds are approved, advanced and disbursed for proper RE Act purposes. These financial statements are audited by a certified public accountant to provide independent assurance that the data being reported are properly measured and fairly presented. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 8.17 hours per response. Respondents: Business or other forprofit, Not-for-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents and Recordkeepers: 1,300. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.35. Estimated Number of Responses: 1,764. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 14,420 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Lauren Cusick, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 720–1414. Email: Lauren.Cusick@usda.gov.) 205– 3660, Fax: (202) 720–8435. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Christopher McLean, Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2021–02600 Filed 2–8–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Census Bureau Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; American Community Survey Methods Panel Tests Census Bureau, Commerce. Notice of information collection, request for comment. AGENCY: ACTION: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment on the proposed revision of the American Community Survey Methods Panel Tests prior to the khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Feb 08, 2021 Jkt 253001 submission of the information collection request (ICR) to OMB for approval. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before April 12, 2021. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by email to acso.pra@census.gov. Please reference American Community Survey Methods Panel Tests in the subject line of your comments. You may also submit comments, identified by Docket Number USBC–2021–0002, to the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. All comments received are part of the public record. No comments will be posted to https:// www.regulations.gov for public viewing until after the comment period has closed. Comments will generally be posted without change. All Personally Identifiable Information (for example, name and address) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. You may submit attachments to electronic comments in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to G. Brian Wilson, U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office, 301–763– 2819, George.Brian.Wilson@census.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing monthly survey that collects detailed housing and socioeconomic data from about 3.5 million addresses in the United States and about 36,000 addresses in Puerto Rico each year. The ACS also collects detailed socioeconomic data from about 195,000 residents living in group quarters (GQ) facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico. Resulting tabulations from this data collection are provided on a yearly basis. The ACS allows the Census Bureau to provide timely and relevant housing and socioeconomic statistics, even for low levels of geography. An ongoing data collection effort with an annual sample of this magnitude requires that the ACS continue research, testing, and evaluations aimed at improving data quality, reducing data collection costs, and improving the ACS questionnaire content and related data collection materials. The ACS Methods Panel is a research program designed to PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 address and respond to survey issues and needs. As part of the Decennial Census Program, the ACS also provides an opportunity to research and test elements of survey data collection that relate to the decennial census. As such, the ACS Methods Panel can serve as a testbed for the decennial census. From 2021 to 2024, the ACS Methods Panel may test ACS and decennial census methods for reducing survey cost, addressing respondent burden, and improving survey response, data quality, and survey efficiencies. The ACS Methods Panel may also address other emerging needs of the programs. At this time, plans are in place to propose several tests related to selfresponse, group quarters, and nonresponse follow up data collection operations. Tests may also be conducted to explore the use of administrative records. Because the ACS Methods Panel is designed to address emerging issues, we may propose additional testing as needed. Any testing would focus on methods for reducing data collection costs, improving data quality, improving the respondent experience, revising content, or testing new questions that have a need to be included in the Decennial Census Program. The proposed tests are outlined below. Self-Response Mail Messaging and Contact Strategies Testing: In response to declining response rates and increasing costs, the Census Bureau plans to study methods to increase selfresponse, the least expensive mode of data collection. The Census Bureau currently sends up to five mailings to a sampled address to inform the occupants that their address has been selected to participate in the ACS and to encourage them to self-respond to the ACS. The proposed tests would evaluate changes to the mailings, such as using plain language to improve communication, changing the look and feel of the materials, updating messages to motivate response, and adding or removing materials included in the mailings. Changes to the contact method, the number of contacts, and the timing of the contacts may also be tested. Multiple tests may be conducted. Respondent Feedback Pilot Test: Currently, ACS participants who want to give feedback on their survey experience must call, email, or send letters directly to the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau is considering adding a method for participants to provide feedback at the end of the survey. Because collecting respondent feedback of this nature is new to the ACS, we conducted cognitive testing to inform recommendations on its wording E:\FR\FM\09FEN1.SGM 09FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 9, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8755-8756]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-02600]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

[Docket #: RUS-21-AGENCY-0001]


Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection; Comments Requested

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service 
(RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which the RUS 
intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB).

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by April 12, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lauren Cusick, Management Analyst, 
Regulations Management Division, Innovation Center, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, STOP 1571, South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250-1522. Telephone: (202) 720-1414. Email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) 
regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implementing provisions of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) requires that interested members 
of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on 
information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that RUS 
is submitting to OMB as extension to an existing collection with Agency 
adjustment. 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 will 
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 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 through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be 
sent by the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and, in the lower ``Search Regulations and Federal 
Actions'' box, select ``RUS'' from the agency drop-down menu, then 
click on ``Submit.'' In the Docket ID column, select 0572-0095 to 
submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related 
materials available electronically. Information on using 
Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, 
submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the 
comment period, is available through the site's ``User Tips'' link.
    Title: 7 CFR 1773, Policy on Audits of RUS Borrowers.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0095.
    Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 2022.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service relies on the information 
provided by the borrowers in their financial

[[Page 8756]]

statements to make lending decisions as to borrowers' credit worthiness 
and to assure that loan funds are approved, advanced and disbursed for 
proper RE Act purposes. These financial statements are audited by a 
certified public accountant to provide independent assurance that the 
data being reported are properly measured and fairly presented.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 8.17 hours per response.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit 
institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents and Recordkeepers: 1,300.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.35.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 1,764.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 14,420 hours.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Lauren 
Cusick, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 720-1414. 
Email: [email protected].) 205-3660, Fax: (202) 720-8435.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

Christopher McLean,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-02600 Filed 2-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

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