Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and approval; Comment Request; Annual Report on Appeals Process (RSA-722), 15207-15208 [2021-05884]

Download as PDF jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 53 / Monday, March 22, 2021 / Notices offerors must provide the prices for the new items being acquired both with and without any exchange. Contracting officers use the information to make an informed decision regarding the reasonableness of the prices for both the new and trade-in items. DFARS 217.7404–3(b)—When awarded an undefinitized contract action, contractors are required to submit a qualifying proposal in accordance with the definitization schedule provided in the contract. Contracting officers use this information to complete a meaningful analysis of a contractor’s proposal in a timely manner. DFARS 217.7505(d)—When responding to sole source solicitations that include the acquisition of replenishment parts, offerors submit price and quantity data on any Government orders for the replenishment part(s) issued within the most recent 12 months. Contracting officers use this information to evaluate recent price increases for sole source replenishment parts. DFARS clause 252.217–7012— Included in master agreements for repair and alteration of vessels, paragraph (d) of the clause requires contractors to show evidence of insurance under the agreement. Contracting officers use this information to ensure contractor is adequately insured when performing work under the agreement. Paragraphs (f) and (g) of the clause require contractors to notify the contracting officer of any property loss or damage for which the Government is liable under the agreement and submit a request, with supporting documentation, for reimbursement of the cost of replacement or repair. Contracting officers use this information to stay informed of lost or damaged property for which the Government is liable, and to determine the appropriate course of action for replacement or repair of the property. DFARS provision 252.217–7026— Included in certain solicitations for supplies that are being acquired under other than full and open competition, the provision requires the apparently successful offeror to identify their sources of supply so that competition can be enhanced in future acquisitions. DFARS clause 252.217–7028—When performing under contracts for overhaul, maintenance, and repair, contractors must submit a work request and proposal for ‘‘over and above’’ work that is within the scope of the contract, but not covered by the line item(s) under the contract, and necessary in order to satisfactorily complete the contract. This requirement allows the VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:46 Mar 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 Government to review the need for pending work before the contractor begins performance. Comments and recommendations on the proposed information collection should be sent to Ms. Susan Minson, DoD Desk Officer, at Oira_submission@ omb.eop.gov. Please identify the proposed information collection by DoD Desk Officer and the Docket ID number and title of the information collection. You may also submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by the following method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. DoD Clearance Officer: Ms. Angela James. Requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Ms. James at whs.mcalex.esd.mbx.dd-dod-informationcollections@mail.mil. Jennifer D. Johnson, Regulatory Control Officer, Defense Acquisition Regulations System. [FR Doc. 2021–05769 Filed 3–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [Docket No.: ED–2020–SCC–0197] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and approval; Comment Request; Annual Report on Appeals Process (RSA–722) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), Department of Education (ED). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ED is proposing an extension without change to a currently approved collection. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before April 21, 2021. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for proposed information collection requests should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/ do/PRAMain. Find this information collection request by selecting ‘‘Department of Education’’ under ‘‘Currently Under Review,’’ then check ‘‘Only Show ICR for Public Comment’’ checkbox. Comments may also be sent to ICDocketmgr@ed.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For specific questions related to collection activities, please contact Caneshia Mcalister, 202–245–6059. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15207 The Department of Education (ED), in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department’s information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. ED is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records. Title of Collection: Annual Report on Appeals Process (RSA–722). OMB Control Number: 1820–0563. Type of Review: An extension without change to a currently approved collection. Respondents/Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Governments Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 78. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 156. Abstract: Pursuant to Subsection 102(c)(8)(A) and (B) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the RSA–722 is needed to meet specific data collection requirements on the number of requests for mediations, hearings, administrative reviews, and other methods of dispute resolution requested and the manner in which they were resolved. The information collected is used to evaluate the types of complaints made by applicants and eligible individuals of the vocational rehabilitation program and the final resolution of appeals filed. Respondents are State agencies that administer the Federal/State Program for Vocational Rehabilitation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM 22MRN1 15208 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 53 / Monday, March 22, 2021 / Notices Dated: March 17, 2021. Kate Mullan, PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and Clearance Governance and Strategy Division Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. [FR Doc. 2021–05884 Filed 3–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Notice of Interpretation Regarding Period of Allowable Expenses for Funds Administered Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF) Program Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of interpretation. AGENCY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing this notice of interpretation regarding the allowable time period for which grantees may charge costs and lost revenue to their HEERF grant. That period is from March 13, 2020 onward. DATES: This interpretation is effective March 22, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Epps, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 250–64, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: The Department of Education HEERF Call Center at (202) 377–3711. Email: HEERF@ed.gov. Please also visit our HEERF II website at: www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/ crrsaa.html. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– 8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: Full Text of Announcement On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a national emergency to respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19) outbreak, under section 501(b) of the Stafford Act. Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID–19), 85 FR 15337. Soon thereafter, on March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116– 136, to help Americans during the economic and health crises created by the COVID–19 outbreak. Among its many provisions, the CARES Act provided the Department with a $14.2 billion appropriation designated as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to be distributed to VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:46 Mar 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 eligible institutions of higher education (IHEs) to ‘‘prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.’’ In the midst of this continued crisis, on December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) (Pub. L. 116–260). This law made available an additional $22.7 billion for IHEs under the HEERF programs, with funding appropriated for the existing (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) programs previously authorized under the CARES Act, as well as funding for a new (a)(4) program authorized under the CRRSAA. Section 314(c) of the CRRSAA provides the following allowable uses for funds made available through that appropriation: (1) Defray expenses associated with coronavirus (including lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with a transition to distance education, faculty and staff trainings, and payroll); (2) Carry out student support activities authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, that address needs related to coronavirus; or (3) Provide financial aid grants to students. Additionally, section 314(d)(2) of the CRRSAA extended the allowable use provisions listed above to any of an IHE’s unspent CARES Act funds. In its initial analysis regarding the allowability of pre-award costs for grants made newly available under the CRRSAA, the Department took the position that obligations under CRRSAA grants needed to have been incurred on or after December 27, 2020, the date of the enactment of the CRRSAA. For new or supplemental funding awarded under CRRSAA, this position was memorialized in the IHE’s Certification and Agreement or Supplemental Agreement, respectively, as well as the Grant Award Notification document connected with the obligation of such funds. The Department is committed to extending all available flexibilities that may be authorized by law to grantees under the HEERF programs as IHEs continue to grapple with the financial consequences of COVID–19. Many IHEs are facing severe budget shortfalls as a result of decreased enrollment, tuition discounting, declining international student enrollment, and the loss of revenue from food service and dormitories.1 These shortfalls are forcing IHEs to consider hiring freezes, 1 www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2021/02/ 09/colleges-could-lose-183-billion-duringpandemic. PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 layoffs, operating budget cuts, and suspending certain degree programs.2 In recognition of the considerable financial strain faced by the higher education community, the Department is issuing this notice of interpretation to allow IHEs to charge pre-award costs for their unspent CARES Act and CRRSAA funds back to March 13, 2020, for expenses associated with COVID–19. The Department finds textual support for revisiting its position within the allowable uses enumerated within CRRSAA section 314(c)(1), which explicitly include ‘‘lost revenue’’ and ‘‘reimbursement for expenses already incurred.’’ The Department believes that allowing grantees to recover pre-award costs back to March 13, 2020, is consistent with the intent of Congress and authorized by the law, and this will allow IHEs to target their areas of financial need more directly with HEERF program funding. This notice of interpretation supersedes in part all previous guidance, agreements, and grant award documents to provide IHEs with the expanded flexibility to charge pre-award costs back to March 13, 2020. To further provide flexibility to IHEs, the Department also concurrently waives the requirement for prior written approval of pre-award costs, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.407. We will also issue letters through our G5 system to directly notify grantees of this change of interpretation. Grantees are not required to take any action to take advantage of this expanded period of expenditures flexibility but are encouraged to maintain a copy of this notice within your HEERF grant files as additional support for auditing purposes. The Department will make publicly available any additional guidance on this topic on its CRRSAA: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) website(https:// www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/ crrsaa.html). The Department continues to encourage IHEs to focus on the needs of their students in assessing how best to utilize HEERF funding. While some IHEs may need to use their HEERF grant to pay for expenses incurred earlier in the pandemic, other IHEs may look forward and focus on how best to provide student support to keep their students enrolled and academically engaged throughout the pandemic. The Department hopes that the expanded flexibilities announced in this notice 2 www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/ states-can-choose-better-path-for-higher-educationfunding-in-covid; www.nytimes.com/2020/10/26/ us/colleges-coronavirus-budget-cuts.html. E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM 22MRN1

Agencies

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 53 (Monday, March 22, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15207-15208]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05884]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Docket No.: ED-2020-SCC-0197]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget for Review and approval; Comment 
Request; Annual Report on Appeals Process (RSA-722)

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 
(OSERS), Department of Education (ED).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ED is 
proposing an extension without change to a currently approved 
collection.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
April 21, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for proposed 
information collection requests should be sent within 30 days of 
publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find 
this information collection request by selecting ``Department of 
Education'' under ``Currently Under Review,'' then check ``Only Show 
ICR for Public Comment'' checkbox. Comments may also be sent to 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For specific questions related to 
collection activities, please contact Caneshia Mcalister, 202-245-6059.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Education (ED), in 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with 
an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing 
collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact 
of its information collection requirements and minimize the public's 
reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department's 
information collection requirements and provide the requested data in 
the desired format. ED is soliciting comments on the proposed 
information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The 
Department of Education is especially interested in public comment 
addressing the following issues: (1) is this collection necessary to 
the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be 
processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden 
accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, 
and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the 
Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, 
including through the use of information technology. Please note that 
written comments received in response to this notice will be considered 
public records.
    Title of Collection: Annual Report on Appeals Process (RSA-722).
    OMB Control Number: 1820-0563.
    Type of Review: An extension without change to a currently approved 
collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Governments 
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 78.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 156.
    Abstract: Pursuant to Subsection 102(c)(8)(A) and (B) of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by Title IV of the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act, the RSA-722 is needed to meet specific 
data collection requirements on the number of requests for mediations, 
hearings, administrative reviews, and other methods of dispute 
resolution requested and the manner in which they were resolved. The 
information collected is used to evaluate the types of complaints made 
by applicants and eligible individuals of the vocational rehabilitation 
program and the final resolution of appeals filed. Respondents are 
State agencies that administer the Federal/State Program for Vocational 
Rehabilitation.


[[Page 15208]]


    Dated: March 17, 2021.
Kate Mullan,
PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and Clearance Governance and 
Strategy Division Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of Planning, 
Evaluation and Policy Development.
[FR Doc. 2021-05884 Filed 3-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P

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