Agency Information Collection Activities: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Performance Reporting System, Management Evaluation, 58765-58769 [2022-21033]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 28, 2022 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 to our constituents and stakeholders. The Constituent Update is available on the FSIS web page. Through the web page, FSIS can provide information to a much broader, more diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe. Options range from recalls to export information, regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves and have the option to password protect their accounts. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/ parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD– 3027, found online at https:// www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-aprogram-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632–9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410; (2) fax: (202) 690–7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Sep 27, 2022 Jkt 256001 USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Paul Kiecker, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2022–20925 Filed 9–27–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Performance Reporting System, Management Evaluation 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. This is a revision of a currently approved collection and existing burden in use without a valid OMB control number in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This information collection is for the Performance Reporting System and management evaluation processes, which ensure that SNAP State agencies are operating the program in accordance with statute and regulations. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and SNAP State agencies use this information to evaluate State agency operations and to collect information necessary to develop solutions to improve the State’s administration of SNAP policy and procedures. SUMMARY: Written comments must be received on or before November 28, 2022. DATES: Comments may be sent to: Program Design Branch, Program Development Division, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1320 Braddock Place, 5th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. Comments may also be submitted via phone to Jessica Luna at 703–305–2022 or via email to SNAPPDBRules@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. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58765 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to Jessica Luna at 703–305–2022. 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: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Performance Reporting System, Management Evaluation. Form Number: N/A. OMB Control Number: 0584–0010. Expiration Date: July 31, 2023. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection to include an existing collection in use without an OMB control number. Abstract: The purpose of the Performance Reporting System (PRS) is to ensure that each State agency and project area is operating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in accordance with the requirements of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) (7 U.S.C. 2011, et seq.), as amended, and corresponding program regulations. Under Section 11 of the Act, all 53 SNAP State agencies must maintain records to ascertain that the program is operating in compliance with the Act and regulations by conducting State management evaluations in each of their project areas as outlined in 7 CFR 275.5. Management evaluations (MEs) are reviews that State agencies complete at local SNAP offices to monitor program access, program integrity, and operations. States must make these records available to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for inspection and audit. To conduct Federal oversight of State operations, FNS Regional offices also conduct Federal management evaluations of State agencies in all 53 SNAP States in accordance with 7 CFR 275.3(a) and (b). E:\FR\FM\28SEN1.SGM 28SEN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 58766 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 28, 2022 / Notices State Management Evaluations In the process of renewing this information collection, FNS consulted with 7 State agencies to update, if necessary, estimates for the time that State agency staff spend preparing State ME schedules, conducting State ME reviews, and maintaining State ME records. 7 CFR 275.20 requires each State agency to submit State ME review schedules to FNS. The review schedules must ensure that all project areas will be reviewed every one, two or three years, depending on the project area size, unless the State receives approval for an alternative ME review schedule, per regulations at 7 CFR 275.5(b). FNS defines project areas as the county or similar political subdivision designated by a State as the administrative unit for program operations. Per definitions at 7 CFR 271.2, FNS defines project areas as large, medium or small depending on the number of households in their monthly active caseload. The number of hours required to prepare these review schedules is a function of the number and size of project areas in the State. FNS assumes that it takes approximately 4 hours for each State to generate and submit their yearly review schedule via email or other electronic means to their respective FNS Regional Office. The agency did not find adjustments necessary to this category following State agency consultation. Because States do not review all project areas annually, FNS estimates that States will conduct reviews in half of the total number of project areas each year. Therefore, each of the 53 State agencies will conduct approximately 27 management evaluations annually (total of 1,431 State MEs nationally). It will take approximately 340 hours for States to conduct each of these reviews. The agency did not find adjustments necessary to this category following State agency consultation. Each State agency must keep records of ME reviews and submit such reports and other information to their respective FNS Regional Office as required under 7 CFR 275.4. States generally submit these reports and other information via email, though in some cases the FNS Regional Office may facilitate submission via a web-based collaboration and document management platform. The State agency must retain all ME records for audit and review purposes for no less than three years from the month of record origin. Following State agency consultation, FNS adjusted the recordkeeping burden for State MEs to more accurately account for State time used, adding VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Sep 27, 2022 Jkt 256001 5,968 burden hours as compared to the previous approval for this collection. FNS estimates that recordkeeping burden related to ME reviews requires one record keeper per each State agency. Each recordkeeper manages approximately 29 records each year and it takes 4 hours to complete each record. Federal Management Evaluations Under 7 CFR 275.3, FNS also conducts monitoring reviews to ensure that State agencies are operating SNAP and their State management evaluation (ME) programs in accordance with SNAP requirements. Federal management evaluations, which the FNS Regional offices conduct, are very similar to those conducted by the States. States participating in Federal management evaluations incur burden related to preparing for and facilitating the Regional office’s review during the Federal ME. With this information collection request, FNS is seeking OMB approval for the burden hours associated with Federal management evaluation information that is currently being collected in violation of the PRA without a valid OMB control number. Therefore, the burden estimates for this requirement represent an additional 8,692 burden hours not included in the previous approval of this collection. To prepare the below estimate, FNS used the same State consultations mentioned above to estimate the time that State agency staff spend on Federal ME reviews. According to FNS internal records from previous years, FNS Regional offices typically conduct management evaluations twice a year in each SNAP State for an average total of 106 Federal MEs each year. To prepare for a Federal ME, States must gather documentation and information for FNS’ review. For example, documentation may include procedure manuals, example notifications, and case records. The information required for the ME is dependent on the type of ME being performed and most items are submitted electronically via email to FNS Regional offices prior to the ME to allow time for review. Once FNS begins the review, States host FNS Regional office employees at a designated location, participate in interviews, and facilitate SNAP case file reviews. FNS estimates that it takes a State approximately 82 hours total to prepare for, attend, and help facilitate each Federal ME. There is no recordkeeping burden for the affected public associated with Federal MEs for this information collection since FNS is the recordholder. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Corrective Action Plans Using the same 7 State agency consultations mentioned previously, FNS updated the reporting burden estimates related to corrective action plans resulting from State and Federal management evaluations. Due to the resulting updates, the burden hours for this requirement represent an additional 636 burden hours for Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) that was not included in the previous approval of this collection. As required at 7 CFR 275, each State has an established system for analysis and evaluation of all data available to the State during both State and Federal MEs. Data analysis and evaluation are ongoing processes that facilitate the development of prompt corrective action. Through the ME process, States and FNS Regional offices often identify deficiencies (i.e., findings) in the application of SNAP policy and requirements. According to requirements at 7 CFR 275.16 through 7 CFR 275.18, State agencies must prepare a CAP addressing all findings identified. FNS estimates that each State will prepare two semi-annual, comprehensive CAPs, which States submit electronically to FNS Regional Offices. States generally submit these plans via email, though in some cases the FNS Regional Office may facilitate submission via a web-based collaboration and document management platform. These plans cover all corrective actions that States are responsible for undertaking following both State ME findings and Federal ME findings. State agencies have systems for monitoring and evaluating corrective action, per regulations at 7 CFR 275.19. FNS estimates that it takes an average of 46 hours to develop and monitor each semi-annual CAP. Reporting Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Government. Respondent Type: State SNAP Agencies. Estimated Number of Respondents: 53. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 32. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 1,696. Estimated Time per Response: 295 hours. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 500,320 hours. Recordkeeping Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Government. Respondent Type: State SNAP Agencies. E:\FR\FM\28SEN1.SGM 28SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 28, 2022 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Estimated Number of Respondents: 53. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 29. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Sep 27, 2022 Jkt 256001 Estimated Total Annual Responses: 1,537. Estimated Time per Response: 4 hours. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58767 Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 6,148 hours. E:\FR\FM\28SEN1.SGM 28SEN1 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Sep 27, 2022 Jkt 256001 Prepare State and local agencies management evaluation schedule. Conduct State management evaluation reviews. Facilitate Federal management evaluation reviews. Prepare and monitor corrective action plan. State SNAP Agencies PO 00000 Frm 00005 Recordkeeping Total Burden Estimates .............................................................. 53 53 State SNAP Agencies State Agency Subtotal Recordkeeping ............................................................... - 53 7 CFR 275.4 - Maintain management evaluation records. State ME ....... 53 53 53 53 53 Reporting Total Burden Estimates ...................................................................... State SNAP Agencies State SNAP Agencies State SNAP Agencies Description of activity Respondent type 53 7 CFR 275.16– 275.19. 7 CFR 275.3 7 CFR 275.9 7 CFR 275.20 Reg. section Estimated number of respondents State Agency Subtotal Reporting ........................................................................ All ME ............ Federal ME .... State ME ....... Burden activities lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 29 29 29 32 32 2 2 27 1 Estimated frequency of response 1,537 1,537 1,537 1,696 1,696 106 106 1,431 53 Estimated total annual responses 4 4 4 295 295 46 82 340 4 Estimated number of burden hours per response 6,148 6,148 6,148 500,320 500,320 4,876 8,692 486,540 212 Estimated total burden hours 0 0 0 8,692 8,692 0 8,692 0 0 Burden hours in use without a valid OMB control No. 180 180 180 490,992 490,992 4,240 0 486,540 212 Previously approved burden hours 5,968 5,968 5,968 9,328 9,328 636 8,692 0 0 Difference due to adjustments 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Differences due to program changes 58768 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 28, 2022 / Notices Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28SEN1.SGM 28SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 28, 2022 / Notices Tameka Owens, Assistant Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 2022–21033 Filed 9–27–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request—Generic Clearance To Conduct Formative Research or Development of Nutrition Education and Promotion Materials and Related Tools and Grants for FNS Population Groups 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 interested parties to comment on a proposed information collection. This collection is an extension of a currently approved collection. This information collection will conduct research in support of FNS’ goal of delivering science-based nutrition education to targeted audiences. This information collection will also conduct research that will assist FNS in identifying effective design and implementation approaches to use to develop and assess grants. From development through testing of materials and tools with the target audience, FNS plans to conduct data collections that involve formative research including focus groups, interviews (dyad, triad, telephone, etc.), surveys and Web-based collection tools. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 28, 2022. SUMMARY: 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 has 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 use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Sep 27, 2022 Jkt 256001 Comments may be sent to Jamia Franklin and Maureen Lydon, Planning and Regulatory Affairs Office, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1320 Braddock Place, 5th floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. Comments may also be sent via email to Jamia.Franklin@usda.gov and Maureen.Lydon@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 (OMB) 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 Jamia Franklin at (703) 305–2403 or via email at Jamia.Franklin@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Generic Clearance to Conduct Formative Research or Development of Nutrition Education, Promotion Materials and Related Tools, and Grants for FNS Population Groups. OMB Number: 0584–0524. Expiration Date: December 31, 2022. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: This information collection is based on Section 19 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1787), Section 5 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1754) and Section 11(f) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020). This request for approval of information collection is necessary to obtain input into the development of nutrition education interventions for population groups served by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (USDA–FNS). FNS also uses this collection to obtain input that can be used to develop and assess grants. Interventions need to be designed so that they can be delivered through different types of media and in a variety of formats for diverse audiences. FNS develops a variety of resources to support nutrition education and promotion activities. These resources are designed to convey science-based, behavior-focused nutrition messages about healthy eating and physical activity to children and adults eligible to participate in FNS nutrition assistance programs and to motivate them to consume more healthful foods as defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). This includes PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58769 education materials, messages, promotion tools and interventions for the diverse population served by the Federal nutrition programs as well as WIC, Team Nutrition, Food Distribution and other programs. Obtaining formative input and feedback is fundamental to FNS’ success in delivering science-based nutrition messages and reaching diverse segments of the population in ways that are meaningful and relevant. This includes conferring with the target audience, individuals who serve the target audience, and key stakeholders on the communication strategies and interventions that will be developed and on the delivery approaches that will be used to reach consumers. The formative research and testing activities described will help in the development of effective education and promotion tools and communication strategies. Collection of this information will increase FNS’ ability to formulate nutrition education interventions that resonate with the intended target population, particularly low-income families. FNS also uses formative input and feedback to determine how best to develop and assess grants so that grant recipients can successfully meet their goals under these grants. To do this, FNS confers with grant recipients to obtain input regarding their experiences, expectations, challenges, and lessons learned while implementing the grant. Formative research methods and information collection will include focus groups, interviews (dyad, triad, telephone, etc.), surveys and Web-based data collection. The data obtained will provide input regarding the potential use of materials and products during both the developmental and testing stages, in addition to the development of grants. Key informant interviews will be conducted in order to determine future nutrition education and grant needs, tools and dissemination strategies. This task involves collecting a diverse array of information from a variety of groups including: people familiar with the target audiences; individuals delivering nutrition education intervention materials and projects; program providers at State and local levels; program participants; grant recipients, and other relevant informants associated with FNS programs. Findings from all data collection will be included in summary reports submitted to USDA–FNS. The reports will describe the data collection methods, findings, conclusions, implications, and recommendations for E:\FR\FM\28SEN1.SGM 28SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 187 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58765-58769]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-21033]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Supplemental Nutrition 
Assistance Program: Performance Reporting System, Management Evaluation

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. This is a revision of a 
currently approved collection and existing burden in use without a 
valid OMB control number in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 
Program (SNAP). This information collection is for the Performance 
Reporting System and management evaluation processes, which ensure that 
SNAP State agencies are operating the program in accordance with 
statute and regulations. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and SNAP 
State agencies use this information to evaluate State agency operations 
and to collect information necessary to develop solutions to improve 
the State's administration of SNAP policy and procedures.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 28, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to: Program Design Branch, Program 
Development Division, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1320 Braddock Place, 5th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. 
Comments may also be submitted via phone to Jessica Luna at 703-305-
2022 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 Jessica 
Luna at 703-305-2022.

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: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Performance 
Reporting System, Management Evaluation.
    Form Number: N/A.
    OMB Control Number: 0584-0010.
    Expiration Date: July 31, 2023.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection to 
include an existing collection in use without an OMB control number.
    Abstract: The purpose of the Performance Reporting System (PRS) is 
to ensure that each State agency and project area is operating the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in accordance with the 
requirements of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the Act) (7 U.S.C. 
2011, et seq.), as amended, and corresponding program regulations. 
Under Section 11 of the Act, all 53 SNAP State agencies must maintain 
records to ascertain that the program is operating in compliance with 
the Act and regulations by conducting State management evaluations in 
each of their project areas as outlined in 7 CFR 275.5. Management 
evaluations (MEs) are reviews that State agencies complete at local 
SNAP offices to monitor program access, program integrity, and 
operations. States must make these records available to the Food and 
Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) for inspection and audit. To conduct Federal oversight of State 
operations, FNS Regional offices also conduct Federal management 
evaluations of State agencies in all 53 SNAP States in accordance with 
7 CFR 275.3(a) and (b).

[[Page 58766]]

State Management Evaluations

    In the process of renewing this information collection, FNS 
consulted with 7 State agencies to update, if necessary, estimates for 
the time that State agency staff spend preparing State ME schedules, 
conducting State ME reviews, and maintaining State ME records.
    7 CFR 275.20 requires each State agency to submit State ME review 
schedules to FNS. The review schedules must ensure that all project 
areas will be reviewed every one, two or three years, depending on the 
project area size, unless the State receives approval for an 
alternative ME review schedule, per regulations at 7 CFR 275.5(b). FNS 
defines project areas as the county or similar political subdivision 
designated by a State as the administrative unit for program 
operations. Per definitions at 7 CFR 271.2, FNS defines project areas 
as large, medium or small depending on the number of households in 
their monthly active caseload. The number of hours required to prepare 
these review schedules is a function of the number and size of project 
areas in the State. FNS assumes that it takes approximately 4 hours for 
each State to generate and submit their yearly review schedule via 
email or other electronic means to their respective FNS Regional 
Office. The agency did not find adjustments necessary to this category 
following State agency consultation.
    Because States do not review all project areas annually, FNS 
estimates that States will conduct reviews in half of the total number 
of project areas each year. Therefore, each of the 53 State agencies 
will conduct approximately 27 management evaluations annually (total of 
1,431 State MEs nationally). It will take approximately 340 hours for 
States to conduct each of these reviews. The agency did not find 
adjustments necessary to this category following State agency 
consultation.
    Each State agency must keep records of ME reviews and submit such 
reports and other information to their respective FNS Regional Office 
as required under 7 CFR 275.4. States generally submit these reports 
and other information via email, though in some cases the FNS Regional 
Office may facilitate submission via a web-based collaboration and 
document management platform. The State agency must retain all ME 
records for audit and review purposes for no less than three years from 
the month of record origin. Following State agency consultation, FNS 
adjusted the recordkeeping burden for State MEs to more accurately 
account for State time used, adding 5,968 burden hours as compared to 
the previous approval for this collection. FNS estimates that 
recordkeeping burden related to ME reviews requires one record keeper 
per each State agency. Each recordkeeper manages approximately 29 
records each year and it takes 4 hours to complete each record.

Federal Management Evaluations

    Under 7 CFR 275.3, FNS also conducts monitoring reviews to ensure 
that State agencies are operating SNAP and their State management 
evaluation (ME) programs in accordance with SNAP requirements. Federal 
management evaluations, which the FNS Regional offices conduct, are 
very similar to those conducted by the States. States participating in 
Federal management evaluations incur burden related to preparing for 
and facilitating the Regional office's review during the Federal ME.
    With this information collection request, FNS is seeking OMB 
approval for the burden hours associated with Federal management 
evaluation information that is currently being collected in violation 
of the PRA without a valid OMB control number. Therefore, the burden 
estimates for this requirement represent an additional 8,692 burden 
hours not included in the previous approval of this collection. To 
prepare the below estimate, FNS used the same State consultations 
mentioned above to estimate the time that State agency staff spend on 
Federal ME reviews.
    According to FNS internal records from previous years, FNS Regional 
offices typically conduct management evaluations twice a year in each 
SNAP State for an average total of 106 Federal MEs each year. To 
prepare for a Federal ME, States must gather documentation and 
information for FNS' review. For example, documentation may include 
procedure manuals, example notifications, and case records. The 
information required for the ME is dependent on the type of ME being 
performed and most items are submitted electronically via email to FNS 
Regional offices prior to the ME to allow time for review. Once FNS 
begins the review, States host FNS Regional office employees at a 
designated location, participate in interviews, and facilitate SNAP 
case file reviews. FNS estimates that it takes a State approximately 82 
hours total to prepare for, attend, and help facilitate each Federal 
ME.
    There is no recordkeeping burden for the affected public associated 
with Federal MEs for this information collection since FNS is the 
recordholder.

Corrective Action Plans

    Using the same 7 State agency consultations mentioned previously, 
FNS updated the reporting burden estimates related to corrective action 
plans resulting from State and Federal management evaluations. Due to 
the resulting updates, the burden hours for this requirement represent 
an additional 636 burden hours for Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) that 
was not included in the previous approval of this collection.
    As required at 7 CFR 275, each State has an established system for 
analysis and evaluation of all data available to the State during both 
State and Federal MEs. Data analysis and evaluation are ongoing 
processes that facilitate the development of prompt corrective action. 
Through the ME process, States and FNS Regional offices often identify 
deficiencies (i.e., findings) in the application of SNAP policy and 
requirements. According to requirements at 7 CFR 275.16 through 7 CFR 
275.18, State agencies must prepare a CAP addressing all findings 
identified. FNS estimates that each State will prepare two semi-annual, 
comprehensive CAPs, which States submit electronically to FNS Regional 
Offices. States generally submit these plans via email, though in some 
cases the FNS Regional Office may facilitate submission via a web-based 
collaboration and document management platform. These plans cover all 
corrective actions that States are responsible for undertaking 
following both State ME findings and Federal ME findings. State 
agencies have systems for monitoring and evaluating corrective action, 
per regulations at 7 CFR 275.19. FNS estimates that it takes an average 
of 46 hours to develop and monitor each semi-annual CAP.

Reporting

    Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Government.
    Respondent Type: State SNAP Agencies.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 53.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 32.
    Estimated Total Annual Responses: 1,696.
    Estimated Time per Response: 295 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 500,320 hours.

Recordkeeping

    Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Government.
    Respondent Type: State SNAP Agencies.

[[Page 58767]]

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 53.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 29.
    Estimated Total Annual Responses: 1,537.
    Estimated Time per Response: 4 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 6,148 hours.

[[Page 58768]]



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                                                                                                                     Estimated                   Burden
                                                                              Estimated    Estimated    Estimated    number of    Estimated     hours in    Previously   Difference  Differences
 Burden activities     Reg. section     Respondent type     Description of    number of    frequency      total        burden       total     use without    approved     due  to       due to
                                                               activity      respondents  of response     annual     hours per      burden    a valid OMB     burden    adjustments    program
                                                                                                        responses     response      hours     control No.     hours                    changes
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State ME..........  7 CFR 275.20.....  State SNAP         Prepare State and           53            1           53            4          212            0          212            0            0
                                        Agencies.          local agencies
                                                           management
                                                           evaluation
                                                           schedule.
                    7 CFR 275.9......  State SNAP         Conduct State               53           27        1,431          340      486,540            0      486,540            0            0
                                        Agencies.          management
                                                           evaluation
                                                           reviews.
Federal ME........  7 CFR 275.3......  State SNAP         Facilitate                  53            2          106           82        8,692        8,692            0        8,692            0
                                        Agencies.          Federal
                                                           management
                                                           evaluation
                                                           reviews.
All ME............  7 CFR 275.16-      State SNAP         Prepare and                 53            2          106           46        4,876            0        4,240          636            0
                     275.19.            Agencies.          monitor
                                                           corrective
                                                           action plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    State Agency Subtotal Reporting........................................           53           32        1,696          295      500,320        8,692      490,992        9,328            0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Reporting Total Burden Estimates.......................................           53           32        1,696          295      500,320        8,692      490,992        9,328            0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State ME..........  7 CFR 275.4......  State SNAP         Maintain                    53           29        1,537            4        6,148            0          180        5,968            0
                                        Agencies.          management
                                                           evaluation
                                                           records.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    State Agency Subtotal Recordkeeping....................................           53           29        1,537            4        6,148            0          180        5,968            0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Recordkeeping Total Burden Estimates...................................           53           29        1,537            4        6,148            0          180        5,968            0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[[Page 58769]]

Tameka Owens,
Assistant Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-21033 Filed 9-27-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-30-P


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