Agency Information Collection Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Concessions, 42382-42385 [2023-13959]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2023 / Notices
2023 for a 60-day public comment
period. 0 comments were received by
CISA. The purpose of this notice is to
allow additional 30 days for public
comments.
DATES: Comments are encouraged and
will be accepted until July 31, 2023.
This process is conducted in accordance
with 5 CFR 1320.10.
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.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cameron Dixon, DHS, Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency/
Cybersecurity Division, 888–282–0870,
dotgov@cisa.dhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: .gov is a
‘top-level domain’ (TLD), similar to
.com, .org, or .us. Enterprises use a TLD
to register a ‘‘domain name’’ (often
simply called a domain) for use in their
online services, like a website or email.
Well-known .gov domains include
whitehouse.gov, congress.gov, or
uscourts.gov, but most .gov domains are
from non-federal governments like
ny.gov (State of New York) or
lacounty.gov (LA County).
.gov is only available to bona fide
U.S.-based government organizations
and publicly controlled entities. When
governments use .gov, they make it
harder for would-be impostors to
successfully impersonate them online.
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Under the DOTGOV Act of 2020 (6
U.S.C. 665), CISA is responsible for the
operation and security of the .gov TLD.
Pursuant to that law, the .gov program
at CISA works to ‘‘provide simple and
secure registration of .gov internet
domains’’, ‘‘ensure that domains are
registered and maintained only by
authorized individuals’’, and ‘‘minimize
the risk of .gov internet domains whose
names could mislead or confuse users’’.
In order to provision .gov domains to
eligible government entities and ensure
adherence to the domain requirements
published by CISA pursuant to 6 U.S.C.
665(c), CISA needs to collect
information from requestors of .gov
domains.
The information will be collected on
an online web portal called the ‘‘.gov
registrar’’, which is built and
maintained by CISA. Requestors will be
asked to provide information on the
characteristics of their government
entity (e.g., name, type, physical
location, current domain), their
preferred .gov domain name (e.g.,
example.gov), their rationale for the
name, organizational contact
information (names, phone numbers,
email addresses), and nameserver
addresses.
Only U.S.-based government
organizations are eligible for .gov
domains; some of these organizations
may be small entities. The collection
has been developed to request only the
information needed to confirm
eligibility and adjudicate a .gov domain
request. Without this collection, CISA
will be unable to assess the eligibility of
requestors nor provision .gov domains
to government organizations. That
outcome would decrease cybersecurity
for governments across the nation and
minimize the public’s ability to identify
governments online.
In accordance with 6 U.S.C. 665(c)(4),
CISA will ‘‘limit the sharing or use of
any information’’ obtained through this
collection ‘‘with any other Department
component or any other agency for any
purpose other than the administration of
the .gov internet domain, the services
described in subsection (e), and the
requirements for establishing a .gov
inventory described in subsection (h).’’
Certain metadata for any approved
domains (domain name, organization
name, nameserver address, city/state
information, security contact) will be
published online.
Analysis
Agency: Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA),
Department of Homeland Security
(DHS).
Title: .gov registrar.
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OMB Number: OMB CONTROL
NUMBER.
Frequency: Once per domain
registered.
Affected Public: Employees
representing State, local, Territorial, and
Tribal governments.
Number of Respondents: 1500 per
year.
Estimated Time per Respondent: 20
minutes.
Total Burden Hours: 500 hours.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):
$0.
Total Burden Cost (operating/
maintaining): $24,674.
Robert J. Costello,
Chief Information Officer, Department of
Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency.
[FR Doc. 2023–13831 Filed 6–29–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110–9P–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[Docket No. FWS–HQ–NWRS–2023–0098;
FXRS12630900000/FF09R81000/234; OMB
Control Number 1018–0181]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Concessions
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service), are proposing to renew an
information collection without change.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before August
29, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on the
information collection request (ICR) by
one of the following methods (reference
‘‘1018–0181’’ in the subject line of your
comment):
• Internet (preferred): https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments
on Docket No. FWS–HQ–NWRS–2023–
0098.
• Email: Info_Coll@fws.gov.
• U.S. mail: Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg
Pike, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), Falls Church,
VA 22041–3803.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To
request additional information about
this ICR, contact Madonna L. Baucum,
Service Information Collection
SUMMARY:
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ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2023 / Notices
Clearance Officer, by email at Info_
Coll@fws.gov, or by telephone at (703)
358–2503. Individuals in the United
States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of
hearing, or have a speech disability may
dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to
access telecommunications relay
services. Individuals outside the United
States should use the relay services
offered within their country to make
international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States.
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.
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
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information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Abstract: The Secretary of the Interior
is authorized to ensure that we provide
opportunities within the Service for
compatible wildlife-dependent
recreational uses across the National
Wildlife Refuge System (System).
Furthermore, the Secretary is authorized
to award concessions contracts under
the following Acts:
• The National Wildlife Refuge
System Administration Act of 1966
(Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. 668dd–
668ee), as amended by the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement
Act of 1997, authorizes the Secretary of
the Interior to negotiate and award
contracts and issue regulations to carry
out the Administration Act.
• The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962
(16 U.S.C.460k–460k–3) allows the use
of refuges for public recreation when
such use is not inconsistent with or
does not interfere with the primary
purpose(s) of the refuge.
• The Refuge Revenue Sharing Act
(16 U.S.C. 715s) authorizes the Secretary
to grant privileges and collect revenues
from leases for public accommodations
or facilities established for the System.
Specifically, the Administration Act
provides that, with respect to the Refuge
System, it is the policy of the United
States that—
a. Each refuge shall be managed to
fulfill the mission of the System, as well
as the specific purposes for which that
refuge was established;
b. Compatible wildlife-dependent
recreation is a legitimate and
appropriate general public use of the
System, directly related to the mission
of the System and the purposes of many
refuges, and which generally fosters
refuge management and through which
the American public can develop an
appreciation for fish and wildlife;
c. Compatible wildlife-dependent
recreational uses are the priority general
public uses of the System and shall
receive priority consideration in refuge
planning and management; and
d. When the Secretary determines that
a proposed wildlife-dependent
recreational use is a compatible use
within a refuge, that activity should be
facilitated, subject to such restrictions or
regulations as may be necessary,
reasonable, and appropriate.
The Administration Act also provides
that, in administering the Refuge
System, the Secretary shall—
a. Recognize compatible wildlifedependent recreational uses as the
priority general public uses of the
System, through which the American
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42383
public can develop an appreciation for
fish and wildlife;
b. Ensure that opportunities are
provided within the System for
compatible wildlife-dependent
recreational uses;
c. Ensure that priority general public
uses of the System receive enhanced
consideration over other general public
uses in planning and management
within the System; and
d. Provide increased opportunities for
families to experience compatible
wildlife-dependent recreation,
particularly opportunities for parents
and their children to safely engage in
traditional outdoor activities, such as
fishing and hunting.
Private businesses and non-profit
organizations under contract to the
Service provide recreational,
educational, and interpretive enjoyment
of our lands and waters by managing
lodging, food, transportation, and
supplies and equipment for the
enjoyment of the visiting public. These
services gross approximately $3,000,000
every year and provide jobs for more
than 100 people annually.
The regulations at 50 CFR subpart F
(section 25.61) primarily implement the
authorities governing public use
facilities operated by concessionaires or
cooperators under appropriate contact
or legal agreement on national wildlife
refuges where there is a demonstrated
justified need for services or facilities,
including but not limited to boat rentals,
swimming facilities, conducted tours of
special natural attractions, shelters,
tables, trailer lots, food, lodging, and
related services.
Service Manual chapters 630 FW 6–8
discuss the Service’s current policy for
concession management and provide
guidance for permitting and
administering concessions operations
on Service lands. We use concessions
contracts to assist us in providing
wildlife-dependent recreation activities
to the visiting public by using contracts
between the Service and private entities,
where each private entity is allowed to
charge a fee for services provided at a
field station to the visiting public.
We collect information in a narrative
(non-form) format. Details concerning
the specific information required are
contained in 50 CFR 25.61 and the
recently updated Service Manual
chapters available to the public on the
Service’s website at https://
www.fws.gov/policy/manuals/part.cfm?
series=600&seriestitle=LAND%20USE
%20AND%20MANAGEMENT
%20SERIES. The amount of information
or degree of detail requested varies
widely, depending upon the size and
scope of the business opportunity. For
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2023 / Notices
example, a much greater amount of
detailed information would be required
for a multi-unit camping and food
service operation than would be
required for a small bait sales operation.
We use the information provided by
prospective concessionaires to
objectively evaluate offers received for a
particular business opportunity, assure
adequate protection of refuge resources,
and to determine which offeror will
provide the best service to visitors.
Below are examples of types of
information the Service collects from a
potential or current concessionaire.
General Concessionaire Information
• Description of how the respondent
will conduct operations to minimize
disturbance to wildlife; protect refuge
resources; and provide visitors with a
high-quality, safe, and enjoyable visitor
experience.
• Proposal to protect, conserve, and
preserve resources of the refuge. The
proposal must respond to specific
resource management objectives and
issues at the refuge and regarding the
contract in question.
• Proposal to provide necessary and
appropriate visitor services at
reasonable rates. This proposal must
respond to specific visitor service
questions at the refuge and regarding the
contract in question.
• Experience and related background
of the offeror, including past
performance and expertise of the offeror
in providing the same or similar visitor
services as those to be provided under
the draft concession contract.
• Financial capability of the offeror to
carry out its proposal. In particular, we
require projected financials, including
initial investments, startup expenses,
income statement, operating
assumptions, cash flow statement,
recapture of investments, and all
associated assumptions.
• The amount of the proposed
minimum franchise fee and other forms
of financial consideration.
Proposal for Concession Opportunity
• Offeror’s transmittal letter,
including the name and contact
information of the entity offering a
proposal to operate a concession
contract.
• Business type of the offeror, such as
corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, etc.
• Business history information,
including adverse history that could
impact future operations under a
concession contract.
• Credit report, so that we can
understand the offeror’s credit history
and any risks of contracting with the
entity.
• Proposed staffing/management
operation information, including
organization charts and delegations of
authority, to ensure adequate staffing.
• Proof of indemnification, including
public liability insurance that co-names
the Government as co-insured.
Reporting Requirements
• Annual financial reports providing
concessioner financial information, as
required by each concession contract.
• Quarterly and annual progress
reports to monitor performance.
Average
number of
annual
respondents
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Requirement
• Inspections and inspection reports
conducted in concert with the on-site
concession manager.
Approval to Sell or Transfer
Concession Operation
• Information to assess the
transferee’s ability to manage the
business successfully and fulfill the
terms of the concession contract, in
order for the Regional Director to grant
approval.
Recordkeeping Requirements
• In accordance with Service Manual
chapter 630 FW 8.3, a concessioner (and
any subconcessioner) must keep and
make available to the Service records for
the term of the concession contract.
Title of Collection: U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Concessions.
OMB Control Number: 1018–0181.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Private
sector (profit and nonprofit
organizations).
Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion
for proposals, amendments, and
appeals; annually for financial reports;
quarterly for progress reports; and
ongoing for recordkeeping.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour
Burden Cost: $69,900 (associated with
administrative overhead, as well as
costs associated with the development
of proposals in response to concessions
opportunities).
Average
number of
responses
each
Average
number of
annual
responses
Average
completion
time per
response
(hours)
Estimated
annual
burden
hours *
Approval to Sell/Transfer A Concession Operation .................................
General Concessionaire Information—Inspection Form ..........................
Proposal for Concessions Opportunities—Large Concessions ...............
Proposal for Concessions Opportunities—Small Concessions ...............
Recordkeeping Requirements—Large Concession .................................
Recordkeeping Requirements—Small Concession .................................
Reporting Requirements—Annual Financial Report ................................
Reporting Requirements—Annual Progress Report ................................
Reporting Requirements—Quarterly Progress Report ............................
1
80
3
3
5
5
10
10
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
80
6
3
5
5
10
10
12
8
8
40
16
40
20
16
16
4
8
640
240
48
200
100
160
160
48
Totals ................................................................................................
120
....................
132
....................
1,604
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2023 / Notices
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.).
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–13959 Filed 6–29–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R7–MB–2023–N053; FF07M01000–
234–FXMB12310700000; OMB Control
Number 1018–0168]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Submission to the Office of
Management and Budget; Northeast
Region Alaska Native Handicrafts
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act, we, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, are proposing
to renew an information collection
without change.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before July 31,
2023.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be
submitted within 30 days of publication
of this notice at https://
www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
Find this particular information
collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under
Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or
by using the search function. Please
provide a copy of your comments to the
Service Information Collection
Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, MS: PRB (JAO/3W),
5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA
22041–3803 (mail); or by email to Info_
Coll@fws.gov. Please reference ‘‘1018–
0168’’ in the subject line of your
comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Madonna L. Baucum, Service
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, by email at Info_Coll@fws.gov,
or by telephone at (703) 358–2503.
Individuals in the United States who are
deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have
a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY,
TDD, or TeleBraille) to access
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
SUMMARY:
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telecommunications relay services.
Individuals outside the United States
should use the relay services offered
within their country to make
international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA; 44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq.) and its implementing regulations
at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), all information
collections require approval under the
PRA. We may not conduct or sponsor
and you are not required to respond to
a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
number.
On March 20, 2023, we published in
the Federal Register (88 FR 16660) a
notice of our intent to request that OMB
approve this information collection. In
that notice, we solicited comments for
60 days, ending on May 19, 2023. In an
effort to increase public awareness of,
and participation in, our public
commenting processes associated with
information collection requests, the
Service also published the Federal
Register notice on Regulations.gov
(Docket No. FWS–R7–MB–2023–0001)
to provide the public with an additional
method to submit comments (in
addition to the typical Info_Coll@
fws.gov email and U.S. mail submission
methods). We received two comments
in response to that notice; however, they
did not address the information
collection requirements. No response to
those comments is required.
As part of our continuing effort to
reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we invite the public and other
Federal agencies 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.
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
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42385
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. We will include or
summarize each comment in our request
to OMB to approve this ICR. 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
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Abstract: The Migratory Bird Treaty
Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 712(1))
authorizes the Secretary of the Interior,
in accordance with the treaties with
Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia, to
‘‘issue such regulations as may be
necessary to assure that the taking of
migratory birds and the collection of
their eggs, by the indigenous inhabitants
of the State of Alaska, shall be permitted
for their own nutritional and other
essential needs, as determined by the
Secretary of the Interior, during the
Alaska spring and summer migratory
bird subsistence harvest seasons so as to
provide for the preservation and
maintenance of stocks of migratory
birds.’’ Article II(4)(b) of the Protocol
between the United States and Canada
amending the 1916 Convention for the
Protection of Migratory Birds in Canada
and the United States (Protocol)
provides a legal basis for Alaska Native
people to be able to sell handicrafts that
contain the inedible parts of birds taken
for food during the Alaska spring and
summer migratory bird subsistence
harvest. The Protocol also dictates that
sales would be allowed in strictly
limited situations, pursuant to a
regulation by a competent authority in
cooperation with management bodies.
The Protocol does not authorize the
taking of migratory birds for commercial
purposes.
In 2017, we issued a final rule (July
24, 2017, 82 FR 34263), developed
under a co-management process
involving the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game and Alaska Native
representatives, that amended the
permanent migratory bird subsistence
harvest regulations at 50 CFR 92.6 to
enable Alaska Native people to sell
authentic native articles of handicraft or
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 125 (Friday, June 30, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42382-42385]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-13959]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2023-0098; FXRS12630900000/FF09R81000/234; OMB
Control Number 1018-0181]
Agency Information Collection Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Concessions
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an
information collection without change.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
August 29, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on the information collection request
(ICR) by one of the following methods (reference ``1018-0181'' in the
subject line of your comment):
Internet (preferred): https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-
2023-0098.
Email: [email protected].
U.S. mail: Service Information Collection Clearance
Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB
(JAO/3W), Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information
about this ICR, contact Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information
Collection
[[Page 42383]]
Clearance Officer, by email at [email protected], or by telephone at
(703) 358-2503. Individuals in the United States who are deaf,
deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711
(TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services.
Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services
offered within their country to make international calls to the point-
of-contact in the United States.
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.
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 cannot guarantee that we
will be able to do so.
Abstract: The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to ensure
that we provide opportunities within the Service for compatible
wildlife-dependent recreational uses across the National Wildlife
Refuge System (System). Furthermore, the Secretary is authorized to
award concessions contracts under the following Acts:
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of
1966 (Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended by the
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, authorizes the
Secretary of the Interior to negotiate and award contracts and issue
regulations to carry out the Administration Act.
The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C.460k-460k-3)
allows the use of refuges for public recreation when such use is not
inconsistent with or does not interfere with the primary purpose(s) of
the refuge.
The Refuge Revenue Sharing Act (16 U.S.C. 715s) authorizes
the Secretary to grant privileges and collect revenues from leases for
public accommodations or facilities established for the System.
Specifically, the Administration Act provides that, with respect to
the Refuge System, it is the policy of the United States that--
a. Each refuge shall be managed to fulfill the mission of the
System, as well as the specific purposes for which that refuge was
established;
b. Compatible wildlife-dependent recreation is a legitimate and
appropriate general public use of the System, directly related to the
mission of the System and the purposes of many refuges, and which
generally fosters refuge management and through which the American
public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;
c. Compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses are the priority
general public uses of the System and shall receive priority
consideration in refuge planning and management; and
d. When the Secretary determines that a proposed wildlife-dependent
recreational use is a compatible use within a refuge, that activity
should be facilitated, subject to such restrictions or regulations as
may be necessary, reasonable, and appropriate.
The Administration Act also provides that, in administering the
Refuge System, the Secretary shall--
a. Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the
priority general public uses of the System, through which the American
public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;
b. Ensure that opportunities are provided within the System for
compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses;
c. Ensure that priority general public uses of the System receive
enhanced consideration over other general public uses in planning and
management within the System; and
d. Provide increased opportunities for families to experience
compatible wildlife-dependent recreation, particularly opportunities
for parents and their children to safely engage in traditional outdoor
activities, such as fishing and hunting.
Private businesses and non-profit organizations under contract to
the Service provide recreational, educational, and interpretive
enjoyment of our lands and waters by managing lodging, food,
transportation, and supplies and equipment for the enjoyment of the
visiting public. These services gross approximately $3,000,000 every
year and provide jobs for more than 100 people annually.
The regulations at 50 CFR subpart F (section 25.61) primarily
implement the authorities governing public use facilities operated by
concessionaires or cooperators under appropriate contact or legal
agreement on national wildlife refuges where there is a demonstrated
justified need for services or facilities, including but not limited to
boat rentals, swimming facilities, conducted tours of special natural
attractions, shelters, tables, trailer lots, food, lodging, and related
services.
Service Manual chapters 630 FW 6-8 discuss the Service's current
policy for concession management and provide guidance for permitting
and administering concessions operations on Service lands. We use
concessions contracts to assist us in providing wildlife-dependent
recreation activities to the visiting public by using contracts between
the Service and private entities, where each private entity is allowed
to charge a fee for services provided at a field station to the
visiting public.
We collect information in a narrative (non-form) format. Details
concerning the specific information required are contained in 50 CFR
25.61 and the recently updated Service Manual chapters available to the
public on the Service's website at https://www.fws.gov/policy/manuals/part.cfm?series=600&seriestitle=LAND%20USE%20AND%20MANAGEMENT%20SERIES.
The amount of information or degree of detail requested varies widely,
depending upon the size and scope of the business opportunity. For
[[Page 42384]]
example, a much greater amount of detailed information would be
required for a multi-unit camping and food service operation than would
be required for a small bait sales operation. We use the information
provided by prospective concessionaires to objectively evaluate offers
received for a particular business opportunity, assure adequate
protection of refuge resources, and to determine which offeror will
provide the best service to visitors.
Below are examples of types of information the Service collects
from a potential or current concessionaire.
General Concessionaire Information
Description of how the respondent will conduct operations
to minimize disturbance to wildlife; protect refuge resources; and
provide visitors with a high-quality, safe, and enjoyable visitor
experience.
Proposal to protect, conserve, and preserve resources of
the refuge. The proposal must respond to specific resource management
objectives and issues at the refuge and regarding the contract in
question.
Proposal to provide necessary and appropriate visitor
services at reasonable rates. This proposal must respond to specific
visitor service questions at the refuge and regarding the contract in
question.
Experience and related background of the offeror,
including past performance and expertise of the offeror in providing
the same or similar visitor services as those to be provided under the
draft concession contract.
Financial capability of the offeror to carry out its
proposal. In particular, we require projected financials, including
initial investments, startup expenses, income statement, operating
assumptions, cash flow statement, recapture of investments, and all
associated assumptions.
The amount of the proposed minimum franchise fee and other
forms of financial consideration.
Proposal for Concession Opportunity
Offeror's transmittal letter, including the name and
contact information of the entity offering a proposal to operate a
concession contract.
Business type of the offeror, such as corporation, limited
liability company, partnership, etc.
Business history information, including adverse history
that could impact future operations under a concession contract.
Credit report, so that we can understand the offeror's
credit history and any risks of contracting with the entity.
Proposed staffing/management operation information,
including organization charts and delegations of authority, to ensure
adequate staffing.
Proof of indemnification, including public liability
insurance that co-names the Government as co-insured.
Reporting Requirements
Annual financial reports providing concessioner financial
information, as required by each concession contract.
Quarterly and annual progress reports to monitor
performance.
Inspections and inspection reports conducted in concert
with the on-site concession manager.
Approval to Sell or Transfer Concession Operation
Information to assess the transferee's ability to manage
the business successfully and fulfill the terms of the concession
contract, in order for the Regional Director to grant approval.
Recordkeeping Requirements
In accordance with Service Manual chapter 630 FW 8.3, a
concessioner (and any subconcessioner) must keep and make available to
the Service records for the term of the concession contract.
Title of Collection: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Concessions.
OMB Control Number: 1018-0181.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Private sector (profit and nonprofit
organizations).
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion for proposals, amendments, and
appeals; annually for financial reports; quarterly for progress
reports; and ongoing for recordkeeping.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $69,900 (associated
with administrative overhead, as well as costs associated with the
development of proposals in response to concessions opportunities).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average Average Average completion Estimated
Requirement number of number of number of time per annual
annual responses annual response burden
respondents each responses (hours) hours *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Approval to Sell/Transfer A Concession 1 1 1 8 8
Operation.....................................
General Concessionaire Information--Inspection 80 1 80 8 640
Form..........................................
Proposal for Concessions Opportunities--Large 3 2 6 40 240
Concessions...................................
Proposal for Concessions Opportunities--Small 3 1 3 16 48
Concessions...................................
Recordkeeping Requirements--Large Concession... 5 1 5 40 200
Recordkeeping Requirements--Small Concession... 5 1 5 20 100
Reporting Requirements--Annual Financial Report 10 1 10 16 160
Reporting Requirements--Annual Progress Report. 10 1 10 16 160
Reporting Requirements--Quarterly Progress 3 4 12 4 48
Report........................................
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Totals..................................... 120 ........... 132 ........... 1,604
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42385]]
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.).
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-13959 Filed 6-29-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
