Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 22767-22768 [2024-06890]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 2, 2024 / Notices requirements in the Statewide Implementation Plan (SIP) for the South Coast Air Basin. In addition, the Project’s emissions can be accommodated in the SIP, based on localized CO modeling showing that construction-phase CO emissions will not result in an exceedance of the NAAQS. Operation of the Project is expected to result in an overall reduction of regional emissions of all applicable air pollutants and would not cause a localized exceedance of the applicable regulatory requirements. FRA concludes that the Project, as designed, will conform to the SIP, based on a commitment from the CHSRA that construction-phase NOX emissions will be offset consistent with the applicable federal regulations in the South Coast Air Basin, and based on localized CO modeling, which demonstrates that construction-phase CO emissions will not cause or contribute to a violation of the NAAQS. Next Steps: The draft General Conformity Determination for the Project is being issued for public review and comment for 30 days at Docket No. FRA–2024–0045. Comments related to Docket No. FRA–2024–0045 may be submitted by going to https:// www.regulations.gov and following the online instructions for submitting comments. Although CHSRA is assisting FRA by disseminating notice of the availability of the draft General Conformity Determination through its usual outreach methods, CHSRA is not accepting comments on behalf of FRA. FRA cannot ensure consideration of any comment that is not submitted via https://www.regulations.gov. FRA will consider all relevant comments it receives before issuing a Final General Conformity Determination. Issued in Washington, DC. Marlys Ann Osterhues, Director, Office of Environmental Program Management. [FR Doc. 2024–06960 Filed 4–1–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES [Docket No. FRA–2024–0005] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 Apr 01, 2024 Jkt 262001 Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA will seek approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before June 3, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed ICR should be submitted on regulations.gov to the docket, Docket No. FRA–2024– 0005. All comments received will be posted without change to the docket, including any personal information provided. Please refer to the assigned OMB control number (2130–NEW) in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this notice in a subsequent notice, made available to the public, and include them in its information collection submission to OMB for approval. FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Arlette Mussington, Information Collection Clearance Officer, at email: arlette.mussington@dot.gov or telephone: (571) 609–1285 or Ms. Joanne Swafford, Information Collection Clearance Officer, at email: joanne.swafford@dot.gov or telephone: (757) 897–9908. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days’ notice to the public to allow comment on information collection activities before seeking OMB approval of the activities. See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8–1320.12. Specifically, FRA invites interested parties to comment on the following ICR regarding: (1) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA’s estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (3) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (4) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1). SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00105 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 22767 FRA believes that soliciting public comment may reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of information that Federal regulations mandate. In summary, comments received will advance three objectives: (1) reduce reporting burdens; (2) organize information collection requirements in a ‘‘user-friendly’’ format to improve the use of such information; and (3) accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501. The summary below describes the ICR that FRA will submit for OMB clearance as the PRA requires: Title: FRA Workforce Development (WFD) Study on Performance Management Systems and Organizational Culture and Diversity. OMB Control Number: 2130–NEW. Abstract: This project is being conducted in response to a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) topic released in 2020 entitled ‘‘Research in Response to Railroad Systems Issues Strategic Priorities.’’ FRA has released BAAs aimed at workforce training and development, developing educational and vocational pipelines, and addressing issues around equity and inclusivity within the rail industry. Existing research on demographics, organizational practices, and policies, as well as industry culture need to be updated to account for the profound changes in employment practices and workforce dynamics in the last few years, including inflation and supply chain issues. This data collection effort will improve the understanding of the current state of the industry and establish a baseline against which to measure future impacts. The team conducting this research will survey and interview a crosssection of stakeholders familiar with the current culture in rail, about barriers to entry they see and experience as impacting minority populations. Part of the data analysis will examine findings by employment position to determine if the views at the executive or managerial levels are similar or shared by individuals and staff in more entry-level positions. The research team will also review source documents and artifacts which show how the stakeholder’s performance management system was designed and how it is intended to work. Data will be collected and compiled from interviews and focus groups about how well the performance management system functions in practice, whether the intended use differs from actual use, and whether observed differences in use benefit or E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM 02APN1 22768 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 2, 2024 / Notices hinder efficacy in recruiting and retaining diverse talent. The study focuses on performance management systems because there is evidence that organizational culture plays a significant role in shaping industry demographics. The findings from this research will provide a better understanding of how employees at various levels are affected by performance management systems and how these systems contribute to organizational culture. The project team will provide FRA with data and best practices that could be used to recommend workforce development initiatives, that may affect organizational culture, for rail organizations and other related industries. Therefore, the research will offer novel, actionable solutions for diversifying the rail workforce. The main objectives in this study are to: (1) expand on research done to date and to gain a better understanding of the organizational culture and challenges in recruiting and retaining Average time per response Total annual burden hours Total cost equivalent in U.S. dollar (A) (B) (C = A * B) (D = C* Wage Rates) 1 150 rail stakeholders ............. 50 Participants ........ 10 minutes ............... 8.33 hours ............... $377.02 150 rail stakeholders ............. 30 Participants ........ 20 minutes ............... 10.00 hours ............. $452.60 30 rail stakeholders ............... 10 Participants ........ 10 minutes ............... 1.67 hours ............... $75.58 30 rail stakeholders ............... 5 Participants .......... 1 hour ...................... 5.00 hours ............... $226.30 150 rail holders ...................... 95 responses ........... N/A .......................... 25 hours .................. $1,132 Respondent universe Email notification for on-line survey. This notification includes confidentiality statement to potential participants (before the survey). FRA F 6180–279—WFD on-line survey on Organizational Culture & Performance Management in Rail. (New form). Email notification for Performance Management Systems interview/focus group. This notification includes confidentiality statement to potential focus group and interview respondents (before the interview). FRA F 6180.278—WFD Interview Questions. Semi-structured 2 interview questions/focus groups on experiences with workforce culture & performance Management systems (New form). khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Totals 3 ..................................................... Total Estimated Annual Responses: 95. Total Estimated Annual Burden: 25 hours. Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $1,132. FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection of information that does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1 The dollar equivalent cost is derived from the 2022 Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment Statistics, classified with NAICS 482100, Rail Transportation. See https://www.bls.gov/oes/ 17:06 Apr 01, 2024 Jkt 262001 Transportation Research Board, or at conferences/talks with professional associations such as the Women’s Transportation Seminar and the American Public Transportation Association. Type of Request: Approval of a new collection of information. Affected Public: Rail stakeholders including those in labor positions, carrier management, research/academia, professional association staff, HR personnel, regulators, executive level staff, etc. Form(s): FRA F 6180.278 and FRA F 6180.279. Respondent Universe: Rail stakeholders including those in labor positions, carrier management, research/ academia, professional association staff, human resources (HR) personnel, regulators, executive level staff, etc. Frequency of Submission: On occasion. Reporting Burden: Total annual responses Description VerDate Sep<11>2014 underrepresented individuals in the rail industry; (2) understand how employees at various levels are affected by performance management systems and organizational culture; and (3) examine and identify best practices for the use of performance management systems as a tool for equitable and diverse recruitment, development, retention, and promotion. Primary users of this information will be those in the rail industry. The findings of this study will provide qualitative data on the current workforce culture in rail and how performance management systems may affect organizational culture. Industry stakeholders, FRA, and DOT may use this data to identify gaps, develop approaches, and create interventions/ solutions to enhance workforce development initiatives for underrepresented groups. FRA will publish the results of this study. A summary of the results may also be presented at technical meetings, such as the annual meeting of the Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Christopher S. Van Nostrand, Acting Deputy Chief Counsel. Maritime Administration [FR Doc. 2024–06890 Filed 4–1–24; 8:45 am] MARAD Mariner Workforce Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2023–2027 BILLING CODE 4910–06–P Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. AGENCY: ACTION: Notice. In accordance with the requirements of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization SUMMARY: currrent/naics4_482100.htm#00-000. The total burden wage rate (Straight time plus 31%) used in the table is $45.26 (34.55 +10.71 = $45.26). 2 A semi-structured interview is a qualitative research method that utilizes some structured PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 questions that will prompt discussion with the opportunity for unstructured exploration (additional questions or clarification of responses) of themes as they engage during the discussion. 3 Totals may not add up due to rounding. E:\FR\FM\02APN1.SGM 02APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22767-22768]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06890]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket No. FRA-2024-0005]


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its 
implementing regulations, FRA will seek approval of the Information 
Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR 
to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is 
soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities 
identified in the ICR.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
June 3, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed ICR 
should be submitted on regulations.gov to the docket, Docket No. FRA-
2024-0005. All comments received will be posted without change to the 
docket, including any personal information provided. Please refer to 
the assigned OMB control number (2130-NEW) in any correspondence 
submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this 
notice in a subsequent notice, made available to the public, and 
include them in its information collection submission to OMB for 
approval.

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Arlette Mussington, Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, at email: [email protected] or 
telephone: (571) 609-1285 or Ms. Joanne Swafford, Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, at email: [email protected] or 
telephone: (757) 897-9908.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, and its 
implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to 
provide 60-days' notice to the public to allow comment on information 
collection activities before seeking OMB approval of the activities. 
See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8-1320.12. Specifically, FRA 
invites interested parties to comment on the following ICR regarding: 
(1) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA 
to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities 
will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the 
burden of the information collection activities, including the validity 
of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (3) 
ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information being collected; and (4) ways for FRA to minimize the 
burden of information collection activities on the public, including 
the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology. See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)(1).
    FRA believes that soliciting public comment may reduce the 
administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of 
information that Federal regulations mandate. In summary, comments 
received will advance three objectives: (1) reduce reporting burdens; 
(2) organize information collection requirements in a ``user-friendly'' 
format to improve the use of such information; and (3) accurately 
assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information 
requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501.
    The summary below describes the ICR that FRA will submit for OMB 
clearance as the PRA requires:
    Title: FRA Workforce Development (WFD) Study on Performance 
Management Systems and Organizational Culture and Diversity.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-NEW.
    Abstract: This project is being conducted in response to a Broad 
Agency Announcement (BAA) topic released in 2020 entitled ``Research in 
Response to Railroad Systems Issues Strategic Priorities.'' FRA has 
released BAAs aimed at workforce training and development, developing 
educational and vocational pipelines, and addressing issues around 
equity and inclusivity within the rail industry. Existing research on 
demographics, organizational practices, and policies, as well as 
industry culture need to be updated to account for the profound changes 
in employment practices and workforce dynamics in the last few years, 
including inflation and supply chain issues. This data collection 
effort will improve the understanding of the current state of the 
industry and establish a baseline against which to measure future 
impacts.
    The team conducting this research will survey and interview a 
cross-section of stakeholders familiar with the current culture in 
rail, about barriers to entry they see and experience as impacting 
minority populations. Part of the data analysis will examine findings 
by employment position to determine if the views at the executive or 
managerial levels are similar or shared by individuals and staff in 
more entry-level positions. The research team will also review source 
documents and artifacts which show how the stakeholder's performance 
management system was designed and how it is intended to work. Data 
will be collected and compiled from interviews and focus groups about 
how well the performance management system functions in practice, 
whether the intended use differs from actual use, and whether observed 
differences in use benefit or

[[Page 22768]]

hinder efficacy in recruiting and retaining diverse talent.
    The study focuses on performance management systems because there 
is evidence that organizational culture plays a significant role in 
shaping industry demographics. The findings from this research will 
provide a better understanding of how employees at various levels are 
affected by performance management systems and how these systems 
contribute to organizational culture. The project team will provide FRA 
with data and best practices that could be used to recommend workforce 
development initiatives, that may affect organizational culture, for 
rail organizations and other related industries. Therefore, the 
research will offer novel, actionable solutions for diversifying the 
rail workforce.
    The main objectives in this study are to: (1) expand on research 
done to date and to gain a better understanding of the organizational 
culture and challenges in recruiting and retaining underrepresented 
individuals in the rail industry; (2) understand how employees at 
various levels are affected by performance management systems and 
organizational culture; and (3) examine and identify best practices for 
the use of performance management systems as a tool for equitable and 
diverse recruitment, development, retention, and promotion.
    Primary users of this information will be those in the rail 
industry. The findings of this study will provide qualitative data on 
the current workforce culture in rail and how performance management 
systems may affect organizational culture. Industry stakeholders, FRA, 
and DOT may use this data to identify gaps, develop approaches, and 
create interventions/solutions to enhance workforce development 
initiatives for underrepresented groups.
    FRA will publish the results of this study. A summary of the 
results may also be presented at technical meetings, such as the annual 
meeting of the Transportation Research Board, or at conferences/talks 
with professional associations such as the Women's Transportation 
Seminar and the American Public Transportation Association.
    Type of Request: Approval of a new collection of information.
    Affected Public: Rail stakeholders including those in labor 
positions, carrier management, research/academia, professional 
association staff, HR personnel, regulators, executive level staff, 
etc.
    Form(s): FRA F 6180.278 and FRA F 6180.279.
    Respondent Universe: Rail stakeholders including those in labor 
positions, carrier management, research/academia, professional 
association staff, human resources (HR) personnel, regulators, 
executive level staff, etc.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The dollar equivalent cost is derived from the 2022 
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational 
Employment Statistics, classified with NAICS 482100, Rail 
Transportation. See https://www.bls.gov/oes/currrent/naics4_482100.htm#00-000. The total burden wage rate (Straight time 
plus 31%) used in the table is $45.26 (34.55 +10.71 = $45.26).
    \2\ A semi-structured interview is a qualitative research method 
that utilizes some structured questions that will prompt discussion 
with the opportunity for unstructured exploration (additional 
questions or clarification of responses) of themes as they engage 
during the discussion.
    \3\ Totals may not add up due to rounding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Reporting Burden:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Total cost
         Description             Respondent      Total annual     Average time     Total annual    equivalent in
                                  universe        responses       per response     burden hours     U.S. dollar
                                               (A)............  (B)............  (C = A * B)....    (D = C* Wage
                                                                                                      Rates) \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email notification for on-    150 rail         50 Participants  10 minutes.....  8.33 hours.....         $377.02
 line survey. This             stakeholders.
 notification includes
 confidentiality statement
 to potential participants
 (before the survey).
FRA F 6180-279--WFD on-line   150 rail         30 Participants  20 minutes.....  10.00 hours....         $452.60
 survey on Organizational      stakeholders.
 Culture & Performance
 Management in Rail. (New
 form).
Email notification for        30 rail          10 Participants  10 minutes.....  1.67 hours.....          $75.58
 Performance Management        stakeholders.
 Systems interview/focus
 group. This notification
 includes confidentiality
 statement to potential
 focus group and interview
 respondents (before the
 interview).
FRA F 6180.278--WFD           30 rail          5 Participants.  1 hour.........  5.00 hours.....         $226.30
 Interview Questions. Semi-    stakeholders.
 structured \2\ interview
 questions/focus groups on
 experiences with workforce
 culture & performance
 Management systems (New
 form).
                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals \3\..............  150 rail         95 responses...  N/A............  25 hours.......          $1,132
                               holders.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 95.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 25 hours.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $1,132.
    FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection 
of information that does not display a currently valid OMB control 
number.
    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

Christopher S. Van Nostrand,
Acting Deputy Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2024-06890 Filed 4-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
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