Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 68026-68027 [2024-18855]

Download as PDF 68026 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 163 / Thursday, August 22, 2024 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [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: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, this notice announces that FRA is forwarding the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the information collection and its expected burden. On April 2, 2024, FRA published a notice providing a 60-day period for public comment on the ICR. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before September 23, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed ICR should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find the particular ICR by selecting ‘‘Currently under Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. FOR 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 issue two notices seeking public comment on information collection activities before OMB may approve paperwork packages. See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. On April 2, 2024, FRA published a 60-day notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comment on the ICR for which it is now seeking OMB approval. See 89 FR 22767. FRA has received no comments related to the proposed collection of information. Before OMB decides whether to approve this proposed collection of information, it must provide 30-days’ notice for public comment. Federal law requires OMB to approve or disapprove ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:28 Aug 21, 2024 Jkt 262001 paperwork packages between 30 and 60 days after the 30-day notice is published. 44 U.S.C. 3507(b)–(c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); See also 60 FR 44978, 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. OMB believes the 30-day notice informs the regulated community to file relevant comments and affords the agency adequate time to digest public comments before it renders a decision. 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. Therefore, respondents should submit their respective comments to OMB within 30 days of publication to best ensure having their full effect. Comments are invited on the following ICR regarding: (1) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the information 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 to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 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. E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM 22AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 163 / Thursday, August 22, 2024 / Notices 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. Total Estimated Annual Responses: 95. Total Estimated Annual Burden: 25 hours. 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. DATES: Christopher S. Van Nostrand, Deputy Chief Counsel. Background On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Build America Buy America Act (BABA), enacted as Title IX of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. 117–58, div. G, sections 70901–27). BABA requires Federal agencies periodically to review existing general applicability waivers of Buy America requirements by publishing in the Federal Register a notice that: (i) describes the justification for a general applicability waiver and (ii) requests public comments for a period of not less than 30 days on the continued need for the general applicability waiver. BABA section 70914(d). Obtaining information through this notice and request for comment is consistent with the BABA requirement to review waivers of general applicability and will help FTA determine the current state of domestic production of vans and minivans prior to expiration of the partial general nonavailability waiver. Following the review of comments received, FTA will publish in the Federal Register a [FR Doc. 2024–18855 Filed 8–21–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [Docket No. FTA–2024–0007] Notice of FTA’s Review of Its Partial Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Vans and Minivans and Request for Comment Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice; request for comment. AGENCY: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking comment on an extension of its existing partial general nonavailability waiver for mass-produced, unmodified, nonADA accessible vans and minivans. Following review and consideration of comments, FTA will determine whether to extend the waiver, modify the waiver, or allow the waiver to lapse. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:28 Aug 21, 2024 Jkt 262001 Comments must be received by September 23, 2024. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Please submit all comments electronically to the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https:// www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions must refer to the Federal Transit Administration and the docket number at the top of this notice. Note that all submissions received, including any personal information provided, will be posted without change and will be available to the public at https:// www.regulations.gov. You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or at https:// www.transportation.gov/privacy. Confidential Business Information may be protected following the procedures outlined at the end of this notice. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Luebbers, FTA Attorney-Advisor, at (202) 366–8864 or jason.luebbers@ dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this notice is to seek public comment on whether FTA should grant an extension to its October 25, 2022, partial general nonavailability waiver for mass-produced, unmodified vans and minivans (87 FR 64534). If not extended, the waiver will expire after October 24, 2024. PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 68027 determination on whether it will renew the general applicability waiver, modify the waiver, or allow it to lapse. Through this notice, FTA describes the original justification for its partial general nonavailability waiver for massproduced unmodified non-ADAaccessible vans and minivans and seeks public comment on whether it continues to be justified. Partial General Buy America Waiver for Vans and Minivans Under FTA’s Buy America statute (49 U.S.C. 5323(j)), FTA may obligate funds for a project to procure rolling stock only if the cost of components and subcomponents produced in the United States is more than 70 percent of the cost of all components of the rolling stock, and final assembly of the rolling stock occurs in the United States. 49 U.S.C. 5323(j)(2)(C). A manufacturer of rolling stock must submit to pre-award and post-delivery audits and independent inspections to verify its compliance with Buy America. 49 U.S.C. 5323(m). On October 25, 2022, following multiple individual requests for a Buy America waiver for non-ADA-accessible vans or minivans that can be used in federally funded vanpool programs, FTA issued a partial, time-limited, general nonavailability waiver from the Buy America requirements. FTA issued a partial waiver to maximize the use of materials produced in the United States, consistent with Executive Order 14005, Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers (86 FR 7475). Specifically, FTA waived the Buy America requirements for massproduced, unmodified, non-ADAaccessible vans and minivans with seating capacity for at least six adults, not including the driver. Eligible vehicles, in lieu of applying the general Buy America standards for rolling stock, must meet the following qualifications: (1) Final assembly must occur in the United States, as reported to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA); and (2) The country of origin of the engine or motor must be the United States, as reported to NHTSA under the AALA. See 49 U.S.C. 32304 and 49 CFR part 583. FTA planned for the waiver to expire two years after the date of issuance, or upon FTA’s publication of a Federal Register notice rescinding the waiver after determining that a fully Buy America-compliant vehicle has become available, whichever occurred first. Unless FTA extends the waiver, the E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM 22AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 163 (Thursday, August 22, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68026-68027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-18855]



[[Page 68026]]

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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, this notice announces that FRA is forwarding 
the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below to the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR 
describes the information collection and its expected burden. On April 
2, 2024, FRA published a notice providing a 60-day period for public 
comment on the ICR.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
September 23, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed ICR 
should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to 
www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find the particular ICR by selecting 
``Currently under Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the 
search function.

FOR 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 
issue two notices seeking public comment on information collection 
activities before OMB may approve paperwork packages. See 44 U.S.C. 
3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. On April 2, 2024, FRA 
published a 60-day notice in the Federal Register soliciting public 
comment on the ICR for which it is now seeking OMB approval. See 89 FR 
22767. FRA has received no comments related to the proposed collection 
of information.
    Before OMB decides whether to approve this proposed collection of 
information, it must provide 30-days' notice for public comment. 
Federal law requires OMB to approve or disapprove paperwork packages 
between 30 and 60 days after the 30-day notice is published. 44 U.S.C. 
3507(b)-(c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); See also 60 FR 44978, 44983, Aug. 29, 
1995. OMB believes the 30-day notice informs the regulated community to 
file relevant comments and affords the agency adequate time to digest 
public comments before it renders a decision. 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 
1995. Therefore, respondents should submit their respective comments to 
OMB within 30 days of publication to best ensure having their full 
effect.
    Comments are invited on the following ICR regarding: (1) whether 
the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly 
execute its functions, including whether the information 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 to minimize the burden of information 
collection activities on the public, including the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    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 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.

[[Page 68027]]

    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.
    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 95.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 25 hours.
    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,
Deputy Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2024-18855 Filed 8-21-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
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