60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Rural Development Cooperative Agreements (RDCA) Program; OMB Control No.: 0570-0074, 103774-103775 [2024-30210]

Download as PDF 103774 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2024 / Notices Requests should be emailed to michael.mcfarlane@usda.gov. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryon Lake, National Technology and Development Program, (406) 829–6814 or by email at bryon.lake@usda.gov, or Michael McFarlane, National Interagency Fire Center, (208) 860–7334 or by email at michael.mcfarlane@ usda.gov. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf and hard of hearing may call 711 to reach the Telecommunications Relay Service, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Qualified Products List for Wildland Fire Chemicals. OMB Number: 0596–0182. Expiration Date of Approval: January 31, 2025. Type of Request: Reapproval or reinstatement without revision of an approved ICR. Abstract: The Forest Service and cooperating wildland firefighting agencies need adequate types and quantities of qualified fire chemical products to accomplish fire management activities as safely and effectively as possible. To accomplish this objective, the Agency evaluates and prequalifies commercial wildland firefighting chemical products. The Agency is required to submit the formulations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service during the evaluation process. All commercial wildland firefighting chemical products must meet the qualification requirements identified in the specifications maintained by the Wildland Fire Chemical Systems staff for the National Technology and Development Program. After a determination has been made that a chemical product meets the qualification requirements, the chemical product is added to the qualified products list for the appropriate product type. All federal procurements of wildland fire chemical products are made from these qualified product lists. To initiate an evaluation, chemical product manufacturers or authorized suppliers enter into an agreement with the Forest Service and pay all costs associated with the submission and evaluation of the chemical product. Once the agreement is in place and funds are deposited to cover the associated costs, the manufacturer or supplier submits the following information to Wildland Fire Chemical Systems staff: 1. A list of the specific ingredients and quantity used to prepare the chemical product; VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Dec 18, 2024 Jkt 265001 2. Identification of a specific company as the source of supply for each ingredient; 3. Copies of the safety data sheet for the chemical product and for each ingredient used to prepare the chemical product from the company that supplies that chemical; and 4. Specific mixing requirements and performance information. Review of the submitted information assures that the chemical product does not contain ingredients meeting the criteria for chemicals of concern. Chemicals of concern are defined as chemicals appearing on one or more of the following lists: • Agency list of unacceptable ingredients. • National Toxicology Program Annual Report on Carcinogens. • International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs for Potential Carcinogens. • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act List of Extremely Hazardous Substances and Their Threshold Planning Quantities. • Resources Conservation and Recovery Act, Acutely Hazardous and Toxic Wastes. • Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Toxic Release Inventory. A risk assessment is required and is performed at the manufacturer’s expense by a third party selected by the Forest Service. The risk assessment assesses the chemical product and levels of ingredients found in typical applications of the chemical product relative to human and environmental impact. Each chemical product submitted is tested to determine its mammalian and aquatic toxicity. Each chemical product must meet specific levels of performance to minimize potential risk during firefighting operations and cannot exceed established thresholds. Additional tests are performed to determine the effectiveness of the chemical product to reduce a fire’s rate of spread, flame length, and intensity by application of the chemical product directly on or near the fire. Several characteristics of the chemical product are measured over its operational range to ensure that the chemical product meets the needs of firefighters in the field. The information collection request for each chemical product is necessary due to the length of time (16 to 18 months) needed to test the chemical product and the need to ensure that it does not pose a hazard for laboratory personnel during the evaluation process or for field PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 personnel who mix and load the chemical product prior to its purchase and use. The information collection request and the chemical product evaluation must be conducted on an ongoing basis to ensure the Forest Service can solicit and award contracts in a timely manner to provide firefighters with safe and effective wildland fire chemical products. Estimated Annual Burden: 4.5 hours per response. Type of Respondents: Manufacturers and suppliers of fire chemical products for wildland fire management. Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 5. Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 3. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 69 hours. Comment is requested on: 1. Whether this collection of information is necessary for the stated purposes and the proper performance of the functions of the Forest Service, including whether the information will have practical or scientific utility; 2. The accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the 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. Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. Comments will be summarized and included in the package submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for reapproval or reinstatement of the ICR. JoLynn Anderson, Branch Lead, Directives, Clearances, and Information Collection Requests. [FR Doc. 2024–30207 Filed 12–18–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service [Docket #: RBS–24–CO–OP–0018] 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Rural Development Cooperative Agreements (RDCA) Program; OMB Control No.: 0570–0074 Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2024 / Notices ACTION: Notice; request for comments. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD), announces its intention to request a revision to a currently approved information collection package for Rural Development Cooperative Agreements (RDCA) Program. The Agency invites comments on this information collection for which it intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by February 18, 2025 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, regulations.gov. In the ‘‘Search for dockets and documents on agency actions’’ box, enter the docket number ‘‘RBS–24–CO–OP–0018,’’ and click the ‘‘Search’’ button. From the search results: click on or locate the document title: ‘‘60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: ‘‘Rural Development Cooperative Agreements (RDCA) Program’’ and select the ‘‘Comment’’ button. Before inputting comments, commenters may review the ‘‘Commenter’s Checklist’’ (optional). To submit a comment: Insert comments under the ‘‘Comment’’ title, click ‘‘Browse’’ to attach files (if available), input email address, select box to opt to receive email confirmation of submission and tracking (optional), select the box ‘‘I’m not a robot,’’ and then select ‘‘Submit Comment.’’ Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site’s ‘‘FAQ’’ link. All comments will be available for public inspection online at the Federal eRulemaking Portal (https:// www.regulations.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: MaryPat Daskal, Rural Development Innovation Center-Regulations Management Division, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4227, South Building, Washington, DC 20250– 1522. Telephone: (202) 720–7853. Email: MaryPat.Daskal@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implementing provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13) requires that interested members of the public and affected lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Dec 18, 2024 Jkt 265001 agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that the Agency is submitting to OMB for a revision. Title: Rural Development Cooperative Agreements (RDCA) Program. OMB Control Number: 0570–0074. Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2025. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.65 hours per response. Respondents: Regional consortia of higher education, academic health and research institutes, or economic development entities. Estimated Number of Respondents: 64. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Number of Responses: 640. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,056 hours. Abstract: Pursuant to the Federal Agricultural Improvement Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–127), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) received authorization from Congress under 7 U.S.C. 2204b(b)(4) to enter into cooperative agreements for the purpose of improving the coordination and effectiveness of programs that benefit rural areas. This authority is referred to as the Rural Development Cooperative Agreement (RDCA) program. There are three agencies within USDA that administer programs that specifically target rural areas: The Rural BusinessCooperative Service (RB–CS), the Rural Housing Service (RHS), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Each year, USDA receives proposals from the public that are not in response to a specific program announcement. These proposals are called unsolicited proposals. If a proposal is related to one or more programs, it will be routed to the appropriated RD agency for review and possible consideration for a cooperative agreement using the RDCA authority. If the proposal is unique or innovative, then RD has authority to enter into a cooperative agreement without competition (see 2 CFR 415.1(d)(6)). Alternatively, USDA may issue an invitation to submit applications for a cooperative agreement using the RDCA authority. These proposals are called solicited proposals. Solicited proposals would typically be announced via a Federal Register Notice. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 103775 Information will be collected by the field offices from applicants. The collection of information is considered the minimum necessary to effectively evaluate the overall scope of the project. Failure to collect information could have an adverse impact on effectively carrying out the mission, administration, processing, and program requirements. 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 will 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 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 respondents, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Lisa Day, Innovation Center—Regulations Management Division, at (971) 313.4750. Email: Lisa.Day@USDA.GOV. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk, Chief Innovation Officer, Innovation Center, USDA Rural Development. [FR Doc. 2024–30210 Filed 12–18–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service [Docket #: RBS–24–Business–0019] Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 103774-103775]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30210]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Docket #: RBS-24-CO-OP-0018]


60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Rural 
Development Cooperative Agreements (RDCA) Program; OMB Control No.: 
0570-0074

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

[[Page 103775]]


ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the 
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), an agency within 
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development 
(RD), announces its intention to request a revision to a currently 
approved information collection package for Rural Development 
Cooperative Agreements (RDCA) Program. The Agency invites comments on 
this information collection for which it intends to request approval 
from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by February 18, 2025 to 
be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically through the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal, regulations.gov. In the ``Search for dockets and 
documents on agency actions'' box, enter the docket number ``RBS-24-CO-
OP-0018,'' and click the ``Search'' button. From the search results: 
click on or locate the document title: ``60-Day Notice of Proposed 
Information Collection: ``Rural Development Cooperative Agreements 
(RDCA) Program'' and select the ``Comment'' button. Before inputting 
comments, commenters may review the ``Commenter's Checklist'' 
(optional). To submit a comment: Insert comments under the ``Comment'' 
title, click ``Browse'' to attach files (if available), input email 
address, select box to opt to receive email confirmation of submission 
and tracking (optional), select the box ``I'm not a robot,'' and then 
select ``Submit Comment.'' Information on using Regulations.gov, 
including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, 
and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is 
available through the site's ``FAQ'' link.
    All comments will be available for public inspection online at the 
Federal eRulemaking Portal (https://www.regulations.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: MaryPat Daskal, Rural Development 
Innovation Center-Regulations Management Division, USDA, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 4227, South Building, Washington, DC 
20250-1522. Telephone: (202) 720-7853. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB regulation (5 CFR part 1320) 
implementing provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 
104-13) requires that interested members of the public and affected 
agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and 
recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)). This notice identifies 
an information collection that the Agency is submitting to OMB for a 
revision.
    Title: Rural Development Cooperative Agreements (RDCA) Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0074.
    Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2025.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 1.65 hours per response.
    Respondents: Regional consortia of higher education, academic 
health and research institutes, or economic development entities.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 64.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Number of Responses: 640.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,056 hours.
    Abstract: Pursuant to the Federal Agricultural Improvement Act of 
1996 (Pub. L. 104-127), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 
received authorization from Congress under 7 U.S.C. 2204b(b)(4) to 
enter into cooperative agreements for the purpose of improving the 
coordination and effectiveness of programs that benefit rural areas. 
This authority is referred to as the Rural Development Cooperative 
Agreement (RDCA) program. There are three agencies within USDA that 
administer programs that specifically target rural areas: The Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service (RB-CS), the Rural Housing Service (RHS), 
and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
    Each year, USDA receives proposals from the public that are not in 
response to a specific program announcement. These proposals are called 
unsolicited proposals. If a proposal is related to one or more 
programs, it will be routed to the appropriated RD agency for review 
and possible consideration for a cooperative agreement using the RDCA 
authority. If the proposal is unique or innovative, then RD has 
authority to enter into a cooperative agreement without competition 
(see 2 CFR 415.1(d)(6)). Alternatively, USDA may issue an invitation to 
submit applications for a cooperative agreement using the RDCA 
authority. These proposals are called solicited proposals. Solicited 
proposals would typically be announced via a Federal Register Notice.
    Information will be collected by the field offices from applicants. 
The collection of information is considered the minimum necessary to 
effectively evaluate the overall scope of the project.
    Failure to collect information could have an adverse impact on 
effectively carrying out the mission, administration, processing, and 
program requirements.
    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 will 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 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 
respondents, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice 
will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All 
comments will become a matter of public record.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Lisa 
Day, Innovation Center--Regulations Management Division, at (971) 
313.4750. Email: [email protected].
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk,
Chief Innovation Officer, Innovation Center, USDA Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2024-30210 Filed 12-18-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P


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