[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 71 (Thursday, April 11, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 16167]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-8990]



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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and 
respondent burden, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) invites 
the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on this 
information collection. This request for comment is being made pursuant 
to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)). Comments should address the accuracy of the burden 
estimates and ways to minimize the burden including the use of 
automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of 
information technology, as well as other relevant aspects of the 
information collection.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposal for the 
collection of information should be received June 10, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans 
Benefits Administration (20M30), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 
Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. All comments will become a 
matter of public record and will be summarized in the VBA request for 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. In this document VBA is 
soliciting comments concerning the following information collection:
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0459.
    Title and Form Number: Property Management Consolidated Invoice, VA 
Form 26-8974.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Need and Uses: VA Form 26-8974 is generated monthly by the 
computerized Property Management System at the VA Automation Center, 
Austin, Texas. Invoices show assigned properties with the assigned 
numerical identification and property location for each. Fixed fees, as 
applicable, are computer-entered for each property for certain 
management services, such as monthly inspection. The invoice is sent to 
the broker from Austin on or about the 25th day of each month. The 
broker then enters any additional charges for each property, affixes 
supporting documentation for reimbursement of expenses claimed, such as 
for utilities, and mails the invoice to the VA regional office of 
jurisdiction. Invoices are then reviewed by Realty Specialists to 
verify accuracy of charges, and forwarded to Finance activity for audit 
and payment.
    Current Actions: As a consequence of the home loan activities, VA 
acquires residential properties which are rehabilitated and rented or 
sold under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 3720(a) (5) and (6). VA must rely 
on the services of property management brokers to provide the necessary 
surveillance and maintenance services for the protection, rental, and 
resale of its widely dispersed inventory. VA policies provide that 
management brokers may incur charges for certain items such as fuel, 
electricity, and water, and when proper authorization has been given, 
for maintenance and repair expenses. Brokers are also paid for certain 
services they perform, such as initial and repair inspections, and for 
routine maintenance, such as lawn care or snow removal. As is customary 
in the property management industry, VA reimburses management brokers 
for expenses incurred for VA properties, and pays broker-performed 
services upon receipt of monthly invoices.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 32,215 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: Monthly.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,895.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the form should be directed to Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Attn: Jacquie McCray, Information Management Service (045A4), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 
20420, Telephone (202) 565-8266 or FAX (202) 565-8267.

    Dated: April 1, 1996.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Donald L. Neilson,
Director, Information Management Service.
[FR Doc. 96-8990 Filed 4-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P