[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 11, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29572-29573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-14652]



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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Federal Prison Industries, Inc.


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Common Request

ACTION: Notice of information collection under review; public 
involvement procedures regarding proposals to produce new products or 
expand the production of existing products.
    The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments 
from the public. Emergency review of this collection has been requested 
from OMB by June 14, 1996. This approval is only valid for 90 days. 
Regular review of this proposed collection is also being undertaken at 
this time. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for 60 days 
from the date listed at the top of this page in the Federal Register.

I. Summary

    FPI is administered by a board of six directors who are appointed 
by the President to oversee FPI's operations. The Board of Directors 
represent Industry, Labor, Agriculture, Retailers & Consumers, the 
Department of Defense, and the Attorney General. All proposals for the 
production of new products or the expansion of existing production must 
be approved by the Board.
    The product approval process was articulated by Congress in 1988 
revisions to 18 U.S.C. 4122. FPI, in conjunction with private industry, 
established the Public Involvement Procedures and definitions. These 
procedures implement the requirements set forth in 18 U.S.C. 4122. The 
statute requires FPI to ``invite such trade associations to submit 
comments on those plans.'' In addition, the statute requires that FPI 
provide industry representatives ``a reasonable opportunity . . . to 
present comments

[[Page 29573]]

directly to the board of directors on the proposal.'' The public 
involvement procedures allows for input by all interested parties both 
in writing and through in-person hearings before the Board of 
Directors. There are several methods through which information is 
collected. Private Industry may provide comments directly to the 
research team that is writing the proposal to the Board, the Ombudsman 
who serves as a liaison between private industry and the Board or they 
can make comments directly at the Board hearing on the proposed 
expansion or new product. These comments become part of the public 
record presented to the Board of Directors on the new product or 
expansion proposal. As such, they are considered by the Board of 
Directors in making a decision on an FPI proposal.

II. Request for Comments

    The purpose of this notice is to request written comments and 
suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the 
proposed collection of information. Your comments should address one or 
more of the following points:
    (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;
    (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 
submission of responses.
    If you have comments, suggestions or need a copy of the proposed 
information collection, please contact Edward J. Spear, Planning, 
Research and Activation, 202-508-8400, Federal Prison Industries, Inc., 
ACACIA Building, 320 First Street, NW., Washington, DC 20534 or via 
facsimile at 202-628-0855.

III. Overview of This Information Collection

    (1) Type of Information Collection: New collection.
    (2) Title: Public Involvement Procedures Information Collection.
    (3) Affected public: Business, including for profit manufacturers 
and dealers of the particular product that is under consideration for 
expanded or new production by FPI.
    (4) Burden Statement: An estimate of the total number of 
respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent 
to respond: 125 responses at 3.5 hours, or 210 minutes per comment. The 
total public burden (in hours) associated with this collection is 
estimated at 437.5 total annual burden hours.
    If additional information is required contact: Mr. Robert B. 
Briggs, Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, 
Information Management and Security Staff, Justice Management Division, 
Suite 850, Washington Center, 1001 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20530.

    Dated: June 5, 1996.
Robert B. Briggs,
Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice.
[FR Doc. 96-14652 Filed 6-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-06-M