[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 19, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 31149-31150] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-15457] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Federal Prison Industries, Inc. Planning, Research and Activation Branch; Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment 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. [[Page 31150]] 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 the FPI provide industry representatives ``a reasonable opportunity * * * to present comments 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, D.C. 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, D.C. 20530. Dated: June 13, 1996. Robert B. Briggs, Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice. [FR Doc. 96-15457 Filed 6-18-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-06-M