[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 228 (Monday, November 25, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 59893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29984]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Management Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service, DOI.

ACTION: Notice of Information Collection Solicitation.

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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Minerals 
Management Service (MMS) is soliciting comments on an information 
collection, Cooperative Agreements (OMB Control Number 1010-0087).

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before January 24, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: Comments sent via the U.S. Postal Service should be sent to: 
Minerals Management Service, Royalty Management Program, Rules and 
Procedures Staff, P.O. Box 25165, MS 3101, Denver, Colorado, 80225-
0165; courier address is: Building 85, Room A-212, Denver Federal 
Center, Denver, Colorado 80225; e:Mail address is: 
David__G[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis C. Jones, Rules and Procedures 
Staff, phone (303) 231-3046, FAX (303) 231-3194, e-Mail 
Dennis__J[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995, Section 3506 (c)(2)(A), each agency shall provide notice 
and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies 
concerning this collection of information in order to solicit comment 
to: (a) evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) 
evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information; (c) enhance the quality, utility, 
and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) minimize the 
burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, 
including through the use of automated collection techniques or other 
forms of information technology.
    The MMS is requesting the continuation of this collection of 
information, Cooperative Agreements. The Secretary of the Interior 
(Secretary) is authorized by the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management 
Act of 1982 (FOGRMA) at 30 U.S.C. 1732, to enter into cooperative 
agreements utilizing the capabilities of States and Indian Tribes to 
carry out royalty audits and related investigation and enforcement 
activities. Cooperative agreements benefit both the Minerals Management 
Service (MMS) and the State or Tribe involved by helping to ensure 
proper product valuation, correct and timely production reporting, and 
correct and timely royalty payment through the application of an 
aggressive and comprehensive audit program. To be considered for a 
cooperative agreement States and Indian Tribes must comply with the 
regulations at 30 CFR 228 by submitting a request to the Director, MMS, 
and preparing an application detailing the work to be done. While 
working under a cooperative agreement, the State or Tribe must submit 
quarterly vouchers to claim reimbursement for the cost of eligible 
activities. Information required for the application is supplied 
voluntarily.
    The MMS has simplified the process of applying for and lessened the 
burden of participating in cooperative agreements. The information 
requested is the minimum necessary to determine an applicant's ability 
to perform royalty audits. The MMS provides telephone assistance, 
written guidelines, and onsite assistance for the preparation of 
cooperative agreement applications, annual work plans, and quarterly 
reimbursement vouchers.
    The initial information collection burden to cooperative agreement 
applicant involves becoming acquainted with the requirements and 
preparing the original request to the Director and preparing the 
application. If the agreement is approved, the burden in subsequent 
years includes preparing an annual work plan and budget and a quarterly 
request for reimbursement voucher. MMS estimates that the burden 
estimate to the applicant for preparing the request and application is 
approximately $2500 (100 hours  x  $25/hour). In addition, the agency 
estimates the burden for the annual work plan and budget (40 hours) and 
the quarterly request for reimbursement voucher (10 hours per quarter) 
is $2,500 (80 hours  x  $25/hour).

    Dated: November 13, 1996.
James W. Shaw,
Associate Director for Royalty Management.
[FR Doc. 96-29984 Filed 11-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P