[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 7183] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-3589] [[Page 7183]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Women's Bureau Proposed Collection; Comment Request ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Women's Bureau is soliciting comments concerning the proposed new collection of the Conference Evaluation Form. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the ADDRESSES section below on or before April 13, 1998. The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments which: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; Evaluate 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; Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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 submissions of responses. ADDRESSES: Airline Easley, Women's Bureau, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room S-3311, Washington, DC 20210, (202) 219-6601x136 (this is not a toll-free number), Fax (202) 219-5529, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background A structured evaluation instrument is needed to determine if the objectives of the conferences sponsored, wholly or in part, by the Women's Bureau are meeting the needs of the constituents for whom they were designed. Currently, a comment card is availabe at most conferences for constituent remarks, but these remarks do not speak to all the issues involved in a comprehensive evaluation. Without comprehensive information, we cannot clearly understand if the conference goals are being met, or how we can more efficiently meet constituent needs. II. Current Actions We are proposing that the ``Conference Evaluation'' be available at the close of conferences or meetings sponsored by the Women's Bureau so that constituents can voluntarily provide answers to questions that will help us to streamline the conferences or meetings to more fully meet the needs of the attendees. Information from the evaluation should flag strengths and weaknesses in the program and its setting. Type of Review: This is a new data collection instrument. Agency: US Department of Labor, Women's Bureau. Title: Conference Evaluation. Affected Public: Attendees of Women's Bureau conferences or meetings. Cite/Reference/Form/etc: Conference Evaluation. Total Respondents: 5000. Frequency: On occasion. Total responses: 5000. Average Time per Response: 1.5 minutes. Estimated Burden Hours: 125 hours. Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.00. Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $0.00. Comments submitted in response to this comment request will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: February 9, 1998. Cellis N. Phillips, Chief, Office of Policy and Programs. [FR Doc. 98-3589 Filed 2-11-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-23-M