[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9240-9241]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-4608]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.), the Department of the Interior announces that the following 
Information Collection Request (ICR) for grantees participating in the 
Public Law 102-477 program is being forwarded to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for review and extension: Public Law 102-
477 Reporting, OMB 1076-0135 (expiring 3-31-98).
    The proposed information collection requirement, with no 
appreciable changes, is submitted to OMB for review and extension, as 
required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, 44 
U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). The Department invites public comments on the 
subject proposal described below.

DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments 
regarding this proposal on or before April 27, 1998.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The information collection is needed to document satisfactory 
compliance with statutory requirements of the various integrated 
programs. Public Law 102-477 authorizes tribal governments to integrate 
federally funded employment, training and related services programs 
into a single, coordinated, comprehensive service delivery plan. 
Funding agencies include the Department of the Interior, Department of 
Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services. The Bureau of 
Indian Affairs is statutorily required to serve as the lead agency. 
Section 11 of this Act requires that the Secretary of the Interior make 
available a single universal report format which shall be used by a 
tribal government to report on integrated activities and expenditures 
undertaken. The Bureau of Indian Affairs shares the information 
collected from these reports with the Department of Labor and 
Department of Health and Human Services.

II. Method of Collection

    Public Law 102-477 grantees are required to complete two single 
page, one-sided report forms and one narrative report, with four pages 
of instructions, annually. They replace 166 pages of instructions and 
applications representing three different agencies and twelve different 
funded but related programs. We estimate a 95 percent reduction in 
reporting which is consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act and 
goals of the National Performance Review. The statistical and narrative 
report will be used to demonstrate how well a plan was executed in 
comparison to proposed goals. The financial status report will be used 
to track cash flow, and will allow an analysis of activities versus 
expenditures and expenditures to approved budget. It is a slightly 
modified SF-269-A (short form).

[[Page 9241]]

    These report forms and narrative are limited but satisfy the 
Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Labor and the 
Department of the Interior. They reduce the burden on tribal 
governments by consolidating data collection for employment, training, 
education, child care and related service programs. The reports are due 
annually. These forms have been developed within a partnership between 
tribes and representatives of all three Federal agencies, to 
standardized terms and definitions, eliminate duplication and reduce 
frequency of collection.
    Respondents: Tribes participating in Pub. L. 102-477 will report 
annually. Currently there are 21 grantees participating in the program.
    Burden: We estimate that completion of the reporting requirements 
will require ten hours per year to complete for each grantee.

Request for Comments

    Comments may include:
    (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions of the bureau, including whether 
the information will have practical utility.
    (b) The accuracy of the bureau's estimate of the burden of the 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used.
    (c) The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected.
    (d) How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology.
    Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB Control 
Number and should be sent to Lynn Forcia, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 
Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, MS-4660-MIB, Washington, 
DC 20240.
    All written comments will be available for public inspection in 
room 4644 of the Main Interior building, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, 
DC, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
additional copies of the information collection instructions should be 
directed to Lynn Forcia, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the 
Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 4660-MIB, Washington, DC 20240, 
telephone 202-219-5270 (this is not a toll-free number).

    Dated: February 16, 1998.
Kevin Gover,
Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 98-4608 Filed 2-23-98; 8:45 am]
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