[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 75 (Monday, April 20, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19471-19472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10189]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration


Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. Chapter 35), Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration (GIPSA) is announcing an opportunity for the public to 
comment on its intention to request an extension for a currently 
approved information collection, ``Guidelines for Preparation of 
Research Proposal.'' These guidelines provide instructions for 
submitting grant proposals requesting funds from GIPSA for research to 
develop procedures and equipment that may be used to measure grain 
quality.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by June 19, 1998 to be 
assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Tanner, Director, Technical 
Services Division, USDA, GIPSA, FGIS Technical Service Center, 10383 N 
Executive Hills Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64153-1394; telephone (816-
891-0401).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under Section 4a of the United States Grain 
Standards Act (USGSA; 7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.), GIPSA is responsible for 
establishing grain standards which accurately describe the quality of 
grain being traded and for applying these standards uniformly in a 
nationwide inspection system. Section 16e of the USGSA authorizes the 
agency to conduct a continuing research program for the purpose of 
developing methods to improve accuracy and uniformity in grading grain. 
To carry out this authority, GIPSA maintains an external research 
program under which research scientists are invited to submit research 
grant proposals that include the objectives of the proposed work; 
application of the proposed work to the grain inspection system; the 
procedures, equipment, personnel, etc., that will be used to reach the 
project objectives; the cost of the project; a schedule for completion; 
qualifications of the investigator and the grantee organization; and a 
listing of all other sources of financial support for the project. 
GIPSA utilizes the Guidelines for Preparation of Research Proposals to 
assist grant applicants with preparation of grant proposals.
    Title: Guidelines for Preparation of Research Proposal.
    OMB Number: 0580-0014.
    Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 1998.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration is interested in supporting research to develop 
procedures and equipment that may be used to measure grain quality. The 
Guidelines for Preparation of Research Proposal provides instructions 
for submitting grant proposals requesting funds from GIPSA for this 
purpose.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 20 hours per response.
    Respondents: Organizations who employ scientists and engineers who 
do research and development on procedures and equipment which may be 
used to provide measurement of grain quality.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 60.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Cathy 
McDuffie, the Agency Support Services Specialist, at (301) 734-5190.

Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) 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; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize 
the burden of the collection of information

[[Page 19472]]

on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: 
Sharon Vassiliades, ARTS, GIPSA, USDA, STOP 3649, Washington, D.C. 
20250-3649; fax 202 720-4628; e-mail [email protected].
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

    Dated: April 13, 1998.
James R. Baker,
Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.
[FR Doc. 98-10189 Filed 4-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-EN-P