[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 104 (Monday, June 1, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 29698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14418]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Product Characteristics--Design Check-Off Lists; Proposed 
Collection; Comment Request

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the 
continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 31, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5327, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Request for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to: John Klingelhut, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, 
Export Promotion Services, Room 2810, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW, 
Washington, DC 20230; Phone number: (202) 482-4403, and fax number: 
(202) 482-0872.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The International Trade Administration (ITA) sponsors up to 120 
overseas trade fair events each fiscal year. In addition, there is a 
Matchmaker Program of approximately 20 events annually, which is a 
combination of multi-stop trade missions and small equipment 
presentations. Trade fairs involve U.S. firms exhibiting their goods 
and services at American pavilions at internationally recognized events 
worldwide. In the case of Matchmakers, ITA organizes U.S. company 
missions, traveling to 2 or 3 foreign locations. Matchmakers combine an 
exhibit booth/product presentation orientation and by-appointment-only 
meetings in facilities capable of accommodating 20-40 U.S. Firms. The 
Product Characteristics-Design Check Off List seeks from participating 
U.S. firms information on the physical nature, power (utility) and 
graphic requirements of the products and services to be displayed, and 
to ensure the availability of utilities active product demonstrations. 
This form also allows U.S. firms to identify special installation 
instructions that can be critical to the proper placement and hookup of 
their equipment and/or graphics. Without the timely and accurate 
submission of the Form ITA-426P, Product Characteristics--Design Check-
Off Lists, ITA would be unable to provide a pavilion facility that 
would effectively support the sales/marketing and presentation 
objectives of the U.S. participants. The anticipated result: diminished 
program productivity, declining participation by U.S. firms, reduced 
private sector funds, and possibly the discontinuation of this type of 
U.S. international trade event program.

II. Method of Data Collection

    Form ITA-426P is sent by request to U.S. firms. Applicant firms 
complete the form and forward it to the Department of Commerce 
exhibition manager at the close of the event upon request.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0625-0035.
    Form Number: ITA-426P.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit companies applying to 
participate in Commerce Department trade promotion events.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,000.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,000 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Costs: The estimated annual cost for this 
collection is $31,480.00 ($18,900.00 for respondents and $12,580.00 for 
federal government).

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on (a) 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) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and costs) of the proposed collection of information; 
(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 on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or forms of information technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: May 26, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 98-14418 Filed 5-29-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-01-P