[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 119 (Monday, June 22, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 33912] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-16532] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology Standards Conformity--National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or 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 August 21, 1998. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Robert Gladhill, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Building 820, Room 306, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. (301) 975-4273. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) Program includes activities related to laboratory testing, product certification, and quality system registration. The information provided is used to conduct an evaluation. After NVCASE evaluation, NIST provides recognition to qualified U.S. organizations that effectively demonstrate conformance with established criteria. The ultimate goal is to help U.S. manufacturers satisfy applicable product requirements mandated by other countries through conformity assessment procedures conducted in this country prior to export. NVCASE recognition (1) provides other governments with a basis for having confidence that qualifying U.S. conformity assessment bodies (CABs) are competent, and (2) facilitates the acceptance of U.S. products in foreign regulated markets based on U.S. conformity assessment results. NVCASE would promote U.S. trade with Europe and allow the flow of U.S. products to those countries unhindered. II. Method of Collection Applicants submit written information to NIST. III. Data OMB Number: 0693-0019. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission for an extension of a currently approved collection. Affected Public: Accreditation Bodies. Estimated Number of Respondents: 100. Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 50. Estimated Total Annual Cost: The estimate of the total annual cost to submit this information for fiscal year 1998 and future years is $1500. The cost is borne by the entities submitting the information. IV. Requests 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, an 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 other 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 will also become a matter of public record. Dated: June 17, 1998. Linda Engelmeier, Departmental Clearance Officer, Office of Management and Organization. [FR Doc. 98-16532 Filed 6-19-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-13-P