[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 234 (Monday, December 7, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 67484]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-32381]


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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments on 
a New Information Collection Activity in Support of the Access 
Certificates for Electronic Certificates (ACES) Program

AGENCY: Federal Technology Service, GSA.

ACTION: Notice of request for approval of a new information collection 
entitled Access Certificates for Electronic Services (ACES).

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35), the Federal Technology Service (FTS) is publishing a 
summary of a proposed new information collection activity for public 
and agency comment. The proposed information collection activity is 
designed to support a new FTS program entitled Access Certificates for 
Electronic Services (ACES). The ACES Program is intended to facilitate 
and promote secure electronic communications between on-line automated 
information technology application systems authorized by law to 
participate in the ACES Program and users who elect to participate in 
the program, through the implementation and operation of digital 
signature certificate technologies. Individual digital signature 
certificates will be issued at no cost to individuals based upon their 
presentation of verifiable proof of identity to an authorized ACES 
Registration Authority. Business Representative digital signature 
certificates will be issued to individuals based upon their 
presentation of verifiable proof of identity and verifiable proof of 
authority from the claimed entity to an authorized ACES Registration 
Authority. If authorized by law, a fee may be charged for issuance of a 
Business Representative certificate.

DATES: Submit comments on or before February 5, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Address all comments concerning this notice to Stanley 
Choffrey, General Services Administration, Federal Technology Service, 
Office of Information Security, Room 5060, 7th and D Streets, SW., 
Washington, DC 20407, or e-mail to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stanley Choffrey, General Services Administration, Federal Technology 
Service, Office of Information Security at (202) 708-7943, or by e-mail 
to [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Purpose

    The purpose of this notice is to consult with and solicit comments 
from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed 
collection of information under the ACES Program in order to:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of GSA, including 
whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) 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;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond.
    Comments relating to any additional aspects and features of the 
ACES Program are also welcomed, and will be carefully considered.

B. Annual Reporting Burden

    Respondents: 1,000,000; annual responses: 1,000,000; average hours 
per response: .15; burden hours: 250,000.

Copy of Proposal

    A copy of this proposal may be obtained by contacting Stanley 
Choffrey at the above address.

    Dated: November 30, 1998.
Ida M. Ustad,
Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Acquisition Policy.
[FR Doc. 98-32381 Filed 12-4-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-61-M