[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 107 (Friday, June 4, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 29996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-14203]



[[Page 29996]]

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CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service 
(hereinafter the ``Corporation''), as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to 
ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirement on respondents can be properly assessed. 
Currently, the Corporation is soliciting comments concerning its 
request for approval of a survey form to collect data on project 
characteristics and accomplishments from AmeriCorps*VISTA projects that 
are managed by the Corporation. This information will be used by the 
Corporation to evaluate the nature and effectiveness of the program.
    Copies of the proposed information collection request may be 
obtained by contacting the office listed below in the ADDRESSES section 
of this notice.
    The Corporation is particularly interested in comments which:
     Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the 
Corporation, including whether the information will have practical 
utility;
     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;
     Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity 
of the information to be collected; and
      Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of 
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., 
permitting electronic submissions of responses.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
ADDRESSES section by August 3, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to the Corporation for National and Community 
Service, Attn: Carol Hafford, Office of Evaluation, 1201 New York 
Avenue, NW., 9th floor, Washington, DC 20525.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Hafford, (202) 606-5000, ext. 
232.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    One of the missions of the Corporation is to ``provide 
opportunities to engage in service that addresses the nation's unmet 
human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs'' (42 U.S.C. 
12501(b)). Through the AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to 
America) program, the Corporation supports VISTA's 34 year mission to 
engage Americans in community service activities and build the capacity 
of low-income communities. AmeriCorps*VISTA activities address issues 
of poverty and poverty-related problems by generating private sector 
resources, encouraging volunteer service at the local level, and 
strengthening the capacity of local organizations and agencies to meet 
the needs of low-income communities.
    VISTA is a full-time, full-year service program for men and women 
ages 18 and older. AmeriCorps*VISTA places federally funded national 
service participants in ongoing programs managed by public agencies or 
private, nonprofit organizations. AmeriCorps*VISTA members work within 
these agencies or organizations to help them expand services to people 
in economically disadvantaged communities. Members are involved in a 
wide variety of community-oriented efforts, such as developing literacy 
programs, organizing outreach programs in health care, training low-
income people in business management, and establishing transitional 
housing programs for the homeless.
    Since 1996, the Corporation has conducted an annual survey and 
collected data from AmeriCorps*VISTA projects to describe program 
accomplishments. These responses assist the Corporation in addressing 
policy and programming issues about AmeriCorps*VISTA and the projects 
it supports throughout the country.

Current Action

    The Corporation seeks approval of a survey form to collect data 
from a sample of AmeriCorps*VISTA projects. The 1999 AmeriCorps*VISTA 
Project Accomplishments Survey will be administered by mail and also 
through a computerized data tracking system. The survey will cover 
VISTA project activities and accomplishments during the 12-month period 
of October 1, 1998, through September 30, 1999. Approximately 1,250 
projects will be surveyed, of which we expect 950 respondents. The 
survey will collect data on project characteristics and on specific 
AmeriCorps*VISTA activities and accomplishments in each of seven 
program emphasis areas and in organizational capacity building. 
Accomplishment data from the FY 1999 survey will be used to provide a 
report on AmeriCorps*VISTA accomplishments to the Congress in FY 2000 
and to satisfy the Government and Performance and Results Act of 1993 
requirements.
    Type of Review: New approval.
    Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service.
    Title: AmeriCorps*VISTA 1999 Project Accomplishments Survey.
    OMB Number: None.
    Agency Number: None.
    Affected Public: AmeriCorps*VISTA projects that have been active 
for at least nine months prior to September 30, 1999.
    Total Respondents: Approximately 950.
    Frequency: Annually.
    Average Time Per Response: One hour.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 950 hours.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): None.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): None.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
matter of public record.

    Dated: June 1, 1999.
Thomas L. Bryant,
Associate General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 99-14203 Filed 6-3-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6050-28-U