[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46980-46986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-22626]


 ========================================================================
 Notices
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
 and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
 delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
 statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2001 / 
Notices  

[[Page 46980]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

September 5, 2001.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
regarding (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 burden including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) 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 should be addressed to: Desk 
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Washington, DC 20503 and to 
Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, 
DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are 
best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of 
this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by 
calling (202) 720-6746.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

    Title: Grant Application Forms for the Small Business Innovation 
Research Grants Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0524-0025.
    Summary of Collection: In 1982, the Small Business Innovation 
Research (SBIR) Grants Program was authorized by Public Law 97-219, and 
in 2000, reauthorized through September 30, 2008, by Public Law 106-
564. This legislation requires each Federal agency with a research and 
development budget in excess of $100 million to establish an SBIR 
program. the objections of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), 
SBIR Program are to stimulate technological innovation in the private 
sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal 
research and development needs, increase private sector 
commercialization of innovations derived for USDA-supported research 
and developments efforts, and foster and encourage participation by 
women-owned and socially and economically disadvantaged small business 
firm in technological innovation. USDA conducts its SBIR Program 
through the use of grants awards and the Grants Management Branch, 
CSREES, administers these grants. Each year, USDA issues an SBIR 
Program Solicitation requesting Phase I proposals. These proposals are 
evaluated by peer review panels and awarded on a competitive basis. The 
SBIR Program Solicitation requests that applicants submit proposals 
following the format outlined in the SBA Policy Directive.
    Need and Use of the Information: CSREES uses forms CSREES-667, 
``Proposal Cover Sheet'' and CSREES-668, ``Project Summary,'' to 
collect recordkeeping data, required certification, and information 
used to respond to inquiries from Congress, other Government agencies, 
and the grantee community concerning grant projects supported by the 
USDA SBIR Program.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; 
Individuals or households.
    Number of Respondents: 480.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 2,472.

National Agricultural Statistics Service

    Title: Milk and Milk Products.
    OMB Control Number: 0535-0020.
    Summary of Collection: U.S. Code Title 7, Section 2204, statute 
specifies that ``The Secretary of Agriculture shall procure and 
preserve all information concerning agriculture which he can obtain* * 
*by the collection of statistics* * *and shall distribute them among 
agriculturists''. The National Agricultural Statistics Service's (NASS) 
primary function is to prepare and issue current official state and 
national estimates of crop and livestock production. Estimates of milk 
production and manufactured dairy products are an integral part of this 
program. Statistics on milk production and manufactured dairy products 
are used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to carry out the 
National Dairy Support Program.
    Need and Use of the Information: Milk and dairy statistics are used 
by USDA to help administer price support programs and by the dairy 
industry in planning, pricing, and projecting supplies of milk and milk 
products. Dairy products prices are collected weekly to meet the time 
requirements for the announcement of milk price supports under the 
Federal Order Program. Estimates of number of total milk production are 
used by the dairy industry in planning, pricing, and projecting 
supplies of milk and milk products. Collecting data less frequently 
would prevent USDA and the agricultural industry from keeping abreast 
of changes at the state and national level.
    Description of Respondents: Farms; Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 44,689.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly; Weekly; Monthly; 
Annually; Other biweekly.
    Total Burden Hours: 24,223.

Farm Service Agency

    Title: Application for Payment of Amounts Due Persons Who Have 
Died, Disappeared or Have Been Declared Incompetent.
    OMB Control Number: 0560-0026.
    Summary of Collection: Representatives or survivors of producers 
who die, disappear, or are

[[Page 46981]]

declared incompetent must be afforded a method of obtaining any payment 
intended for the producer. 7 CFR part 707 provides that form FSA-325 be 
used as the form of application for persons desiring to claim such 
payments. The information collected is necessary to determine whether 
representatives or survivors of a producer are entitled to receive 
payments earned by a producer who dies, disappears, or is declared 
incompetent before receiving the payment.
    Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information using 
form FSA-325 to determine if the survivors have rights to the existing 
payments. The information will also help FSA determine if the survivors 
have rights to the unpaid portions of the producer's payments.
    Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or 
other for-profit; Not-for-profit institution; State, Local or Tribal 
Government.
    Number of Respondents: 4,000.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (when necessary).
    Total Burden Hours: 6,000.

Farm Service Agency

    Title: Warehouse Regulations Under USWA and Standards for Approval 
of Warehouses.
    OMB Control Number: 0560-0120.
    Summary of Collection: Section 4 of the United States Warehouse Act 
(USWA) (7 U.S.C. 244) states ``That the Secretary of Agriculture, or 
his designated representative, is authorized, upon application to him, 
to issue to any warehouseman a license for the conduct of a warehouse 
or warehouses in accordance with this Act and such rules and 
regulations and may be hereunder: Provided, that each such warehouse be 
found suitable for the proper storage of the particular agricultural 
product or products for which a license is applied for, and that such 
warehousemen agree, as a condition to the granting of the license, to 
comply with and abide by all the terms of this Act and the rules and 
regulations prescribed hereunder.'' The Farm Service Agency (FSA) 
administers the USWA. Although there are several warehouse types 
covered under the USWA, the reporting requirements within a particular 
warehouse type are essentially the same as those across all warehouse 
types and, with some exceptions, the forms are used bilaterally; that 
is, they are used for both USWA licensing and Commodity Credit 
Corporation purposes. The forms are furnished to interested warehouse 
operators or used by the warehouse examiners employed by FSA to secure 
and record information about the warehouse operators and the warehouse.
    Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information (1) 
to determine whether or not the warehouse and the warehouse operator 
making application for licensing and/or approval meets applicable 
standards; (2) to issue such license or approvals; (3) to determine, 
once licensed or approved, that the licensee or warehouse operator 
continues to meet such standards and is conforming to regulatory or 
contractual obligations, (4) to determine that the stored commodity is 
in good condition and (5) to determine that the licensee or warehouse 
operator is storing the commodity for which licensed or approval in a 
safe and prudent manner.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit
    Number of Respondents: 4,600.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion; 
Annually; Other (daily record)
    Total Burden Hours: 14,701.

Farm Service Agency

    Title: 7 CFR 1924-B Management Advice to Individuals Borrowers and 
Applicants.
    OMB Control Number: 0560-0154.
    Summary of Collection: The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (CONACT) as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Agricultural to 
make and service direct farm loans to eligible applicants. The 
collection of information is needed to develop sound farm loan 
assessments, provide appropriate credit counseling and credit 
supervision that will assist the Agency's customers toward successful 
farming/ranching operations. The Farm Service Agency will collect 
information using several FSA forms.
    Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information to 
protect the government's financial interests by ensuring the farming 
operations of the Agency's direct loan customers be properly assessed 
for short and long-term financial feasibility. The information is also 
used to ensure all customers receive appropriate credit counseling and 
credit supervision to ensure the greatest chance for financial and 
productive success. If the information were not collected the Agency 
would be unable to meet the mission of the loan program mandated by 
Congress.
    Description of Respondents: Farm; Business or other-for-profit; 
Federal Government; Not-for-profit institutions
    Number of Respondents: 63,125.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 157,646.

Risk Management Agency

    Title: Multiple Peril Crop Insurance.
    OMB Control Number: 0563-0053.
    Summary of Collection: Previous amendments to the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act have expanded the role of the crop insurance program to 
be the principal tool for risk management by producers of farm products 
and provided for nationwide expansion of a comprehensive crop insurance 
program. In June of 2000, the ACT was amended again by Public Law 106-
224 mandating changes to crop insurance regulations, providing for 
independent review of crop insurance products by person experienced as 
actuaries and in underwriting, giving contracting authority for the 
development of new products, and requiring that the crop insurance 
program operate on an actuarially sound basis. To meet the goals, 
existing crop programs must be improved and expanded, new crop products 
developed, and new insurance concepts studied for possible 
implementation.
    Need and Use of the Information: Federal Crop Insurance Corporation 
(FCIC) offers a Standard Reinsurance Agreement to eligible crop 
insurance companies under which FCIC will use data elements instead of 
standards forms. The information collected may be used by Federal 
agencies, Risk Management Agency, crop insurance companies reinsured by 
FCIC, and other agencies that require such information in the 
performance of their duties. If the information were not collected by 
specified dates, the producers may not have insurance coverage or the 
amount of insurance may be reduced and the crop insurance program would 
not be administered in an actuarially sound manner.
    Description of Respondents: Farms; Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1,304,390.
    Frequency of Response: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Other.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,194,316.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: Value-Added Agricultural Product market Development Grant 
Program (Independent Producers).
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0039.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural business-Cooperative Service (RBS) 
an agency within the USDA Rural Development mission area will 
administer the Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development 
Grant Agreement Program.

[[Page 46982]]

The objective of this program is to encourage producers of agricultural 
commodities and products of agricultural commodities to further refine 
these products increasing their value to end users of the product. 
These grants will be used for two purposes: (1) to fund feasibility 
studies, marketing and business plans, and similar development 
activities; and (2) to use the grant as part of the venture's working 
capital fund. Grants will only be awarded if projects or ventures are 
determined to be economically viable and sustainable.
    Need and Use of the Information: RBS will use the information 
collected to determine (1) applicant eligibility and monitor recipient 
performance; (2) the specific purpose for which the funds will be 
utilized; (3) time frames or dates by which activities surrounding the 
use of funds will be accomplished; (4) feasibility of the project; (5) 
applicants' experience in managing similar activities; and (6) the 
effectiveness and innovation used to address critical issues vital to 
value-added ventures development and sustainability. Without this 
information there would be no basis on which to ward funds.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 120.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 2460.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant 
Program (Resource Center).
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0040.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) 
was established by Public Law 103-354, The Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994. The mission of RBS is to improve the 
quality of life in rural America by financing community facilities and 
businesses, providing technical assistance and creating effective 
strategies for rural development. The objective of this program is to 
establish a pilot project to be known as the Agricultural Marketing 
Resource Center. This center will have the capabilities, including 
electronic capabilities, to collect, disseminate, coordinate, and 
provide information on value-added processing to independent producers 
and processors of value-added agricultural commodities and products of 
agricultural commodities. Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis 
using specific selection criteria and in amounts up to 50 percent of 
the costs for carrying out the proposed uses.
    Need and Use of the Information: RBS will use the information 
collected to determine (1) eligibility; (2) the specific purpose for 
which the funds will be utilized; (3) time frames or dates by which 
activities surrounding the use of funds will be accomplished; (4) 
feasibility of the project; (5) applicants' experience in managing 
similar activities; and (6) the effectiveness and innovation used to 
address critical issues vital to value-added ventures development and 
sustainability. Without this ifnormation there would be no basis on 
which to award funds.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 40.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Semi-annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 628.

Rural Utilities Service

    Title: Report of Compliance and Participation.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0047.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is 
required to implement regulations of the U.S. Department of Justice and 
the U.S. Department of Agriculture and to provide for the collection of 
civil rights data and information from applicants for and recipients of 
Federal assistance sufficient to permit effective enforcement of Title 
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation 
Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Acts). Rus Form 
268, Report of Compliance and Participation, is designed for use by RUS 
electric and telephone borrowers in complying with the reporting 
requirements outlined in RUS Bulletin 1790-1, ``Nondiscrimination Among 
Beneficiaries of RUS Programs.'' This guidance bulletin describes the 
statutes, rules, and regulations, which inform RUS borrowers of their 
responsibilities for ensuring nondiscrimination practices in the 
operation of their organizations.
    Need and Use of the Information: RUS will collect information to 
determine the extent to which the borrowers are in compliance with 
requirements of the Acts, to identify potential problem compliance 
areas, and to determine a borrower's eligibility for advance of loan 
funds. If this form is not submitted, RUS would have no method of 
ensuring borrower compliance with requirements of the Acts.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business 
or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1,500.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,005.

Rural Utilities Service

    Title: Weather Radio Transmitter Grant Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0124.
    Summary of Collection: The National Weather Service operates an All 
Hazards Early Warning System that alerts people in areas covered by its 
transmissions of approaching dangerous weather and other emergencies. 
The National Weather Service can typically provide warnings of specific 
weather dangers up to fifteen minutes prior to the event. At present, 
this system covers all major metropolitan areas and many smaller cities 
and towns; however, many rural areas lack National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration's Weather Radio and Alert System (NOAA) 
Weather Radio coverage. The Weather Radio Transmitter Grant Program 
will provide grant funds, for use in rural areas and communities of 
50,000 or less inhabitants. The grant funds will be processed on a 
first-come basis until the appropriation is used in its entirety.
    Need and Use of the Information: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) 
will use the information from the submission to determine the 
following: (1) That adequate coverage in the area does not already 
exist and that the proposed coverage will meet the needs of the 
community; (2) that design requirements are met; and (3) that the funds 
needed to complete the project are adequate based on the grant and the 
matching portion from the applicant.
    Description of Respondents: Not for-profit institutions; State, 
Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 60.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 345.

Rural Utilities Service

    Title: 7 CFR part 1744, Subpart B, Lien Accommodations and 
Subordination Policy.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-NEW.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is a 
credit agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It makes 
mortgage loans and loan guarantees to finance electric, 
telecommunications, and water and waste facilities in rural areas. The 
Telecommunications Act of 1996 mandates that universally available and 
affordable telecommunications services, including advanced services, be 
made available to all U.S. citizens whether in rural areas or city 
centers, affluent, or

[[Page 46983]]

poor communities. In support of this mandate, RUS is amending its 
regulation to ensure that, with the assistance of advanced 
telecommunications technology, rural citizens be provided the same 
economic, educational, and health care benefits available in the large 
metropolitan areas.
    Need and Use of the Information: This regulation will help RUS 
facilitate funding from non-RUS sources in order to meet the growing 
capital needs of rural Local Exchange Carriers and enable the providers 
to compete in an expanding number of telecommunications services. RUS 
will use the information to provide ``automatic'' approval for 
borrowers requesting lien accommodations that meet the required 
financial tests. These tests are designed to ensure that the financial 
strength of the borrower is more than sufficient to protect the 
government's loan security interests; hence, the lien accommodations 
will not adversely affect the government's financial interests.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-
profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 30.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 23.

Rural Housing Service

    Title: Form RD 1940-59, Settlement Statement.
    OMB Control Number: 0575-0088.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) and the Farm 
Service Agency (FSA) are requesting an extension of the OMB clearance 
for Form RD 1940-59, ``Settlement Statement.'' The Real Estate 
Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), as amended, requires the disclosure 
of real estate settlement costs to real estate buyers and sellers. 
Disclosure of the nature and costs of a mortgage transaction enables 
the borrower to be a more informed customer and protects the public 
from unnecessarily high settlement charges.
    Need and Use of the Information: Form RD 1940-49 is completed by 
Settlement Agents, Closing Attorneys, and Title Insurance Companies 
performing the closing of RHS loans and credit sales use to purchase or 
refinance Section 502 Housing, Rural Rental Housing, and Farm Laboring 
Housing. The same parties performing the closing of FSA Farm Ownership 
loans and credit sales complete the form. The information is collected 
to provide the buyer and the seller with a statement detailing the 
actual costs of the settlement services involved in certain Agency 
financed real estate transactions. Failure to collect the information 
and disclose the information would be a violation of the RESPA.
    Description of Respondents: Business or for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 17,000.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 28,900.

Rural Housing Service

    Title: 7 CFR 1951-N, Servicing Cases Where Unauthorized Loan or 
Other Financial assistance was received--Multiple Family Housing.
    OMB Control Number: 0575-0104.
    Summary of Collection: Through regular visits by Rural Development 
personnel and the Office of Inspector General cases of unauthorized 
assistance were identified. Unauthorized assistance may in the form of 
a loan, grant, interest subsidy benefit created through use of an 
incorrect interest rate, interest credits or rental assistance extended 
to a Multi-Family Housing borrower or grantee by Rural Housing Service 
(RHS). RHS has published its own regulation, consistent with the 
Federal Claims Act, through which it can better assist the recipients 
of RHS assistance and still adequately protect the Government's 
interest. The information collected under the provisions of this 
regulation is provided on a voluntary basis by the recipient of the 
assistance in question, although failure to cooperate in effecting 
requiring corrections to loan accounts may result in loss or reduction 
of benefits or liquidation of the loan. The information collected will 
primarily be financial data relating to income and expenses. Also, 
tenants who refuse to cooperate or provide information may lose their 
subsidy or tenancy.
    Need and Use of the Information: The information required by this 
regulation is collected from Multi-Family Housing borrowers (who may be 
individuals, partnerships, private or nonprofit corporations or public 
bodies) and from tenants who reside in the borrower's rental projects. 
The collections are made from RHS borrowers on an individual case. If 
this regulation is not continued, the cases involving unauthorized 
financial assistance would remain unresolved and many borrowers would 
keep financial benefits for which they did not qualify under RHS loan 
regulations.
    Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or 
other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Farms; State, Local or 
Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 450.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 800.

Rural Housing Service

    Title: Rural Housing Demonstration Program--Section 502.
    OMB Control Number: 0575-0114.
    Summary of Collection: Section 506 of the Housing Act of 1949 as 
amended by Title V--Rural Housing of Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery 
Act of 1983 directs the Secretary to conduct research, technical 
studies and demonstrations in order to improve the architectural 
designs, cost effectiveness and utility of housing units. The amendment 
allows the Secretary to permit housing demonstrations which do not meet 
existing published standards, rules, regulations or policies, if the 
Secretary finds that in doing so, the health and safety of the 
population is not adversely affected. The Rural Housing Service (RHS) 
will collect information from applicants seeking an innovation housing 
unit award.
    Need and Use of the Information: RHS will collect information from 
the proposer to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses to which the 
proposal concept possesses or lacks the attributes set forth in the 
proposed content and evaluation criteria. RHS will use the collected 
information to select the most feasible proposals that will enhance the 
Agency's chances in accomplishing the demonstration objective. The 
information will be utilized to sustain and modify RHS's current 
policies pertaining to the construction of modest housing.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-
profit institutions; Individuals or households; State, Local or Tribal 
Government.
    Number of Respondents: 25.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 2,000.

Rural Housing Service

    Title: 7 CFR 1951-C, ``Offset of Federal Payments to USDA 
Borrowers'.
    OMB Control Number: 0575-0119.
    Summary of Collection: The Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 as 
amended by the Debt Collection Act of 1982, the Deficit Reduction Act 
of 1984 and the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 provides for 
administrative, salary, and Internal Revenue Service offsets by 
Government agencies to collect delinquent debts. The regulation 
identifies documents submitted by borrowers requesting a different 
repayment agreement when they are delinquent on their debt to the 
Federal Government. This regulation does not

[[Page 46984]]

require a response, if the borrower is willing to allow his program 
payment to be made directly to the agency.
    Need and Use of the Information: The information will be utilized 
by agency personnel and is essential in determining if a different 
repayment agreement can be accepted. A delinquent borrower is required 
to pay current or submit documentation ranging from a written 
agreement, pay current from liquid assets or submit a Farm and Home 
Plan to show repayment to avoid the offset.
    Description of Respondents: Not for profit institutions; State, 
Local, or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 2,000.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,331.

Rural Housing Service

    Title: 7 CFR 1942-C, ``Fire and Rescue Loans''.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is 
authorized by section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926) to make loans to public agencies, 
nonprofit corporations, and Indian tribes for the development of 
essential community facilities primarily servicing rural residents. The 
primary regulation for administering this Community Facility Program is 
7 CFR 1942-A (0575-0015). The information must be collected to 
determine eligibility, analyze financial feasibility, take security, 
monitor the use of loan funds, and monitor the financial condition of 
borrowers, and otherwise assisting borrowers.
    Need and Use of the Information: Rural Development field offices 
will collect the information from applicant/borrowers and consultant 
through a variety of forms and other existing documents. This 
information will be used to determine applicant/borrower eligibility, 
project feasibility, and ensure borrowers operate on a sound basis and 
use loan funds for authorized purpose.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; State, 
Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 1,211.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Quarterly; 
Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 6,482.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

    Title: West Indian Fruit Fly.
    OMB Control Number: 0579-0170.
    Summary of Collection: The United States Department of Agriculture 
is responsible for preventing plant pests and noxious weeds from 
entering the United States, preventing the spread of pests and weeds 
not widely distributed in the United States and eradicating those 
imported pests and weeds when eradication is feasible. Section 414 of 
the Plant Protection Act (PPA) (7 U.S.C. 7701-7772) provides that the 
Secretary of Agriculture may, under certain conditions, hold, seize, 
quarantine, treat, apply other remedial measures to destroy or 
otherwise dispose of any plant, plant pest, plant product, article, or 
means of conveyance that is moving, or has moved into or through the 
United States or interstate if the Secretary has reason to believe that 
the article is a plant pest or is infested with a plant pest at the 
time of move. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 
published an interim rule to prevent the spread of the West Indian 
Fruit fly to non-infested areas of the United States. The rule 
quarantined a part of Cameron County, TX, because of the West Indian 
Fruit Fly and restricted the interstate movement of regulated articles 
from the quarantined area.
    Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information to 
certify bulk shipments of regulated articles. If the information were 
not collected APHIS would be unable to provide for the interstate 
movement of certain articles from the quarantined area.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 37.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 37.

Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration

    Title: ``Clear Title'' Regulations to Implement Section 1324 of the 
Food Security Act of 1985.
    OMB Control Number: 0580-0016.
    Summary of Collection: The Food Security Act of 1985 permits the 
state to establish ``central filing systems'' for the purpose of pre-
notifying buyers, commission merchants, and selling agents of security 
interests against ``farm products''. These central filing systems 
notify buyers of farm products or any mortgages or liens on the 
products. There are 19 states that currently have certified central 
filing systems.
    Need and Use of the Information: A state submits information one 
time to Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) 
when applying for certification. GIPSA reviews the information 
submitted by the states to certify that those central filing systems 
meet the criteria set forth in section 1324 of the Food Security Act of 
1985.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 12.

Agricultural Marketing Service

    Title: Raisins Produced from Grapes Grown In California.
    OMB Control Number: 0581-0196.
    Summary of Collection: Market Order No. 989 covering raisins 
produced from grapes grown in California emanates from enabling 
legislation (The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937). This 
legislation was designed to permit regulation of certain agricultural 
commodities for the purpose of providing orderly marketing conditions 
in interstate commerce and improving returns to producers. The Order 
authorizes the issuance of grade and condition standards, inspection 
requirements, and volume regulations through a producer reserve pool. 
The Order is administered by a 47 member Raisin Administrative 
Committee, comprised of 35 producers, 10 handlers, one member 
representing the cooperative bargaining association(s) and one member 
representing the public administers the order. The new changes in the 
legislation require handlers to report to the committee information on 
acquisitions, shipments, and inventories of organic raisins.
    Need and Use of the Information: The information collected is used 
to evaluate whether organic raisins should be subject to the order's 
volume regulation requirements. Collecting the information less 
frequently would eliminate data needed to keep the California raisin 
industry and the Secretary abreast of changes at the state and local 
levels.
    Description of Respondents: Farms.
    Number of Respondents: 20.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Weekly; Monthly; Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 2,000.

Food Safety and Inspection Service

    Title: Marking, Labeling, and Packaging Material.
    OMB Control Number: 0583-0092.
    Summary of Collection: The Food Safety and Inspection Service 
(FSIS) has been delegated the authority to exercise the functions of 
the Secretary as provided in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 
U.S.C. 451 et seq.). These statutes mandate that FSIS protect the 
public by ensuring that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, 
unadulterated, and properly labeled and

[[Page 46985]]

packaged. To control the manufacture of marking devices bearing 
official marks, FSIS requires that official meat and poultry 
establishment and manufacturers of such marking devices complete FSIS 
form 7234-1, Application for Approval of Labels, Marking or Device.
    Need and Use of the Information: FSIS will collect information to 
ensure that meat and poultry product are accurately labeled. FSIS will 
also collect the following information: Establishment number, company 
name and address, name of product, action requested of FSIS, size of 
label, product formulation, special processing procedures, and a 
signature on the form.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 34,552.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 119,005.

Food and Nutrition Service

    Title: Requisition for Food Coupon Books.
    OMB Control Number: 0584-0022.
    Summary of Collection: The Food Stamp Act of 1977 requires the 
Secretary of Agriculture and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to 
prescribe appropriate procedures for the delivery of food coupon books 
to coupon issuers and for the subsequent controls to be placed over 
such coupons by coupon issuers in order to ensure adequate 
accountability. The regulations at 7 CFR 274.7 and 274.8, require State 
agencies to establish coupon inventory management systems which include 
proper control and security procedures, procedures for ordering coupon 
books and shipping books within the State. These procedures also 
provide an orderly mechanism for States to order new supplies of food 
coupon books. FNS will collect information using Form FNS-260, 
Requisition of Food Coupon Books, to determine what States need 
additional coupon books and the details of their order.
    Need and Use of the Information: FNS collects information to 
determine how many coupon books to order, what denominations and when 
to order more coupon books in order to provide State agencies with 
inventories that will be adequate to issue program benefits to 
households on a monthly basis.
    Description of Respondents: State, Local, or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 221.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 663.

Food and Nutrition Service

    Title: Food Coupon Deposit Document.
    OMB Control Number: 0584-0314.
    Summary of Collection: The Food Stamp Program is designed to 
promote the general welfare and safeguard the health and well being of 
the Nation's population by raising levels of nutrition among low-income 
households. Section 2 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) (the Act) states in part, that ``* * * a Food 
Stamp Program is herein authorized which will permit low-income 
households to obtain a more nutritious diet through normal channels of 
trade by increasing food purchasing power for all eligible households 
who apply for participation.'' Section 10 of the Food Stamp Act 
requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to issue regulations that 
provide for the redemption, through financial institutions, of food 
coupons accepted by retail food stores from program participants. The 
Food Coupon Deposit Document (FCDD), which is currently used in the 
Food Stamp Program by banks and financial institutions to redeem food 
stamp benefits from authorized retailers and to monitor the 
authorization of firms for compliance and continued eligibility in the 
Food Stamp Program.
    Need and Use of the Information: The Food and Nutrition Service 
(FNS) will collect information to track deposits of food coupons. All 
financial institutions use the FCDD when they deposit food coupons at 
Federal Reserve Banks. The information to be collected is the name, 
address, and unique check routing code of each financial institution 
that deposits food coupons on the face of every FCDD. Without the 
information there is no way of tracking deposits of food coupons.
    Descriptions of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 10,000.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,327.

Food and Nutrition Service

    Title: The Integrity Profile.
    OMB Control Number: 0584-0401.
    Summary of Collection: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) 
administers the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program on behalf of 
the Secretary of Agriculture. In recent years, the Office of Inspector 
General (OIG), has performed audits of FNS' vendor management and 
recommended that FNS (1) develop criteria to identify vendors suspected 
of abuse (high-risk vendors) and (2) requires State agencies to perform 
a minimum number of compliance investigations in order to provide 
sufficient evidence on whether vendors are overcharging the Program or 
violating other regulatory requirements. Accordingly, FNS requires 
State agencies to report annually on their vendor monitoring efforts. 
The data collected from the States serves as a management tool to 
provide Congress, OIG senior program managers, as well as the general 
public, assurances that program funds are being spent appropriately and 
that every reasonable effort is being made to prevent, detect and 
eliminate fraud, waste and abuse.
    Need and Use of the Information: The information collected is 
analyzed and a report is prepared by FNS annually that (1) assesses 
State agency progress in eliminating abusive vendors, (2) assesses the 
level of activity that is being directed in ensuring program integrity, 
and (3) analyzes trends over a 5-year period. The information is used 
at the national level in formulating program policy and regulations. At 
the FNS regional office level, the data is reviewed to identify 
possible vendor management deficiencies so that technical assistance 
can be provided to States, as needed. At the State level, the 
information is used to provide assurances to the Governor's office, and 
other interested parties, that WIC issues are being addressed.
    Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 88.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,778.

Food and Nutrition Service

    Title: Food Stamp Program: State Agency Options.
    OMB Control Number: 0584-0496.
    Summary of Collection: The Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended by 
the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act 
(PRWORA) establishes a program whereby needy households apply for and 
receive food stamp benefits. It specifies national eligibility 
standards but allows State agencies certain options in administering 
the program. These options relate to establishing a homeless shelter 
deduction and periodical reviews; updating standard utility allowances 
to be used in excess shelter cost computation; and establishing a 
methodology for offsetting costs of producing self-employment income. 
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will collect information from 
state agencies on the methods used to calculate these deductions and 
allowances.

[[Page 46986]]

    Need and Use of the Information: FNS will collect information from 
State agencies on how the various Food Stamp Program implementation 
options will be determined. The information collected will be used by 
FNS to establish quality control reviews, standards and self-employment 
costs.
    Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 53.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 256.

Food and Nutrition Service

    Title: Food Stamp Program: Grants to Improve Food Stamp Program 
Access.
    OMB Control Number: 0584-0506.
    Summary of Collection: In January 2001, the Food and Nutrition 
Service (FNS) awarded grants of up to 300,000 to 14 non-food stamp 
governmental authorities, nonprofit local organizations, institutions 
of higher learning, foundations and other non-profit organizations. To 
receive a grant, each interested competitor had to provide a proposal 
to USDA on the projects to be undertaken. Each proposal was 
competitively ranked and the top ranked proposals were awarded grants. 
USDA is seeking information from the grantees on the outcome of the 
projects funded, such as a description of the projects, funding levels, 
staffing successes, failures, and lesson learned from the projects.
    Need and Use of the Information: FNS will collect information in 
three phases: the application process; ongoing quarterly reports; and a 
final report. FNS will use the information from the grantees on the 
outcome of the projects funded to consolidate a report of success 
stories, and lessons learned from the projects. The information will be 
used to inform FNS about useful strategies that promote access and are 
successful in increasing participants of eligible persons in the Food 
Stamp Program.
    Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 250.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly; Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 21,008.

Forest Service

    Title: Health Screen Questionnaire.
    OMB Control Number: 0596-NEW.
    Summary of Collection: The Protection Act of 1922 (16 U.S.C. 594) 
authorizes the Forest Service to fight fires on National Forest System 
lands. Individuals must complete the Health Screening Questionnaire 
(HSQ) when seeking employment as a new firefighter with the Forest 
Service or recertification as a Forest Service firefighter. Potential 
applicants are to complete forms FS-5100-30 and FS-5100-31, which are 
necessary to obtain their health screening information.
    Need and Use of the Information: FS will collect information to 
determine whether an individual being considered for a position in 
Wildland Firefighting can carry out those duties in a manner that will 
not place the candidate unduly at risk due to inadequate physical 
fitness and health. If the information is not collected, the 
Government's liability risk is high, special needs of one individual 
may not be known, or the screening of an applicant's physical 
suitability would be greatly inhibited.
    Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Federal 
Government.
    Number of Respondents: 15,000.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,250.

Agricultural Marketing Service

    Title: Customer Service Survey for USDA--Donated Food Products.
    OMB Control Number: 0581-0182.
    Summary of Collection: Each year the Agricultural Marketing Service 
(AMS) procures about $700 million dollars of poultry, livestock, fruit, 
and vegetable products for the school lunch and other domestic feeding 
programs under authority of 7 CFR 250, Regulations for the Donation of 
Food for Use in the United States, its Territories and possessions and 
areas under its jurisdiction. To maintain and improve the quality of 
these products, AMS has sought to make this process more customer-
driven and therefore is seeking opinions from the users of these 
products. AMS will use AMS-11, ``Customer Opinion Postcard,'' to 
collect information. Customers that use USDA-procured commodities to 
prepare and serve meals, retrieve these cards from the boxes and use 
them to rate their perception of product flavor, texture, and 
appearance as well as overall satisfaction.
    Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information on 
the product type, production lot, and identify the location and type of 
facility, which the product was served. USDA program managers will use 
survey responses to maintain and improve product quality through the 
revision of USDA commodity specifications and follow-up action with 
producers of designated production lots.
    Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government; Not-
for-profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 8,400.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 700.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

    Title: West Nile Virus Surveillance Project.
    OMB Control Number: 0579-0162.
    Summary of Collection: The mission of the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services is to protect and 
improve the health, quality and marketability of the Nation's livestock 
by preventing, controlling, and monitoring animal disease. Veterinary 
Services' Emergency Programs is charged with coordinating USDA's role 
and responsibilities in planning for and responding to emerging or 
exotic animal diseases. West Nile Virus (WNV) is a type of virus that 
can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. WNV was first 
identified in a limited area of the northeastern United States in wild 
birds, mosquitoes, humans, and horses in 1999. The scientific 
literature about WNV indicates that transmission is primarily through a 
mosquito-bird cycle, with occasional incursions into other vertebrates 
as terminal host only.
    Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect data and blood 
samples to determine equine or premises risk factors for WNV infection. 
The information will be use to protect human health, livestock 
producers and veterinarians will use the information to protect their 
herds and flocks from infection and subsequent production losses.
    Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Farms; 
Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 420.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 945.

Sondra A. Blakey,
Departmental Information Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-22626 Filed 9-7-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-M