[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 223 (Monday, November 19, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57940-57941]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-28793]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Technology 
Opportunities Program Reviewer Information Form

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as a 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, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506 
(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before January 18, 
2002.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Madeleine Clayton, 
Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
6086, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via 
the Internet [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Clifton Beck, NTIA, Room H-4888, U.S. Department 
of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

I. Abstract

    The Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) promotes the widespread 
availability and use of digital network technologies in the public and 
non-profit sectors. To accomplish this objective, TOP provides matching 
grants to state, local, and tribal governments and non-profit entities 
for model projects that demonstrate innovative uses of digital network 
technologies in underserved communities. TOP projects address specific 
challenges and realize opportunities for change in such areas as 
lifelong learning, community and economic development, government and 
public services, safety, health, culture, and the arts.
    Since 1994, TOP has made matching grants to state, local and tribal 
governments, health care providers, schools, libraries, police 
departments, and community-based non-profit organizations. To date, TOP 
has awarded 530 grants, in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of 
Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, totaling $192.5 million and 
leveraging $268 million in local matching funds.
    As part of TOP's process to select projects for funding, external 
experts are used to review applications. Collection of information 
about potential reviewers is used to determine their eligibility and 
availability and to facilitate payment for services rendered if they 
are selected to review.
    Currently, TOP is exploring options to redesign the processes for 
becoming a reviewer of grant applications. The goals of the redesign 
process are to improve the ease for registering to become a reviewer 
and reduce the cost (to the agency) of the identification, selection, 
and notification of an individual's review status. To accomplish these 
goals, TOP proposes to offer both an Internet-based and a paper-based 
form for the submission of reviewer information.

II. Method of Collection

    Electronic and paper form.

[[Page 57941]]

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0660-0010.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: State and local government, not-for-profit 
institutions, and business and for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 130.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 10 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 42.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: 0.
    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 program, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of 
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 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 the information 
collection; they also become a matter of public record.

    Dated: November 13, 2001.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-28793 Filed 11-16-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-P