[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 202 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59910-59911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26417]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested.

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[[Page 59911]]

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Rural Business-Cooperative Service's intention to 
request an extension for a currently approved information collection in 
support of the program for Research on Rural Cooperative Opportunities 
and Problems.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by December 19, 2003 to 
be assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas H. Stafford, Director, 
Cooperative Marketing Division, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), STOP 3252, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3252, Telephone (202) 690-0368, Fax 
(202) 690-2723 or send an e-mail message to [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Research on Rural Cooperative Opportunities and Problems.
    OMB Number: 0575-0028.
    Expiration Date of Approval: February 29, 2004.
    Type of Request: Intent to extend and revise a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: The mission of Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA 
(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. One of RBS's 
direct roles is in providing knowledge to improve the effectiveness and 
performance of farmer cooperative businesses.
    This information collection is for the purpose of responding to a 
solicitation for proposals to conduct research through cooperative 
agreements. Research proposals are to be on critical issues vital to 
the development and sustainability of user-owned cooperatives as a 
means of improving the quality of life in America's rural communities. 
The availability of funds will be announced on an annual basis. The 
announcement will seek proposals from institutions of higher education 
and nonprofit organizations. The funds will be awarded on a competitive 
basis using specific selection criteria.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to range from 10 minutes to 15 hours per 
response.
    Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions and institutions of higher 
education.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 50.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 5.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 248.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,339.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Renita 
Bolden, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 692-0035.

Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
RBS, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) 
the accuracy of RBS's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection 
of information including the validity of the methodology and 
assumptions used; (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 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. Comments may be sent to Renita Bolden, Regulations and 
Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural 
Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 
20250. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in 
the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

    Dated: October 8, 2003.
Peter J. Thomas,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business--Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 03-26417 Filed 10-17-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P