[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 174 (Thursday, September 9, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54650-54651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-20386]


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CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE


Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review; 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'') has submitted a public information 
collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995, Public Law 104-13, (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). Copies of this ICR, 
with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling 
the Corporation for National and Community Service, Bruce Kellogg, at 
(202) 606-5000, extension 526. Individuals who use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf (TTY-TDD) may call (800) 833-3722 between the hours 
of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern standard time, Monday through Friday.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Ms. Brenda Aguilar, OMB Desk Officer for the 
Corporation for National and Community Service, Office of Management 
and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, (202) 395-7316, within 30 
days from the date of publication in this Federal Register.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB 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 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.
    An ICR document has been submitted to OMB for consideration 
concerning a proposed revision to an earlier OMB-approved form. It is 
The Voucher and Payment Request Form (OMB 3045-0014).
    This is the document by which an AmeriCorps member accesses his or 
her account in the National Service Trust. The form serves three 
purposes: (1) The AmeriCorps member uses it to request and authorize a 
specific payment to be made from his or her account, (2) the school or 
loan company uses it to indicate the amount for which the individual is 
eligible, and (3) the school or loan company and member both certify 
that the payment meets various legislative requirements. When the 
Corporation receives a voucher, it is processed and the U.S. Treasury 
issues a payment to the loan holder or school on behalf of the 
AmeriCorps member.
    The document was published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2004, 
for a 60-day pre-clearance public comment period. A caller commented on 
unclear wording, which has been modified. Only one organization, a 
school, requested a copy of the document. Its suggestion was 
incorporated into the version now being presented to OMB for 
consideration. The form is discussed below.

Voucher and Payment Request Form

    Type of Review: Renewal.
    Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service.
    Title: Voucher and Payment Request Form.
    OMB Number: OMB 3045-0014.
    Agency Number: None.
    Affected Public: Individuals who have completed a term of national 
service and who wish to access their educational award accounts.
    Total Respondents: 69,000 annually (estimated annual average over 
the next 3 years).
    Frequency: Experience has shown that some members may not ever use 
the

[[Page 54651]]

education award and others use it several times a year.
    Average Time Per Response: Total of 5 minutes (one half minute for 
the AmeriCorps member's section and 4\1/2\ minutes for the school or 
lender).
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 5,750 hours.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): None.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): None.

Description

    After completing a period of national and community service, the 
AmeriCorps member receives an education award that can be used to pay 
against qualified student loans or pay for current post secondary 
educational expenses. The Voucher and Payment Request Form is the 
document that a member uses to access his or her account in the 
National Service Trust.
    The form serves three purposes: (1) The AmeriCorps member uses it 
to request and authorize a specific payment to be made from his or her 
account, (2) the school or loan company uses it to indicate the amount 
for which the individual is eligible, and (3) the school or loan 
company and member both certify that the payment meets various 
legislative requirements. When the Corporation receives a voucher, it 
is processed and the U.S. Treasury issues a payment to the loan holder 
or school on behalf of the AmeriCorps member.
    The form was first designed and some variation of it has been in 
use since the summer of 1994. We are proposing revisions to clarify 
certain sections of the existing form and to include terminology 
included in recent legislative changes. The changes impose no 
additional burden. The legislated change in terminology modifies the 
definition of loans ``made directly to the student. * * *'' to loans 
``made, insured, or guaranteed directly to the student. * * *''
    Modifications to Section A clarify instructions to the member on 
filling out that portion of the Voucher, especially the dollar amount 
the member requests and authorizes, and includes space to indicate the 
disbursement period. Similarly, modifications to Section B clarify 
information provided to loan holders and educational institutions, 
particularly in regard to stating the dollar amount for educational 
expenses.
    The Corporation seeks to continue using this particular form, 
albeit in a revised version. The current form is due to expire 09/2004.

Analysis of Comments Received During the Public Comment Period

    One comment was received from an educational institution. It 
suggested the member indicate the disbursement period for the requested 
payment on the form so that the school would not need to contact the 
student for that information. Another person commented on the reference 
to ``an eligible program'', which he found unclear. Both comments were 
incorporated into the revised form.

    Dated: August 30, 2004.
Ruben Wiley,
Manager, National Service Trust.
[FR Doc. 04-20386 Filed 9-8-04; 8:45 am]
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