[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 246 (Thursday, December 23, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76974-76975]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-28033]


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

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0590]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Office of Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Office of Management (OM), Department of Veterans Affairs 
(VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed 
collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish 
notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of 
information, including each extension of a currently approved 
collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the 
notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to 
determine if offerors and contractors have adequate insurance coverage 
prior to contract award.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before February 22, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Donald E. Kaliher, Office of Management (049A5), Department of Veterans 
Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail 
[email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900-
0590'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald E. Kaliher at (202) 273-8819.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 
U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of 
information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being 
made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.
    With respect to the following collection of information, OM invites 
comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of OM's functions, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of OM's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of 
information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of 
the collection of information on respondents, including through the use 
of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of 
information technology.
    Titles:
    a. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.237-7, 
Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance.
    b. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.237-71, 
Indemnification and Insurance.
    c. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.207-70, 
Report of Employment Under Commercial Activities.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0590.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract:
    a. VA Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.237-7 is used in 
solicitations and contracts for the acquisition of non-personal health 
care services. It requires the bidder/offeror prior to contract award 
to furnish evidence of insurability of the offeror and/or all 
healthcare providers who will perform under the contract. The 
information provided is used to ensure that VA will not be held liable 
for any negligent acts of the contractor or its employees and that VA 
and VA beneficiaries are protected by adequate insurance coverage.
    b. Clause 852.237-71 is used in solicitations for vehicle or 
aircraft services. It requires the bidder/offeror prior to contract 
award to furnish evidence that the firm possesses the types and amounts 
of insurance required by the solicitation. The information is necessary 
to ensure that VA beneficiaries and the public are protected by 
adequate insurance coverage.
    c. Clause 852.207-70 is used in solicitations for commercial items 
and services where the work is currently being performed by VA 
employees and where those employees might be displaced as a result of 
an award to a commercial firm. The clause requires the contractor to 
report the names of the affected Federal employees offered employment 
opening and the names of employees who applied for but not offered 
employment and the reasons for withholding offers to those employees. 
The information collected is used by contracting officers to monitor 
and ensure compliance by the contractor under the requirements of 
Federal Acquisition Regulation clause 52.207-3, Right of First Refusal 
of Employment.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit; individuals and 
households; not-for-profit institutions, and State, Local or Tribal 
Government.
    Estimated Annual Burden:
    a. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.237-7, 
Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance--750 hours
    b. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.237-71, 
Indemnification and Insurance--250 hours.
    c. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.207-70, 
Report of Employment Under Commercial Activities--15 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.
    a. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.237-7, 
Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance--30 minutes.
    b. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.237-71, 
Indemnification and Insurance--30 minutes.
    c. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.207-70, 
Report of Employment Under Commercial Activities--30 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,030.
    a. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.237-7, 
Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance--1,500.
    b. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.237-71, 
Indemnification and Insurance--500.
    c. Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Clauses 852.207-70, 
Report of Employment Under Commercial Activities--30.

    Dated: December 10, 2004.


[[Page 76975]]


    By direction of the Secretary.
Jacqueline Parks,
IT Specialist, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. 04-28033 Filed 12-22-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P