[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 51 (Friday, March 14, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13914-13915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5106]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Docket No. DHS-2008-0026]


Science and Technology Directorate; Submission for Review; 
Information Collection Request for the DHS S&T Bio-Knowledge Center 
Expert Database

AGENCY: Science and Technology Directorate, DHS.

ACTION: 60-day Notice and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) invites the general 
public to comment on a new data collection form for the Bio-Knowledge 
Center Expert Database: Subject Matter Expert (SME) Registration Form 
(DHS Form 10043). The Bio-Knowledge Center Database will collect SME 
information in order to understand who can provide scientific expertise 
for peer review of scientific programs, and who can provide expertise 
in the event of a perceived biothreat. In addition, the directory will 
make it easier to identify scientific specialty areas for which there 
is a shortage of SMEs with appropriate security clearances. SME contact 
information, scientific expertise, and level of education will be 
collected electronically through a web portal currently being developed 
by DHS S&T. The SME information will be shared with U.S. Government 
program managers and other members of the biodefense community who have 
a legitimate need to identify biological SMEs. Cleared SMEs are 
necessary to accomplish scientific reviews, attend topical meetings, 
and to consult in the event of a perceived biothreat.
    This notice and request for comments is required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. Law 104-13, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35).

DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until May 13, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number [DHS-
2008-0026], by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: [email protected]. Include docket number [DHS-
2008-0026] in the subject line of the message.
     Mail: Science and Technology Directorate, ATTN: OCIO/
Kenneth D. Rogers, 245 Murray Drive, Bldg. 410, Washington, DC 20528.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth D. Rogers (202) 254-6185 (this 
is not a toll free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Counterproliferation Center has 
identified the need for a comprehensive and readily available list of 
biological agent SMEs that includes security clearance status. In 
particular, there is no database that contains security clearance 
information, biological domain expertise, and contact information. 
Therefore, the SME Directory is being coordinated at the national level 
to address this need. If a similar database is identified in the 
future, we will work with the identified collection agent to ensure a 
cooperative partnership is developed.
    The SME Directory will use electronic (web-based) technology to 
collect, maintain, and transmit SME information. The SMEs will have 
access to their own data and will be able to edit and update the 
information electronically.
    DHS is particularly interested in comments that:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) 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;
    (3) Suggest ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and
    (4) Suggest ways to minimize the burden of the data collection on 
those who 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.

Overview of This Information Collection

    (1) Type of Information Collection: New information collection.
    (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Bio-Knowledge Center Expert 
Database.
    Agency Form Number, if any, and the applicable component of the 
Department of Homeland Security sponsoring the collection: DHS Form 
10043 (2/08), DHS Science & Technology Directorate.
    (3) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as 
well as a brief abstract: Individuals; the data will be gathered from 
individual SMEs and stored in a central database, accessible through a 
Web-based portal. The SME information will be shared with U.S. 
Government program managers and other members of the biodefense

[[Page 13915]]

community who have a legitimate need to identify biological SMEs.
    (4) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount 
of time estimated for an average respondent to respond:
    a. Estimate of the total number of respondents: 4000.
    b. An estimate of the time for an average respondent to respond: 
.25 burden hours.

    Dated: February 26, 2008.
Kenneth D. Rogers,
Chief Information Officer, Science and Technology Directorate.
[FR Doc. E8-5106 Filed 3-13-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-P