[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9620-9621]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-4654]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration


Intent To Request Approval From OMB of One New Public Collection 
of Information: Canine Program Training Form

AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION: 60-day notice.

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SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites 
public comment on a new Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted 
below that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
for approval in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. The ICR 
describes the nature of the information collection and its expected 
burden. The collection involves the on-line submission of names, Social 
Security

[[Page 9621]]

numbers, addresses, department names, and phone numbers by individuals 
requesting participation in the TSA National Explosives Detection 
Canine Team Program (NEDCTP) through the Canine Web Site. The 
information is used to set up travel, handle reimbursement, and 
schedule training, all of which are crucial to program participation 
and administration.

DATES: Send your comments by May 4, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed or delivered to Ginger LeMay, PRA 
Officer, Office of Information Technology, Transportation Security 
Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 20598-6011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ginger LeMay, PRA Officer, Office of 
Information Technology, TSA-11, Transportation Security Administration, 
601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 20598-6011; telephone (571) 227-
3616; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq.), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is 
not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it 
displays a valid OMB control number. The ICR documentation is available 
at http://www.reginfo.gov. Therefore, in preparation for OMB review and 
approval of the following information collection, TSA is soliciting 
comments to--
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed information requirement 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;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology.

Information Collection Requirement

Purpose and Description of Data Collection

    The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP) is a 
partnership between TSA, airports, and local law enforcement. The 
NEDCTP supports TSA's mission by preparing law enforcement canine-
handlers, who are not Federal employees, and canines to serve on the 
front lines of America's War on Terror. These canine teams (handler and 
canine) are trained to quickly locate and identify dangerous materials 
that may present a threat to transportation systems.
    For this purpose, TSA collects the information pursuant to Public 
Law 104-264, Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996; Public Law 
107-296, Homeland Security Act of 2002; and Public Law 107-71, Aviation 
and Transportation Security Act. TSA electronically collects and stores 
the Social Security number, credit card number, name, employment 
information (that is, airport ID and canine unit), and office phone and 
fax numbers of all canine handlers who apply to participate in the 
program. This information collection is crucial, as it is utilized to 
set up training, travel, and create a unique profile for each handler 
that allows them access into the Canine Web Site (CWS). The CWS is a 
Web-based application that serves as the collaboration tool for TSA and 
canine handlers across the Nation. The CWS serves as the main source of 
information for all NEDCTP records and operations. From the CWS, canine 
handlers, supervisors, and trainers can access helpful information 
pertinent to canine training, travel to training, reimbursement, 
message forums, user profiles (containing a limited amount of personal 
information, profiles of dogs, teams, and agencies), help desk 
messages, calendar data, equipment inventory, training aid inventory, 
training exercises, and daily utilization of canine teams. Without 
access to the CWS, canine handlers will not be able to perform their 
jobs or receive proper guidance and support from TSA.

Use of Results

    TSA uses the information collected to arrange the handler's travel 
for training, and later on, to allow the handler access to the CWS. 
Once travel has been arranged, TSA uses the stored information to 
create a unique profile for each handler, which in turn allows for the 
issuing of a unique login credential into the CWS. The stored data is 
viewable only by the individual and their local law enforcement agency 
canine unit supervisor (a non-TSA employee) and authorized TSA 
personnel responsible for administering the program. The annual burden 
estimate is approximately 14 hours.

    Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on February 27, 2009.
Ginger LeMay,
Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of Information Technology.
[FR Doc. E9-4654 Filed 3-4-09; 8:45 am]
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