[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 140 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Page 42678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17946]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 140 / Thursday, July 22, 2010 / 
Notices  

[[Page 42678]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

July 19, 2010.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy 
of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (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 should be addressed to: Desk 
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [email protected] or 
fax to (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, 
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, D.C. 20250-7602. Comments regarding these 
information collections are best assured of having their full effect if 
received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the 
submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8958.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

    Title: Independent Assessment of the Delivery of Technical and 
Financial Assistance.
    OMB Control Number: 0503-NEW.
    Summary of Collection: In April 2009, the Honorable Thomas J. 
Vilsack, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, 
ordered that there be an independent external analysis of program 
delivery in USDA's Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation 
Service, Rural Development and Risk Management field offices. The 
analysis will provide specific recommendations and methodologies to 
ensure that programs are delivered equitably and that access is 
afforded to all constituents, with particular emphasis on socially 
disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and other constituents. The legal 
authorities to collect this information can be found in the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill), Public Law 110-
246, 122 Stats. 1651 and the 2002 Farm Bill, Section 10707 of the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill), Public Law 
107-171.
    Need and Use of the Information: USDA Plans to conduct focus group 
discussions as part of an evaluation of the effectiveness of the 
agencies' programs in reaching diverse populations in a non-
discriminatory manner. The objective of conducting focus groups will be 
to obtain customer views, opinions, and experiences on how effectively 
USDA is equitably and fairly providing technical and financial 
assistance to all customers and potential customers, particularly 
socially disadvantaged ones. The assessment will identify barriers to 
equal and fair access for all customers regardless of race, gender and 
other protected categories. This information will provide USDA with 
direct input from USDA customers regarding their attitudes, 
understandings, and experiences with the four USDA Agencies and the 
programs and services they provide.
    Description of Respondents: Individuals or households.
    Number of Respondents: 2,250.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (once).
    Total Burden Hours: 1,102.

Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2010-17946 Filed 7-21-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P