[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 7, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66819-66823]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27166]


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COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Intent To 
Extend Collection 3038-0098: Exemptive Order Regarding Compliance With 
Certain Swap Regulations

AGENCY: Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (``Commission'' or 
``CFTC'') is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the 
proposed extension of its current approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget (``OMB '') of an information collection request 
(``ICR'') titled ``Exemptive Order Regarding Compliance with Certain 
Swap Regulations,'' OMB Control No. 3038-0098. OMB approved the 
Commission's initial ICR request on August 13, 2012, utilizing 
emergency review procedures in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (``PRA''), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., and Office of Management 
and Budget (``OMB'') regulation 5 CFR 1320.13. The Commission's notice 
of its initial submission for OMB emergency review of the ICR was 
published in the Federal Register, 77 FR 43271, on July 24, 2012.
    The Commission is inviting interested parties to comment on the 
proposed extension of the currently approved ICR, relating to the 
proposed Exemptive Order Regarding Compliance with Certain Swap 
Regulations (``Proposed Exemptive Order'') pursuant to Section 4(c) of 
the Commodity Exchange Act (``CEA'').\1\ If approved, the collection of 
information will be required to obtain or retain a benefit.
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    \1\ See Exemptive Order Regarding Compliance with Certain Swap 
Regulations, 77 FR 41110, July 12, 2012. 

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DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before January 7, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments on the burden estimated or 
any other aspect of the proposed extension of the information 
collection to the addresses below. Please refer to OMB Control No. 
3098-0098--``Exemptive Order Regarding Compliance with Certain Swap 
Regulations'' in any correspondence.
     Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of 
Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for CFTC, 725 17th 
Street, Washington, DC 20503, or via electronic mail to 
[email protected]. Comments also may be submitted to the 
Commission by any of the following methods:
     The Agency's Web site, at http://comments.cftc.gov/. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments through the Web site.
     Mail: David A. Stawick, Secretary of the Commission, 
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20581.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as mail above.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
    Please submit your comments to the CFTC using only one method.
    All comments must be submitted in English, or if not, accompanied 
by an English translation. Comments will be posted as received to 
www.cftc.gov. If you wish the Commission to consider information that 
you believe is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information 
Act, a petition for confidential treatment of the exempt information 
may be submitted according to the procedures established in Sec.  145.9 
of the Commission's regulations.\2\
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    \2\ See 17 CFR 145.9.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura B. Badian, Counsel, at 202-418-
5969, [email protected], Gail Scott, Counsel, at 202-418-5139, 
[email protected], Office of General Counsel, Commodity Futures Trading 
Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, 
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DC 20581.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background on Proposed Extension of Information Collection 
Activities

A. Overview

    Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 
Protection Act (``Dodd-Frank Act''), Public Law 111-203, 124 Stat. 1376 
(2010) amended the CEA to establish a new statutory framework for 
swaps. To implement the Dodd-Frank Act, the Commission has promulgated, 
or proposed, rules and regulations pursuant to the various new 
provisions of the CEA, including those specifically applicable to swap 
dealers (``SDs'') and major swap participants (``MSPs''). The Dodd-
Frank Act requires all swap dealers and major swap participants to be 
registered with the Commission. It contains definitions of ``swap,'' 
``swap dealer'' and ``major swap participant'' but directs the 
Commission to adopt regulations that further define those terms. On 
July 23, 2012, the Commission's final regulations further defining the 
terms ``swap dealer'' and ``major swap participant'' became effective. 
On October 12, 2012, the Commission's final regulations further 
defining the term ``swap'' and ``security-based swap'' in sections 
712(d) and 721(c) of the Dodd-Frank Act (the ``Products Definitions 
Final Rule'') became effective.\3\ The SD and MSP registration

[[Page 66820]]

regulations also became effective on October 12, 2012. An entity that 
has more than the specified de minimis levels of dealing (swaps entered 
into after October 12) is required to register by no later than two 
months after the end of the month in which it surpasses either of the 
two de minimis thresholds in the rules defining the term ``swap 
dealer.'' \1\ Similarly, effective as of October 12, 2012, a person 
that meets the criteria to be an MSP as a result of its swap activities 
in a fiscal quarter must register as an MSP by no later than two months 
after the end of that quarter.
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    \3\ See CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC''), 
Further Definition of ``Swap,'' ``Security-Based Swap,'' and 
``Security-Based Swap Agreement''; Mixed Swaps; Security-Based Swap 
Agreement Recordkeeping, 77 FR 48207, Aug. 13, 2012.
    \1\ For example, if an entity reaches either of two specified de 
minimis thresholds in swap dealing the day after October 12, 2012, 
then the entity would be required to register within two months 
after the end of October, or by December 31, 2012. As another 
example, if an entity does not reach the specified de minimis level 
in swap dealing until November 20, 2012, then the entity would be 
required to register by January 31, 2013 (i.e., two months after the 
end of the month in which the person first exceeded either of two 
specified de minimis thresholds). Commission rules also specify that 
swap dealing activity engaged in before the effective date of the 
``swap dealer'' and ``swap'' definition rules (i.e., October 12, 
2012) do not count toward the de minimis thresholds.
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    On July 12, 2012, the Commission published for public comment a 
proposed interpretive guidance and policy statement (``Cross-Border 
Interpretive Guidance'') on the application of the CEA's swap 
provisions and the implementing Commission regulations to cross-border 
activities and transactions.\4\ On July 12, 2012, the Commission also 
published for public comment, pursuant to section 4(c) of the CEA, the 
Proposed Exemptive Order.\5\
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    \4\ See Cross-Border Application of Certain Swaps Provisions of 
the Commodity Exchange Act, 77 FR 41213, July 12, 2012.
    \5\ See Exemptive Order Regarding Compliance with Certain Swap 
Regulations, 77 FR 41110, July 12, 2012.
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    The Proposed Exemptive Order would grant market participants 
temporary conditional relief from certain provisions of the CEA, as 
amended by Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act. Specifically, the proposed 
relief would allow non-U.S. SDs and non-U.S. MSPs to delay compliance 
with certain entity-level requirements of the CEA (and Commission 
regulations promulgated thereunder), subject to specified conditions. 
Additionally, with respect to transaction-level requirements of the CEA 
(and Commission regulations promulgated thereunder), the relief would 
allow non-U.S. SDs and non-U.S. MSPs, as well as foreign branches of 
U.S. SDs and MSPs, to comply only with those requirements as may be 
required in the home jurisdiction of such non-U.S. SDs and non-U.S. 
MSPs (or in the case of foreign branches of a U.S. SD or U.S. MSP, the 
foreign location of the branch) for swaps with non-U.S. counterparties, 
subject to specified conditions. The Proposed Exemptive Order states 
that this relief would become effective concurrently with the date upon 
which SDs and MSPs must first apply for registration and expire 12 
months following the publication of the Proposed Exemptive Order in the 
Federal Register.
    The conditions for relief set forth in the Proposed Exemptive Order 
are discussed in the Federal Register release published on July 24, 
2012, 77 FR 43271.

B. Request for Public Comments

    Under the PRA, Federal agencies must obtain OMB approval for each 
collection of information they conduct or sponsor. ``Collection of 
Information'' is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 C.F.R. 1320.3 and 
includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public 
submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. 
Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), requires 
Federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register 
concerning each proposed collection of information, including each 
proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before 
submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this 
requirement, the CFTC is publishing notice of the proposed collection 
of information listed below. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and 
a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid control number. If adopted, the 
collection of information would be required in order for the registrant 
to rely on the exemptive relief. The Commission would protect 
proprietary information in accordance with the Freedom of Information 
Act and 17 CFR part 145, ``Commission Records and Information.'' In 
addition, Sec.  8(a)(1) of the Act strictly prohibits the Commission, 
unless specifically authorized by the Act, from making public ``data 
and information that would separately disclose the business 
transactions or market positions of any person and trade secrets or 
names of customers.'' \6\ The Commission is also required to protect 
certain information contained in a government system of records 
according to the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a.
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    \6\ 7 U.S.C. 12(a)(1).
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    With respect to the proposed extension of the collection of 
information described herein, the CFTC invites comments on:
     Whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the 
Commission, including whether the information will have a practical 
use;
     The accuracy of the Commission's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
     Ways to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and
     Ways to minimize the burden of 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; e.g., permitting 
electronic submission of responses.

II. Purpose and Proposed Use of Information Collected

    The subject information collection ensures that non-U.S. SDs and 
non-U.S. MSPs claiming an exemption from certain entity-level and 
transaction-level requirements under the CEA (and Commission 
regulations promulgated thereunder) would be actively and demonstrably 
considering and planning for compliance with such entity-level and 
transaction-level requirements, as may be applicable, by requiring the 
filing of a compliance plan (and any amendments thereto). In addition, 
the subject information collection ensures that U.S. SDs and U.S. MSPs 
claiming an exemption, on behalf of their foreign branches, with 
respect to transaction-level requirements under the CEA are similarly 
making a good-faith effort to comply with these requirements by 
requiring the filing of a compliance plan (and any amendments thereto).
    On July 24, 2012, the Commission invited interested parties to 
comment on any aspect of the information collection titled ``Exemptive 
Order Regarding Compliance with Certain Swap Regulations,'' OMB Control 
No. 3038-0098. See 77 FR 43271. The Commission did not receive any 
comments on its burden estimates or on any other aspect of the 
information collection requirements contained in the PRA Exemptive 
Order Comment Request. The Commission requested and obtained OMB 
approval under the PRA emergency clearance process for the subject 
information collection because the exemptive relief process is 
essential

[[Page 66821]]

to the mission of the agency and must be in place before the date the 
registration requirements for SDs and MSPs under other Dodd-Frank Act 
implementing regulations become mandatory. This notice requests 
extension of OMB's original approval for a period of three (3) years 
utilizing OMB's standard clearance procedures in accordance with the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

III. Burden Statement

    The Commission estimates that 60 to 125 SDs and MSPs (including 40 
to 80 non-U.S. SDs and MSPs and 20 to 45 U.S. SDs and MSPs) will submit 
initial compliance plans. The Commission further estimates that, on 
average, between 60 and 125 SDs and MSPs (including 40 to 80 non-U.S. 
SDs and MSPs and 20 to 45 U.S. SDs and MSPs) will prepare and submit 
one amendment annually.
    The Commission anticipates that compliance plans would be updated 
on a periodic basis as new regulations (including in foreign 
jurisdictions) are adopted and/or come into effect. It is possible that 
one or more amendments will be submitted within the same year as the 
initial compliance plan, but it is difficult to predict when new 
regulations (including in foreign jurisdictions) will be adopted and/or 
become effective. The Commission is therefore providing estimates based 
on an initial submission and one amendment on the assumption that one 
amendment will be filed in the same year as the initial submission.
    The respondent burden hour costs for this collection for non-U.S. 
SDs and MSPs is estimated on average to be $31,190 per submission of an 
initial compliance plan (rounded to the nearest dollar), and an 
additional $31,190 per amendment. The aggregate cost burden for non-
U.S. SDs and MSPs (which the Commission estimates to be 40 to 80 non-
U.S. SDs/MSPs) is estimated to be approximately $1,247,600 to 
$2,495,200 for initial plans and $1,247,600 to $2,495,200 for 
amendments.
    The respondent burden hour costs for this collection for U.S. SDs 
and MSPs is estimated on average to be $18,714 per submission of an 
initial compliance plan and an additional $18,714 per amendment. The 
aggregate cost burden for U.S. SDs and MSPs (which the Commission 
estimates to be 20 to 45 U.S. SDs/MSPs) is estimated to be 
approximately $374,280 to $842,130 for initial plans and $374,280 to 
$842,130 for amendments.
    The aggregate cost burden for all SDs and MSPs (both U.S. and non-
U.S., which the Commission estimates to be 60 to 125 SDs/MSPs) is 
estimated to be approximately $1,621,880 to $3,337,330 for initial 
compliance plans and $1,621,880 to $3,337,330 for amendments. The 
aggregate cost burden for all SDs and MSPs (both U.S. and non-U.S.) for 
both initial compliance plans and one amendment is estimated to be 
approximately $3,243,760 to $6,674,660.
    The Commission estimates the average burden of this collection of 
information as follows:
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    \7\ The Commission currently estimates that approximately 125 
entities will be covered by the definitions of the terms ``swap 
dealer'' and ``major swap participant.'' See Further Definition of 
``Swap Dealer,'' ``Security-Based Swap Dealer,'' ``Major Swap 
Participant,'' ``Major Security-Based Swap Participant'' and 
``Eligible Contract Participant''; Final Rule, 77 FR 30596, 30713 
(May 23, 2012). However, not all of these entities are eligible for 
or will seek exemptive relief. Although there is significant 
uncertainty in the number of swap entities that will seek to 
register as SDs and MSPs, as well as the number of swap entities 
that will submit a compliance plan in order to obtain exemptive 
relief, the Commission believes it is reasonable to estimate that 
between 40 and 80 non-U.S. SDs and MSPs will submit compliance 
plans.
    \8\ This estimate is based on the hourly cost of personnel that 
are capable of evaluating both Commission and home country 
regulations in light of the non-U.S. persons' operations. Although 
different registrants may choose to staff preparation of the 
compliance plan with different personnel, Commission staff estimates 
that, on average, an initial compliance plan could be prepared and 
submitted with 70 hours of attorney time, as follows: 10 hours for a 
senior attorney at $830/hour, 30 hours for a mid-level attorney at 
$418/hour, and 30 hours for a junior attorney at $345/hour. The 
total cost of a submission, rounded to the nearest dollar, is 
estimated to be $31,190. To estimate the hourly cost of senior and 
junior-level attorney time, Commission staff consulted with a law 
firm that has substantial expertise in advising clients on similar 
regulations. For the hourly cost of the mid-level attorney, 
Commission staff reviewed data contained in Securities Industry and 
Financial Markets Association (``SIFMA''), Report on Management and 
Professional Earnings in the Securities Industry, Oct. 2011, for New 
York, and adjusted by a factor for overhead and other benefits, 
which the Commission has estimated to be 1.3.
    \9\ The aggregate hourly burden for initial submissions (Column 
3 x Column 4) would be 2,800 to 5,600 hours.
    \10\ See note 8, supra.
    \11\ See note 8, supra.
    \12\ The Commission anticipates that compliance plans would be 
updated on a periodic basis as new regulations (including in foreign 
jurisdictions) are adopted and come into effect. It is possible that 
one or more amendments will be submitted within the same year as the 
initial compliance plan, but it is difficult to predict when new 
regulations (including in foreign jurisdictions) will be adopted and 
become effective. The Commission is therefore providing estimates 
based on an initial submission and one amendment on the assumption 
that one amendment will be filed in the same year as the initial 
submission.
    \13\ The Commission estimates that in most cases the cost of 
submitting a revised plan or plans will be the same as the cost of 
preparing and submitting the initial plan. See supra note 8 for 
additional information.
    \14\ The aggregate hourly burden for amended submissions (Column 
3 x Column 4) would be 2,800 to 5,600 hours.
    \15\ See note 8, supra.
    \16\ See note 8, supra.
    \17\ Although there is significant uncertainty in the number of 
swap entities that will seek to register as SDs and MSPs, as well as 
the number of swap entities that will submit a compliance plan in 
order to obtain exemptive relief, the Commission estimates that 20 
to 45 U.S. SDs or U.S. MSPs whose foreign branch seeks to rely on 
the exemptive relief with respect to swaps with non-U.S. 
counterparties will submit a compliance plan.
    \18\ This estimate is based on the hourly cost of personnel that 
are capable of evaluating both Commission and home country 
regulations in light of the U.S. persons' foreign branch operations. 
Although different registrants may choose to staff preparation of 
the compliance plan with different personnel, Commission staff 
estimates that, on average, an initial compliance plan could be 
prepared and submitted by U.S. SDs and MSPs with 42 hours of 
attorney time, as follows: 6 hours for a senior attorney at $830/
hour, 18 hours for a mid-level attorney at $418/hour, and 18 hours 
for a junior attorney at $345/hour. The total dollar cost of a 
submission is estimated to be $18,714, at a blended hourly rate of 
$445.57 per hour. To estimate the hourly cost of senior and junior-
level attorney time, Commission staff consulted with a law firm that 
has substantial expertise in advising clients on similar 
regulations. For the hourly cost of the mid-level attorney, 
Commission staff reviewed data contained in Securities Industry and 
Financial Markets Association (``SIFMA''), Report on Management and 
Professional Earnings in the Securities Industry, Oct. 2011, for New 
York, and adjusted by a factor for overhead and other benefits, 
which the Commission has estimated to be 1.3.
    \19\ The aggregate hourly burden for initial submissions (Column 
3 x Column 4) would be 840 to 1,890 hours.
    \20\ See note 18, supra.
    \21\ See note 18, supra.
    \22\ The Commission anticipates that compliance plans would be 
updated on a periodic basis as new regulations (including in foreign 
jurisdictions) are adopted and come into effect. It is possible that 
one or more amendments will be submitted within the same year as the 
initial compliance plan, but it is difficult to predict when new 
regulations (including in foreign jurisdictions) will be adopted and 
become effective. The Commission is therefore providing estimates 
based on an initial submission and one amendment on the assumption 
that one amendment will be filed in the same year as the initial 
submission.
    \23\ The Commission estimates that in most cases the cost of 
submitting a revised plan or plans will be the same as the cost of 
preparing and submitting the initial plan. See supra note 18 for 
additional information.
    \24\ The aggregate hourly burden for amended submissions (Column 
3 x Column 4) would be 840 to 1,890 hours.
    \25\ The Commission estimates that in most cases the cost of 
submitting a revised plan or plans will be the same as the cost of 
preparing and submitting the initial plan. See note 18, supra.
    \26\ The Commission estimates that in most cases the cost of 
submitting a revised plan or plans will be the same as the cost of 
preparing and submitting the initial plan. See note 18, supra.

[[Page 66822]]



                                                          Itemized Burden Hours and Cost Table
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                                       1                 2                 3                 4               5               6                 7
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                                                                                                                                        Aggregate cost
                                   Number of                        Aggregate number  Average number                                   burden (Based on
                                  registrants     Number of plans     of responses     of hours per     Cost burden     Cost burden    min-max range in
                                 estimated to     per registrant      (Column 1 x        response        per hour        per plan      column 3 x column
                                 submit plans                          Column 2)                                                              6)
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1. Initial Submission by a     40 to 80 non-     1...............  40 to 80                   8 9 70    \10\ $445.57    \11\ $31,190  $1,247,600 to
 non-U.S. SD or MSP.            U.S. SDs and                                                                                           $2,495,200.
                                MSPs \7\.
2. Amended Submission by a     40 to 80 non-     1 (assumes that   40 to 80                 13 14 70     \15\ 445.57     \16\ 31,190  $1,247,600 to
 non-U.S. SD or MSP.            U.S. SDs and      on average,                                                                          $2,495,200.
                                MSPs.             each non-U.S.
                                                  applicant will
                                                  prepare and
                                                  submit one
                                                  amendment
                                                  annually) \12\.
3. Initial Submission by a     20 to 45 U.S.     1...............  20 to 45                 18 19 42     \20\ 445.57     \21\ 18,714  $374,280 to
 U.S. SD or MSP.                SDs and MSPs                                                                                           $842,130.
                                \17\.
4. Amended Submission by a     20 to 45 U.S.     1 (assumes that   20 to 45                 23 24 42     \25\ 445.57     \26\ 18,714  $374,280 to
 U.S. SD or MSP.                SDs and MSPs.     on average,                                                                          $842,130.
                                                  each U.S.
                                                  applicant will
                                                  prepare and
                                                  submit one
                                                  amendment
                                                  annually) \22\.
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                                                      Total Aggregate Burden Hours and Costs Table
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                                           1                   2                   3                   4                   5                   6
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                                                                             Total hours,                                                Total costs,
                                   Aggregate hours,    Aggregate hours,       initial and      Aggregate costs,    Aggregate costs,       initial and
                                     initial plan        amended plan        amended plans       initial plan        amended plan        amended plans
                                                                            (Columns 1 + 2)                                             (Columns 4 + 5)
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1. Non-U.S. SDs and MSPs........  2,800 to 5,600....  2,800 to 5,600....  5,600 to 11,200...  $1,247,600 to       $1,247,600 to       $2,495,200 to
                                                                                               $2,495,200.         $2,495,200.         $4,990,400.
2. U.S. SD or MSP...............  840 to 1,890......  840 to 1,890......  1,680 to 3,780....  $374,280 to         $374,280 to         $748,560 to
                                                                                               $842,130.           $842,130.           $1,684,260.
3. All SDs and MSPs (Rows 1 + 2)  3,640 to 7,490....  3,640 to 7,490....  7,280 to 14,980...  $1,621,880 to       $1,621,880 to       $3,243,760 to
                                                                                               $3,337,330.         $3,337,330.         $6,674,660.
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    Initial Compliance Plan--Cost Burden Estimates for non-U.S. SDs and 
MSPs:
    Estimated number of respondents/affected entities: 40 to 80.
    Estimated number of responses per entity: 1.
    Estimated aggregate number of responses: 40 to 80.
    Estimated total average burden hour per respondent: 70 hours.
    Estimated total average burden hour cost burden for all 
respondents: $1,247,600 to $2,495,200 (average of $1,871,400).
    Amended Compliance Plan--Cost Burden Estimates for non-U.S. SDs and 
MSPs:
    Estimated number of respondents/affected entities: 40 to 80.
    Estimated number of amended plans per registrant: 1 annually.
    Estimated aggregate number of responses: 40 to 80.
    Estimated total average burden hour per respondent: 70 hours.
    Estimated total average burden hour cost burden for all 
respondents: $1,247,600 to $2,495,200 (average of $1,871,400).
    Initial Compliance Plan--Cost Burden Estimates for U.S. SDs and 
MSPs:
    Estimated Number of respondents/affected entities: 20 to 45.
    Estimated number of responses per entity: 1.
    Estimated aggregate number of responses: 20 to 45.
    Estimated total average burden hour per respondent: 42 hours.
    Estimated total average burden hour cost for all respondents: 
$374,280 to $842,130 (average of $608,205).
    Amended Compliance Plan--Cost Burden Estimates for non-U.S. SDs and 
MSPs:
    Estimated Number of respondents/affected entities: 20 to 45.
    Estimated number of amended plans per registrant: 1 annually.
    Estimated aggregate number of responses: 20 to 45.
    Estimated total average burden hour per respondent: 42 hours.
    Estimated total average burden hour cost burden for all 
respondents: $374,280 to $842,130 (average of $608,205).
    Aggregate Burden Hours and Costs for all SDs and MSPs (U.S. and 
non-U.S.):

[[Page 66823]]

    Estimated number of respondents/affected entities: 60 to 125.
    Estimated number of plans per registrant: initial and one amended 
(estimates are provided based on the assumption that one amendment will 
be filed in the same year as the initial submission).
    Estimated aggregate hourly burden (initial plans): 3,640 to 7,490 
hrs.
    Estimated aggregate hourly burden (amendments): 3,640 to 7,490 hrs.
    Estimated aggregate hourly burden (initial plans and one 
amendment): 7,280 to 14,980 hours.
    Estimated aggregate costs (initial plan): $1,621,880 to $3,337,330.
    Estimated aggregate costs (amendments): $1,621,880 to $3,337,330.
    Estimated aggregate costs (initial plans and one amendment): 
$3,243,760 to $6,674,660 (average of $4,959,210).
    Frequency of collection (for all of the above categories): 
Occasional.
    There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs 
associated with this collection.

     Dated: November 2, 2012.
Sauntia S. Warfield,
Assistant Secretary of the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2012-27166 Filed 11-6-12; 8:45 am]
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