[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 26, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 75969]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-30974]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

December 19, 2012.
    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 (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, 
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 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) 720-8681.
    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.

Rural Business Service (RBS)

    Title: 7 CFR 4279-A, Guaranteed Loan-making General .
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0018.
    Summary of Collection: The Business and Industry (B&I) program was 
legislated in 1972 under Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act, as amended. The purpose of the program is to 
improve, develop, or finance businesses, industries, and employment and 
improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. 
This purpose is achieved through bolstering the existing private credit 
structure through the guaranteeing of quality loans made by lending 
institutions, thereby providing lasting community benefits. The B&I 
program is administered by the RBS through Rural Development State and 
sub-State offices serving each state.
    Need and Use of the Information: RBS will collect information to 
determine the eligibility and credit worthiness for a lender or 
borrower. The information is used by Agency loan officers and approval 
officials to determine lender program eligibility and for program 
monitoring.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; State, 
Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 615.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,269.
    Title: Intermediary Re-lending Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0021.
    Summary of Collection: The objective of the Intermediary Relending 
Program (IRP) is to improve community facilities and employment 
opportunities and increase economic activity in rural areas by 
financing business facilities and community development. This purpose 
is achieved through loans made by the Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service (RBS) to intermediaries that establish programs for the purpose 
of providing loans to ultimate recipients for business facilities and 
community development. The Community Economic Development Act of 1981 
(42 U.S.C. 9812(a), section 623(a)) provides for the Secretary the 
authority to make loans to nonprofit entities who will in turn provide 
financial assistance to rural businesses to improve business, industry 
and employment opportunities as well as provide a diversification of 
the economy in rural areas.
    Need and Use of the Information: The information requested is 
necessary for RBS to process applications in a responsible manner, make 
prudent credit and program decisions, and effectively monitor the 
intermediaries' activities to protect the Government's financial 
interest and ensure that funds obtained from the Government are used 
appropriately. Various forms are used to include information to 
identify the intermediary, describe the intermediary's experience and 
expertise, describe how the intermediary will operate its revolving 
loan fund, provide for debt instruments, loan agreements, and security, 
and other material necessary for prudent credit decisions and 
reasonable program monitoring.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business 
or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 202.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 17,959.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-30974 Filed 12-21-12; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P