[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9422-9423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03979]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business Cooperative Service


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 19, 2016.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for

[[Page 9423]]

review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public 
Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding (1) 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; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including 
the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to 
enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and (4) 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.
    Comments regarding this information collection received by March 
28, 2016 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: 
Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office 
Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are 
encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: 
[email protected] or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental 
Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-
7602. 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.

Rural Business Service

    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: 240.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 24,580.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: Agriculture Innovation Centers.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0045.
    Summary of Collection: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171, signed May 13, 2002) authorized the Secretary 
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to award grant funds to 
Agriculture Innovation Centers (Centers). The Agricultural Act of 2014 
reauthorized the program through 2018. The Centers provide a 
demonstration program under which agricultural producers are to be 
provided with technical and business development assistance enabling 
them to establish businesses producing and marketing value-added 
products. This program is administered by Cooperative Programs within 
USDA's Rural Development.
    Need and Use of the Information: Information is collected by Rural 
Development State and Area office staff, as delegated, from applicants 
and grantees. Cooperative Programs uses the collected information to 
confirm that the applicant and use of funds meet the eligibility 
requirements for the program as well as to assess the quality of the 
proposed project. Grantees are required to submit financial status and 
performance reports to confirm that progress is being made toward 
achieving the stated goals of the project. A final report is submitted 
at the completion of the grant agreement. Centers may be non-profit 
corporations, for-profit corporations, institutions of higher learning, 
and consortia of the aforementioned entities.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit Institutions; Business 
or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Semi-annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 30.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-03979 Filed 2-24-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P