[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 145 (Friday, July 27, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35608-35609]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16100]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Service

[Docket No. NIFA-2018-003]


Notice of Intent for Renewal of a Currently Approved Information 
Collection

AGENCY: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, which implemented 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the National 
Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA's) intention to request an 
extension for a currently approved information collection (OMB No. 
0524-0026) for Form NIFA-666, ``Organizational Information.''

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by September 
25, 2018 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that 
date will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning this notice and requests for 
copies of the information collection may be submitted to Robert Martin, 
Records Officer, Information Policy, Planning and Training by any of 
the following methods: Mail: Office of Information Technology (OIT), 
NIFA/USDA; Mail Stop 2216; 1400 Independence Avenue SW; Washington, DC 
20250-2299; Hand Delivery/Courier: 800 9th Street SW, Waterfront 
Centre, Room 4206, Washington, DC 20024; or Email: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Martin, Records Officer, 
Information Policy, Planning and Training, Office of Information 
Technology, NIFA/USDA, Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title of Collection: Organizational Information.
    OMB Control Number: 0524-0026.
    Expiration Date of Current Approval: October 30, 2018.
    Type of Request: Intent to extend a currently approved information 
collection for three years.
    Abstract: NIFA has primary responsibility for providing linkages 
between the Federal and State components of a broad-based, national 
agricultural research, extension, and education system. Focused on 
national issues, its purpose is to represent the Secretary of 
Agriculture and carry out the intent of Congress by administering 
capacity and grant funds appropriated for agricultural research, 
extension, and education. Before awards can be made, certain 
information is required from applicants to effectively assess the 
potential recipient's capacity to manage Federal funds.
    Need and Use of the Information: Form NIFA-666 ``Organizational 
Information'': Enables NIFA to determine that the applicants 
recommended for awards will be responsible recipients of Federal funds. 
The information requested from the applicant pertains to the 
organizational and financial management of the potential grantee. This 
form and the attached applicant documents provide NIFA with information 
such as the legal name of the organization, certification that the 
organization has the legal authority to accept Federal funding, 
identification and signatures of the key officials, the organization's 
policies for employee compensation and benefits, equipment insurance, 
policies on subcontracting with other organizations, etc., as well the 
financial condition of the organization and certification that the 
organization is not delinquent on Federal taxes. All of this 
information is considered prior to award, to determine the grantee is 
both managerially and fiscally responsible. This information is 
submitted to NIFA on a one-time basis and updated accordingly. If 
sufficient changes occur within the organization, the grantee submits 
revised information.
    Estimate of the Burden: NIFA estimates the number of responses for 
the Form NIFA-666 will be 150 with an estimated response time of 6.3 
hours per form, representing a total annual burden of 945 hours for 
this form. These estimates are based on a survey of grantees that were 
approved for grant awards.
    They were asked to give an estimate of time it took them to 
complete each form. This estimate was to include such things as: (1) 
Reviewing the instructions; (2) searching existing data sources; (3) 
gathering and maintaining the data needed; and (4) actual completion of 
the forms. The average time it took each respondent was calculated from 
their responses.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will 
have a practical utility;
    (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways 
to minimize the burden of the information collection 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.


[[Page 35609]]


    Done at Washington, DC, this 19th day of July 2018.
Chavonda Jacobs-Young,
Acting Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics.
[FR Doc. 2018-16100 Filed 7-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-22-P