[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43893-43897]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18554]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of the Secretary

[PPWOIRADA1;PRCRFRFR6.XZ0000;PR.RIRAD1801.00.1; OMB Control Number 
1093-0006]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Natural and 
Cultural Resources Agencies Customer Relationship Management

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, 
the Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior are proposing 
to renew an information collection with revisions.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
September 27, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments on this information collection request 
(ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget's Desk Officer for the 
Department of the Interior by email at [email protected]; or 
via facsimile to (202) 395-5806. Please provide a copy of your comments 
to Marta Kelly, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 
1849 C Street NW, MS 2266-MIB, Washington, DC 20240, fax 202-354-1815, 
or by email to [email protected]. Please reference OMB Control Number 
1093-0006 in the subject line of your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information 
about this ICR, contact Marta Kelly, National Park Service, U.S. 
Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, MS 2266-MIB, Washington, 
DC 20240, fax 202-354-2825, or by email to [email protected]. You may 
also view the ICR at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995, we provide the general public and other Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and 
continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact 
of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's 
reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information 
collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired 
format.
    We published a Federal Register notice with a 60-day public comment 
period soliciting comments on this collection of information on May 11, 
2018 (83 FR 22097). We received one public comment in response to this 
notice. This public comment represented the consolidate feedback for 
130 Service and Conservation Crops. Here are specific comments and our 
responses to the comments:
    Comment: Is the collection necessary to the proper functions of the 
Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior? While information 
on our partnerships is important, we believe data around project 
accomplishments, outcomes, funding, and number of Corpsmembers engaged 
etc. is already covered through reporting to one of the DOI units, 
states, regions, or national DOI bureau offices and could be compiled 
through existing information sources. If this is the level of 
information envisioned through the Partnerships Module, we encourage 
DOI to examine internal processes and existing information collection 
that could be streamlined or revised to provide this data. We hope 
other Federal land management agencies will adopt this same approach of 
a unified data collection system by utilizing this new system DOI is 
developing, and also examine existing internal data sources before 
requiring new information collection and reporting which may be 
duplicative.
    Answer: This is a valid point and DOI does establish with this 
collection a single system of record as mandatory. Furthermore, 
modernization of portal technology will allow for importing, exporting 
and sharing by internal sources before validation and use by external 
partners. Additionally, DOI will offer this portal as a shared service 
to other federal agencies so end user/respondents input will be not 
duplicative and redundant for same purposes.
    Comment: With respect to the Stewards Engagement Portal, we support 
an electronic and uniform system to collect information to determine 
eligibility for NCE. Presently, different DOI bureaus have different 
rules around qualifying for PLC NCE, making it confusing for our Corps 
and even more so for our Corpsmembers. The ability to upload 
information once, toward the end of a term of service, would be 
important to minimize the time burden.
    As to the desire to collect from PLC Corpsmembers ``agency work 
for, partner organization, project dates, where the work was completed, 
and total hours worked on the specific project,'' it would be useful to 
have a profile for each partner organization and Corpsmember on the new 
system that

[[Page 43894]]

can be matched and sorted. NCE qualification can be organized that way 
as well as different Corpsmember contributions to different partner 
organizations. For example, Corpsmembers may serve with different 
Corps, on different projects, and with different project partners 
during their terms of service.
    As to Corpsmembers providing ``qualifying factors and training'' 
when developing a profile, we would urge further clarification and 
standardization around what those may be, as unclear definitions could 
hurt recruitment and placement of individuals with the wrong 
opportunities. In addition, it may be challenging to leave it up to 
Corpsmembers or the public to determine their qualifying factors, 
training, and skill sets for certain projects or programs that Corps 
offer. Our Corps use their own recruiting, training, and screening 
processes to hire Corpsmembers and meet project partner's goals. Our 
Corps are liable for meeting the goals of a project agreement and for 
the safety of Corpsmembers and the public, so we should maintain an 
ability to screen and train Corpsmembers as necessary.
    Answer: DOI youth program managers have met and agreed to 
standardize the collection for NEC data and opportunities across the 
bureaus. Additionally, we will provide a template to provide data files 
for uploading information into the system at the end of service terms. 
Initially, we will import, and update annually, all partner 
organization information. We will work with Corps Network to identify 
best methods to have project information validated and matched to work 
projects and individuals. We have made a commitment to use the Corps 
Network for testing imports and process before final launch of on 
portal.
    Comments: (2) Will this information be processed and used in a 
timely manner?
    Collection of information around accomplishments of partner 
organizations, and hours for NCE, housed electronically in one system 
will help with timeliness of compilation and utilization of this data. 
At the same time, if Corps are still required to report to the various 
DOI units, states, regions, and nationally and report through this new 
system, it will slow down the process and create an additional burden. 
Data is only as good as the inputs, so ensuring uniform definitions and 
categories for collection across DOI, and other federal partners 
utilizing this system, will be critical and will ease processing and 
use of data.
    Answer: DOI will only have one system of record and all units will 
be required to use a single system upon deployment of the portal. This 
system will have a standard data dictionary and common data elements. 
We will publish a detail user manual for all using the system for ease 
processing and entering the data.
    Comments: (3) Is the estimate of burden accurate?
    Given the different features envisioned through the new online 
portal system it is difficult for us to estimate the hour's burden. If 
DOI internally utilizes such data, or Corps are able to utilize 
existing information already provided to various DOI bureaus, the 
hour's burden would be lower. Additionally, if Corpsmembers are able to 
enter their information for NCE one time toward the end of their term 
of service, and Corps themselves had the ability to upload Corpsmember 
information if necessary, that would be helpful in reducing the burden.
    Answer: We will allow Corps with approved accounts or via upload 
service to enter and update Corpsmember information as necessary. The 
burden will depend on if members are just opting to enter just 
information for PLC or want to share their status with other employment 
programs like an apprenticeship that may require additional data for 
placement or benefits.
    Comments: (4) How might the Office of the Secretary, Department of 
the Interior enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected?
    Again, data is only as good as the inputs, so ensuring uniform 
definitions and categories for collection across DOI, and other federal 
partners utilizing this system, will be critical, and will ease 
processing and use of data. For example, when considering the 
Partnerships Module in the past, DOI defined ``partner hires'' based on 
the number of hours a Corpsmember worked through a partner organization 
for a DOI bureau. In order to ensure accurate data, definitions like 
this should be developed with input from partners, be uniform across 
DOI and projects should be tracked for example by partner organization, 
legal authority, dollar figure, and project type in order for DOI to 
accurately collect information. It should not be the burden of partner 
organizations to track the data though as these are DOI accomplishes 
these projects with DOI funding. A uniform system for tracking and 
reporting this information across DOI should streamline this 
information collection, and/or require a re-examination of existing 
data sources to be uniform across DOI.
    On the Stewards Engagement Portal, one challenge with the 
utilization of PLC NCE is the inability to represent NCE electronically 
or search for NCE-approved jobs on USA Jobs. Developing the ability for 
Corpsmembers who qualify for NCE to have a PLC NCE designation on their 
profile on USA Jobs would be helpful, and adding a search term for job 
postings, or some kind of PLC NCE signifier or certification would also 
be helpful. An additional consideration is that the federal project 
supervisor must certify the hours, and sign off on the certificate for 
NCE. An electronic system where project sponsors are able to certify 
the hours, and sign a digital certificate would eliminate paperwork and 
delays.
    Answer: Department of the Interior will establish a user guide with 
standard definitions so data can be accurate and uniform. While we can 
standardize the DOI definitions, we are only able to encourage non-DOI 
partners to consider a common data dictionary at this time. We agree 
with the Corps Network that recruitment is challenging and by expanding 
the portal to include all skill and special employment programs we can 
provide better exposure of opportunities to prospective candidates. We 
can also link existing employment resources and website to resources 
page on the portal. We are committed to working closely with Corps 
Network on recruitment strategies and to explore how to expand the use 
of veterans.
    Comments: (5) How might the Office of the Secretary, Department of 
the Interior minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, 
including using information technology?
    Again, we believe that a large amount of data is already available 
through the annual reporting our Corps provide to individual DOI units, 
states, regions, or the national office and through internal DOI bureau 
data sets and project information systems. It may warrant an 
examination of those existing sources and their reporting mechanisms to 
see how they can be fed in to this new online portal. After an 
examination of existing data sources and collection requirements by 
DOI, if there needs to be a new collection of information, we encourage 
there to be some thoughtfulness around data compatibility, and for 
batch upload ability along with an examination of what information is 
truly necessary to demonstrate the impact and outcomes.
    Corps also report outcomes and performance measures to the 
Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers

[[Page 43895]]

the AmeriCorps and National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) programs. 
Often, this is duplicative data since the AmeriCorps and NCCC members 
are working on federal public lands. Having these systems be compatible 
would minimize the reporting burden and improve efficiency.
    Answer: We agree that data exist in many systems so will continue 
to consolidate and reduce the burden by working closely with Corps 
Network to identify these data calls and eliminate them where possible 
or to incorporate the data via import and export features into one 
system of record.
    We are again soliciting comments on the proposed ICR that is 
described below. We are especially interested in public comment 
addressing the following issues: (1) Is the collection necessary to the 
proper functions of the Office of the Secretary (OS); (2) will this 
information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the 
estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the OS enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how 
might the OS minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, 
including through the use of information technology.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. Before including your address, phone number, email 
address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you 
should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal 
identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. 
While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal 
identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we 
will be able to do so.
    Abstract: The information collection under OMB Control number 1093-
0006 received approval from OMB on August 04, 2015. This approval will 
expire on August 31, 2018, and we are now requesting comments as part 
of the standard renew and update process. Previously, we titled this 
collection as ``Volunteer Partnership Management.'' We are changing the 
title with this revision to be ``Natural and Cultural Resource Agencies 
Customer Relationship Management'' to more accurately reflect the 
overall purpose of the information collection.
    Federal natural and cultural resources management agencies are 
authorized to manage volunteers, youth programs, and partnerships to 
recruit, train, and accept the services of citizens to aid in disaster 
response, interpretive functions, visitor services, conservation 
measures and development, research and development, recreation, and or 
other activities as allowed by an agency's policy and regulations. 
Providing, collecting and exchanging written and electronic information 
is required from potential and selected program participants of all 
ages so they can access opportunities and benefits provided by agencies 
guidelines. Those under the age of 18 years must have written consent 
from a parent or guardian.
    The customer relationship management web based portals are the 
agencies response to meeting citizens' requests for improved digital 
customer services to access and apply for engagement opportunities. 
Secure under one security platform parameter, the portals provide for 
prospective and current program participants to establish an account 
for electronic submission of program applications and to obtain status 
of applications, enrollments, benefits, and requirements. Additionally, 
citizens have the option of using self-service features to report 
hours, apply for opportunities, or register for program benefits such 
as America the Beautiful Pass, Public Land Corps register or Service 
Learning verification. This collection includes the modernization of 
electronic process so citizens maintain portal accounts with single 
program application that can be reused to apply for all interested 
opportunities verse requiring program participants to electronically 
complete the application anew for each opportunity they wish to be 
considered. This specifically minimizes the burden on this collection 
on the respondents. While electronic records provides a means to 
streamline data collection and allow citizen access to track benefits 
and control the sharing of their data, the participating agencies may 
also provide an accessible paper version of the volunteer forms.
    Participating Agencies are:
    Department of Agriculture: U.S. Forest Service, and Natural 
Resources Conservation Service;
    Department of the Interior: All DOI offices and units including 
Office of the Secretary, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of 
Indian Affairs, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 
and U.S. Geological Survey.
    Department of Defense: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
    Department of Commerce: National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration--Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

Forms

    OF-301 Volunteer Application: Individuals interested in 
volunteering may access the individual agency websites, and/or contact 
agencies to request a Volunteer Application (OF-301) or complete an on-
line application submission on volunteer.gov on submission. Applicants 
provide name, address, telephone number, date of birth, preferred work 
categories, interests, citizenship status, available dates, preferred 
location, indication of physical limitations, and lodging preferences. 
Information collected using this form on Volunteer.gov assists agency 
volunteer coordinators and other personnel in matching volunteers with 
agency opportunities appropriate for an applicant's skills and physical 
condition and availability. A signature of a parent or guardian is 
mandatory for applicants under 18 years of age.
    OF-301A Volunteer Service Agreement: This form is used by 
participating resource agencies to document agreements for volunteer 
services between a Federal agency and individual or group volunteers, 
including international volunteers. A signature of parent or guardian 
is mandatory for applicants under 18 years of age. The agreement form 
will now be available for processing on volunteer.gov for the first 
time, this on-line this form is generated from the application and 
position description to minimize impact to respondents. Paper forms and 
electronic PDF must however be completed for each opportunity.
    OF-301B Volunteer Group Sign-up: This form is used by participating 
resource agencies to document awareness and understanding by 
individuals in groups about the volunteer activities between a Federal 
agency and a partner organization with group participants. Signature of 
parent or guardian is mandatory for applicants under 18 years of age.
    Stewards Engagement Portal (this was formally known as the Youth 
Partnership Tracking Portal): This portal has a self-registration 
feature that allows program participants from volunteer, youth, and 
partnerships to register with information that would be used to 
automate matching stewardship opportunities such as apprenticeships, 
youth programs, veterans' events, and other special engagement 
programs. Information required to establish an account is preference 
for location, name, email, qualifying factors, and training. Once self-
registered, the youth and young adult programs participants authorized 
under the 16 U.S.C. 1722 et. seq., Public Lands Corps (PLC) Act may

[[Page 43896]]

be required to report additional details for public land corps status 
such as the agency work for, partner organization, project dates, where 
the work was completed, and total hours worked on the specific project. 
This information is used by the system to match the individuals with 
most applicable opportunities. The steward engagement portal is under 
redesign and will incorporate a feedback loop for respondents to rate 
quality of customer service and opportunities.
    The Partnerships Module collects information from various 
partnership and volunteer organizations which are under national 
agreements to manage services and programs on public lands for citizens 
and provides an annual summary of their activities.
    The Cooperating Association Module collects information from not-
for-profit public lands partners under national agreements to manage 
bookstores and sales items with federal agencies.
    This request for comments on the information collection is being 
published by the Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior 
and includes the use of common forms that can be leveraged by other 
Federal agencies. The burden estimates reflected in this notice is only 
for the Department of the Interior. Other Federal agencies wishing to 
use the common forms must submit their own burden estimates and provide 
notice to the public accordingly.
    Title of Collection: Natural and Cultural Resources Agencies 
Customer Relationship Management.
    OMB Control Number: 1093-0006.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Potential and selected volunteers; 
youth program participants, veterans, prospective job applicants, 
cooperating associations, and partner organizations.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit.
    Frequency of Collection: Typically once per year but could be as 
frequently as 26 times per year for time and expense reporting.
    Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: There are no non-hour 
cost burdens associated with this information collection.

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                                                                                      Average
                                  Average number  Average number  Average number    completion       Estimated
           Requirement               of annual     of responses      of annual       time per      annual burden
                                    respondents        each          responses       response          hours
                                                                                      (mins)
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                                            Portal Account Management
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Create Individual or Group
 Account:
    Individuals.................         365,000               1         365,000               1           6,083
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                                           Volunteer Management Portal
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Submit Application:
    Individuals.................         783,000               1         783,000              10         130,500
Time Entry:
    Individuals.................           4,390               5          21,950               1             366
Training and Supporting
 Information:
    Individuals.................           6,000               4          24,000               3           1,200
Complete a Volunteer Agreement:
    Individuals.................          14,000               5          70,000               5           5,833
Registration for Volunteer
 Event:
    Individuals.................          10,000               1          10,000               1             167
Customer Service Survey:
    Individuals.................           1,000               5           5,000               1              83
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotals...............         818,390  ..............         913,950  ..............         138,149
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                                          Stewardship Engagement Module
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Create Application/Profile:
    Private Sector..............          18,000               1          18,000               1             300
Time Entry:
    Private Sector..............           7,200               3          21,600               1             360
Manage Partner:
    Private Sector..............             659               1             659               1              11
Manage Project:
    Private Sector..............          45,000               2          90,000               1           1,500
Manage Youth Participants:
    Private Sector..............           3,000               1           3,000               3             150
Customer Service Survey:
    Private Sector..............             600               5           3,000               1              50
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotals...............          74,459  ..............         136,259  ..............           2,371
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                                 Partnership and Cooperating Association Module
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Annual Updates:
    Private Sector..............             258               1             258               5              22
Customer Service Survey:
    Private Sector..............              70               5             350               1               6
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotals...............             328  ..............             608  ..............              28
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 43897]]

 
            TOTALS..............       1,258,177  ..............       1,415,817  ..............         146,631
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    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 OMB control number.
    The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

 Jeffrey Parrillo,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-18554 Filed 8-27-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4334-63-P