[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 139 (Monday, July 20, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43817-43818]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15645]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment 
Request; Day 8-10 Timeline Forecast Survey and Focus Groups

AGENCY: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other 
Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information 
collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information 
collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The 
purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment 
preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed 
information collection must be received on or before September 18, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please 
reference OMB Control Number 0648-0757 in the subject line of your 
comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise 
sensitive or protected information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
specific questions related to collection activities should be directed 
to James A. Nelson, Jr., Development and Training Branch Chief at the 
Weather Prediction Center, NOAA/NWS/NCEP/WPC, 5830 University Research 
Court--College Park, MD 20740, (301) 683-1493, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    Increasingly, user demand is reflecting a need for probabilistic 
forecasts in the 8 to 10-day time frame. Improved forecast capability 
means the NOAA National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center (WPC) 
can begin to address this user need, but the task is complicated by the 
range of possible forecast format and delivery needs and options. WPC 
is seeking user-tested and informed guidance on how to present 
forecasts at the 8 to 10-day timeframe. WPC is looking to understand 
how probabilistic forecasts can improve core user decision-making in 
this range, and for guidance on the format and design of forecasts, 
based on iterative field-testing of core users. WPC requires a robust 
understanding of core user needs in this time frame, as well as 
explanation of the preferred web delivery methods and the optimal mix 
of design and delivery considerations. WPC also requires information 
about what products end-users are utilizing and how they are being 
used. To assess ways to improve guidance products for producing 
forecasts, the project will include meeting with forecasters, 
conducting phone interviews and web-based focus groups with core 
partners and posting an online public survey.
    The information will provide WPC staff with the guidance needed to 
develop 8 to 10-day weather prediction products. Creating easier to use 
visualizations and communication products will provide the public and 
decision-makers accurate information that is understandable and will 
enhance value for a variety of weather-related decision processes. 
Survey and focus group results will define how to present the 
probabilistic forecast tools clearly and concisely.

II. Method of Collection

    The information collected via the online survey will make use of 
automated, electronic, mechanical, and other technological techniques. 
The online survey will use a ``responsive'' web-based survey, meaning 
that its display will adapt to a desktop or mobile device screen 
allowing the public to take the survey whenever they have internet 
access. The focus group data will be collected manually and entered 
directly into a desktop computer.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0757.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Extension of a current information collection.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households and Business or other 
for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 775.
    Estimated Time per Response: 30 min for survey, 1 hour for 
interviews, 2 hours for focus groups.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 485 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: None.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

[[Page 43818]]

IV. Request for Comments

    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau 
to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether 
the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy 
of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed 
collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden 
on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request 
to OMB to approve this ICR. 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 may 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.

Sheleen Dumas,
Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2020-15645 Filed 7-17-20; 8:45 am]
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