[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 6, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17768-17769]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07037]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-LP-20-0073]


Request for Approval of a New Information Collection for Accounts 
Payable Information Request

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 
Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval 
from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for a new information 
collection used in support of the voluntary grading and certification 
of meat, meat products, shell eggs, poultry products, rabbit products, 
and Quality Systems Verification Programs. One new form is introduced 
in this information collection. The new form, LP-109A requests 
respondents accounts payable contact information used in facilitating 
billing administration.

DATES: Submit comments on or before June 7, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments concerning 
this notice by using the electronic process available at 
www.regulations.gov. Written comments may also be submitted to Quality 
Assessment Division; Livestock and Poultry Program; AMS, USDA; 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0258; Washington, DC 20250-0258. All 
comments should reference the docket number AMS-LP-20-0073, the date of 
submission, and the page number of this issue of the Federal Register. 
All comments received will be posted without change, including any 
personal information provided, at www.regulations.gov and will be 
included in the record and made available to the public.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julie Hartley, Branch Chief, Quality 
Assessment Division (QAD); (202) 720-7316; or email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview of This Information Collection

    Agency: USDA, AMS.
    Title: Accounts Payable Information Request.
    OMB Number: 0581-NEW.
    Type of Request: New Information Collection.
    Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA) (7 U.S.C. 
1621-1627) directs and authorizes USDA to develop and improve standards 
of quality, grades, grading programs, and certification services which 
facilitate the marketing of agricultural products. To provide programs 
and services, section 203(h) of the AMA (7 U.S.C. 1622(h)) directs and 
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to inspect, 
certify, and identify the class, quality, quantity, and condition of 
agricultural products under such rules and regulations as the Secretary 
may prescribe, including assessment and collection of fees for the cost 
of service. The regulations in 7 CFR 54, 56, and 70 provide a voluntary 
program for grading, certification and standards of meats, prepared 
meats, meat products, shell eggs, poultry products, and rabbit 
products. The regulation in 7 CFR 62--Quality Systems Verification 
Programs provides for voluntary, audit-based, user-fee funded programs 
that allow applicants to have program documentation and program 
processes assessed by AMS auditor(s) and other USDA officials.
    AMS also provides other types of voluntary services under these 
regulations, including contract and specification acceptance services 
and verification of product, processing, further processing, 
temperature, and quantity. Because this is a voluntary program, 
respondents request or apply for the specific service they wish, and in 
doing so, they provide information.
    To assist AMS billing administration for providing voluntary 
services, AMS intends to create a new form to request respondents 
accounts payable contact information. The new form, LP-109A: Accounts 
Payable Information Request will increase accuracy and efficiency in 
billing administration by having the applicable contact responsible for 
receiving billing statements and submitting payment for services 
rendered.
    The information collected is used only by authorized 
representatives of USDA AMS, Livestock and Poultry Program's QAD 
national and field staff and is used to administer services requested 
by respondents.
    The information collection requirements in this request are 
essential to carry out the intent of AMA, to provide the respondents 
the type of service they request, and to administer the program.
    Upon OMB approval of the new Form LP-109A and the information 
collection package, AMS will request OMB approval to merge the new form 
and this information collection into the currently approved information 
collection OMB control number 0581-0128 approved on March 31, 2017.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 5 minutes per response.
    Respondents: Livestock, meat, poultry, shell egg industries, or 
other agricultural enterprises; state or local governments; or other 
businesses or organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 164.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

[[Page 17769]]

    Estimated Number of Responses: 164.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 13.66 hours.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed 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 the burden of the 
proposed collection of information 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 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public 
record, including any personal information provided.

Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-07037 Filed 4-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P