[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 16, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Page 8906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03255]



[[Page 8906]]

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION


Data Collection Available for Public Comments

ACTION: 60-Day notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Small Business Administration (SBA) intends to request 
approval, from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the 
collection of information described below. The Paperwork Reduction Act 
(PRA) requires federal agencies to publish a notice in the Federal 
Register concerning each proposed collection of information before 
submission to OMB, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response 
to the notice. This notice complies with that requirement.

DATES: Submit comments on or before April 18, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments to Philip T. Gibson, Business Development 
Specialist, 202-205-7427, [email protected], Office of 
Entrepreneurial Education, Small Business Administration, Washington, 
DC 20416.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Philip T. Gibson, Business Development Specialist, 202-205-7427, 
[email protected].
    Curtis B. Rich, Management Analyst, 202-205-7030, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  In 2019 and 2021, a new cohort of sites was 
added to the Regional Innovation Clusters (RIC) initiative, which was 
originally started in October 1, 2010 by the Small Business 
Administration (SBA)'s Office of Entrepreneurial Development. Through 
this initiative, organizations in 23 communities across the U.S. have 
been selected to provide industry-specific assistance to small 
businesses, and to develop industry relationships and supply chains 
within their regions. Clusters--geographically concentrated groups of 
interconnected businesses, suppliers, service providers, and associated 
institutions in a particular industry or field--act as a networking hub 
to convene a number of resources to help navigate the funding, 
procurement, and supply-chain opportunities in a specific industry.
    SBA is conducting an evaluation of the Regional Innovation Clusters 
initiative to determine how the clusters have developed, the type and 
volume of services they provided to small businesses, client 
perceptions of the program, and the various outcomes related to their 
existence, including collaboration among firms, innovation, and small 
business growth. Small business growth will be compared to the overall 
growth of firms in those same regions and industries. This evaluation 
will also include lessons learned and success stories. SBA proposes the 
use of three instruments for data collection and analysis of three 
distinct populations. These instruments are: (1.) Small Business 
Survey, (2.) Large Organization Survey and (3.) Cluster Administrator 
Survey. In addition, SBA plans to interview each of the 11 cluster 
administrators several times a year regarding program impact and 
successes or challenges, and to obtain clarifications on information 
provided in quarterly reports. Each of the proposed surveys will be 
administered electronically and will contain both open- and close-ended 
questions. The information collected and analyzed from these 
instruments will contribute to monitoring performance metrics and 
program goals, as well as recommendations on improving program 
practices.

Solicitation of Public Comments

    SBA is requesting comments on (a) Whether the collection of 
information is necessary for the agency to properly perform its 
functions; (b) whether the burden estimates are accurate; (c) whether 
there are ways to minimize the burden, including through the use of 
automated techniques or other forms of information technology; and (d) 
whether there are ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information.
    OMB Control Number: 3245-0392.
    Title: Regional Innovation Clusters (RIC) Initiative Evaluation 
Study.
    Description of Respondents: Interconnected businesses, Suppliers, 
Service providers, and associated institutions.
    Form Number: N/A.
    Estimated Annual Responses: 1,240.
    Estimated Annual Hour Burden: 388.

Curtis Rich,
Management Analyst.
[FR Doc. 2022-03255 Filed 2-15-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8026-03-P