[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 126 (Friday, July 1, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39575-39576]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14097]


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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION


Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under OMB Review

AGENCY: Small Business Administration.

ACTION: 30-Day notice.

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SUMMARY: The Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking approval 
from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the information 
collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act and OMB procedures, SBA is publishing this notice to allow all 
interested member of the public an additional 30 days to provide 
comments on the proposed collection of information.

DATES: Submit comments on or before August 1, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for this information 
collection request should be sent within 30 days of publication of this 
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular 
information collection request by selecting ``Small Business 
Administration''; ``Currently Under Review,'' then select the ``Only 
Show ICR for Public Comment'' checkbox. This information collection can 
be identified by title and/or OMB Control Number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: You may obtain a copy of the 
information collection and supporting documents from the Agency 
Clearance Office at [email protected]; (202) 205-7030, or from 
www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

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

[[Page 39576]]

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

    Comments may be submitted 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,
Agency Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2022-14097 Filed 6-30-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8026-09-P