[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 59 (Tuesday, March 26, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20949-20950]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06420]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment 
Request; Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration 
(NTIA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the

[[Page 20950]]

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and 
other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and continuing 
information collections, which help 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 May 28, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by 
mail to Arica Cox, Telecommunications Policy Analyst, Grants Management 
and Compliance, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 4826, Washington, DC 20230, 
or by email to [email protected]. Please reference ``Digital Equity 
Competitive Application Forms Comment'' 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 Arica Cox, Telecommunications Policy Analyst, Grants Management and 
Compliance, via telephone at (202) 482-2048, or via email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2021 (Infrastructure 
Act or Act), which was adopted on November 15, 2021, and is also known 
as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provided $65 billion of funding 
for programs to close the digital divide and ensure that all Americans 
have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet. NTIA 
administers multiple broadband connectivity grant programs funded by 
the Act, including the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program 
(``Competitive Grant Program''). The Competitive Grant Program provides 
new federal funding for grants to eligible applicants for the purpose 
of supporting efforts to achieve digital equity, promoting digital 
inclusion activities, and spurring greater adoption of broadband among 
covered populations.
    NTIA will use the information collected from each applicant to 
effectively review the proposed applications and budgets from political 
subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities of a State; Indian Tribes, 
Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations; foundations, 
corporations, institutions, and associations that are not-for-profit 
entities and not schools; community anchor institutions; local 
educational agencies; entities that carry out workforce development 
programs; and other eligible entities (or partnerships between such 
entities) for the Competitive Grant Program.

II. Method of Collection

    NTIA will collect data through both electronic and mail submission.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0660-XXXX.
    Form Number(s): TBD.
    Type of Review: Regular submission for a new information 
collection.
    Affected Public: Eligible entities applying for Infrastructure Act 
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program funding, including political 
subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities of a State; Indian Tribes, 
Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations; foundations, 
corporations, institutions, and associations that are not-for-profit 
entities and not schools; community anchor institutions; local 
educational agencies; and entities that carry out workforce development 
programs; and other eligible entities (or partnerships between such 
entities).
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 500.
    Estimated Time per Response: 14 hours for consortia applicants; 10 
hours for individual applicants.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6,200 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $284,816.00.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Section 60305 of the Infrastructure Investment and 
Jobs Act of 2021, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (November 15, 2021).

IV. Request for Comments

    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau 
to: Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary 
for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the 
information will have practical utility. 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. 
Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected. 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 Under Secretary for 
Economic Affairs, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2024-06420 Filed 3-25-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-P