[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 91 (Thursday, May 9, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39590-39591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-10169]


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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; Application for Appointment in the NOAA Commissioned Officer 
Corps

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 July 8, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please 
reference OMB Control Number 0648-0047 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 LCDR Andrew Reynaga, Chief, NOAA Corps Recruiting Branch, (301) 713-
7727, or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    This is a request for revision and extension of an existing 
information collection.
    The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is the uniformed service of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a bureau of the 
United States Department of Commerce. Officers serve under Senate-
confirmed appointments and Presidential commissions (33 U.S.C. chapter 
17, subchapter 1, sections 853 and 854). The NOAA Corps provides a 
cadre of professionals trained in engineering, earth sciences, 
oceanography, meteorology, fisheries science, and other related 
disciplines who serve their country by supporting NOAA's mission of 
surveying the Earth's oceans, coasts, and atmosphere to ensure the 
economic and physical well-being of the Nation.
    NOAA Corps officers operate vessels and aircraft engaged in 
scientific missions and serve in leadership positions throughout NOAA. 
Persons wishing to apply for an appointment in the NOAA Commissioned 
Officer Corps must complete an application package, including NOAA Form 
56-42, at least three letters of recommendation, a resume, and official 
transcripts. A personal interview must also be conducted. Eligibility 
requirements include a bachelor's degree with at least 48 credit hours 
of science, engineering,

[[Page 39591]]

math, or other disciplines related to NOAA's mission, excellent health, 
and normal color vision with uncorrected visual acuity no worse than 
20/400 in each eye (correctable to 20/20).
    The revision includes updates that reflect the current status of 
the NOAA Corps. This includes amending the essay questions and updating 
the instructions to reflect a new direct-to-aviation recruitment model. 
NOAA Form 56-80A is a required summary of Aviation experience for those 
applying to become NOAA Aviators. Members of the public who wish to 
apply to the Direct-to-Aviation NOAA Corps program are required to 
complete NF 56-80A.

II. Method of Collection

    Applicants must utilize the online E-recruit electronic application 
to complete and digitally submit the forms, including the Direct-to-
Aviation Summary for NOAA Corps. An in-person interview is also 
required.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0047.
    Form Number(s): NOAA 56-42, NOAA 56-42A, and NOAA Form 56-80A.
    Type of Review: Regular submission. Revision and extension of an 
existing information collection.
    Affected Public: Individuals.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 300.
    Estimated Time per Response: Written applications, 2 hours; 
interviews, 5 hours; references, 15 minutes; and Direct to Aviation 
Summary form, 10 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,425.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $21,750.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain Benefits.
    Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. chapter 17, subchapter 1, sections 853 
and 854.

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 Under Secretary for 
Economic Affairs, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2024-10169 Filed 5-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P