82 FR 11523 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Scanner Capability Assessment of SNAP-Authorized Small Retailers (SCANR) Study
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Nutrition Service Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 36 (February 24, 2017)
Food and Nutrition Service
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 36 (February 24, 2017)
| Page Range | 11523-11526 | |
| FR Document | 2017-03570 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 36 (Friday, February 24, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 11523-11526] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-03570] ======================================================================== Notices Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 36 / Friday, February 24, 2017 / Notices [[Page 11523]] DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request--Scanner Capability Assessment of SNAP-Authorized Small Retailers (SCANR) Study AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), U.S. Department of Agriculture. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on the proposed collection of information for the Scanner Capability Assessment of SNAP-Authorized Small Retailers (SCANR) Study. This is a NEW information collection. The SCANR Study will provide FNS with an understanding of the extent to which small retailers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are able to meet Section 4002 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) requirement that all authorized SNAP retailers use scanning technologies at the point of sale (POS) to redeem SNAP benefits. Understanding the number of small retailers that lack scanning systems, the costs of adopting and maintaining scanning systems, and the barriers small retailers face in adopting the technology are key to informing rulemaking for the 2014 Farm Bill requirement. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 25, 2017. ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed data collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions that were used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) 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. Comments may be sent to: Jenny Laster Genser, Office of Policy Support, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1014, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Jenny Laster Genser at 703-305-2559 or via email to [email protected]. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. All written comments will be open for public inspection at the office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1014, Alexandria, VA 22302. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will also be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Jenny Laster Genser at 703-305-2559. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Scanner Capability Assessment of SNAP-Authorized Small Retailers (SCANR) Study. OMB Number: 0584--NEW. Expiration Date of Approval: Not yet determined. Type of Request: New collection. Abstract: The Scanner Capability Assessment of SNAP-Authorized Small Retailers Study will provide FNS with information to inform rulemaking for the 2014 Farm Bill requirement that all authorized SNAP retailers use scanning technologies at the POS to redeem SNAP benefits. This study will result in a comprehensive description of the scanner capability of small SNAP-authorized retailers that will provide FNS with information to inform rulemaking for the 2014 Farm Bill requirement. Cost estimates from the industry interviews and follow-up interviews with retailers and data from secondary sources will be used to estimate store-level costs for adopting scanning systems with different levels of functionality. The cost estimates will account for all costs associated with the purchase, installation, and maintenance of scanning systems. Using the store-level costs and data from the SCANR Survey on the number of small SNAP-authorized retailers without scanning systems, the study will also include the total cost estimate for all small SNAP-authorized retailers to comply with the 2014 Farm Bill requirements. Finally, the study will include a descriptive assessment of the technological and economic barriers small SNAP retailers face in adopting and using scanning systems. Specifically, this study will employ a mixed-methods approach in which both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected, analyzed, and synthesized to assess the economic and technological barriers of adopting scanning technologies by small SNAP-authorized retailers and possible inducements. The study design will include industry interviews, a national survey of small SNAP-authorized retailers, and follow-up interviews with a subset of survey respondents to provide qualitative information on the barriers and inducements to adopting scanning systems. The study design comprises three data collection components to address four study objectives:Objective 1: Determine and describe the requirements for installing and operating electronic scanning systems at small SNAP- authorized retailers. Objective 2: Provide a store-level and industry-wide cost analysis of installing and maintaining electronic scanning systems at small SNAP-authorized retailers in order to be in full compliance with the 2014 Farm Bill. Objective 3: Provide reliable national estimates of the extent to which scanning systems are in place at small SNAP-authorized retailers. Objective 4: Determine barriers and inducements to using scanning technologies by small SNAP-authorized retailers. The data collection components are as follows: Structured interviews with nine vendors of POS scanning systems to [[Page 11524]] provide information on the requirements and costs for two options of functionality for scanning systems. The structured interviews will be used to address Objectives 1 and 2. FNS is interested in the requirements and costs for two options of functionality for scanning systems: (1) Scanning systems that can identify which items are eligible to be purchased with SNAP and are integrated with the store inventory to scan the item's price and (2) scanning systems that can identify which items are eligible to be purchased with SNAP and are integrated with the store inventory to scan the item's price and are integrated with the EBT terminal. The first option will allow a retailer to meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the 2014 Farm Bill. The cost data will be combined with the survey data and data from secondary sources (e.g., labor rates) to conduct a cost analysis to estimate store-level and industry-level costs for complying with the 2014 Farm Bill requirements. Nationally representative survey of small SNAP-authorized retailers to provide information on the number of retailers that lack scanning systems and the number that may not comply with this provision and choose to leave SNAP instead. Data will be collected through a nationally representative survey of small SNAP-authorized retailers to provide information to address Objectives 2 and 3. The target population for the survey is small SNAP-authorized retailers defined as small grocery stores, medium grocery stores, convenience stores, and specialty stores excluding chains that have 10 or more outlets under the same owner. The sample design for the survey will be sufficiently powered to provide national and subgroup estimates by store type and urbanicity. The survey approach will use multiple modes to facilitate response (hard copy or web-based) and telephone reminders to nonrespondents to maximize the response rate. Follow-up interviews with a subset of survey respondents to provide qualitative information on the barriers and inducements to adopting scanning systems. Data will be collected through follow-up interviews with a subset of the retailers that responded to the structured survey to address Objectives 2 and 4. Approximately half of the retailers selected for the interviews will be stores that reported on the survey that they currently are using scanning systems (via in-person interviews) and half will be stores that do not use scanning systems (via phone interviews). The interviews will provide the opportunity to learn about costs, benefits, and challenges associated with implementing and operating scanning systems from a group of retailers that currently use them and about costs and other concerns of retailers that do not use scanning systems. Interview questions will also provide insight regarding the level of knowledge about scanning technology among small retailers and the information gaps, particularly among nonusers. Affected Public: Business for profit. There are a total of 1,389. The respondent groups that were identified include 12 POS vendors and 1,377 SNAP-authorized small retailers. Industry Interviews POS vendors that supply retailers with scanning systems. We estimate that nine vendors will participate in the interviews. SCANR Survey SNAP-authorized small retailers: Store owner, store manager, or regional manager. Out of 1,377 respondents, we estimate that 936 of the small retailers sampled will go on to participate in the survey. Follow-Up Interviews SNAP-authorized small retailers: Store owner, store manager, or regional manager. Out of 936 small retailers who participated in the SCANR survey, we estimate that 50 of them will take part in a follow-up interview. Estimated Total Number of Respondents: 1,389. For the industry interviews, it is estimated that 12 of the industry interview respondents will be contacted and, of these, 9 will complete the interview, 3 will be non-respondents. For the SCANR Survey, a multimode, two-phase approach will be used. For phase I (survey), respondents can choose to participate by hard copy (mail survey) or web, and for phase II (interview), all non- respondents will be re-contacted by phone and asked to complete the survey (by phone or reminded to complete the survey by mail or web). Out of 123,000 small retailers, a sample of 1,377 will be selected. It is estimated that, of these, 207 will not be eligible for the survey (e.g., no longer in operation), 585 will complete phase I (50% response rate after adjusting for eligibility), and 351 will complete phase II (60% response rate), yielding 936 completed surveys. Adjusting for eligibility, we are targeting an 80% response rate (936/(1,377-207)). For the follow-up interviews, a sample of 71 respondents that completed the SCANR Survey will be selected for either telephone or on- site interviews. It is estimated that 50 of the selected respondents will take part in the interview (70% response rate). Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.545. For the industry interviews with vendors, there is one response per respondent. For retailers, there is one response for 886 of the respondents (SCANR Survey only) and two responses for 50 of the respondents who participate in follow-up interviews. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 1,925. For the industry interviews, this total includes 9 completed interviews with vendors and 3 attempted interviews. For the SCANR Survey, this total includes 936 responses from small retailers and 441 attempted, but non-completed or non-responses. For the follow-up interviews, this total includes 50 completed interviews and 21 attempted interviews. Estimated Time per Response: 0.21. For the telephone interviews with vendors: Vendors will take up to 1 hour to participate in the telephone interviews. Vendors who choose not to participate will spend 5 minutes (0.08 hours) reading the recruitment materials. For the SCANR Survey: Small retailers will take 15 minutes (0.25 hours) to respond to the survey (via mail, web, or phone). Small retailers who choose not to participate will spend 5 minutes (0.08 hours) reading the recruitment materials. For the follow-up interviews: Small retailers will take 30 minutes (0.5 hours) to respond to the in-depth telephone or on-site interviews. Small retailers selected for a follow-up interview who choose not to participate will spend 5 minutes (0.08 hours) reading the recruitment materials. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: FNS estimates the total burden is 345.57 hours. See Table 1 below: BILLING CODE 3410-30-P [[Page 11525]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN24FE17.003 [[Page 11526]] Dated: February 8, 2017. Jessica Shahin, Acting Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 2017-03570 Filed 2-23-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-30-C
![11526 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 36 / Friday, February 24, 2017 / Notices
Dated: February 8, 2017. All written comments will be open for Agency vendor staff, including (1) site
Jessica Shahin, public inspection at the office of the visits and follow-up interviews to
Acting Administrator, Food and Nutrition Food and Nutrition Service during document DCM–F/RP processes, (2)
Service. regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 administrative records on certification
[FR Doc. 2017–03570 Filed 2–23–17; 8:45 am] p.m., Monday through Friday) at 3101 for school meal benefits and
BILLING CODE 3410–30–C Park Center Drive, Room 1040, participation in the school meal
Alexandria, VA 22302. programs, and (3) cost logs and
All responses to this notice will be clarification interviews on the State-
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE summarized and included in the request level administrative costs of DCM–F/RP.
for Office of Management and Budget Data will be collected for school year
Food and Nutrition Service approval. All comments will be a matter (SY) 2017–2018.
of public record. FNS is also conducting research with
Agency Information Collection
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: the State Child Nutrition and Medicaid
Activities: Proposed Collection;
Requests for additional information or agency officials, school district directors
Comment Request—Evaluation of the
copies of this information collection and school district food service staff to
Direct Certification With Medicaid for
should be directed to Conor McGovern develop, test, and improve the
Free and Reduced-Price (DCM–F/RP)
at 703–457–7740. evaluation data collection instruments
Meals Demonstrations
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and methodologies. This pre-testing
AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service Title: Evaluation of the Direct burden was approved by the Office of
(FNS), U.S. Department of Agriculture. Certification with Medicaid for Free and Management and Budget on December
ACTION: Notice. Reduced-Price Meals (DCM–F/RP) 19, 2016 under OMB # 0584–0606 FNS
Demonstrations. Generic Clearance for Pre-Testing, Pilot,
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Form Number: N/A. and Field Test Studies.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this OMB Number: Not Yet Assigned. Affected Public: State and Local
notice invites the general public and Expiration Date: Not Yet Determined. Government—Respondent groups
other public agencies to comment on Type of Request: New collection. identified include (1) State Child
this proposed information collection. Abstract: Direct certification has Nutrition Agency staff who administer
This is a new collection for the improved access to free school meals the National School Lunch Program and
Evaluation of the Direct Certification while easing the burden on families and School Breakfast Program from 15 State
with Medicaid for Free and Reduced- district staff by reducing the use of agencies, (2) State Medicaid Agency
Price Meals (DCM–F/RP) household applications and decreasing staff from 15 State agencies, (3) staff
Demonstrations. the number of students subject to from 3 other State Agencies that play
DATES: Written comments must be
verification for school meal benefit key roles in the direct certification
received on or before April 25, 2017. eligibility. Direct certification also process, and (4) school district staff
improves program integrity because it is from 32 districts.
ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on:
less error-prone than certification by Businesses—Respondent groups
(a) Whether the proposed collection of
application. identified include 2 State Child
information is necessary for the proper Recently, FNS has sought ways to
performance of the functions of the Nutrition agency vendors and 2
further expand direct certification, Medicaid Agency vendors that play key
agency, including whether the including experimenting with allowing
information shall have practical utility; roles in the direct certification process.
direct certification based on data from
(b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate Estimated Number of Respondents:
means-tested programs that do not
of the burden of the proposed collection The total estimated number of unique
confer categorical eligibility. Prior DCM
of information, including the validity of respondents for SY 2017–2018 is 197
demonstrations have authorized
the methodology and assumptions that (193 respondents and 4 non-
selected States and districts to use
were used; (c) ways to enhance the respondents). This count assumes 100
income information from Medicaid files
quality, utility, and clarity of the percent response from State Child
to determine students’ eligibility based
information to be collected; and (d) Nutrition Agency staff on site visits,
on their household income and directly
ways to minimize the burden of the follow-up telephone interviews,
certify those students found to be
collection of information on those who administrative records requests, and
eligible for free meals. The new DCM–
are to respond, including use of cost data collection. For State Medicaid
F/RP demonstration expands the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, Agency staff, it assumes 100 percent
direct certification using income
mechanical, or other technological response on site visits and 93 percent
information from Medicaid files to
collection techniques or other forms of response on the follow-up telephone
include eligibility for reduced-price
information technology. interviews and cost data collection. For
meals. The evaluation of the DCM–F/RP
Comments may be sent to: Conor other State Agency staff, it assumes 100
demonstration will investigate the
McGovern, Food and Nutrition Service, percent response on site visits and cost
processes, challenges, and outcomes of
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 data collection. For school district staff,
using Medicaid data to directly certify
Park Center Drive, Room 1040, it assumes 100 percent response on site
students.
Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may The study will gather data from State, visits and 91 percent response on
also be submitted via fax to the attention follow-up telephone interviews. For
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
School Food Authority,1 and State
of Conor McGovern at 703–305–2576 or State Agency vendor staff, it assumes
via email to conor.mcgovern@ 1 Because nearly all schools in the National 100 percent response on site visit
fns.usda.gov. Comments will also be School Lunch Program and School Breakfast interviews. State Child Nutrition
accepted through the Federal Program are parts of entities commonly known as Agency, State Medicaid Agency, other
eRulemaking Portal. Go to http:// school districts, we use that term in the rest of this State Agency, and district staff are
document instead of School Food Authority to refer
www.regulations.gov, and follow the to local entities that enter into agreements with
expected to participate in multiple data
online instructions for submitting State agencies to operate the National School Lunch collection activities, but each individual
comments electronically. Program and the School Breakfast Program. is counted only once in the total.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:20 Feb 23, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\24FEN1.SGM 24FEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_11559/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2017-02-24 01:17:45
Document Modified: 2017-02-24 01:17:45
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | Written comments must be submitted on or before April 25, 2017. | |
| Contact | Requests for additional information should be directed to Jenny Laster Genser at 703-305-2559. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 11523 |
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