82 FR 49313 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2018 Estimates of Compact of Free Association (COFA) Migrants

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
U.S. Census Bureau

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 205 (October 25, 2017)

Page Range		49313-49314
FR Document		2017-23147

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 205 (Wednesday, October 25, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 25, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49313-49314]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23147]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2018 Estimates 
of Compact of Free Association (COFA) Migrants

AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on 
or before December 26, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Oliver P. Fischer via U.S. Census Bureau, 4600 
Silver Hill Road, Room 6H189, Washington, DC 20233, or (301) 763.6249, 
or by email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    The U.S. Census Bureau plans to request clearance from the Office 
of Management and Budget to survey residents of Guam and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to collect basic 
demographic data to meet the needs of the Compact of Free Association 
(COFA).
    The COFA defines the relationship between the United States 
Government and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The COFA became effective 
for the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of 
Micronesia in 1986 and for the Republic of Palau in 1994.
    The 2003 COFA Amendments Act appropriated $30 million annually in 
funding ``to aid in defraying costs incurred by affected jurisdictions 
as a result of increased demands. . .due to the residence in affected 
jurisdictions of qualified nonimmigrants from the Federated States of 
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of 
Palau.'' The ``affected jurisdictions'' in the 2003 COFA Amendments Act 
are American Samoa, CNMI, Guam, and Hawaii.
    COFA migrants (also referred to as qualified nonimmigrants) are 
migrants, or their children under the age of 18, admitted or resident 
in one of the affected jurisdictions, who migrated from the Federated 
States of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands during or 
after 1986, and from the Republic of Palau during or after 1994.
    In order to disburse the appropriated funds to the affected 
jurisdictions, the COFA Amendments Act of 2003 requires an enumeration 
of COFA migrants residing within the affected jurisdictions no less 
than every five years. The most recent enumeration of COFA migrants 
took place in 2013. The 2013 estimates of COFA migrants were derived 
using data from the 2010 Decennial Census for American Samoa, CNMI, and 
Guam, and 2009--2011 American Community Survey (ACS) data for Hawaii. 
These data sources were determined by stakeholders to produce the most 
accurate, reliable, and cost-effective estimates for the purposes of 
the 2013 enumeration. The next enumeration is set to take place in 
2018. The Department of the Interior has provided the Census Bureau 
funding for the work required to produce the estimates.
    The Census Bureau proposes that the 2018 Estimates of COFA migrants 
follow the methodology used to produce the 2008 Estimates of COFA 
migrants. The approach is three-pronged due to differences between the 
jurisdictions in overall population, expected number of COFA migrants, 
and currently available data.
    The methodology consists of the following:
    1. Conduct independent sample surveys for CNMI and Guam. Field 
enumeration will be required for CNMI and Guam since the Census Bureau 
has no other reliable up-to-date demographic data source for these 
areas beyond the 2010 Decennial Census. The survey for CNMI will only 
include Saipan since the 2010 Decennial Census data indicates low 
numbers of COFA migrants living in others parts of CNMI. The sample 
surveys will obtain data on place of birth, residential tenure, age, 
sex, and relationship to head of household of all members of selected 
households. The sample will be designed to yield estimates with a 
margin of error similar to that of three years of ACS data.
    2. Perform special tabulations on a three-year average of results 
from 2015 to 2017 ACS data to create estimates for Hawaii (all 
islands).
    3. Use the 2010 Decennial Census results for American Samoa, and 
CNMI's Rota and Tinian islands as estimates of the 2018 counts. It 
would not be cost effective to conduct an independent survey in these 
areas due to the low numbers of COFA migrants as indicated by the 2010 
Decennial Census and the negligible impact these

[[Page 49314]]

low numbers will have on the overall distribution of the $30 million in 
Compact funds.

II. Method of Collection

    In Guam, approximately 45 sample blocks totaling about 3,300 sample 
addresses will be listed and enumerated. In CNMI, approximately 30 
sample blocks totaling about 2,000 sample addresses will be listed and 
enumerated. The data will be collected via in-person interviews. A 
content re-interview will be conducted to assess the accuracy and 
reliability of the data collected. For the re-interview, a sample of 
approximately 400 respondents will be selected and contacted for a 
follow-up interview via a telephone number they provided during the 
original interview.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-XXXX.
    Form Number(s): XXXX.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Residents of Guam and CNMI.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: Approximately 4,770 respondents.
    Estimated Time per Response: 32 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,544.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: There is no cost to the 
respondents other than their time.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C. Section 8(b) and Public Law 108-
188, The Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(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 respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

Sheleen Dumas,
Departmental PRA Lead, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-23147 Filed 10-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-07-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 25, 2017 / Notices 49313

line connections to the toll-free SUMMARY: The Department of or the Republic of the Marshall Islands
telephone number. Persons with hearing Commerce, as part of its continuing during or after 1986, and from the
impairments may also follow the effort to reduce paperwork and Republic of Palau during or after 1994.
proceedings by first calling the Federal respondent burden, invites the general In order to disburse the appropriated
Relay Service at 1–800–977–8339 and public and other Federal agencies to funds to the affected jurisdictions, the
providing the Service with the take this opportunity to comment on COFA Amendments Act of 2003
conference call number and conference proposed and/or continuing information requires an enumeration of COFA
ID number. collections, as required by the migrants residing within the affected
Members of the public are also Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. jurisdictions no less than every five
entitled to submit written comments; DATES: To ensure consideration, written years. The most recent enumeration of
the comments must be received in the comments must be submitted on or COFA migrants took place in 2013. The
regional office within 30 days following before December 26, 2017. 2013 estimates of COFA migrants were
the meeting. Written comments may be derived using data from the 2010
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments
mailed to the Regional Programs Unit Decennial Census for American Samoa,
to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental
Office, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, CNMI, and Guam, and 2009—2011
Paperwork Clearance Officer,
55 W. Monroe St., Suite 410, Chicago, American Community Survey (ACS)
Department of Commerce, Room 6616,
IL 60615. They may also be faxed to the data for Hawaii. These data sources
14th and Constitution Avenue NW.,
Commission at (312) 353–8324, or were determined by stakeholders to
Washington, DC 20230 (or via the
emailed to Carolyn Allen at callen@ produce the most accurate, reliable, and
Internet at PRAcomments@doc.gov).
usccr.gov. Persons who desire cost-effective estimates for the purposes
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: of the 2013 enumeration. The next
additional information may contact the
Requests for additional information or enumeration is set to take place in 2018.
Regional Programs Unit Office at (312)
copies of the information collection The Department of the Interior has
353–8311.
instrument(s) and instructions should provided the Census Bureau funding for
Records generated from this meeting
be directed to Oliver P. Fischer via U.S. the work required to produce the
may be inspected and reproduced at the
Census Bureau, 4600 Silver Hill Road, estimates.
Regional Programs Unit Office, as they
Room 6H189, Washington, DC 20233, or The Census Bureau proposes that the
become available, both before and after
(301) 763.6249, or by email at 2018 Estimates of COFA migrants follow
the meeting. Records of the meeting will
oliver.p.fischer@census.gov. the methodology used to produce the
be available via www.facadatabase.gov
under the Commission on Civil Rights, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 2008 Estimates of COFA migrants. The
Indiana Advisory Committee link approach is three-pronged due to
I. Abstract
(http://www.facadatabase.gov/ differences between the jurisdictions in
The U.S. Census Bureau plans to overall population, expected number of
committee/meetings.aspx?cid=247).
request clearance from the Office of COFA migrants, and currently available
Persons interested in the work of this
Management and Budget to survey data.
Committee are directed to the
residents of Guam and the The methodology consists of the
Commission’s Web site, http://
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana following:
www.usccr.gov, or may contact the
Islands (CNMI) to collect basic 1. Conduct independent sample
Regional Programs Unit Office at the
demographic data to meet the needs of surveys for CNMI and Guam. Field
above email or street address.
the Compact of Free Association enumeration will be required for CNMI
Agenda (COFA). and Guam since the Census Bureau has
The COFA defines the relationship no other reliable up-to-date
Welcome and Roll Call between the United States Government demographic data source for these areas
Discussion: Project Proposal on Voting
and the Federated States of Micronesia, beyond the 2010 Decennial Census. The
Rights in Indiana
the Republic of the Marshall Islands, survey for CNMI will only include
Discussion: Substantive and Logistical
and the Republic of Palau. The COFA Saipan since the 2010 Decennial Census
Questions for the Public Meeting
Public Comment became effective for the Republic of the data indicates low numbers of COFA
Future Plans and Actions Marshall Islands and the Federated migrants living in others parts of CNMI.
Adjournment States of Micronesia in 1986 and for the The sample surveys will obtain data on
Republic of Palau in 1994. place of birth, residential tenure, age,
Dated: October 19, 2017. The 2003 COFA Amendments Act sex, and relationship to head of
David Mussatt, appropriated $30 million annually in household of all members of selected
Supervisory Chief, Regional Programs Unit. funding ‘‘to aid in defraying costs households. The sample will be
[FR Doc. 2017–23101 Filed 10–24–17; 8:45 am] incurred by affected jurisdictions as a designed to yield estimates with a
BILLING CODE P result of increased demands. . .due to margin of error similar to that of three
the residence in affected jurisdictions of years of ACS data.
qualified nonimmigrants from the 2. Perform special tabulations on a
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Federated States of Micronesia, the three-year average of results from 2015
Republic of the Marshall Islands, and to 2017 ACS data to create estimates for
U.S. Census Bureau the Republic of Palau.’’ The ‘‘affected Hawaii (all islands).
jurisdictions’’ in the 2003 COFA 3. Use the 2010 Decennial Census
Proposed Information Collection; results for American Samoa, and
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

Amendments Act are American Samoa,
Comment Request; 2018 Estimates of CNMI, Guam, and Hawaii. CNMI’s Rota and Tinian islands as
Compact of Free Association (COFA) COFA migrants (also referred to as estimates of the 2018 counts. It would
Migrants qualified nonimmigrants) are migrants, not be cost effective to conduct an
AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, or their children under the age of 18, independent survey in these areas due
Commerce. admitted or resident in one of the to the low numbers of COFA migrants
affected jurisdictions, who migrated as indicated by the 2010 Decennial
ACTION: Notice.
from the Federated States of Micronesia Census and the negligible impact these

VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:06 Oct 24, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25OCN1.SGM 25OCN1

49314 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 25, 2017 / Notices

low numbers will have on the overall they also will become a matter of public The Assistant Secretary for
distribution of the $30 million in record. Administration, with the concurrence of
Compact funds. the delegate of the General Counsel,
Sheleen Dumas,
formally determined on February 27,
II. Method of Collection Departmental PRA Lead, Office of the Chief 2017, pursuant to Section 10(d) of the
Information Officer.
In Guam, approximately 45 sample Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
[FR Doc. 2017–23147 Filed 10–24–17; 8:45 am]
blocks totaling about 3,300 sample amended (5 U.S.C. app. 2 (l0)(d))), that
BILLING CODE 3510–07–P the portion of the meeting concerning
addresses will be listed and
enumerated. In CNMI, approximately 30 trade secrets and commercial or
sample blocks totaling about 2,000 financial information deemed privileged
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
sample addresses will be listed and or confidential as described in 5 U.S.C.
enumerated. The data will be collected Bureau of Industry and Security 552b(c)(4) and the portion of the
via in-person interviews. A content re- meeting concerning matters the
interview will be conducted to assess Information Systems Technical disclosure of which would be likely to
the accuracy and reliability of the data Advisory Committee: Notice of frustrate significantly implementation of
collected. For the re-interview, a sample Partially Closed Meeting—Revised an agency action as described in 5
of approximately 400 respondents will U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B) shall be exempt
The Information Systems Technical from the provisions relating to public
be selected and contacted for a follow-
Advisory Committee (ISTAC) will meet meetings found in 5 U.S.C. app. 2
up interview via a telephone number
on November 1 and 2, 2017, 9:00 a.m., 10(a)(1) and l0(a)(3). The remaining
they provided during the original
in the Herbert C. Hoover Building, portions of the meeting will be open to
interview.
Room 3884, 14th Street between the public.
III. Data Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues For more information, call Yvette
NW., Washington, DC. The Committee Springer at (202) 482–2813.
OMB Control Number: 0607–XXXX. advises the Office of the Assistant
Form Number(s): XXXX. Secretary for Export Administration on Yvette Springer,
Type of Review: Regular submission. technical questions that affect the level Committee Liaison Officer.
of export controls applicable to [FR Doc. 2017–23220 Filed 10–24–17; 8:45 am]
Affected Public: Residents of Guam
information systems equipment and BILLING CODE 3510–JT––P
and CNMI.
technology.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
Approximately 4,770 respondents. Wednesday, November 1 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Estimated Time per Response: 32 Open Session
minutes. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
1. Welcome and Introductions Administration
Estimated Total Annual Burden 2. Working Group Reports
Hours: 2,544. 3. Old Business RIN 0648–XF329
Estimated Total Annual Cost to 4. Industry Presentations: Basic Buffer
Overflows Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to
Public: There is no cost to the Specified Activities; Taking Marine
respondents other than their time. 5. NIST IoT Cybersecurity Program
6. New business Mammals Incidental to a Low-Energy
Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. Geophysical Survey in the
Thursday, November 2 Northeastern Pacific Ocean
Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C.
Section 8(b) and Public Law 108–188, Closed Session AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
The Compact of Free Association 6. Discussion of matters determined to Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Amendments Act of 2003. be exempt from the provisions Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
IV. Request for Comments relating to public meetings found in Commerce.
5 U.S.C. app. 2 10(a)(1) and 10(a)(3). ACTION: Notice; Issuance of an Incidental
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether The open session will be accessible Harassment Authorization.
the proposed collection of information via teleconference to 20 participants on
is necessary for the proper performance a first come, first serve basis. To join the SUMMARY: In accordance with the
of the functions of the agency, including conference, submit inquiries to Ms. regulations implementing the Marine
whether the information shall have Yvette Springer at Yvette.Springer@ Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the bis.doc.gov, no later than October 25, amended, notification is hereby given
agency’s estimate of the burden 2017. that NMFS has issued an incidental
(including hours and cost) of the A limited number of seats will be harassment authorization (IHA) to the
proposed collection of information; (c) available for the public session. Scripps Institution of Oceanography
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and Reservations are not accepted. To the (SIO) to incidentally harass, by Level A
clarity of the information to be extent time permits, members of the and Level B harassment, marine
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the public may present oral statements to mammals during a low-energy marine
burden of the collection of information the Committee. The public may submit geophysical survey in the northeastern
on respondents, including through the written statements at any time before or Pacific Ocean.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

use of automated collection techniques after the meeting. However, to facilitate DATES: This Authorization is valid from
or other forms of information distribution of public presentation September 22, 2017, through September
technology. materials to Committee members, the 19, 2018.
Comments submitted in response to Committee suggests that public FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
this notice will be summarized and/or presentation materials or comments be Jordan Carduner, Office of Protected
included in the request for OMB forwarded before the meeting to Ms. Resources, NMFS, (301) 427–8401.
approval of this information collection; Springer. Electronic copies of the application and

VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:06 Oct 24, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25OCN1.SGM 25OCN1

Document Created: 2017-10-25 01:17:58
Document Modified: 2017-10-25 01:17:58

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		To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on or before December 26, 2017.
Contact		Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Oliver P. Fischer via U.S. Census Bureau, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Room 6H189, Washington, DC 20233, or (301) 763.6249, or by email at [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 49313

82 FR 49313 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2018 Estimates of Compact of Free Association (COFA) Migrants

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCEU.S. Census Bureau

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 205 (October 25, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
U.S. Census Bureau