83 FR 19685 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Requirements for Approved Construction Investments

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 87 (May 4, 2018)

The Economic Development Administration (EDA or the Agency), Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on a proposed extension of an information collection request approved through September 30, 2018, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA).

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 87 (Friday, May 4, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19685-19686]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09537]



[[Page 19685]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Requirements 
for Approved Construction Investments

AGENCY: Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA or the Agency), 
Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce 
paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other 
Federal agencies to comment on a proposed extension of an information 
collection request approved through September 30, 2018, as required by 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 3, 2018.

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 email at 
[email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Bernadette Grafton, Program Analyst, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, Economic Development Administration Performance and National 
Programs Division, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Suite 71030, 
Washington, DC 20230 (or via email at [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The mission of the EDA is to lead the federal economic development 
agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American 
regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA 
accomplishes this mission by helping states, regions, and communities 
through capacity building, planning, infrastructure, research grants, 
and strategic initiatives. Further information on EDA's program and 
grant opportunities can be found at www.eda.gov.
    EDA may award assistance for construction projects through its 
Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Programs. Public 
Works Program investments help support the construction or 
rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure and facilities 
necessary to generate or retain private sector jobs and investments, 
attract private sector capital, and promote vibrant economic 
ecosystems, regional competitiveness and innovation. The EAA Program 
provides a wide range of technical, planning and infrastructure 
assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes that may 
occur suddenly or over time.
    In order to effectively administer and monitor its economic 
development assistance programs, EDA collects certain information from 
applications for, and recipients of, EDA investment assistance. Through 
this notice, EDA seeks comments from the public and other Federal 
agencies on a request for an extension of the series of checklists and 
templates (formerly referred to as the ``bluebook'') that constitute 
EDA's post-approval construction tools and the Standard Terms and 
Conditions for Construction Projects. These checklists and templates, 
as well as any special conditions incorporated into the terms and 
conditions at the time of award, supplement the requirements that apply 
to EDA-funded construction projects. This information collection is 
scheduled to expire on September 30, 2018.

II. Method of Collection

    The checklists and templates are collected via both paper and 
electronic submissions. These checklists and templates, as well as any 
special conditions incorporated into the terms and conditions at the 
time of award, supplement the requirements that apply to EDA-funded 
construction projects.
    As a part of this renewal process, EDA plans to make clarifying 
edits to the series of checklists and templates, including updates 
necessitated by issuance of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, 
Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards as set forth 
in 2 CFR part 200. The edits will also increase the clarity of the 
provided instructions and thus facilitate timely completion by the 
recipient and approval by EDA. None of the edits are expected to 
increase the time burden on the respondent nor do the modifications 
change the type of information collected.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0610-0096.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission; revision of a currently 
approved collection.
    Affected Public: Current recipients of EDA construction (Public 
Works or Economic Assistance Adjustment) awards, to include (1) cities 
or other political subdivisions of a state, including a special purpose 
unit of state or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure 
development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (2) 
states; (3) institutions of higher education or a consortium of 
institutions of higher education; (4) public or private non-profit 
organizations or associations; (5) District Organizations; and (6) 
Indian Tribes or a consortia of Indian Tribes.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,200.
    Estimated Time per Response: 2 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 8,400 hours.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Number of          Hours per       Total estimated
                   Type of submission                       submissions         submission           hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
600 open construction grants...........................                  7            2 hours              8,400
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

IV. Request for Comments

    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.), 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 may be included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of

[[Page 19686]]

this information collection; they also will become a matter of public 
record.

Sheleen Dumas,
Departmental Lead PRA Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-09537 Filed 5-3-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-34-P