SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Plant Protection and Quarantine; Customer Satisfaction Surveys.

OMB Number: 0579-XXXX.

Type of Request: Approval of a new information collection.

Abstract: In 2003, the Plant Health Programs (PHP) unit, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, obtained from the International Organization of Standardization (ISO, a nongovernmental worldwide network of national standards institutes) certification in the ISO 9001:2000 standard for its permit services. The ISO 9001:2000 standard specifies the requirements for a quality management system. To meet the ISO 9001:2000 standard, an organization must demonstrate its ability to consistently provide a product that meets customer quality requirements and applicable regulatory requirements, while aiming to enhance customer satisfaction through effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of its performance.

To remain in compliance with Clause 8.2.1 (Customer Satisfaction) of the ISO 9001:2000 standard, PHP must measure the performance of its quality management system by monitoring customer perception of its service. PHP has determined that the best method for obtaining this information is through the use of performance measurement surveys. Customers will have the option of completing the surveys by telephone, e-mail, or facsimile, or through an automated voice response system. PHP will use responses derived from these surveys to develop new processes and modify existing procedures to provide customers with the optimal level of service.

We are asking OMB to approve our use of these information collection activities for 3 years.

The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public (as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. These comments will help us:

(1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies; e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Estimate of burden: The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.16 hours per response.

Respondents: Persons who require a permit.

Estimated annual number of respondents: 500.

Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 1.

Estimated annual number of responses: 500.

Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 80 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.)

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

72 FR 10631