SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Scientific Exchanges Program application.

OMB Number: 0551-0054.

Expiration Date of Approval: Three years from approval date.

Type of Request: Existing collection in use without an OMB control number.

Abstract: The Scientific Exchanges Program (SEP) supports USDA's agricultural research goals of promoting collaborative programs among agricultural professionals of eligible countries, agricultural professionals of the United States, the international agricultural research system, and U.S. entities conducting research. SEP helps eligible countries by providing scientific training and collaborative research opportunities to early and mid-career scientists, researchers, and policymakers.

To achieve its objectives, SEP relies on the solicitation for qualified program applicants through a written application. FAS Posts provide this application to potential Fellows to assist in determining the adequacy of their candidacy alongside FAS Washington. The application is designed to capture the professional status of the applicant, the applicant's personal contact information, and the applicant's suitability for the program. Thus, the SEP application is an integral tool to Fellowship Programs Division and FAS' strategic goals at large.

In addition to information related to program objectives, the SEP application collects information that may be considered Personal Identifiable Information (PII), including the following: first name, middle name, last name, gender, salutation, birth date, birth city, citizenship country, country of residence, work phone, permanent home address, work address, personal email, work email, and emergency contact information (family contact: name, relationship, home phone, cell phone, and email).

Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for each respondent resulting from information collection under SEP varies in direct relation to the number of fellowships that each respondent participates in.

Type of Respondents: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 165 per annum.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1 per annum.

Estimated Total Annual Burden of Respondents: 165 hours per annum.

Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Kenneth Vernon, the Agency Information Collection Coordinator, at Kenneth.vernon@usda.gov.

Request for Comments: Send comments regarding (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information including validity of the methodology and assumption 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 through the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

All comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. Comments will be available without change, including any personal information provided, for inspection online at www.regulations.gov and at the mail address listed above between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Comments will be summarized and included in the submission for OMB approval.

Persons with disabilities who require an alternative means for communication of information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact FAS-ReasonableAccommodation@usda.gov.

91 FR 57126