Agency Information Collection Activities: ESTEP Manufacturer Registration Form
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) announces an information collection and seeks public comment on the provisi...
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) announces an information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. The EAC intends to submit this proposed information collection to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for approval. The EAC is publishing an information collecting form for its Election Supporting Technology Evaluation Program (ESTEP). The information collected is to be used to obtain information about election-supporting technology manufacturers under ESTEP certification programs. Participation in this program is voluntary.
DATES:
Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern on Monday, November 16, 2026.
ADDRESSES:
Comments on the proposed Election Supporting Technology Evaluation Program forms should be submitted electronically via
www.regulations.gov
(docket ID: EAC-2026-0266). Written comments on the proposed information collection can also be sent to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 633 3rd Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001, Attn: Election Supporting Technology Evaluation Program.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elizabeth Beatrice, Election Technology Specialist, Election Supporting Technology Evaluation Program, 202-451-2031,
estep@eac.gov.
All requests and submissions should be identified by the title of the information collection.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Titles and OMB Number:
ESTEP Manufacturer Registration; OMB Number 3265-0028.
Purpose
Under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal Agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. “Collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes Agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA requires Federal Agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the
Federal Register
concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, the EAC is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document.
The EAC Election Supporting Technology Evaluation Program evaluates the functionality, security, and accessibility of election-supporting technologies, including electronic poll books, voter registration systems, electronic ballot delivery systems, and election night reporting databases.
The program is publishing the ESTEP Manufacturer Registration form to collect key information about manufacturers seeking to participate in the EAC's Election Supporting Technology Evaluation Program, including ownership information, contact information for management and technical representatives, and information regarding the manufacturer's quality processes.
This information is collected to improve the quality of election-supporting technology used in federal elections.
Public Comments
We are soliciting public comments to permit the EAC to:
Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary and sufficient for the proper functions of the Election Supporting Technology Evaluation Program.
Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of burden for these proposed collections, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
( printed page 58428)
Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
Minimize the reporting burden on those who are responding, including the use of information technology.
Please note that comments submitted in response to this notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.
Respondents:
Election Supporting Technology Manufacturers, State and Local Election Officials.
Annual Reporting Burden
OMB approval is requested for 3 years.
Annual Burden Estimates for ESTEP Manufacturer Registration
Estimated
number of
respondents
Estimated
responses per
respondent
Average
burden hours
per response
Total annual
burden hours
Total annual
cost to
respondents
($78.10/hr)
Initial Registration
3
1
25
2575
$5,857.50
Updated Registration
4
2
2
16
1,249.60
Total
91
7,107.10
Estimated burden in hours
—91
Estimated burden cost
—$7,107.10
Seton Parsons,
Senior Associate Counsel, U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
www.regulations.gov
44 U.S.C. 3501-3520
5 CFR 1320.3(c)