Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding: 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; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments regarding this information collection received by December 4, 2026 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Title: Loan Modernization Initiative.

OMB Control Number: 0570-NEW.

Summary of Collection: Rural Development is launching the transformation of its loan and grant systems that support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities into one modern platform built for the 21st century. With a single customer file, step-by-step intake and eligibility tools, and online payments, this modern platform will manage all current active files in one place, enabling employees to deliver faster service to customers and lending partners.

To further improve customer experience and service delivery for applicants, RD is developing an Online Loan Application for the applicants to submit requests for Direct Loan assistance electronically. Future releases and iterations of the online application software will include expansion of functionality for direct loans, guarantees, and grant making and provide the ability for primary loan servicing application submission.

The use of hard copy applications will continue to be covered in the individual program information collections. However, RD will expect to further decrease the burden hours under individual OMB Control numbers as the functionality and use of the online application software expands, and more applicants shift away from using the hard copy application format.

Initial release of the online application system will be available for RBCS Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program and then RHS Community Facilities programs and RUS Water and Environmental Programs.

Need and Use of the Information: The purpose of the requirements accounted for in this information collection are to ensure that the Agency has the necessary data to make sound financial decisions in regards to its programs. This data also ensures that program funds go only to eligible applicants and projects and allows the Agency to track that recipients stay eligible in accordance with program regulations.

Additionally, to abide by 2 CFR 180.405 & 2 CFR 180.425(b), the Principal of every application will need to supply their SSN to ensure Do Not Pay can be complied with. If the specified principal is not present in the organization's structure, select the highest-ranking executive responsible for the organization's financial operations, fiscal health, and long term financial strategy. Failure to collect this information would not allow the Agency to act in its best interests.

Description of Respondents: Businesses or other for-profits; Farms; Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 485,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 3,287,280.