Notice of Proposed Information Collection for Public Comment

The Department will submit the proposed information collection to OMB for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended). This Notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including if the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (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, including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology that will reduce respondent burden (e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses). This Notice also provides the following information: Title of Proposal: Quality Control for Rental Assistance Subsidy Determinations. Description of the Need for Information and Proposed Use: The Department is conducting under contract a study to update its estimates of the extent and type of errors associated with income, rent, and subsidy determinations for the 4.5 million households covered by Public Housing and Section 8 housing subsidies. The QC process involves selecting a nationally representative sample of assisted households to measure the extent and types of errors in rent and income determinations, which in turn cause subsidy errors. On-site tenant interviews, file reviews, and third-party income verifications are conducted. The data obtained are used to identify the most serious problems and their associated costs. HUD program offices are then responsible for designing and implementing corrective actions. Error rates will be compared with error rates from the first QC study, which was completed in 1995, to measure whether corrective actions initiated after the first study have had impacts and if changes in priorities are needed. The first QC study found that about one-half of the errors measured using on-site tenant interviews and file reviews could not be detected with the 50058/50059 form data collected by the Department, which is why HUD and other agencies with means-tested program have determined that on-site reviews and interviews are an essential complement to remote monitoring measures. This study will provide information on the quality of tenant interviewing (e.g., whether they are being asked about all sources of income) and the reliability of eligibility determinations and income verification. It is anticipated successive studies will be done on a two year cycle to provide updates on the nature and extent of errors and the effectiveness of error reduction strategies. Members of the Affected Public: Recipients of Public Housing and Section 8 housing assistance subsidies. Estimation of the Total Number of Hours Needed With Those Surveyed to Conduct the Information Collection, Including Number of Respondents, Frequency of Response, and Hours of Response: The researchers will survey approximately 388 PHA/program sponsor staff about (re)certification procedures, training, interview procedures, and problems encountered in conducting (re)certifications. Although more than one staff member may need to be contacted to obtain answers to all questions, the questionnaire will be administered once at each participating project and the interviews are expected to take less than 35 minutes. Researchers will survey, 2,800 program participants to obtain information on household composition, expenses, and income. The time required for these interviews will vary, but it estimated to require less than 50 minutes per interview. The time estimates provided are based on the first QC survey. This survey will make use of Computer Assisted Interviewing (CAI) questionnaires and equipment, which are being used in part because they are known to reduce interview times. The above interview time estimates are therefore higher than likely actual interview times, but until questionnaire software development is completed we are unable to provide a good estimate of the extent to which interview times will be reduced. Status of the Proposed Information Collection: To be submitted to OMB for approval subsequent to receiving comments from this notice.

Authority: Sec. 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended.

Dated: November 9, 1998. Lawrence L. Thompson, General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. [FR Doc. 98-31105 Filed 11-20-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-62-M