ARS Seeks Approval for Information Collection Activities

Content

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and Office of

     Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the intention of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to
     seek approval to collect information in support of research and related activities.

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received on or before October 15, 2024 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Address all comments concerning this notice to Jill Lake, ARS Webmaster, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jill Lake, ARS Webmaster, arsweb@usda.gov or 301-504-5683.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Web Forms for Research Data, Models, Materials, and Publications as well as Study and Event Registration.

Type of Request: Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection.

OMB Number: 0518-0032.

Expiration Date: January 31, 2025.

Abstract: Sections 1703 and 1705 of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), (Pub. L. 105-277) title XVII, require agencies
by October 21, 2003, to provide the public with the option of electronic submission of information. To advance GPEA goals,
online forms are needed to allow the public to ask ARS for research data, models, materials, and publications and to register
for scientific studies and events. For the convenience of the public, the forms itemize the information needed to provide
a timely response. ARS will use the information from forms only for the purposes identified.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3 minutes per response (range: 1-5 minutes).

Respondents: Agricultural researchers; students; teachers; businesspeople; members of service organizations; community groups; other Federal,
State, and local government agencies; and the public.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 14,400. This is an increase of 2,800 from the 11,600 estimated respondents in the previous Approved Information Collection
due to an annual increase in actual respondents since the 2021 estimate, as well as 9 more software models available for download.
As of July 2024, 166 software models were available for download through the ARS website https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/software/.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 720 hours.

Copies of forms used in this information collection can be obtained from Jill Lake, ARS Webmaster, arsweb@usda.gov.

ARS is requesting an extension of 3 years for collecting information.

Comments are invited on (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 proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 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 for respondents; this includes using appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. 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.

Marlen Eve, Acting Associate Administrator, ARS. [FR Doc. 2024-18032 Filed 8-13-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-03-P

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