Notice2023-20667
Information Collection Request; Certified State Mediation Program
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 25, 2023
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentFarm Service Agency
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on a revision of a currently approved information collection that supports the Certified State Mediation Program. The information collection is necessary to ensure that the grant program is administered properly. The collection of information is used to determine whether participants meet the eligibility requirements to be a recipient of grant funds. Lack of adequate information to make the determination could result in the improper administration of Federal grant funds.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 184 (Monday, September 25, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 184 (Monday, September 25, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65650-65651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-20667]
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Notices
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 184 / Monday, September 25, 2023 /
Notices
[[Page 65650]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
[Docket ID FSA-2023-0019]
Information Collection Request; Certified State Mediation Program
AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.
ACTION: Notice; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Farm
Service Agency (FSA) is requesting comments from all interested
individuals and organizations on a revision of a currently approved
information collection that supports the Certified State Mediation
Program. The information collection is necessary to ensure that the
grant program is administered properly. The collection of information
is used to determine whether participants meet the eligibility
requirements to be a recipient of grant funds. Lack of adequate
information to make the determination could result in the improper
administration of Federal grant funds.
DATES: We will consider comments we receive by November 24, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by the following method: Federal
eRulemaking Portal; Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and search for
Docket ID FSA-2023-0019. You may also send comments to the Desk Officer
for Agriculture, Office of the Information and Regulatory Affairs,
Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503. Comments will be
available for public inspection online at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy Jones, by telephone: 202-720-
6771; or by email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#05717764667c2b6f6a6b607645707661642b626a73"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f2868093918bdc989d9c9781b287819693dc959d84">[email protected]</span></a>. Individuals who require
alternative means of communication should contact the USDA TARGET
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and text telephone (TTY)) or dial 711
for Telecommunications Relay Service (both voice and text telephone
users can initiate this call from any telephone).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Certified State Mediation Program (7 CFR 785).
OMB Control Number: 0560-0165.
Expiration Date of Approval: January 31, 2024.
Type of Request: Revision.
Abstract: FSA administers the Certified State Mediation Program
(Program) according to Subtitles A of the Title V of the Agricultural
Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5101-5106). To effectively administer the
Program, FSA requires an application for recertification, which
includes submission of a letter from the State, a letter from the
grantee, SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and SF-425. Approved grantees
provide a mid-year report as well as an annual report that includes
information on mediation services provided during the preceding Federal
fiscal year, assessment of the performance and effectiveness of the
State's Program, and any other matters related to the Program as the
State elects to include. In addition, approved grantees complete SF-270
to request either advance funding or reimbursement of expenses already
paid. The information requested is necessary for FSA to determine the
grantee's eligibility and administer the Program effectively.
The total annual burden of 2,898 hours and the respondents of 42
did not change since the last OMB submission. However, the increased
responses of 126 was omitted by error in the calculation previously for
the estimated number of unduplicated responses to average, four
responses per respondent. Those respondents would provide one mid-year
report, one annual report, one request for Recertification, and
submitting a Request for Advance or Reimbursement (SF-270), at least
one time per fiscal year.
For the following estimated total annual burden on respondents, the
formula used to calculate the total burden hours is the estimated
average time per response multiplied by the estimated total annual
responses.
Estimate of Average Time to Respond: Public reporting burden for
collecting information under this notice is estimated to average 5.75
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and reviewing the collections of information.
Type of Respondents: State.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 42.
Estimated Average Number of Responses per Respondent: 12.
Estimated Total Annual Responses: 504.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,898 hours.
The purpose of this notice is to request comments from the public
(as well as affected agencies) concerning the information collection
request. The comments will help us:
(1) Evaluate 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;
(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden of the
collection of information including the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used;
(3) Evaluate the quality, utility and clarity of the information
technology; and
(4) Minimize the burden of the information collection on those who
respond through the use of appropriate 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 where provided, will be made a matter of public record.
Comments will be summarized and included in the submission for Office
of Management and Budget approval.
USDA Non-Discrimination Policy
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital
status, family or parental status, income derived from a public
assistance program, political
[[Page 65651]]
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in
any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases
apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by
program or incident.
Individuals who require alternative means of communication for
program information (for example, braille, large print, audiotape,
American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or
the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and text telephone
(TTY)) or dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (both voice and
text telephone users can initiate this call from any telephone).
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages
other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at <a href="https://ww.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint">https://ww.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint</a> and
at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in
the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy
of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form
or letter to USDA by: (1) mail to: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3)
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#deaeacb1b9acbfb3f0b7b0aabfb5bb9eabadbabff0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9eeeecf1f9ecfff3b0f7f0eafff5fbdeebedfaffb0f9f1e8">[email protected]</span></a>.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Zach Ducheneaux,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. 2023-20667 Filed 9-22-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-E2-P
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