Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
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Abstract
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 162 (Monday, August 24, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 162 (Monday, August 24, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54709-54713]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17208]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
[OMB 3060-XXXX; FR ID 363169]
Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to
Office of Management and Budget
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Notice; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens,
as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general
public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment
on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business
Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it
might further reduce the information collection burden for small
business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any
penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject
to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
DATES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be submitted on or before September 23,
2026.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular information collection by selecting
``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using
the search function. Your comment must be submitted into
<a href="http://www.reginfo.gov">www.reginfo.gov</a> per the above instructions for it to be considered. In
addition to submitting in <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov">www.reginfo.gov</a> also send a copy of your
comment on the proposed information collection to Nicole Ongele, FCC,
via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f1a1a3b0b1979292df969e87"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c191938081a7a2a2efa6aeb7">[email protected]</span></a> and to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#440a2d272b28216a0b2a23212821042227276a232b32"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2eccbc1cdcec78cedccc5c7cec7e2c4c1c18cc5cdd4">[email protected]</span></a>. Include in the
comments the OMB control number as shown in the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies
of the information collection, contact Nicole Ongele at (202) 418-2991.
To view a copy of this information collection request (ICR) submitted
to OMB: (1) go to the web page <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>, (2) look for the section of the web page called ``Currently
Under Review,'' (3) click on the downward-pointing arrow in the
``Select Agency'' box below the ``Currently Under Review'' heading, (4)
select ``Federal Communications Commission'' from the list of agencies
presented in the ``Select Agency'' box, (5) click the ``Submit'' button
to the right of the ``Select Agency'' box, (6) when the list of FCC
ICRs currently under review appears, look for the Title of this ICR and
then click on the ICR Reference Number. A copy of the FCC submission to
OMB will be displayed.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As part of its continuing effort to reduce
paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the FCC invited the general public and
other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the
following information collection. Comments are requested concerning:
(a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the
proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including
[[Page 54710]]
whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy
of the Commission's burden estimates; (c) ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of information on the
respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology. Pursuant to the Small Business
Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(4), the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might further
reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns
with fewer than 25 employees.
OMB Control Number: 3060-XXXX.
Title: Modernizing Suspension and Debarment Rules.
Form Number: N/A.
Type of Review: New information collection.
Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Individuals or
households; State, local, or tribal governments; Not-for-profit
institutions.
Number of Respondents and Responses: 75,255 unique
respondents;170,259 unique responses.
Estimated Time per Response: 1-2 hours.
Frequency of Response: Annual, on occasion reporting requirements
and third party disclosure requirements.
Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The
statutory authority for these information collections are contained in
sections 1, 2, 4(i), 4(j), 218, 225, 254, 403, 715, and 719 of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and section 904 of Division N,
Title IX of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-
260, 134 Stat. 1182, as amended by section 60502 of Division F, Title V
of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58, 135
Stat. 429 (2021), 47 U.S.C. 151, 152, 154, 218, 225, 254, 403, 616, and
620.
Total Annual Burden: 244,185 hours.
Total Annual Cost: No Cost.
Needs and Uses: On March 26, 2026, the Commission adopted the
Modernizing Suspension and Debarment Rules Report & Order, adopting a
revised suspension and debarment framework that allows the Commission
to promptly and efficiently exclude or otherwise limit bad actors'
participation in Congressionally-mandated funding programs, such as the
Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Telecommunications Relay Services
(TRS) program. These programs provide significant funding to close the
digital divide and ensure that all Americans have access to
communications services.
The Report and Order adopted the governmentwide Office of
Management and Budget Governmentwide Guidelines on Debarment and
Suspension, as well as supplemental rules tailored to the FCC's
programs. To promote transparency and safeguard these critical programs
from waste, fraud, and abuse, the Report and Order implements, in
pertinent part, several reporting and third-party disclosure
requirements consistent with the OMB Guidelines.
These new rules are new information collection requirements which
are as follows:
a. Section 6001.335 Disclosures. Pursuant to 2 CFR 180.335 and 2
CFR 6001.335, all program participants must disclose prior misconduct
to other participants with whom they are doing or seek to do business,
the program administrators, and the Commission. Generally, these
disclosures are required at the time program participants enter into
covered transactions to ensure that all interested parties are making
informed business decisions and conducting business only with
participants that are presently responsible. Participants must
disclose, under penalty of perjury, if they are presently excluded or
disqualified, have been convicted of offenses listed in in section
180.800(a), are presently indicted or otherwise criminally or civilly
charged with such offenses, or have had one or more public transactions
terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default.
Additionally, pursuant to 2 CFR 180.335 and 2 CFR 6001.335, if no
disclosures are required, participants must so certify under penalty of
perjury that no disclosures are required under the suspension and
debarment rules. We anticipate that these ``no response required''
certifications will be included on existing forms for each program (as
described in subparts (e) through (k) below).
b. Section 6001.120(a) Disclosure. To ensure the Commission's own
compliance with the prohibition in 2 CFR 180.400 on entering into
covered transactions with people that are currently suspended or
debarred, the rules require FCC program participants that are presently
excluded on the effective date of these rules to notify the Commission
of their status.
c. Section 6001.120(b) Disclosure. Likewise, to the extent that FCC
program participants are later suspended or debarred by another federal
agency, those excluded participants are required to notify the
Commission of such exclusion within 30 days.
d. Section 6001.330(a) Third Party Compliance Certification.
Consistent with 2 CFR 180.330, the Report and Order requires program
participants to ensure the people with whom they intend to do business
(including downstream supply chain participants such as contractors,
subcontractors, and consultants) comply with the reporting requirements
as well. The participant can do so by collecting a certification or
including a term or condition to this effect in the transaction.
To monitor compliance with the suspension and debarment rules,
under 2 CFR 6001.435, the Commission may require program participants
to provide an assurance or certify their compliance with the rules at
the time they apply for funding or request disbursements from
Commission programs (as a condition of participation). For the programs
listed below, the Commission will require certifications and collect
them through existing FCC forms which are already submitted by program
participants as described below.
e. Part 6001 Compliance Certification (Lifeline)--As detailed in
OMB Control No. 3060-0819, service providers participating in the
Lifeline program are required to submit an annual FCC Form 481 (Annual
Reporting for High-Cost and Low-Income Universal Service Support
Recipients) to report on and certify to program requirements. To
monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of the Commission's rules,
service providers participating in the Lifeline program will be
required to provide an assurance or certify compliance with section
6001.435 when they file their FCC Form 481 each year. Likewise, unless
required to file an affirmative disclosure pursuant to section
6001.335, service providers will be required to certify that no
response pursuant to section 6001.335 was required. In addition,
service providers will be required to certify that they have ensured
the people they have engaged in business with (including downstream
supply chain participants, such as a contractor, subcontractor, or
consultant) have complied with the reporting requirements set forth in
section 6001.330(a) of the Commission's rules.
f. Part 6001 Compliance Certification (RHC)--
Health Care Provider and Consortium Applicant: As detailed in OMB
Control No. 3060-0804, applicants are required to submit an annual FCC
Form 462 (Request for Funding) or FCC Form 466 (Request for Funding) to
request funding for eligible services and equipment in the Rural Health
Care program.
[[Page 54711]]
Applicants must provide certifications along with their FCC Form 462 or
466. To monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of the Commission's
rules, applicants will be required to provide an assurance or certify
their compliance with section 6001.435 when they file their FCC Form
462 or 466 funding application. Likewise, unless required to file an
affirmative disclosure pursuant to section 6001.335, participants will
be required to certify that no response pursuant to section 6001.335
was required. In addition, applicants will be required to certify that
they have ensured the people they have engaged in business with
(including downstream supply chain participants, such as a contractor,
subcontractor, or consultant) have complied with the reporting
requirements set forth in section 6001.330(a) of the Commission's
rules.
Consortium Member Applicant: As detailed in OMB Control No. 3060-
0804, consortium members in the Rural Health Care program are required
to submit a Letter of Agency to their consortium lead to authorize the
consortium lead to file forms on their behalf. To monitor compliance
under section 6001.435 of the Commission's rules, consortium members
will be required to provide an assurance of their compliance with
section 6001.435 when they submit their Letter of Agency. Likewise,
unless required to file an affirmative disclosure pursuant to section
6001.335, participants will be required to certify that no response
pursuant to section 6001.335 was required. In addition, consortium
members will be required to confirm that they have ensured the people
they have engaged in business with (including downstream supply chain
participants, such as a contractor, subcontractor, or consultant) have
complied with the reporting requirements set forth in section
6001.330(a) of the Commission's rules.
Service Providers: As detailed in OMB Control No. 3060-0804,
service providers participating in the Rural Health Care program are
required to certify on an FCC Form 463 (Request for Funding
Disbursement) or FCC Form 469 (Invoice and Request for Disbursement)
that requests for reimbursement are compliant with the Commission's
rules. To monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of the Commission's
rules, service providers will be required to provide an assurance or
certify their compliance with section 6001.435 when they certify an FCC
Form 463 or FCC Form 469. Likewise, unless required to file an
affirmative disclosure pursuant to section 6001.335, participants will
be required to certify that no response pursuant to section 6001.335
was required. In addition, applicants will be required to certify that
they have ensured the people they have engaged in business with
(including downstream supply chain participants, such as a contractor,
subcontractor, or consultant) have complied with the reporting
requirements set forth in section 6001.330(a) of the Commission's
rules.
g. Part 6001 Compliance Certification (E-Rate)--
School, Library, and Consortium Applicant: As detailed in OMB
Control No. 3060-0806, applicants are required to submit an annual FCC
Form 471 (Schools and Libraries Program Services Ordered and
Certification Form) to request funding for eligible services and
equipment in the E-Rate program. Applicants must provide certifications
along with their FCC Form 471. These certifications are required to
protect the integrity of the E-Rate program and to ensure compliance
with Commission's rules. See 47 CFR 54.504(a)(1). To monitor compliance
under section 6001.435 of the Commission's rules, applicants will be
required to provide an assurance or certify their compliance with
section 6001.435 when they file their FCC Form 471 funding application.
Likewise, unless required to file an affirmative disclosure pursuant to
section 6001.335, participants will be required to certify that no
response pursuant to section 6001.335 was required. In addition,
applicants will be required to certify that they have ensured the
people they have engaged in business with (including downstream supply
chain participants, such as a contractor, subcontractor, or consultant)
have complied with the reporting requirements set forth in section
6001.330(a) of the Commission's rules.
Consortium Member Applicant: As detailed in OMB Control No. 3060-
0853, consortium members in the E-Rate program are required to submit
an annual FCC Form 479 (Certification by Administrative Authority to
Billed Entity of Compliance with Children's internet Protection Act
(CIPA) Form) to their consortium lead to certify their compliance with
CIPA requirements. To monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of the
Commission's rules, consortium members will be required to provide an
assurance or certify their compliance with section 6001.435 when they
submit their FCC Form 479. Likewise, unless required to file an
affirmative disclosure pursuant to section 6001.335, participants will
be required to certify that no response pursuant to section 6001.335
was required. In addition, consortium members will be required to
certify that they have ensured the people they have engaged in business
with (including downstream supply chain participants, such as a
contractor, subcontractor, or consultant) have complied with the
reporting requirements set forth in section 6001.330(a) of the
Commission's rules.
Service Providers: As detailed in OMB Control No. 3060-0856,
service providers participating in the E-Rate program are required to
submit an annual FCC Form 474 (Service Provider Annual Certification
Form) to certify their requests for reimbursement are compliant with
the Commission's rules. These certifications are required to protect
the integrity of the E-Rate program and ensure compliance with the
Commission's rules. To monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of the
Commission's rules, service providers will be required to provide an
assurance or certify their compliance with section 6001.435 when they
file their FCC Form 474. Likewise, unless required to file an
affirmative disclosure pursuant to section 6001.335, participants will
be required to certify that no response pursuant to section 6001.335
was required. In addition, applicants will be required to certify that
they have ensured the people they have engaged in business with
(including downstream supply chain participants, such as a contractor,
subcontractor, or consultant) have complied with the reporting
requirements set forth in section 6001.330(a) of the Commission's
rules.
h. Part 6001 Compliance Certification (Cybersecurity Pilot
Program)--
School, Library, and Consortium Applicant, and Consortium Member
Participants: As detailed in OMB Control No. 3060-1323, participants
are required to submit an annual amended Pilot FCC Form 484--
Cybersecurity (Schools and Libraries Pilot Program Application) to
update information provided in the first and second parts of the FCC
Form 484 and respond to new annual data reporting requirements (i.e.,
the third part of the Pilot FCC Form 484). Participants must provide
certifications along with their annual amended Pilot FCC Form 484
(third part)--Cybersecurity. These certifications mirror the
certifications in the second part of the Pilot FCC Form 484 and are
required to protect the integrity of the Cybersecurity Pilot Program
and to ensure compliance with the Commission's rules. See 47 CFR
54.2004(d)(2)(i)-(vii). To monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of
[[Page 54712]]
the Commission's rules, participants will be required to provide an
assurance or certify their compliance with section 6001.435 when they
file their Pilot FCC Form 484 (third part)--Cybersecurity annual
reporting application. Likewise, unless required to file an affirmative
disclosure pursuant to section 6001.335, participants will be required
to certify that no response pursuant to section 6001.335 was required.
In addition, participants will be required to certify that they have
ensured the people they have engaged in business with (including
downstream supply chain participants, such as a contractor,
subcontractor, or consultant) have complied with the reporting
requirements set forth in section 6001.330(a) of the Commission's
rules.
Service Providers: As detailed in OMB Control No. 3060-1323,
service providers participating in the Cybersecurity Pilot Program are
required to submit a Pilot FCC Form(s) 474--Cybersecurity (Schools and
Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program Request for Reimbursement) to
certify their requests for reimbursement are compliant with the
Commission's rules. These certifications are required to protect the
integrity of the Cybersecurity Pilot Program and ensure compliance with
the Commission's rules. To monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of
the Commission's rules, service providers will be required to provide
an assurance or certify their compliance with section 6001.435 when
they file their Pilot FCC Form(s) 474--Cybersecurity. Likewise, unless
required to file an affirmative disclosure pursuant to section
6001.335, service providers will be required to certify that no
response pursuant to section 6001.335 was required. In addition,
service providers will be required to certify that they have ensured
the people they have engaged in business with (including downstream
supply chain participants, such as a contractor, subcontractor, or
consultant) have complied with the reporting requirements set forth in
section 6001.330(a) of the Commission's rules.
i. Part 6001 Compliance Certification (High-Cost)--As detailed in
OMB Control No. 3060-0986, service providers participating in the high-
cost programs are required to submit an annual FCC Form 481 (Annual
Reporting for High-Cost and Low-Income Universal Service Support
Recipients) to report on and certify to program requirements. To
monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of the Commission's rules,
service providers participating in the high-cost programs will be
required to provide an assurance or certify that they complied with
section 6001.435 when they file their FCC Form 481 each year. Likewise,
unless required to file an affirmative disclosure pursuant to section
6001.335, participants will be required to certify that no response
pursuant to section 6001.335 was required. In addition, service
providers will be required to certify that they have ensured the people
they have engaged in business with (including downstream supply chain
participants, such as a contractor, subcontractor, or consultant) have
complied with the reporting requirements set forth in section
6001.330(a) of the Commission's rules.
j. Part 6001 Compliance Certification (TRS)--As detailed in OMB
Control No. 3060-1089 (Structure and Practices of the Video Relay
Service Program; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech
Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, CG
Docket Nos. 10-51 & 03-123), the Commission requires applications for
State TRS program certification and applications for internet-based TRS
provider certification. The applications for State TRS program
certification must be submitted in narrative form and clearly describe
the state program and the procedures and remedies for enforcing the
state program requirements. To certify the State TRS program, the
application must establish that the state program meets or exceeds the
operational, technical, and functional minimum standards codified in 47
CFR 64.604. Applications for internet-based TRS provider certification
must be in narrative form and provide full and detailed information
that shows its ability to comply with the Commission's rules.
Applications must include a description of the forms of TRS to be
provided and a detailed description of how the applicant will meet the
minimum standards applicable to each form of TRS offered, including
documentary and other evidence; a description of the provider's
complaint process; a statement that the provider will file annual
compliance reports demonstrating continued compliance; and a
certification from the chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial
officer (CFO), or other senior executive with first-hand knowledge of
the accuracy and completeness of the information provided that all
application information required under the Commission's rules and
orders has been provided, and that all statements of fact, as well as
all documentation contained in the application submission, are true,
accurate, and complete.
To monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of the Commission's
rules, TRS providers participating in the TRS program will be required
to provide an assurance or certify that they complied with section
6001.435 when they file their application each year. Likewise, unless
required to file an affirmative disclosure pursuant to section
6001.335, participants will be required to certify that no response
pursuant to section 6001.335 was required. In addition, TRS providers
will be required to certify that they have ensured the people they have
engaged in business with (including downstream supply chain
participants, such as a contractor, subcontractor, or consultant) have
complied with the reporting requirements set forth in section
6001.330(a) of the Commission's rules.
k. Part 6001 Compliance Certification (NDBEDP)--As detailed in OMB
Control No. 3060-1225 (National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution
Program), the Commission certifies a single entity for each state, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands--a total of 56
jurisdictions--to receive reimbursement from the TRS Fund for NDBEDP
activities. Applications must contain sufficient detail to demonstrate
the entity's ability to meet all criteria required for certification
and a commitment to comply with all Commission requirements governing
the NDBEDP. Applicants for certification must disclose to the
Commission certain circumstances that pose an actual or potential
conflict of interest and the steps it will take to eliminate the
conflict or minimize the associated risks. The Commission determines
whether to grant certification based on the ability of a program to
meet the criteria required for certification, either directly or in
coordination with other programs or entities, as evidenced in the
application and any supplemental materials, including letters of
recommendation.
To monitor compliance under section 6001.435 of the Commission's
rules, NDBEDP providers participating in the NDBEDP program will be
required to provide an assurance or certify that they complied with
section 6001.435 when they file their application each year. Likewise,
unless required to file an affirmative disclosure pursuant to section
6001.335, participants will be required to certify that no response
pursuant to section 6001.335 was required. In addition, NDBEDP
providers will be required to certify that
[[Page 54713]]
they have ensured the people they have engaged in business with
(including downstream supply chain participants, such as a contractor,
subcontractor, or consultant) have complied with the reporting
requirements set forth in section 6001.330(a) of the Commission's
rules.
For all of the programs discussed above, the information collected
by the Commission will be used by agency staff and the program
administrators that organize the day-to-day operations of the covered
programs under the agency's supervision to monitor compliance with
program rules, better detect waste, fraud, and abuse in Commission
programs, and ensure bad actors are not able to participate in covered
transactions from the outset. Given requirements to disclose
information to other primary and lower tier participants, these
requirements will also help inform more financially responsible
decisions by those participating in Commission programs.
Specifically, under 2 CFR 6001.120, the notification that a program
participant is currently or has been previously excluded by another
agency will ensure Commission staff responsible for entering into new
covered transactions and approving applications will not distribute
federal funds to participants that are presently excluded, and
therefore, ineligible. Likewise, the disclosure of past misconduct will
provide agency staff with pertinent information to consider when
evaluating whether to approve or reject new requests for funding. This
information is critical to ensuring that the federal government is only
conducting business with participants that are presently responsible
and do not negatively affect the public interest. Failure to submit
accurate disclosures may also be grounds for additional administrative
action, including, but not limited to, suspension and debarment.
Similarly, certifications are one of the primary mechanisms for
monitoring compliance with the regulatory framework. Compliance with
the suspension and debarment rules are conditions of receiving payment
from Commission programs. These certifications from program
participants allow Commission staff that administer the covered
programs and process applications to quickly determine whether
participants have satisfied the conditions precedent before
distributing federal funds. In turn, the certifications required by
program participants of downstream participants will also allow the
people who conduct business directly with the government to ensure that
their other business relationships are compliant with the suspension
and debarment rules.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2026-17208 Filed 8-21-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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</html>This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.