[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9422-9423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03979]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business Cooperative Service
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
February 19, 2016.
The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for
[[Page 9423]]
review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public
Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding (1) 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; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including
the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to
enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be
collected; and (4) 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 March
28, 2016 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to:
Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office
Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are
encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to:
[email protected] or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental
Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-
7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-
8958.
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 Service
Title: Intermediary Re-lending Program.
OMB Control Number: 0570-0021.
Summary of Collection: The objective of the Intermediary Relending
Program (IRP) is to improve community facilities and employment
opportunities and increase economic activity in rural areas by
financing business facilities and community development. This purpose
is achieved through loans made by the Rural Business-Cooperative
Service (RBS) to intermediaries that establish programs for the purpose
of providing loans to ultimate recipients for business facilities and
community development. The Community Economic Development Act of 1981
(42 U.S.C. 9812(a), section 623(a)) provides for the Secretary the
authority to make loans to nonprofit entities who will in turn provide
financial assistance to rural businesses to improve business, industry
and employment opportunities as well as provide a diversification of
the economy in rural areas.
Need and Use of the Information: The information requested is
necessary for RBS to process applications in a responsible manner, make
prudent credit and program decisions, and effectively monitor the
intermediaries' activities to protect the Government's financial
interest and ensure that funds obtained from the Government are used
appropriately. Various forms are used to include information to
identify the intermediary, describe the intermediary's experience and
expertise, describe how the intermediary will operate its revolving
loan fund, provide for debt instruments, loan agreements, and security,
and other material necessary for prudent credit decisions and
reasonable program monitoring.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business
or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 240.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 24,580.
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Title: Agriculture Innovation Centers.
OMB Control Number: 0570-0045.
Summary of Collection: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171, signed May 13, 2002) authorized the Secretary
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to award grant funds to
Agriculture Innovation Centers (Centers). The Agricultural Act of 2014
reauthorized the program through 2018. The Centers provide a
demonstration program under which agricultural producers are to be
provided with technical and business development assistance enabling
them to establish businesses producing and marketing value-added
products. This program is administered by Cooperative Programs within
USDA's Rural Development.
Need and Use of the Information: Information is collected by Rural
Development State and Area office staff, as delegated, from applicants
and grantees. Cooperative Programs uses the collected information to
confirm that the applicant and use of funds meet the eligibility
requirements for the program as well as to assess the quality of the
proposed project. Grantees are required to submit financial status and
performance reports to confirm that progress is being made toward
achieving the stated goals of the project. A final report is submitted
at the completion of the grant agreement. Centers may be non-profit
corporations, for-profit corporations, institutions of higher learning,
and consortia of the aforementioned entities.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit Institutions; Business
or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 1.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Semi-annually.
Total Burden Hours: 30.
Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-03979 Filed 2-24-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P