[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 115 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 30032] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-15025] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of the Census [BC-1431, Applicant Background Questionnaire] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activity; Comment Request SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506 (c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 12, 1996. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Dan Haigler, Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instruction(s) should be directed to Karen S. Seebold, Bureau of the Census, 3701 St. Barnabas Road, Silver Hill Executive Plaza, Room 2A, Washington, D.C. 20233- 6500, (301) 763-8416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract Historically, recruiting enough qualified staff to complete decennial field activities within a short, specified time frame is the most difficult task the Census Bureau faces. This task is further complicated by the need to hire a culturally diverse workforce to meet broad census goals. We need an accurate applicant profile that provides summary information derived from the BC-1431 data to monitor recruiting efforts that will guide our strategies in recruiting applicants who are representative of the area being enumerated and who are also familiar with the dominant culture of the locality. The Census Bureau's goal is to recruit and hire workers who are the best qualified, who are indigenous to the area that is being enumerated, and are most familiar with the dominant cultures and languages of the area. The BC-1431 data are vital to controlling large-scale census and survey recruiting operations. II. Method of Collection We collect this information at the time of testing. Applicants are advised completion of this information is voluntary. III. Data OMB Number: 0607-0494. Form Number: BC-1431. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Individuals. Estimated Number of Respondents: 48,750 annually. Estimated Time Per Response: 2.5 minutes. Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 2,032. Estimated Total Cost: The only cost to the respondent is his/her time for completing the BC-1431. The total cost to administer the BC- 1431 is included in the overhead budget associated with the Census Bureau's various surveys and censuses. The estimated annual cost to administer the BC-1431 is $14,224. IV. Request for Comments 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 shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (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 on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: June 6, 1996. Dan Haigler, Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and Organization. [FR Doc. 96-15025 Filed 6-12-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P