[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 205 (Thursday, October 23, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 55297-55298] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-28105] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary Notice of Request for Reinstatement Without Change of a Previously Approved Collection for Which Approval Has Expired AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended) this notice announces the Department of Transportation's (DOT) intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by December 22, 1997. ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to the Deputy Assistant General Counsel for Regulation and Enforcement, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0002. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert C. Ashby, Office of the Secretary, Office of Assistant General Counsel for Regulation and Enforcement, Department of Transportation, at the address above. Telephone: (202) 366-9306. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Report of DBE Awards and Commitments. OMB Control Number: 2106-0031. Expiration Date: (Not Applicable). Type of Request: Extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection. Abstract: 49 CFR Part 23 establishes requirements for the Department of [[Page 55298]] Transportation (DOT) so as to comply with the mandates of the Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 (Pub. L. 102-240, December 18, 1991). 49 CFR Part 23.49(a) requires that DOT and its Operating Administrations develop a recordkeeping system to monitor, assess and identify contract awards and progress in achieving DBE subcontract goals. In addition, Public Law 102-240 section 1003(b) requires that each state annually survey and compile a list of small business concerns and the location of such concerns, and notify the Secretary of Transportation of the percentage of such concerns controlled by women and by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals other than women. If these reporting requirements were not available, firms controlled by minorities would not achieve the fullest possible participation in DOT programs, and the Department would not be able to identify its recipients and evaluate the extent to which financial assistance recipients have been awarded a reasonable amount. In order to minimize the burden on DOT recipients the Department has limited its informational request and reporting frequency to that necessary to meet its program and administrative monitoring requirements. The informational request consists of 17 data items on one page and one attachment, to be completed on an annual, semi-annual or quarterly basis. It is the overall long range objective of DOT to permit all DOT recipients to report on a yearly basis depending upon their past experience in meeting their goals. Respondents: DOT financially-assisted state and local transportation agencies. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,057. Average Annual Burden per Respondent: 1 hour. Estimated Total Burden on Respondents: 20,824 hours (Including 19,026 hours for recordkeeping). This information collection is available for inspection at the Office of Assistant General Counsel for Regulation and Enforcement (C- 50), Office of the General Counsel, DOT, at the address above. Copies of 49 CFR Part 23 can be obtained from Mr. Robert C. Ashby at the address and telephone number shown above. Comments are Invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Department's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (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. 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. Issued in Washington, DC on October 17, 1997. Neil R. Eisner, Assistant General Counsel for Regulation and Enforcement. [FR Doc. 97-28105 Filed 10-22-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-62-W