In accordance
with the PRA and 5 CFR 1320, this ICR is approved through December
1996. Upon resubmission of this collection for renewal, MBDA must
address two significant problems with this collection. First, the
BDR "Reference and Policy Manual, Section B."Clients", Subsection
1. "MBDA Guidelines for the definition of "minority" includes
definitions that are not currently in general use throughout the
Federal government. MBDA needs to discuss this issue with the
Statistical Policy Branch of OIRA in OMB. Second, the BDR should be
reviewed for its ability to collect objective information regarding
the performance of the program. For example, the section entitled
"Successes" while soliciting some information, is unlikely to
collect objective data that would allow analytic judgement useful
for program evaluation. OMB would be happy to discuss this issues
with DOC and MDBA.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/1996
12/31/1996
09/30/1995
19,200
0
0
4,800
0
9,600
0
0
0
The BDR identifies minority business
clients receiving Agency-sponsored assistance. It is also needed to
monitor the performance of the client service programs, and
evaluate the recipients' actual accomplishments vs. projected goals
and objectives. Respondents are MBDA-funded client service
organizations.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.