In accordance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act and 5 CFR 1320, this ICR is
approved without the requested changes. The agency has improperly
submitted the collection by not provid- ing adequate justification
and explanation of the changes in the collection that reduce the
burden by almost 2 million hours. In addition the agency has not
adequately addressed the question concerning the use of information
technology to reduce the burden of the collection. Nor has the
agency consulted with the public as required by the PRA. Upon
resubmission of the collection, the agency shall thoroughly discuss
the changes requested that achieve the savings; include a clearer
justification that ex- plains the apparent discrepancy that the
applicants need training and planning, yet the information is easy
to obtain as usual and customary business practice, and; provide
all supporting instructions to the information collections.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2000
10/31/2000
10/31/1997
234,935
0
234,935
2,148,799
0
2,148,799
0
0
0
The agency is required by statute to
perform assessments and provide credit counseling and supervision
to farm loan applicants and borrowers. This regulation provides the
specifics of how this is accomplished.
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.