This special
Gulf War research generic clearance request is approved for use
through 9/2000 under the following conditions: 1) DoD understands
that each of the surveys in this package is approved "in concept"
only; each final instrument, sampling methodology, and linkages
with other Gulf War research efforts must be fully evaluated by OMB
before each survey will be approved for fielding; 2) to facilitate
more expeditious review by OMB, each generic survey submission must
include: a) a thorough description of how the survey will be
integrated with existing public and private Gulf War research
surveys, thereby maximizing the practical utility of each survey
instrument; b) all draft cover letters and supporting materials,
Web site releases, and press releases related to the survey effort;
c) endorsement by the Persian Gulf Veterans Coordinating Board, and
separate written verification of consultation with and endorse-
ment by appropriate research officials within the VA, CDC, and EPA;
d) a comprehensive description of the sampling methodology,
including detailed descriptions of the sampling frame and universe,
stratification techniques, sample selection techniques, efforts to
maximize response rates to 80 percent or higher, and plans for
analyzing the characteristics of nonresponse bias; e) a special
explanation of DoD's decision to rely upon s self- selected sample
based upon investigational leads versus a more representative,
random sample of military personnel; f) an accurate privacy act
statement clearly reflecting routine uses consistent with the
stated objectives of the survey; and g) an updated survey
plan/schedule; and 3) DoD agrees to respond expeditiously to any of
OMB's follow-up information requests. If the above conditions are
met by a given generic clearance submission,OMB agrees to provide
clearance and/or feedback on the survey effort within 30 days. OMB
notes that it is more likely that only feedback can be provided
within 30 days for surveys that are more complex and statistical in
nature. In addition, OMB aproves the enclosed Survey of Pest
Control Problems and Pesticide Use During the Gulf War under the
follow- ing conditions: 1) as agreed upon, DoD includes Coast Guard
personnel in its sample and revises the supporting cover letter and
instrument accordingly; 2) DoD and its contractor, RAND, amend the
Privacy Act statement to accurately reflect routine uses consistent
with the survey's objectives and ensures that the cover letter
statement is identical to the CATI statement. In addition, DoD
amends the cover letter to describe confidenti- ality protections
in more detail; 3) No later than 4/99, DoD provides OMB with a
detailed explanation of how the results of this survey will be
linked to pesticide exposure questions on the VA National
Prevelance Study and the CDC Iowa study; 4) DoD provides OMB with
an updated survey plan/schedule, including a date for submission to
OMB of its analysis of recall bias; and 5) DoD ensures that
pesticide questions in its future Enemy Prisoners of War survey are
identical to this survey to ensure necessary linkages.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
09/30/2000
09/30/2000
3,507
0
0
2,630
0
0
0
0
0
This series of information collections
is needed to gather information about chemical, biological, and
environmental incidents that occurred in the Kuwait Theater of
Operations and to collect information about medical practices
during the Gulf War and those implemented since the war to ensure
medical protection of our armed forces. These collections seek to
obtain investigatory leads to help determine which Gulf War
veterans may have further information about incidents and practices
and to contribute to a better understanding of events during the
Gulf War. The information collected will....
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.
Gulf War Illnesses Related Information Collections, Generic Clearance