In accordance
with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is disapproved. The
agency has demonstrated the need for civil rights information, but
has not adequately justified how the information will be used. The
agency should re-examine the types of questions asked, how each
piece of information collected will be used, and how this
information collection fits into the Department's overall strategy
for collecting civil rights data. A statement that the information
will be used to "determine the extent to which electric and
telephone borrowers are in compliance with requirements of the
Acts" does not satisfy the practical utility requirement of the
PRA. In addition, USDA appears to have disregarded the existing
terms of clearance. As currently constructed, the race and
ethnicity questions are not consistent with current guidance on
Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data
on Race and Ethnicity. Given the multi-category nature of race and
ethnicity identification, these questions are invalid and do not
demonstrate practical utility. Continued use of forms with existing
race/ethnicity questions shall constitute a violation of the
PRA.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
02/28/2002
10/31/2004
02/28/2002
3,680
0
3,680
1,233
0
0
0
0
0
RUS Form 268, Report of Compliance and
Participation, is designed for use by RUS electric and telephone
borrowers in complying with the reporting requirements outlined in
RUS Bulletin 1790-1, "Nondiscrimination Among Beneficiaries of RUS
Programs." RUS is required to implement regulations of the DOJ
& USDA and collect certain civil rights data and information
pursuant to various Federal Acts.
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.