Mine Rescue ROCIS-FINAL_RULE

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NOTE TO REVIEWER:
This revised supporting statement is a no-material, non-substantive change request from the original
document submitted with the NPRM.
Relative to the proposed rule, 13 paperwork burden hours were added in Table 2 because of the increase
in the number of new mine rescue teams since the NPRM. The burden hour costs also increased slightly
overall due to a wage increase due to inflation. The number of responses also increased by 8. The
burden cost (postage) did not change.
As a result of the public hearings held and notices published since the NPRM, MSHA did not receive any
comments and therefore did not make any adjustments to the burden based on public comments.

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SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSIONS
Final Rule: Mine Rescue Teams – 30 C.F.R. §§ 49.12, 49.16, 49.18, 49.50, and 75.1501
A. JUSTIFICATION
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify
any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of
the appropriate section of each statute and of each regulation mandating or authorizing the
collection of information.
The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 became effective on June
15, 2006 (MINER Act). The goal of the MINER Act is “to improve the safety of mines and
mining.” To accomplish this goal, the MINER Act includes provisions to improve mine
emergency response time, improve mine rescue team effectiveness, and increase the quantity and
quality of mine rescue team training.
Section 4 of the MINER Act requires MSHA to publish regulations on mine rescue teams no
later than December 15, 2007. Because the mine rescue team provisions contained in Section 4
of the MINER Act apply only to underground coal mines, this rule will affect those mines and
the mine rescue teams that cover them.
The mine rescue team rule will add burden to existing information collection requirements and
impose two new information collection requirements. All information collection requirements in
§§ 49.12 – 49.19 of the rule are renumbered existing information collection requirements
formerly in §§ 49.02 – 49.09.
•
Final § 49.16 requires certification of inspection and testing of breathing apparatus,
and a record of any corrective action taken. OMB has approved this requirement, which is in
existing § 49.6, under OMB Control Number 1219-0078. The rule separates the
requirements for underground coal mines from those for underground metal and nonmetal
and moves the requirement for coal mine rescue teams to § 49.16. The total paperwork
burden would increase because of additional mine rescue stations arising in response to this
rule.
•
Final § 49.18 requires a record of each new mine rescue team member’s training.
OMB has approved this requirement, which is in existing § 49.8, under OMB Control
Number 1219-0078. The rule separates the requirements for underground coal mines from
those for underground metal and nonmetal, and moves the requirement for coal mine rescue
teams to § 49.18. The total paperwork burden increases because of additional coal mine
rescue teams arising in response to this proposed rule.
•
As specified in the MINER Act, final § 49.50 imposes a new annual paperwork
burden for underground coal mine operators to certify that each designated coal mine rescue
team meets the requirements of 30 CFR part 49 subpart B. This new annual paperwork
burden will offset, in small part, the requirement in § 49.12 for a statement describing the
mine’s method of compliance with 30 CFR Part 49 to the extent that the certification could
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be used as a substitute for the existing statement in proposed § 49.12.
•
Final § 75.1501 requires mine operators to certify that each responsible person,
designated to take charge in a mine emergency involving fire, explosion, or gas or water
inundation, has completed the required mine emergency response training. The rule also
adds subjects to the training of responsible persons and requires that they be trained annually.
OMB has approved related paperwork requirements in § 75.1501 under OMB Control
Number 12190054.
2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for
a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received
from the current collection.
The respondents for the paperwork provisions of this proposed rule are underground coal mine
operators. The records will be used by coal mine operators, supervisors, and employees, and
State and Federal mine inspectors to provide assurance that each mine operator and mine rescue
team is prepared for a mine emergency. The records show that the mine rescue team equipment
has been examined and tested and is in good working order. The training records show that the
mine rescue team members and the responsible persons at the mine are competent to respond to a
mine emergency involving a fire, an explosion, or a gas or water inundation. The records greatly
assist those who use them in making decisions that will ultimately affect the safety of all persons
working underground.
This information collection will help assure that properly trained mine rescue teams are readily
available to save endangered miners in life-threatening situations. In addition, the training
requirements in this information collection will help assure the safety of the mine rescue team
itself.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other
forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and
the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any
consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.
The proposed rule does not specify how records must be kept, and mine operators may retain the
records by whatever method they choose. They could be kept in a bound book or stored
electronically, provided they are secure and not susceptible to loss or alteration. This proposed
rule requires some hand-written annotation in the form of a signature and date certifying that the
mine rescue equipment inspections and tests were done and that the responsible person has
completed mine emergency response training.
The certifications of inspections and training are to be kept at the mine rescue station or, for
responsible persons, at the mine. MSHA has developed optional forms for the mine operator to
use for certification of mine rescue teams that may be downloaded or submitted electronically
through MSHA’s website. No other improved information technology has been identified that
would reduce the burden.

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4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information
already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose(s) described in 2
above.
To avoid duplication, MSHA will allow the mine operator to use the annual certification that
each designated coal mine rescue team meets the requirements of 30 CFR part 49 to substitute
for the statement describing the mine’s method of compliance with 30 CFR part 49 in approved
OMB Control Number 1219-0078 as required by § 49.12. The annual statement prepared for §
49.12 cannot substitute for the certification required by § 49.50 because § 49.12 does not
require comparable information.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities (Item 5
of OMB Form 83-I), describe any methods used to minimize burden.
In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act at 5 U.S.C. 605(b), MSHA has determined that
this final rule will not have a significant adverse economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. Nevertheless, the Agency has included alternatives for small anthracite coal mines
to provide smaller mine rescue teams and less equipment. To minimize paperwork burden on
small mines, MSHA has developed optional forms for the mine operator to use for certification of
mine rescue teams that may be downloaded or submitted electronically through MSHA’s
website.
6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not
conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to
reducing burden.
If the proposed information collections discussed in Question 1 were not conducted, MSHA
would be unable to assure that mine rescue team members received the appropriate training and
that mine rescue equipment was properly maintained. A reduction in the frequency of
inspections and tests could jeopardize the safety of mine rescue team members, as well as
trapped or injured miners they are trying to help. Section 101(a)(9) of the Mine Act prohibits
any regulatory action that would reduce the protection afforded miners by an existing standard.
In addition, Section 4 of the MINER Act specifies that mine rescue teams be certified.
Reduction or elimination of the proposed requirements for additional training of the responsible
person in mine emergency response, and certifying the training, could result in inadequate
training and increased hazards to miners during a mine emergency.
7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be
conducted in a manner:
•
requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than
quarterly;
•
requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of
information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;
•
requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any
document;
•
requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical,

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government contract, rant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;
•
in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and
reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;
•
requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed
and approved by OMB;
•
that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority
established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security
policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of
data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or
•
requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential
information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to
protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
This collection of information is consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5.
8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the data and page number of publication in
the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting
comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public
comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in
response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour
burden.
Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the
availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and
recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be
recorded, disclosed, or reported.
Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or
those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years -- even if the
collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be
circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These
circumstances should be explained.
MSHA published the information collection requirements in the preamble to the proposed rule
and requested comment. MSHA also held four public hearing concerning the proposed rule.
The Agency did not receive any comments on this information collection request. In addition,
MSHA also prepared a Compliance Guide for this rule and will post it on the Agency’s website
at www.msha.gov.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than
remuneration of contractors or grantees.
MSHA does not provide payments or gifts to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

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There is no assurance of confidentially provided to respondents. Mine rescue team records are
maintained at the mine rescue station and MSHA inspectors review the records during
inspections. Certifications of mine rescue teams are submitted to MSHA.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual
behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered
private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the
questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be
given to persons form whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to
obtain their consent.
This collection of information contains no questions of a sensitive nature.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement
should:
•
Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour
burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so,
agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base
hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential
respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely
because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour
burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not
include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.
•
If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour
burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens in Item 13 of OMB
Form 83-I.
•
Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for
collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The
cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities
should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 13.
All information collection requirements in §§ 49.12 – 49.19 of the proposed rule are renumbered
existing information collection requirements formerly in §§ 49.02 – 49.09.
§ 49.16 Equipment and Maintenance Requirements.
Section § 49.16(b) requires a person trained in the use and care of breathing apparatus to inspect
and test the apparatus at intervals not exceeding 30 days and certify by signature and date that the
inspections and tests were done. When the inspection indicates that a corrective action is
necessary, the corrective action shall be made and the person shall record the corrective action
taken. The certification and the record of corrective action must be maintained at the mine rescue
station for a period of one year and made available upon request to an MSHA inspector.
This requirement imposes paperwork burden on the 28 new mine rescue stations estimated to be
created in response to the rule (19 new mine rescue stations to cover mines with 1-19 employees
and 9 new mine rescue stations to cover mines with 20-500 employees). MSHA requires that
each mine rescue station have at least 12 breathing apparatus. MSHA estimates that it takes an
average of 6 minutes (0.1 hours) to certify and file the certification for each apparatus.

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MSHA further estimates that, on average, each apparatus requires corrective action six times a
year and that it would take approximately 15 minutes (0.25 hours) to record and file each
corrective action. MSHA’s experience is that team members inspect, maintain, and certify the
apparatus and record the corrective actions. Table 1 shows the burden hours and cost associated
with the requirement in proposed § 49.16(b).
Table 1: Annual Burden Hours and Costs Associated with
Equipment Maintenance Requirements in § 49.16

Mine Size

(1-19) Employees
(20-500)
Employees
(501+) Employees
Total

# of New
Mine
Rescue
Stations

Time to
Record &
File
Corrective
Actions
(hours)b
342

Total
Paperwork
Burden
Hoursc

Total
Annual
Burden
Costd

19

Time to Certify
& File the
Certification for
Each
Apparatus
(hours)a
273.6

616

$19,490

9

129.6

162

292

$9,232

0
28

0
403.2

0
504

0
907

$0
$28,722

a

Time to certify & file the certification for each apparatus = (# of new mine rescue stations x A x 12 x T),
where A is the # of apparatus per new mine rescue station (A=12); 12 is the # of inspections per year; and T
is the time needed to certify and file the certification for each apparatus (T=0.1 hours).
b

Time to record & file corrective actions = (# of new mine rescue stations x A x 6 x T) , where A is the # of
apparatus per new mine rescue station; 6 is the # of corrective actions taken a year for each apparatus; and T
is the time it would take to record and file a correcitve action (T=0.25 hours).
c

Total burden hours = (time to certify & file the certification for each apparatus + time to record &
file corrective actions).
d

Total annual burden cost = total paperwork burden hours x Wt, where Wt is the hourly wage rate for a
team member (Wt=$31.66).

§ 49.18 Training for Mine Rescue Team Members.
Under § 49.18, a record of training for each team member must be kept on file at the mine
rescue station for a period of one year. MSHA estimates that the trainer needs approximately
12 minutes (0.20 hours) to make, file, and maintain a record of training for each new team
member. Table 2 summarizes the burden hours and cost associated with the recordkeeping
requirement of this section.

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Table 2: Annual Burden Hours and Costs to Record Training
for Members of New Mine Rescue Teams in § 49.18

Mine Size
(1-19) Employees
(20-500)
Employees
(501+) Employees
Total

# of New
Team
Members
0

Total
Annual
Burden
Hoursa
0

320

64

$4,566

24
344

5
69

$342
$4,908

Total
Annual
Costb
$0

a

Total annual burden hours = # of new team members x Ts, where Ts is the
average # of hours for a trainer to prepare the certification for each new team
member and file it at the mine rescue station (Ts=0.20 hours).
b

Total annual cost = (total annual burden hours x Ws), where Ws is the
hourly wage rate for a trainer (Ws=$71.34).

§ 49.50 Certification of Mine Rescue Teams.
Section § 49.50 requires that for each mine rescue team designated to provide mine rescue
coverage at an underground coal mine, the mine operator shall send the District Manager an
annual statement certifying that each team meets the requirements of this subpart B as listed in
Table 49.50: Criteria to Certify the Qualifications of Mine Rescue Team. Each underground
coal mine operator has to certify two mine rescue teams. MSHA estimates that it will take a
mine supervisor approximately 30 minutes (0.5 hours) to certify two mine rescue teams, and a
clerical employee one minute (0.167 hours) to send in the statement certifying the two mine
rescue teams. Table 3 shows the paperwork burden hours and the cost to certify mine rescue
teams.

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Table 3: Annual Burden Hours and Costs for Mine Operators to
Certify Two Mine Rescue Teams in Accordance with § 49.50

Mine Size

(1-19) Employees
(20-500) Employees
(501+) Employees
Total

# of
Underground
Coal Mines

Annual
Burden
Hours
per Mine
Operatora

Total
Annual
Costb

220
420
13
653

113.7
217.0
6.7
337.4

$7,941
$15,160
$469
$23,570

a

Annual cost for a mine operator to certify two teams = [(Ts + Tc) x # of underground
coal mines], where Ts is the number of hours it would take for a mine supervisor to certify
two teams (Ts=0.5 hours); and Tc is the # of hours it would take a clerical employee to
mail the certification (Tc=0.0167 hours).
b

Cost for a mine operator to certify two teams ={[(Ts x Ws) + (Tc x Wc)] x # of
underground coal mines}, where Ts is the number of hours it would take for a mine
supervisor to certify two teams (Ts=0.5 hours); Ws is the hourly wage rate for a mine
supervisor (Ws=$71.34); Tc is the # of hours it would take a clerical employee to mail the
certification (Tc=0.0167 hours); Wc is the hourly wage rate for a clerical employee
(Wc=$25.47).

§ 75.1501 Emergency Evacuations.
The MINER Act requires the operator to have a person employed on each shift who is
knowledgeable in mine emergency response. Section § 75.1501 amends existing § 75.1501 (a)
to require that the responsible person also have current knowledge about the mine’s Emergency
Response Plan (ERP), the Mine Rescue Notification Plan, and the Mine Emergency Evacuation
and Firefighting Program of Instruction. It also requires the responsible person be trained
annually in mine emergency response coordination and communication. The information
collection burden associated with these requirements will be transferred to OMB Control
Number 1219-0054 after the collection of information is approved by OMB at the final rule
stage.
MSHA believes that there will be a backup for the responsible person for each shift because there
will be times when the responsible person cannot be at the mine site. The operator must certify
by signature and date after each responsible person has completed the training and keep the
certification at the mine for one year. It will take a mine supervisor approximately 90 seconds
(0.025 hours) to certify the training and it will take a clerical employee half a minute (0.00833
hours) to file the training certification. On average, mines with 1-19 employees operate one shift,
mines with 20-500 employees operate two shifts, and mines with 501+ employees operate three
shifts. Table 4 presents the annual burden hours and cost associated with the certification of a
responsible person and a backup person in accordance with this section.

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Table 4: Annual Burden Hours and Costs to Certify Responsible Person Training in
Accordance with § 75.1501

Mine Size

# of
Undergroun
d Coal
Mines

Average
# of
Shifts

220

1

Total # of
Annual
Burden Hours
to Certify
Training of a
Responsible
Persona
14.7

420

2

56.0

13
653

3

2.6
73.3

(1-19) Employees
(20-500)
Employees
(501+) Employees
Total

Annual Cost to
Certify
Training of a
Responsible
Personb

$878
$3,353
$156
$4,387

a

Total # of annual burden hours to certify training of a responsible person = [(Ts + Tc) x N x S x # of
underground coal mines], Ts is the # of hours it would take for another supervisor to certify the training of
the responsible person or the backup person training (Ts=0.025 hours); Tc is the # of hours that it would
take a clerical employee to file the training certification (Tc=0.00833 hours); N is the # of people whose
training would need to be certified (N=2); and S is the # of shifts.
b

Annual cost to certify training of a responsible person = [(Ts x N x S x Ws) + (Tc x N x S x Wc)] x # of
underground coal mines, where Ts is the # of hours it would take for another supervisor to certify the training
of the responsible person or the backup person (Ts=0.025 hours); N is the # people whose training would need
to be certified (N=2); Tc is the # of hours that it would take a clerical employee to file the training
certification (Tc=0.00833 hours); S is the # of shifts; Ws is the hourly wage rate for a mine supervisor
(Ws=$71.34); and Wc is the hourly wage rate for a clerical employee (Wc=$25.47).

SUMMARY OF PAPERWORK BURDEN HOURS AND RELATED COSTS
Table 5 provides a summary of the annual paperwork burden hours and associated costs. Table
6 provides a summary of the annual number of responses.
Table 5: Summary of Paperwork Burden Hours
and Costs Associated with the Rule

Section
§ 49.16
§ 49.18
§ 49.50
§ 75.1501
Total

Annual
Burden
Hours
907
69
337
73.27
1,387

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Annual
Burden
Cost
$28,722
$4,908
$23,570
$4,387
$61,587

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Table 6: Summary of Annual Responses due to
Paperwork Burden Associated with the Proposed Rule
# of Annual
Responses

§ 49.16a
§ 49.18
§ 49.50
§ 75.1501
Total

336
344
653
653
1,986

a

# of responses = # of new mine rescue stations (28) x monthly
equipment maintenance (12 times a year).

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers
resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden
shown in Items 13 and 15.)
•
The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and
start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total
operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should
take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or
providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost
factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital
equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred.
Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting
information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling
and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.
•
If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of
cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or
contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden
estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of
respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment
process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the
rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.
•
Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or
portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory
compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for
reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as
part of customary and usual business or private practices.
§ 49.50 Certification of Mine Rescue Teams.
The rule requires all underground coal mine operators with underground miners to certify that
each of the mine’s two designated rescue teams meet the requirements of § 49.50. To
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meet the proposed requirement, the mine operator must send the District Manager an annual
statement certifying that each team meets the requirements in Table 49.50: Criteria to Certify the
Qualifications of Mine Rescue Team. MSHA estimates that it would cost $1 for postage and
handling. Table 7 shows the total cost of $653 for mine operators to certify mine rescue teams.
Table 7: Annual Cost for Mine Operators to Certify That They
Have Two Mine Rescue Teams in Accordance with § 49.50

Mine Size

(1-19) Employees
(20-500)
Employees
(501+) Employees
Total

# of
Underground
Mines

Cost for
a Mine
Operator
to Certify
Two
Teams

Total
Annual
Cost

220

$1

$220

420

$1

$420

13
653

$1

$13
$653

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a
description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of
hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff),
and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of
information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a
single table.
The rule does not result in any increased costs to MSHA or any other Federal agency.
15. Explain the reason for any program changes or adjustments reporting in Items 13 or
14 of the OMB Form 83-1.
The rule does not result in any program changes or adjustments.
16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for
tabulation, and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used.
Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of
the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.
MSHA does not intend to publish the results of this information collection.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the
information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
MSHA is not seeking approval to not display the expiration date or OMB approval number for
this collection of information.

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18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19,
"Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submission," of OMB 83-I.
There are no certification exceptions identified with this proposed information collection.

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B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any
case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. When Item
17 on the Form OMB 83-I is checked “Yes,” the following documentation should be
included in the Supporting Statement to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed:
1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any
sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities
(e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the
universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in
tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample.
Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been
conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.
2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:
• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,
• Estimation procedure,
• Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,
• Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and
• Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce
burden.
3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response.
The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for
intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided
for any collection that will not yield “reliable” data that can be generalized to the universe
studied.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as
an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve
utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or
more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately
or in combination with the main collection of information.
5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of
the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other persons(s)
who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.
This collection of this information does not employ statistical methods.

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