The purpose of this information
collection is to accept applications from retail food
establishments and meal service programs that wish to participate
in the FSP.
The estimated total annual
burden hours associated with this information collection is 5,936
hours (5,692 hours for applications and 244 hours for store
visits). This is a decrease of 1,516 burden hours from our previous
burden estimate of 7,452 hours. The decrease in the overall burden
is due in part, to the revision of the FNS-252 application, and the
creation of the online application, Form FNS-252-E. We streamlined
the form by eliminating unnecessary questions; using clearer and
simpler language; and a decrease in the time it takes retailers to
complete the paper form from 15.05 minutes to 11 minutes, a
reduction of 4.04 minutes. We anticipate the implementation of the
online application, Form FNS-252-E will help to further reduce the
burden on program respondents, and as we continue to look for ways
to use technology to reduce burden. An explanation of program
changes and adjustment follows: Program Changes: 1. There are
notable decreases in the number of affected respondents and burden
hours from our previous submission to OMB. This is attributed, in
part, to the revision of Form FNS-252 (paper); and the creation of
the online application, Form FNS-252-E. 2. Data collected on the
current Form FNS-252 was revised when designing the online
application, Form FNS-252-E. The application process (paper and
electronic) was streamlined. Questions were re-phrased or combined
in order to provide clearer language. Questions that no longer have
any relevance to the authorization process were deleted.
Instructions and help tips were written in simpler terms. The
application form and online screens were developed in a user
friendly format. The revised form and the online application form
takes applicants less time to complete because the questions are
clearer than the previous forms. Previously, it took retailers, on
average, 15.04 minutes to complete Form FNS-252. Due to our
streamlining efforts; better form design and the elimination of
redundant or ambiguous questions, retailers can complete the paper
form in 11 minutes and approximately 10 minutes for an electronic
application; 8 minutes are needed to obtain the eAuthentication
Level 1 access. We estimate that approximately 40% of 25,531
(10,212) retailers will complete the online application. The Form
FNS-252-E will collect the same information that is collected on
Form FNS-252, just in an electronic format. Adjustments Significant
decreases of burden hours associated with this information
collection are most notably realized on the paper FNS-252 (6,228
previously reported; 2,204 this submission); FNS-252-C (421.92
previously reported; 361.97 this submission) are attributed to our
efforts to streamline the application process; ask clearer
questions; and re-format the design of the application (paper and
electronic form) so that the content and section headings flow in a
more logical order. The increase of burden hours associated with
Form FNS-252-2 (42.12 previously reported; 55.84 this submission)
is an adjustment due to the increase in meal service applications
received and approved by FNS.
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.