The collection of information is approved for 3 years. OMB recognizes EPAs review of the forms covered by this request and encourages EPA to be as rigorous in the review of each form prior to resubmission of this ICR in future years.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
04/30/2012
36 Months From Approved
04/30/2009
49,378
0
6,105
114,531
0
108,614
0
0
0
This is a request for a renewal of an existing Information Collection Request (ICR) due to expire on April 30, 2009. This ICR authorizes the collection of information under EPA's General Regulation for Assistance Programs that establishes the minimum management requirements for all recipients of EPA grants or cooperative agreements (assistance agreements). 40 CFR Part 30, "Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations," establishes the management requirements for institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations, as well as procurement requirements for non-governmental recipients. 40 CFR Part 31, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments," includes the management requirements for States, local governments, and Indian Tribal governments. These regulations include only those provisions mandated by statute, required by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars, or added by EPA to ensure sound and effective financial assistance management.
In addition, under Executive Orders 11625, 12138, and 12432, EPA is required to promote and report on programs to assist minority and women-owned enterprises. Under P.L. 101-507 and P.L. 102-389, EPA is required to set aside funds for socially and disadvantaged individuals/firms under the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 537(a) (5) and (6). This ICR combines all of these requirements under OMB Control Number 2030-0020. EPA award officials will use the information required by these regulations to make assistance awards, to make assistance payments, and to verify that the recipient is using Federal funds appropriately to comply with Federal requirements.
The overall respondent burden has increased from the previous ICR by 5,917 hours (i.e., from 108,614 hours to 114,531 hours). This change has occurred for several reasons.
EPA carefully reviewed the set of grant and fellowship forms covered in this ICR. Based on this review, and in accordance with the OMB terms of clearance, the Agency eliminated NCER Form 3212, "Itemized Budget for EPA STAR Grant Applications." In addition, EPA added the form, "Certification Regarding Lobbying." This form is necessary for EPA to confirm that no funds have been used for lobbying activities and, if applicable, to direct the recipient to complete Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying." These program changes resulted collectively in a decrease of 346 hours.
In addition, EPA reviewed the burden assumptions (e.g., estimated number of respondents) in the ICR to ensure that they reflect the Agency's current experiences under its grant programs. Based on this review, EPA made an adjustment in the burden hours for completion of EPA Form, "EPA Administrative and Financial Onsite Review Questionnaire." EPA estimates that 200 recipients will spend 30 hours to complete the form annually. In addition, EPA increased the number of respondents who will complete EPA Form, "Lobbying Cost Certificate for Indirect Costs." EPA increased the number of respondents from 1,450 to 2,500. These adjustments resulted in an increase of 6,263 hours.
The net effect of these program changes and adjustments is an increase of 5,917 hours from the previous ICR.
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.
Form SF-424B General Administrative Requirements for Assistance Programs: State, Local, Tribal Governments
0938ss16_4-28-09.doc
General Administrative Requirements for Assistance Programs: State, Local, Tribal Governments