1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Attach a copy of the appropriate statue or regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.
49 CFR Parts 531 and 533 require NHTSA to set corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks at the maximum feasible level for each model year no later than 18 months before the start of the model year regulated. In order to set the maximum feasible level, NHTSA must collect product plan data from each passenger car and light truck manufacturer. The use of product plan data demonstrates that NHTSA meet the statutory requirements that the standards are technologically feasible and economically practicable.
2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Indicate actual use of information received from the current collection.
The information is to be used primarily to facilitate a CAFE rulemaking. The information is granted confidential treatment in accordance with 49 CFR Part 512 and will be used only by government employees, and their contractors in connection with issues involved in the setting of CAFE standards and other closely related matters.
3. Describe whether the collection of information involves the use of technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
This collection of information is almost entirely based on electronic software. The product plan request includes a Microsoft Excel template available for manufacturers to use to enter the requested data. This template clearly explains the type of information requested, the format that it is to be provided in and the units it should be measured in.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why similar information cannot be used.
Product plan data is confidential business information. It is not available from any other entity except vehicle manufacturing firms. Thus, the information collected under this collection of information is unique and is not available through other sources.
5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize the burden.
The only respondents for the product plan requests are expected to be some or all of the 22 firms NHTSA has identified as automotive manufacturers. No small businesses or small entities are involved.
6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not collected or collectedly less frequently.
CAFE standards must be set 18 months before the model year regulated. If no standard is set for a certain year, there is no enforceable standard for that year. Since the information that is the subject of this collection of information is collected once, for the notice of proposed rulemaking, it cannot be collected less frequently.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the information collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.6.
The collection of information will be conducted in a manner consistent with 5 CFR Part 1320.
8. Provide a copy of the FEDERAL REGISTER document soliciting comments on extending the collection of information, a summary of all public comments responding to the notice, and a description of the agency's action in response to the comments. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views.
A copy of the FEDERAL REGISTER document accompanying this request for emergency clearance is attached.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment of gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payment or gift will be provided to any respondent.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents.
Confidentiality will be granted in accordance with 49 CFR Part 512 to all manufacturers who request it.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions on matters that are commonly considered private.
There are no private questions involved in this information-collection activity.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information on the respondents.
It is estimated that this collection affects approximately 22 vehicle manufacturers. One major manufacturer (General Motors) estimated their burden to be approximately 4,300 hours. The burden to other manufacturers was estimated using sales weights relative to General Motor’s total sales (e.g., if a manufacturer produces 50% as many vehicles as General Motors, their burden is estimated to be 4,300*0.5 = 2150 hours). Therefore the burden to each manufacturer depends on the number of vehicles that manufacturer produces. The total estimated burden is 16,000 hours annually.
Number of Affected Vehicle Manufacturers |
22 Manufacturers |
Annual Labor Hours for Each Manufacturer to Prepare and Submit Required Information |
Variable |
Total Annual Information Collection Burden |
16,000 Hours |
The monetized cost associated with this information collection is determined by multiplying the total labor hours by an appropriate labor rate. For this information collection, we believe vehicle manufacturers will use mechanical engineers to prepare and submit the data. Therefore, we are applying a labor rate of $34.76 per hour which is the median national wage for mechanical engineers1. Thus, the estimated monetized annual cost is 16,000 hours x $34.76 per hour = $556,160.
13. Provide estimates of the total annual cost to the respondents or record keepers.
NHTSA believes that the collection of information associated with Part 531 and 533 is of a very elementary nature. The purchasers can use their existing computer equipment and associated facilities. NHTSA is providing the electronic template manufacturers may use to provide the information. Thus, NHTSA does not see any extra costs resulting from electronic collection of information procedures.
Total Costs – The total estimated costs to all respondents to comply with this collection of information are estimated to be $556,160.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government.
The information is entirely electronic in nature and costs. There is little or no cost of storing or maintaining the data.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-I.
There are no program changes or adjustments from the information reported in Items 13 and 14 of OMB Form 83-I.
16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation, and publication.
The results of this collection of information will not be published.
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.
If this request is approved, and an expiration date is assigned to this collection, NHTSA will display the expiration date.
18. Explain each exception of the certification statement identified in Item 19, "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions," of OMB Form 83-I.
No exceptions to the certification statement are made.
Draft FEDERAL REGISTER notice announcing request for clearance pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.13.
1 The national median hourly rate for mechanical engineers, May 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; http://www.bls.gov/oes/2007/may/oes_nat.htm#b00-0000
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | Supporting Statement |
| Author | dot.nakama |
| Last Modified By | Walter.Culbreath |
| File Modified | 2009-03-02 |
| File Created | 2009-03-02 |