This one-time
collection is approved with the following terms of clearance: DOE's
Survey on Progress with Implementing the Weatherization Assistance
Program is approved as an emergency clearance to meet American
Reinvestment Recovery Act requirements. This collection will be
valid only during October 2009. If DOE decides to continue use of
this collection past the approved emergency request time period, it
must consider information collection 1910-0400 and avoid any
duplicative burden with that collection and other Weatherization
collections. Further, given the urgency of this one-time emergency
request, DOE is unable to submit an updated 83-I form, but has
updated its supporting statement and other burden estimates to
reflect its most recent estimate. In accordance with required
procedure, DOE will submit a corresponding updated 83-I for any
future requests related to this and future collections.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2009
6 Months From Approved
300
0
0
1,100
0
0
33,000
0
0
DOE requests emergency authorization
to make one-time calls to the states and local Community Action
(CAP) Agencies to gather information on the status of WAP
activities: homes weatherized, jobs created and retained, and
related information.
The successful execution
of this program is an important part of achieving the goals of the
Recovery Act. DOE needs real-time information to manage risks,
monitor activities and to respond to requests on the progress of
Recovery Act and FY 2009 funds in a timely manner. The Recovery Act
represents a more than 20 fold increase in WAP funding compared to
base FY09 appropriations. The purpose of this funding is to quickly
stimulate the economy, increase jobs in the weatherization industry
and help low income families reduce energy bills at a time of great
economic stress. To ensure that the goals of providing rapid
stimulus are achieved, DOE has reduced the grant period for
Recovery Funds from the normal five year grant to three years.
Consequently, grantees and subgrantees must spend a larger amount
than they ever have received at a quicker pace than ever before.
DOE believes that it cannot wait for data on a quarterly basis in
order to effectively monitor the use of Recovery Funds and respond
quickly to identified problems. Thus, DOE has an immediate need for
information on: 1) the number of homes weatherized; 2) the numbers
of auditors, crews, and quality control inspectors hired since the
passage of the Recovery Act/or planned new hires; 3) the level of
spending of Recovery Act Funds; and, 4) assistance needed in order
to more effectively implement WAP at this critical time. It is
important that DOE can measure the programs progress, identify
needs for assistance and resolve issues or barriers to achieving
our goals now. We cannot wait for the normal clearance process. If
we wait, there is significant risk that the weatherization service
for low-income families will be delayed into the winter and that
they will not benefit from reduced energy bills during this time of
great economic stress.
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.
v2OMB Support WAP Emergency ICR REVISED 100609.doc
Survey on Pogress with Implementing the Weatherization Assistance Program