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.
table that charts list comparision
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 programÂs 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