This information collection is approved for 1 year, consistent with the Agency's schedule for distribution of the survey and collection of data.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/2010
36 Months From Approved
250
0
0
125
0
0
0
0
0
The Environmental Information Exchange Network (Exchange Network) is an Internet-based approach for exchanging environmental data among partners (e.g., EPA, states, tribes and territories). Built on the principles of applying data standards; providing secure, real-time access; and electronically collecting and storing accurate information, the Exchange Network enables participants to control and manage their own data while making it available to partners via requests over a secure Internet connection. By facilitating the efficient exchange of environmental information among interested parties at all levels of government, the Exchange Network has begun to transform the way information is shared.
While some Indian Tribes have been active partners in the Exchange Network, overall tribal participation is limited. EPA has issued grants that fund infrastructure and other support needed to share data on the network to just over 50 tribes or less than 10 percent of the more than 500 federally recognized tribes. Of these, eight have exchanged data over the network and another five are developing the infrastructure required to do so.
To expand tribal participation in the Exchange Network, EPA has been working with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) under a series of cooperative agreements. NCAI is planning to conduct a baseline assessment survey to obtain data to help identify barriers and other factors that are limiting tribal participation in the Network. The survey will focus on gathering information related to collection and dissemination of environmental data; information technology infrastructure, capacity, and needs: and awareness of the Exchange Network. The survey will be distributed to all federally recognized tribes that are members of NCAI. Response to the survey is voluntary. NCAI will use the findings of this survey to design programs to broaden tribal participation.
This is a new survey of Indian tribes conducted through a cooperative agreement with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). NCAI is planning to conduct a baseline assessment survey to obtain data to help identify barriers and other factors that are limiting tribal participation in the Network. The survey will focus on gathering information related to collection and dissemination of environmental data; information technology infrastructure, capacity, and needs: and awareness of the Exchange Network. The survey will be distributed to all federally recognized tribes that are members of NCAI. Response to the survey is voluntary. NCAI will use the findings of this survey to design programs to broaden tribal participation.
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.
NCAI Exchange Network Tribal Baseline Assessment Survey.docx
2299ss02 B.doc
Tribal Capacity Survey