Compliance testing of equipment is required prior to authorization for marketing. To ensure that data gathered is valid, verification of certain measurement standards and practices, documentation of testing procedure, and data collection employed by the equipment manufacturer of his representative are necessary.
On 9/14/09, the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) identified and requested comment on certain types of information that an applicant should provide to be considered an accreditation body of test laboratories under the Commission's rules, see DA 09-2049. Under section 2.948(d), the requirements for accreditation bodies seeking recognition from the FCC as a laboratory body must file a report of their qualifications with the OET. They are only required to file this information once. The Commission currently has two recognized accreditation bodies, and is about to recognize a third. Additional accreditation bodies may be recognized.
The 60 hour program change increase is due to the new reporting requirement and the 12,000 hour adjustment increase in burden reflects the significant increase in the number of laboratories filing test site descriptions. This increase has been observed in the recent past, and is in large part due to Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) signed with various foreign economic entities, by testing facilities filing site descriptions under section 2.948 prior to submittal of equipment for authorization.
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.