The Department of Education is requesting a new application for grants under the Talent Search (TS) Program. The Department is requesting a new application because of the implementation of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) revisions to the Higher Education Act (HEA), the authorizing statute for the program. Beginning next year and pending a final rule, all new and continuing grantees will submit performance data consistent with the changes made by the HEOA.
In August 2008, the HEOA was amended and changes to the Talent Search grant program were required and are reflected in this ICR submission. Note that this current burden estimate is based on 1,230 respondents, rather than 1,000 for the previous collection. Since this collection is technically new, all 40,860 hours are considered new burden and represent a program change and or partial change due to statute.
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.