Justification CDIB

Supporting Statement A

Request for Certificate of Degree

of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CDIB)

OMB Control Number 1076-0153

Terms of Clearance: None.

This is a request for renewal.

Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.

Congress has enacted numerous legislation authorizing program services to Indians, provided that the individual possess a minimum degree of Indian blood. Thus, when applying for program services, the individual applicant must include acceptable documentation to prove that he or she meets the minimum required degree of Indian blood. The BIA will certify an individual’s degree of Indian blood if the individual can provide sufficient information to prove his or her identity and prove his or her descent from an Indian ancestor(s) listed on historic documents approved by the Secretary of the Interior that include blood degree information. The laws and federal regulations that include a minimum Indian blood degree requirement include:

1. The Act of August 4, 1947, 61 Stat. 731, Relative to restrictions applicable to Indians of the Five Civilized Tribe of Oklahoma, and for other purposes.

2. The Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934, 48 Stat. 984 - 988, 25 U.S.C. 479

3. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of December 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688

4. The Indian Child Welfare Act of November 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3069

5. BIA Programs, Chapter 22 of Title 25 of the United States Code (25 U.S.C. 2007, Allotment formula)

6. Land Consolidation, Chapter 24 of Title 25 of the United States Code (25 U.S.C. 2201, Definitions)

7. 25 CFR Part 5 – Preference in Employment

8. 25 CFR Part 20 – Financial Assistance and Social Services Programs

9. 25 CFR Part 26 – Employment Assistance for Adult Indians

10. 25 CFR Part 27 – Vocational Training for Adult Indians

11. 25 CFR Part 36 – Minimum Academic Standards for the Basic Education of Indian Children and National Criteria for Dormitory Situations

12. 25 CFR Part 39 – The Indian School Equalization Program

13. 25 CFR Part 151 – Land Acquisitions

14. 25 CFR Part 273 – Education Contracts under Johnson O’Malley

The programs administered under these laws include education, loans, housing, land acquisition and preference in employment. Copies of the pertinent portions of the above-cited documents are attached.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection. Be specific. If this collection is a form or a questionnaire, every question needs to be justified.

BIA staff and Tribal 638 contractors use the application forms to verify the applicant’s Indian ancestry and to determine the applicant’s degree of Indian blood. The applicant will provide information, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and probates to document the applicant’s descent from an Indian ancestor(s). The documentation will also be used to prove the ancestors’ tribal affiliation and the historic roll(s) or other documents that list the ancestors’ name, gender, date of birth, date of death, blood degree and other identifying information. After the information and supporting documentation has been verified, the BIA staff or Tribal 638 contractor will issue a CDIB to the applicant. The applicant will use the CDIB to help document their eligibility for programs and services provided to Indians because they are Indian.

Page one of the form collects the family history of the requester. The requester lists identifying information (all names used) and contact information.

• Column one requires information about requester such as DOB, place of birth, whether adopted or not, tribal enrollment and roll number.

• Column two requests similar information concerning parents.

• Column three requests information about paternal and maternal grandparents.

• Column four requests information about paternal and maternal great grandparents.

Page two of the form provides appeal rights and other notices, and requests certification of information by the requester.

This information may be disclosed to the Department of the Interior and the Department of Justice when required for litigation or anticipated litigation. Information also will be needed and sent to the Regional Director, BIA, for the appeals process. Notification of inquiries or access must be addressed to the appropriate Regional Director, BIA.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.

The application form is currently available on DOI’s website at: http://www.bia.gov/DocumentLibrary/index.htm

The applicant must submit documentation with the form, which may include: certificates of birth and death, marriage certificates, probate determinations, court orders, affidavits, Federal or tribal census records, and Social Security records. These must be submitted in hard copy.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

The information is not duplicated by any other Federal agency and similar information is not used or modified for this collection.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

There is no significant economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses because the CDIB is for individuals only.

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

Respondents may request a CDIB at any time in order to receive Federal benefits. Submission of this information is required to receive a benefit – a CDIB. The consequence of not providing information may result in a determination that a respondent is not eligible to receive program services based upon his/her status as an American Indian or Alaska Native.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

* requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

* requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

* requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

* requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;

* in connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

* requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

* that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

* requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information, unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

There are no special circumstances that will apply to this collection that would require exceptions to 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2). Information is submitted once, the timing is up to the applicant to begin the process, multiple copies are not required, statistics are not involved and any confidential information is protected by the Privacy Act.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and in response to the PRA statement associated with the collection over the past three years, and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every three years — even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

A 60 day comment period was announced in the Federal Register on May 27, 2011 (76 FR 30961), giving interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the form. We did not receive any comments in response to the publication.

The burden estimate is appropriate, based on BIA experts’ years of experience in guiding applicants through this process and ongoing outreach with each new applicant as they fill out the form. The following individuals can provide more information about the issuance of CDIBs:

Alaska Region – Donna Carroll (907) 586-7719

Eastern Region – Chanda Joseph (615)-564-6750

Eastern Oklahoma Region – (918) 781-4647

Southwest Region – Iris Drew (505) 563-3530

Great Plains Region – Danelle Daugherty (605) 226-7376

Midwest Region – Dave Christensen (612) 713-4400

Navajo Region – Irene Herder (505) 863-8207

Northwest Region – Betty Scissons (503) 231-6723

Pacific Region – Shirley Lincoln (916) 978-6063

Rocky Mountain Region – Louise Reyes (406) 247-7989

Southern Plains Region – Sherry Lovin (405) 247-8516

Western Region – Sharlot Johnson (602) 379-6786

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

No payment or gift is being given to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

The information is maintained in strict accordance with the Privacy Act pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a), under the System of Records entitled “Tribal Rolls, Interior, BIA-7,” 42 Fed. Reg. 19038 (April 11, 1977).

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

The main purpose of this information collection is sensitive in nature because it is used to identify the applicant’s race and to document an individual’s Indian ancestry. Sensitive questions include questions about an individual’s age, adoption, the marital status of their parents, and proof of paternity. Proof of paternity is needed when the applicant’s parents were not married at the time of the applicant’s birth and the Indian blood is traced through the father. The same would apply to earlier generations when the Indian blood is traced through the father. If the applicant is adopted, the applicant will need to provide copies of the adoption records. Again, if the Indian ancestry is traced through the birth father, the applicant will need to provide proof of paternity.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

* Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

* If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

* Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included under “Annual Cost to Federal Government.”

The reporting and record keeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.5 hours per response for an estimated 154,980 requests per year, making an annual burden of 232,470 hours. This includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources and gathering needed data. We have estimated the number of requests by using historical numbers and anticipate that the number of requests will be stable within the next year. The 1.5 burden hours per response is estimated as the timeframe for completion of the form and collecting the required documentation to support the information on the form. This number is based on long-term experience in working with individuals to assist them in completing the forms.

Type of request	No. of responses/respondents annually		Hourly burden per response		Total annual hourly burden			Salary cost to respondents*
Applications		154,980		1.5		232,470	$ 4,488,996

* The burden hourly rate is based on rates reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for “sales and office” and “service” occupational groups. See Employer Costs for Employee Compensation – March 2011, USDL 11-0849 (released June 8, 2011). We used the average of the two hourly rates: ½ (15.87 + $11.70) = $ 13.79, then used a factor of 1.4 to account for benefits, for a total hourly rate of $19.31. The 1.4 factor is derived from Employer Costs for Employee Compensation – March 2011, USDL 11-0849 (released June 8, 2011).

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in item 12.)

* The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information (including filing fees paid for form processing). Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

* If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

* Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

The respondents must obtain certain records, such as state-certified birth, death and marriage records, that cost money to obtain. Several states, California, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. were surveyed regarding birth and death records. A copy of a certified birth certificate will cost approximately $18.00. Certified death records cost about $12.00 each. Marriage certificates are approximately $10.00 each. Some respondents may already have copies of birth, death or marriage records, while others may have to obtain more than one each to document their ancestors. For this reason, we are averaging one of each document per respondent.

Document	No. of Respondents	Cost to Obtain	Non-salary burden
Birth certificates	154,980	$ 18.00	$ 2,789,640
Death records	154,980	$ 12.00	$ 1,859,760
Marriage records	154,980	$ 10.00	$ 1,549,800
		Total	$ 6,199,200

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.

The estimated annual salary cost to the government for processing CDIB requests in the 12 regions is $7,047,327 and is broken down as follows:

	No. of respondents, annually	Salary & benefit cost per hour	Hourly burden	Cost of Federal Burdens
				Salary	Supplies^	Postage+	Total
Bureau Enrollment Clerk	154,980	$ 27.05*	1.25	$ 5,240,261	$ 60,442	$ 68,191
Bureau Official	154,980	$ 43.32**	0.25	$ 1,678,433
			Total	$ 6,918,694	$ 60,442	$ 68,191	$ 7,047,327

*The Bureau enrollment clerk salary and benefits are $27.05/hour (averaging at GS-8/Step 1 salary of $18.03/hour multiplied by a factor of 1.5 to account for benefits).

**The certifying Bureau Official salary and benefits are $43.32/hour (averaging at GS-12/Step 1 salary of $28.88).

^ The cost of the 3 page form @ $.13/page is about $.39 multiplied by 154,980 equals $60,442 annually for supplies.

⁺ The postage at $.44 multiplied by 154,980 equals $68,191 per year.

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

There are no program changes or adjustments.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

The results of this information collection will not be published except that total application numbers are used in reports, such as budget justifications.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

We intend to display the OMB Control Number and the expiration date.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

We are not seeking any exceptions.

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