In the Fifth Report and Order, EB
Docket No. 04-296, FCC 12-7, the Commission amended its Part 11
rules governing the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to more full
codify the existing obligation to process Common Alerting Protocol
(CAP)-formatted alert messages adopted in the Second Report and
Order, and to streamline and clarify these rules, eliminate
superfluous and stale requirements and generally enhance their
effectiveness.
The 5th Report and Order
sets forth specific procedures that EAS device manufacturers must
follow to comply with the FCC's existing equipment authorization
rules, including procedures for updating existing device
certifications and obtaining new certifications. These procedures
generally involve the submission of test data and other materials
to the FCC. Requiring such device testing and the submission of the
test data is necessary for the FCC to ensure that EAS equipment -
which performs critical functions for public safety in times of
emergency - is not marketed unless and until it meets the various
technical requirements under Parts 11 and 15 of the FCC rules.
Although it is impossible for the FCC to gauge with precision the
exact amount of time involved to complete these processes, a
three-four month timer period would not be unusual or unreasonable.
Accordingly, because the overall deadline for CAP compliance is
6/30/12, the FCC cannot wait the 120 days to notify the public and
potential applicants of its intent to collect the information and
is therefore requesting emergency processing of this new
information collection. At a later time, the FCC will consolidate
or merge this collection under OMB control number 3060-0207.
US Code:
47
USC 154(i) Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as
amended
US Code: 47
USC 606 Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
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.