The NUPC will serve as a repository of
Universal Product Codes pertaining to WIC Program foods. The NUPC
will be accessible on a voluntary basis for manufacturers to
electronically submit product information for consideration for
inclusion in WIC State agency food lists. The system will
automatically screen products for compliance with minimum Federal
regulatory requirments.
This is a revision of a
currently approved data collection. FNS has modified the NUPC
database concept of operations to better meet the needs of WIC
State agencies. During the initial database design phase, FNS
relied upon State agencies and food manufacturers to enter several
data elements for each food item which would eventually be used to
populate the NUPC database. This process was later found to be
labor intensive and caused numerous inconsistencies in the data.
FNS revised the concept and intends to hire a contractor to serve
as the single point of entry for all data entering the NUPC
database rather than relying on State agencies and food
manufacturers to populate the database. As a result of program
changes, the revised concept of operations is expected to reduce
the annual reporting and recordkeeping hour burden by 1,373 hours
(from 1,938 hours to 565 hours per year).
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.