The purpose of the peer review process
information collection is to ensure grants supported by NIFA are of
high quality, and consistent with the goals and requirements of the
funding program.
US Code:
7 USC
3101 Name of Law: National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977
The total annual burden for the
NIFA Review Process has increased from the previously approved
total of 78,065 hours to the new requested amount of 100,497 hours.
This is principally the result of adjustments in the number of
respondents and one minor program change. The main adjustment
involved the number of respondses for reviews. NIFA is using the
figure of 4 reviews per application to be on the conservative side.
The minor program change involves bringing back the use of the
Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Certification Form for
panelist to sign when they serve on a peer review panel.
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.