Supporting Statement
Application to Use Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
1651-0105
Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statue and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.
The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is a trade processing system that will eventually replace the Automated Commercial System (ACS), the current import system for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations. ACE supports government agencies and the trade community with border-related missions with respect to moving goods across the border efficiently and securely. Once ACE is fully implemented, all related CBP trade functions and the trade community will be supported from a single common user interface. The CBP transition to ACE began in October 2003 with the launch of the ACE Secure Data Portal, a customized web page that provides a single, user-friendly gateway to access CBP information via the internet for CBP, the trade community and Participating Government Agencies. In order to participate in the various ACE pilots, companies and/or individuals are required to submit basic information to CBP such as: their name; their employer identification number (EIN) or social security number, standard carrier alpha code (SCAC), and a statement certifying their capability to connect to the internet. The application for the ACE Secure Data Portal is accessible at: http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/automated/modernization/ace_app_info/ace_portal_app.ctt/ace_portal_app.pdf
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.
CBP needs basic information from companies electing to establish an ACE Secure Data Portal account in order to establish an account structure for each company. This information is also needed by CBP for enforcement and security purposes.
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.
Respondents can submit their information using the ACE Secure Data Portal. This can be accessed at CBP.gov at
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.
This information collection is unique and not duplicated elsewhere.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.
This information collection does not have an impact on small businesses or other small entities.
Describe consequences to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently.
If CBP does did not collect this information, we would not have enough information to establish accounts for companies or individuals choosing to use ACE. In addition, CBP would not be able to evaluate the functionality of ACE.
7. Explain any special circumstances.
This information collection is conducted in a manner consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5(c)(2).
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 describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.
Public comments were solicited in Federal Register notices dated March 12, 2012 (Volume 77, Page 14535) on which no comments were received, and on May 21, 2012 (Volume 77, Page 30021) on which no comments have been received.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
There is no offer of a monetary or material value for this information collection.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
A PIA for the Automated Commercial System (ACS) and Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) dated December 2, 2008, and a SORN for ACS/ACE, dated December 19, 2008 (Vol. 73, Page 77759) will be included in this ICR. No assurances of confidentiality are provided to respondents.
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.
There are no questions of a personal or sensitive nature associated with this collection.
Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.
INFORMATION COLLECTION |
TOTAL ANNUAL BURDEN HOURS |
NO. OF RESPONDENTS |
NO. OF RESPONSES PER RESPONDENT |
TOTAL RESPONSES |
TIME PER RESPONSE |
Application to ACE |
6,930 |
21,000 |
1 |
21,000 |
20 minutes |
Public Cost
The estimated cost to the respondents is $138,600. This is based on the estimated burden hours (6,930) multiplied (x) hourly rate ($20.00).
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information.
There are no capitalization, start-up or maintenance costs associated with this information collection.
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 annual estimated cost to the Federal Government associated with reviewing and processing the information is $220,500. This is based on the number of responses (21,000) multiplied (x) by time spent to review each response (15 minutes) = 5,250 multiplied (x) by the average hourly rate of $42.00 = $220,500.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 12 or 13 of this Statement.
There has been no increase or decrease in the estimated annual burden hours previously reported for this information collection.
16. For collection of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation, and publication.
This information collection will not be published for statistical purposes.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date, explain the reasons that displaying the expiration date would be inappropriate.
CBP will display the expiration date for OMB approval of this information collection.
18. “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions.”
CBP does not request and exception to the certification of this information collection.
No statistical methods were employed.
| File Type | application/msword |
| Author | Preferred Customer |
| Last Modified By | Authorized User |
| File Modified | 2012-06-20 |
| File Created | 2012-03-21 |