These information collections are necessary to implement, monitor and enforce the requirements of the Economic Development Administration's RLF program.
Adjustments
The ED-209 increased from 2,468 to 3,702 hours because feedback from Grantees indicated that they had to update their version of Adobe this past reporting period due to the use of encryption in the ED-209 form. Only version X or XI of Adobe products supported the encryption we relied upon. A major issue we encountered this past reporting period was the use of Adobe plug-ins. Some Grantees (especially those running Chrome) were able to download the reporting form and begin filling out the form, but were unable to save the form. We discovered this was due to the Adobe plug-in being disabled in Chrome. Other users were unable to download the form using Google Chrome but could do so with Internet Explorer. The increase in hours is not because of a change in the form but rather from software security requirements and is expected to remain at this higher level of hours.
The second form, ED-209I, decreased from 214 to 94 responses and from 231 to 94 hours because an RLF Recipient using either fifty (50) percent or more (or more than $100,000) of RLF Income for administrative costs in a six-month Reporting Period must submit to EDA a completed Income and Expense Statement (Form ED-209I) for that Reporting Period. The number of responses varies based on the preceding criteria. However, based on the past reporting period, the lower adjusted number of responses and hours is expected to continue
TOTAL NET: Decrease 214 responses; Increase 1,097 burden hours
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.