1024-WHHO Christmas Music Program SSA 03072016

SUPPORTING STATEMENT A

FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION

NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE MUSIC PROGRAM APPLICATION

OMB Control Number 1024-New

Terms of Clearance. None. This is an existing collection in use without approval.

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.

After the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in early December, the holiday festivities in President’s Park, a unit of the National Park Service (NPS), continue with the National Christmas Tree Music Program. This holiday themed event welcomes performance groups from schools, choirs, and dance studios who contribute their talents and enrich the already memorable experience for park visitors. While the majority of groups are local, we often have groups from across the country and even as far away as Australia perform. For many groups this experience is a significant aspect of their holiday tradition as friends and family come to support and enjoy President’s Park. To ensure that all groups have a fair opportunity to perform, we collect applications and select groups at random based on their preferred performance dates.

The NPS Organic Act of 1916 (Organic Act) (54 U.S.C. 100101 et seq.; P.L. 113-287), gives the NPS broad authority to regulate the use of the park areas under its jurisdiction. Consistent with the Organic Act, as well as the Constitution's Establishment Clause which mandates government neutrality and allows the placement of holiday secular and religious displays, the National Christmas Tree Music Program's holiday musical entertainment may include both holiday secular and religious music. To ensure that any proposed music selection is consistent with the Establishment Clause, and presented in a prudent and objective manner as a traditional part of the culture and heritage of this annual holiday event, it must be approved in advance by the National Park Service (NPS).

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. Be specific. If this collection is a form or a questionnaire, every question needs to be justified.

Information from this form is used to schedule performers for the National Christmas Tree Music Program, held every December in President’s Park, a unit of the NPS. Information is logistical in nature and is needed to help NPS staff schedule, prepare for, and publicize each performance. NPS Form 10-942 (President’s Park National Christmas Tree Music Performance Application” requests:

1. group name and location – needed to include in the printed program for the “Lighting of the National Christmas Tree Ceremony”;

2. name, email, and phone number – needed to contact the music group for additional information or to confirm selection in the music program;

3. preferred performance dates and times – needed to schedule groups based on their preferences and availability;

4. confirmation the musical group has read and understands the “Musical Entertainment Policy” on the application;

5. music selections and song list – needed to ensure group does not exceed 30-minute time limit for their performance;

6. equipment needs – needed to ensure the NPS is prepared to provide the necessary equipment for the group;

7. number of performers – musical groups have a limit of 30 performers due to the size of the stage; and

8. type of group (choir, etc.) – needed to ensure a variety of musical performers are scheduled at various times throughout the program.

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 and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.

This information will be collected online via Google Forms as licensed by the National Park Service. This decision was made to reduce the burden on applicants, who must print out the current application, fill it out, and fax or scan and email back to the NPS. A typed online form will also lessen the chance of mistakes made due to illegible handwriting. The form will be a downloadable form which can be e-mailed back to the park.

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 is not available elsewhere or otherwise collected by the National Park Service or any other Federal or State agency. Once collected, no additional information requirements are imposed on an applicant.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

We estimate annual responses from approximately seventy-three (73) small entities but the responses are completely voluntary.

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

If this collection is not conducted, this longstanding music program will have to be cancelled and the park would receive many negative comments from visitors and previous performers.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

* requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

* requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

* requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

* requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;

* in connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

* requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

* that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

* requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information, unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

There are no special circumstances that require us to collect the information inconsistent with OMB guidelines.

8. 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 in response to the PRA statement associated with the collection over the past three years, and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every three years — even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

On August 3, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR 46046) a notice of our intent to request that OMB approve this information collection. In that notice, we solicited comments for 60 days, ending on October 2, 2015. We did not receive any comments in response to that notice.

In addition, the following individuals were contacted and asked to provide comment on the information collection requirements:

Name: Rebecca Conner Organization: Capital Accord Chorus Mailing Address Email: [email protected]	Name: Andrew Baughman Organization: St. John’s Episcopal School Mailing Address Email: [email protected]
Name: Dawn Crafton Organization: Dawn Crafton Dancers Mailing Address Email: [email protected]	Name: Jennifer Boice Organization: Cashell Elementary School Chorus Mailing Address Email: [email protected]
Name: Debbie Schlechte Organization: Parkside Middle School Show Choir Mailing Address Email http://www.eventbrite.com/e/find-your-park-day-of-service-mlk-day-in-washington-dc-registration-19413125180: [email protected]	Name: Joseph Ohrt Organization: Central Bucks High School Mailing Address Email: [email protected]
Name: Theresa Werner Organization: Cardinal Cloggers Mailing Address Email: [email protected]	Name: Matthew Stegle Organization: The Trinity Brass Mailing Address Email: [email protected]
Name: Nathan Zook Organization: Washington Mennonite Chorus Mailing Address Email: [email protected]

Of the nine contacted, four responded. Three responded that they had no comments, and one person responded that the information collected was appropriate and necessary and provided comments related to the logistics of the music program. The comments supported the NPS’ current logistics practices so no action was necessary. Despite two additional attempts to solicit comments from the remaining five individuals who did not respond to the initial contact, no additional responses were received.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

We do not provide payments or gifts to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

We do not provide any assurance of confidentiality.

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.

We do not ask questions of a sensitive nature.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

* Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

* If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

* Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here

We estimate that 75 respondents will submit 75 applications annually, totaling 19 burden hours.

We estimate the total dollar value of the annual burden hours for this collection to be $604.39 (rounded). We used the Bureau of Labor Statistics news release USDL-15-1756, September 9, 2015, Employer Costs for Employee Compensation—June 2015 (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/ecec_09092015.pdf), to estimate average hourly wages and calculate benefits:

• Individuals - We used the wage and salary costs for all workers from Table 1, which states an hourly rate of $22.72. To calculate benefits, we multiplied the hourly rate by 1.4, resulting in an hourly cost factor of $31.81 (rounded).

ACTIVITY	TOTAL ANNUAL RESPONSES	COMPLETION TIME PER RESPONSE (MINUTES)	TOTAL ANNUAL BURDEN HOURS	HOURLY RATE INCL. BENEFITS	$ VALUE OF ANNUAL BURDEN HOURS*
NPS Form 10-942, "National Christmas Tree Music Program Application"
Individuals	2	15	0.5	$31.81	$15.91
Private Sector	73	15	18.25	$31.81	580.53
Totals	75		19		$596.44

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in item 12.)

* The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information (including filing fees paid for form processing). Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

* If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

* Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

There is no non-hour cost burden to respondents.

14. 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.

Time necessary to process each music application is approximately 10 minutes. No other operational expenses occur as a result of collecting this information. The total estimated cost to the Federal Government for processing applications is $317.25.

	Hourly Pay Rate *	Hourly Rate with Benefits **	Average Minutes/ Application	Average Cost/ Application
Park Guide
GS-05/01	$16.90	$25.35	10	$4.23

Total Cost:

75 applications x $4.23 = $317.25

* Hourly rate based on the Office of Personnel Management Salary Table 2016-DCB. (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2016/DCB_h.pdf)

** To calculate benefits, we multiplied the hourly pay rate by 1.5 in accordance with Bureau of Labor Statistics news release USDL 15-1756.

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

This is an existing collection in use without approval.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

These results will not be published.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

We will display the OMB control number and expiration date on the application form and via automated collection on the NPS webpage.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

There are no exceptions to the certification statement.