Section 23 of the Commodity Exchange Act, 7 U.S.C. 26, directs that the Commission establish a fund from which to pay awards of 10 to 30 percent of sanctions collected from successful enforcement of covered judicial or administrative actions, or related actions, to individuals who provide information that leads to the successful enforcement of an action in which sanctions exceeding $1,000,000 are obtained. Section 23(c) establishes procedures for the determination or denial of an award. Rules 165.3 and 165.7 implement these statutory provisions. Rule 165.3 establishes the procedures for submitting original information, which enables the Commission to receive whistleblower tips regarding possible violations of the CEA. Ultimately, the receipt of such tips can lead to successful enforcement actions achieving total sanctions in excess of $1,000,000 or related actions. Rule 165.7 establishes the procedures for award applications and Commission award determinations. Rule 165.7 requires the whistleblower to apply for an award, and likewise enables the Commission to make a determination of the amount of an award or denial of an award based upon certain criteria.
The number of responses are expected to increase, but the expected time to complete each form has been revised down. This will result in the total burden hours for this collection decreasing overall.
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.