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.