In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years. As terms of clearance, however, the agency is required to closely track the frequency with which this collection is used and (1) submit a request for revision if the burden actual burden exceeds the expected level approved in this ICR; and (2) ensure that the burden reflected in the renewal requested is accurate.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/2021
36 Months From Approved
12/31/2018
45
0
135
56,055
0
164,525
0
0
0
The collection of this information is required to ensure that the Agency can effectively identify, evaluate, and take appropriate action concerning contractor conflicts of interest (COI). Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contractors are required to disclose any actual or potential COI with regard to their employees, corporate affiliations, and business relationships. Contractors will be required to maintain a database of business relationships and report information to EPA on either an annual basis or when work is ordered under an Agency contract. Additionally, under some contracts, the contractor must request written approval from the contracting officer to enter into a proposed contract subject to the restrictions of EPAâs Limitation of Future Contracting Clause that can found at CFR 48 1552.209-74.
There is a significant reduction in expected respondents (135 to 45). The lower respondent count used in this renewal is derived from the actual number of COI Plans submitted for review in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and Agency expectations that workflow levels should continue, generally unchanged, in the upcoming period. Burden levels and costs associated with this renewal are consistent with those previously requested when viewed on a per-response basis. The overall decreases noted in these categories are proportional to the reductions in expected responses.
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.