In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.13, this information collection is pre-approved for 3 months as an emergency clearance to meet deadlines associated with new funding appropriated for the ReConnect Program. If the Agency decides to continue use of this collection past the approved emergency clearance time period, it must resubmit an ICR to OMB under the normal PRA clearance process and include responses to any public comments it has received. In addition, the Agency must re-evaluate the burdens associated with this ICR such as external consulting fee requirements, provide a detailed breakdown of costs by profession, and provide a more detailed explanation of the discretionary vs. regulatory and statutory authorities underlying each of the individual collection requirements. Lastly, if additional funding is appropriated for this program, any resulting changes to the information collection must be documented in the new ICR submission.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2019
6 Months From Approved
69,920
0
0
477,820
0
0
0
0
0
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its general policy and application procedures for funding under the broadband pilot program established pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 which provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the pilot will fuel long-term rural economic development and opportunities in rural America. One of those opportunities is precision agriculture. The use of this technology requires a robust broadband connection. The awards made under this program will bring high speed broadband to the farms which will allow them to increase productivity.
The Secretary and ASEC have indicated that the Pilot Program is a priority.
An emergency approval is being requested because RD will not be able to implement this new grant and loan program including the associated notice of solicitation of applications in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, as the use of normal clearance procedures is likely to prevent or disrupt the collection of information from applicants. RD considers it imperative to begin processing applications this fiscal year for projects that support national broadband service development that will facilitate rural economic development by improving access to broadband service in rural areas without service or that lack sufficient access to broadband service. Applications under the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the ReConnect Program will be accepted for specific windows depending on the award instrument requested. RUS will need to be prepared to begin collecting applications the moment the Application Intake System is ready.
PL:
Pub.L. 115 - 141 779
Name of Law: Consolidated Appropriations Act 2018 (the FY2018 Appropriations)
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.
Clearance-Pilot BB(ReConnect) FOA_11-30-2018.docx
ROCIS- FINAL 12-3-18_PilotSupportingStmt..xlsx
RUS Form 743-Certificate of Contractor and Indemnity Agreement.pdf
ReConnect (Pilot) Program -State, Tribal & Local Governments