To manage the Agricultural Research
Service peer review system by centrally planning peer panel reviews
for ARS research projects on a five-year cycle.
The number of responses
decreased from 1,860 to 952, and the burden hours decreased from
2,708 to 2,460, resulting in a program change: All panel meetings
are held online therefore, no expenses are for travel of reviewers.
Some formerly needed forms, as noted, are only rarely needed.
Budgets have been aligned with newer automation systems utilized to
decrease human error and increase flexibility and feasibility of
panel reviewers to complete requested forms. There are no
substantial changes reported in items 13 and 14 for this activity.
No new forms were added to the collection but three have been
removed. all panel meetings are now held online therefore, no
expenses are needed for travel of the reviewers.
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.