This is a minor change request to the reinstatement with change of previously approved collection for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Program, CFDA# 84.334A & 84.334S. During the 30-day public comment period, several respondents addressed overarching general concerns as well as 10 topical areas addressed in the Notice Inviting Applications that is included in the application clearance package. The topical areas addressed included, for example, recommendations for changes in the formatting of applications and abstract, competitive preference priority (CPP), specific selection criteria, and performance measures, as well as recommendations on program forms and changes made to the Annual Performance Report that was placed in OMB clearance as a separate document. Accepting six comments regarding the format and one comment regarding the Notice Inviting Applications brought about the need to make seven minor changes. Five of the changes involved changing a word or providing clarifying language to a question. The sixth change resulted in reinstating a form that was available to applicants to complete in previous GEAR UP applications. The final change adds language clarifying how many pages are recommended for applicants submitting a proposal.
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.