1845-0085 Supporting Statement 30D 20200616

OMB Number and Tracking Number: 1845-0085 Revised: 6/16/2020

RIN Number: XXXX-XXXX (if applicable)

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION

FFEL Administrative Requirements for States, Not-for-Profit Lenders and Eligible Lender Trustees

A. Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a hard copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information, or you may provide a valid URL link or paste the applicable section¹. Specify the review type of the collection (new, revision, extension, reinstatement with change, reinstatement without change). If revised, briefly specify the changes. If a rulemaking is involved, make note of the sections or changed sections, if applicable.

This request is for the extension of a current paperwork collection in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number 1845-0085 for the reporting requirement contained in the regulations for States, not-for-profit lenders and eligible lender trustees under 34 CFR 682.302 for the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. Section 682.302 contains information collection requirements. The information collection requirements are necessary to determine or recertify eligibility to receive program benefits and to prevent fraud and abuse of program funds. As required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)), the Department of Education (the Department) is including a link above to this section of the regulations to OMB for its review.

The Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, while no longer making new loans, continues to require servicing of existing loans held by lenders and servicers. The current regulations include program administration for State and not-for-profit loan holders. These regulations are designed to reduce administrative burden for program participants, provide benefits to borrowers, and protect the taxpayers' interest.

Sections 682.302 – Eligible Not For Profit Holder.

The regulations in §682.302 require a State, non-profit entity, or eligible lender trustee to provide to the Secretary a certification on the State or non-profit entity’s letterhead signed by the State or non-profit’s Chief Executive Officer which states the basis upon which the entity qualifies as a State or non-profit entity. The submission must include documentation establishing the entity’s State or non-profit status. In addition, the submission must include the name and lender identification number for which the eligible not-for-profit designation is being certified.

Once an entity has been approved as an eligible not-for-profit holder, the entity must provide to the Secretary an annual certification on the State or non-profit entity’s letterhead signed by the CEO, which includes the name and lender identification number(s) of the entities for which designation is being recertified. The annual certification must state that the State or non-profit entity has not altered its status as a State or non-profit entity since its prior certification to the Secretary and that it continues to satisfy the requirements of an eligible not-for-profit holder either in its own right or through a trust agreement with an eligible lender trustee.

When an approved not-for-profit holder has a change in status, within 10 days of becoming aware of the occurrence of a change that may result in a State or non-profit entity that has been designated an eligible not-for-profit holder, either directly or through an eligible lender trustee, losing that eligibility, the State or non-profit entity must submit details of the change to the Secretary.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.

The Department is responsible for reviewing the initial or annual certification of applications for not-for-profit eligibility status to ensure that only those entities that meet the definitions are allowed to participate in the special allowance payment program. The regulatory information allows such an assessment. The reporting requirements are imposed to assure accountability of program participants for proper program administration and to justify the payment of funds by the federal government. Not collecting the information described would be likely to result in a loss of Federal money due to waste, fraud, and abuse.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision of adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration given to using technology to reduce burden.

To comply with the regulations, a State, not-for-profit entity, or an eligible lender trustee must submit copies of signed documents, originally signed documents (such as attestations), and annual certifications for approval. If an entity’s status change (i.e., reorganization or name change) requires contact with the Department, it could be made electronically.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

A review of procedures indicates that current requirements are minimal and avoid duplication. This review was done in conjunction with affected parties who have a vested interest in eliminating duplication.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden. A small entity may be (1) a small business which is deemed to be one that is independently owned and operated and that is not dominant in its field of operation; (2) a small organization that is any not-for-profit enterprise that is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field; or (3) a small government jurisdiction, which is a government of a city, county, town, township, school district, or special district with a population of less than 50,000.

No small businesses are impacted by this collection.

6. Describe the consequences to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

Reporting requirements are imposed to assure accountability of program participants for proper program administration and less frequent collection could impair accountability of program participants.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

• requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

• requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

• requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

• requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;

• in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results than can be generalized to the universe of study;

• requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

• that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or that unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

• requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information’s confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

The collection of this information will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5(d) (2). There are no special circumstances.

8. As applicable, state that the Department has published the 60 and 30 Federal Register notices as required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instruction and record keeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years – even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

These regulations were made under negotiated rulemaking in 2008 and have not been changed since that time. On April 15, 2020, a notice was published in the Federal Register (Vol. 85, No. 73, pages 20992-20993) requesting public comment on the burden estimates. No comments were received. And no changes have been made to the collection. We are now requesting a 30-day Federal Register Notice inviting public comment.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees with meaningful justification.

No payments or gifts will be provided to the respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy. If personally identifiable information (PII) is being collected, a Privacy Act statement should be included on the instrument. Please provide a citation for the Systems of Record Notice and the date a Privacy Impact Assessment was completed as indicated on the IC Data Form. A confidentiality statement with a legal citation that authorizes the pledge of confidentiality should be provided.² If the collection is subject to the Privacy Act, the Privacy Act statement is deemed sufficient with respect to confidentiality. If there is no expectation of confidentiality, simply state that the Department makes no pledge about the confidentially of the data.

There is no assurance of confidentiality provided to the non-profit entities for the submission of this information.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. The justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

The Department is not requesting any sensitive data.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

• Indicate the number of respondents by affected public type (federal government, individuals or households, private sector – businesses or other for-profit, private sector – not-for-profit institutions, farms, state, local or tribal governments), frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated, including identification of burden type: recordkeeping, reporting or third party disclosure. All narrative should be included in item 12. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

• If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens in the ROCIS IC Burden Analysis Table. (The table should at minimum include Respondent types, IC activity, Respondent and Responses, Hours/Response, and Total Hours)

• Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents of the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 14.

Current burden for OMB 1845-0085

NOT-FOR-PROFITS 41 respondents/responses x 1 hour burden = 41hours

STATES 20 respondents/responses x 1 hour burden = 20 hours

Total: 61 respondents/responses x 1 hour burden = 61 hours

Recalculated amount of burden for State and Not-for-profit entities:

16 - States submitting documentation 16 responses

Average time to complete the submission 1.0 hour

Total time to complete the submissions 16 hours

27 - 501(c) (3) non-profit entities submitting documentation 27 responses

Average time to complete the submission 1.0 hour

Total time to complete the submissions 27 hours

Revised burden for §682.305

Total number of respondents 43

Total number of responses 43

Total hours of revised burden: 43 hours

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14.)

• The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and acquiring and maintaining record storage facilities.

• If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

• Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices. Also, these estimates should not include the hourly costs (i.e., the monetization of the hours) captured above in Item 12

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Cost :      

Total Annual Costs (O&M) :      

____________________

Total Annualized Costs Requested :      

There are no additional costs.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.

There are no additional costs to the Federal government as a result of the regulations.

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments. Generally, adjustments in burden result from re-estimating burden and/or from economic phenomenon outside of an agency’s control (e.g., correcting a burden estimate or an organic increase in the size of the reporting universe). Program changes result from a deliberate action that materially changes a collection of information and generally are result of new statute or an agency action (e.g., changing a form, revising regulations, redefining the respondent universe, etc.). Burden changes should be disaggregated by type of change (i.e., adjustment, program change due to new statute, and/or program change due to agency discretion), type of collection (new, revision, extension, reinstatement with change, reinstatement without change) and include totals for changes in burden hours, responses and costs (if applicable).

This is a request for an extension of the current collection package. The burden decrease of 18 hours is due to a decrease in the number of participants. The recalculated burden is now 43 hours based on 43 respondents with a single annual 1 hour response. There has been no change in the regulations, or the information required to be provided to the Department.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

The results of the collection of information will not be published.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

The Department is not seeking this approval.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in the Certification of Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Department is not requesting any exceptions to the "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions" of OMB Form 83-1.

1 Please limit pasted text to no longer than 3 paragraphs.

2 Requests for this information are in accordance with the following ED and OMB policies: Privacy Act of 1974, OMB Circular A-108 – Privacy Act Implementation – Guidelines and Responsibilities, OMB Circular A-130 Appendix I – Federal Agency Responsibilities for Maintaining Records About Individuals, OMB M-03-22 – OMB Guidance for Implementing the Privacy Provisions of the E-Government Act of 2002, OMB M-06-15 – Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information, OM:6-104 – Privacy Act of 1974 (Collection, Use and Protection of Personally Identifiable Information)

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