The information collected is used by FRA to monitor regulatory compliance with 49 CFR Part 213. The information collected under section 213.234 is used by FRA to ensure that automated track inspections of track constructed with concrete crossties are carried out as specified in this section to supplement visual inspections and to ensure that qualified rail personnel take appropriate remedial action, where necessary. This collection of information is mandatory and it involves both reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The collection frequency of the required information occurs on an occasional basis. There is also one requirement occurring on an annual basis which pertains to employee training.
The current OMB inventory for this information collection shows a total burden of 4,875 hours and 2,318 responses, while the present submission exhibits a total burden of 279 hours and 2,405 responses. Overall, the burden for this information collection has decreased by 4,596 hours and increased by 87 responses from the last submission. The decrease in burden is solely the result of adjustments.
FRA provided a thorough review of this package and determined that many of the PRA estimates were outdated, some estimates were not PRA requirements, and others were double counted. Additionally, the amount of time to create a report has been significantly reduced since the reports are system generated.
The cost to respondents increased by $15 from the last submission. This change in cost is due to an adjustment in the estimate for the number of exception report copies (from 75 copies to 125 copies, which changed the estimated cost from $23 to $38).
The specific information on any burden that has changed is reported in question 15 of the supporting justification.
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.