3090-0248-Supporting Statement_2021

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

GSAR 516-506, Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses; 552.216-72, Placement of Orders; and 552.216-73, Ordering Information
(OMB Control No. 3090-0248)

A. Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.

For many years, the General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) has had the capability to place orders under contracts electronically via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) has prescribed in GSAR 516.506 the use of GSAR clauses 552.216-72, Placement of Orders, and 552.216-73, Ordering Information in solicitations and contracts for Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts to provide requirements for Offerors to receive electronic orders through computer-to-computer EDI.

To accomplish EDI, a company enters into a Trading Partner Agreement (TPA) with FAS. The use of EDI furthers congressional and executive branch policies that Federal agencies provide leadership in advancing environmental objectives through technology and the expanded use of electronic commerce.

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.

Establishing TPAs with contractors ensures compatibility of Government and contractor equipment and that each party understands the responsibility associated with placing orders using the EDI method.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques.

FAS uses EDI to the maximum extent practicable. This electronic method of placing delivery orders facilitates and advances the use of information technology under the FSS program.

Collection methods and procedures are periodically reviewed to determine if the information collection is still needed and if improved technology is available. In connection with Governmentwide e-initiatives and statutory requirements, FAS is exploring receiving responses to solicitations and contract data collection 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.

FAS did not identify any duplication of information collected. Our review did not identify any similar data request. The information is required for each solicitation to ensure it reflects the offeror’s current business practices.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

The burden applies equally to small businesses that opt to do business with GSA. The information collected is necessary to meet the specific objectives of the solicitation or contract.

6. Describe the consequence 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.

Unless a contractor establishes a TPA with FAS to use the EDI procedures, it will not receive delivery orders through this manner. Otherwise, orders will be mailed to the contractor.

7. Explain any special circumstances.

Collection is consistent with guidelines in the 5 CFR 1320.6.

8. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency.

A 60-day notice was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 39023 on July 23, 2021. No comments were received. A 30-day notice published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 54197 on September 30, 2021.

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

Not applicable.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

Information in an offeror’s proposal is considered classified information and is only made available to those privy to that proposal. This information is disclosed only to the extent consistent with agency regulations and applicable statutes.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature.

No sensitive questions are involved.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.

GSA based the estimated burden of the collection of information on information obtained from subject matter experts familiar with the approximate number of vendors electing to receive orders via computer-to-computer Electronic Data Interchange or other electronic means, and the range of processing times, depending on the complexity of the contract. The burden addressed in this information collection requirement is the burden of submitting the required information.

Number of respondents: 18,590

Responses per respondent: x 1

Number of responses: 18,590

Average hours per response: x 0.25

Estimated hours: 4,648

13. Provide an estimate for the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information.

The annual reporting cost burden is estimated as follows:

Respondents 18,590

Responses per respondent x 1

Total annual responses 18,590

Preparation time per response x 0.25

Total burden hours 4,648

Cost per hour* x $32.32

Estimate cost burden to the public $150,223

*The estimated cost of $32.32 per hour is based on the task being accomplished by personnel equivalent to a GS-7, Step 5 salary (Base Pay with Rest of US Locality Pay) (Salary Table 2021-GS, Effective January 2021), with fringe of 36.25% (OMB Memo M-08-13).

14. Provide estimates of annualized costs to the Federal Government.

The estimated cost to the Federal Government is estimated as follows:

Number of responses 18,590

Review time per response x 0.25

Estimated Hours 4,648

Cost per hour* x $32.32

Total annual Government cost $150,223

*The estimated cost of $32.32 per hour is based on the task being accomplished by personnel equivalent to a GS-7, Step 5 salary (Base Pay with Rest of US Locality Pay) (Salary Table 2021-GS, Effective January 2021), with fringe of 36.25% (OMB Memo M-08-13).

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported.

Not applicable.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.

Results will not be tabulated or published. Data collected will be used for internal administration of contracts.

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.

Not applicable.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in the “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions”.

Not applicable.

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods.

Statistical methods are not used in this information collection.

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