Supporting Statement -0572-0023 final v.1 clean

September 2022

2022 - SUPPORTING STATEMENT

7 CFR Part 1744, Subpart C

Advance and Disbursement of Funds – Telecommunications

(OMB No. 0572-0023)

This is a revision of a currently approved information collection.

A. Justification

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

Section 201 of the Rural Electrification Act (RE Act) of 1936 authorizes the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to make loans for the purpose of providing telephone service to the widest practicable number of rural subscribers. Title VI, Rural Broadband Access, of the RE Act authorizes RUS to provide loans and loan guarantee to fund the cost of construction, improvement, or acquisition facilities and equipment for the provision of broadband service in eligible rural communities.

RUS Form 481, “Financial Requirement Statement,” must be submitted by the borrower to request loan advances. A supplemental sheet to Form 481 (a continuation sheet) may be used by borrowers needing additional space. The Form 481 is used by RUS to record and control transactions in the construction fund. Upon receipt of the Form 481 and its accompanying documents complying with provisions of 7 CFR part 1744, subpart c, the Government, within a reasonable amount of time, will make and advance to the borrower a sufficient amount for the purposes specified in the statement of purposes. The borrower must immediately deposit all advanced money into a Special Construction account until disbursed.

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.

FORM APPROVED UNDER THIS DOCKET

RUS Form 481 is prepared and submitted to RUS by a borrower in order to have approved loan funds advanced. Included as a part of each Financial Requirement Statement (FRS) is an accounting for previous advances and other funds deposited in the Construction Fund Account. Disbursements are classified and reported by budget purposes. Along with the Form 481 the borrower will typically also submit some or all of the following:

REPORTING REQUIREMENT – NO FORMS

1. A description of the advances desired (this generally consists of a one paragraph attachment to the Form 481). This is used to determine what projects the contracts listed on the Form relate to.

2. Other information related to the transactions (listed on the Form 481) when required by RUS. This would include copies of backup documentation relating to the transactions listed on the Form 481. This additional information is only required in about 20 percent of the responses where it is needed to verify that the funds advanced are related directly to loan purposes; and

3. On occasion, more funds may be required than are available in a budget account. In this case the borrower would need to request RUS’ approval of a budget adjustment to use funds from another account. The request shall include an explanation of the change, the budget account to be used, and a description of how the adjustment will affect loan purposes.

A submitted signed Form 481 constitutes certification by the borrower that the amount of funds requested is for approved budget purposes and that the money will be deposited in a Construction Fund – Trustee Account in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured bank.

After review of the Form 481 and finding that everything is in order, the Agency electronically notifies the Deputy Chief Financial Officer (DCFO) in the Agency’s Finance Office in St. Louis, Missouri, that the borrower is due an advance of funds. DCFO performs the necessary accounting functions and directs the Treasury Department to make a wire transfer in the appropriate amount.

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

RUS requests continued approval of the electronic copy of this form on the RUS website at https://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov//efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RUS481.PDF

https://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/eForms/browseFormsAction.do?pageAction=displayPDF&formIndex=0 . An excel version of the form is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rus_481.xlsm so that borrowers can enter in information to complete the form electronically. A PDF version is also available on the website (https://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov//efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RUS481.PDF)

(https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/UTP_form_481.pdf). The form must be signed by the borrower and sent to Washington, DC, office. RUS is committed to meeting the requirements of the E-Government Act, which requires Government agencies in general to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible. 

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.

Each loan advance is for a new purpose, so there is practically no chance for duplication and also no existing data available. This information is also unique to each borrower. Much of the information is collected and analyzed by any prudent business in the course of its operations. Whenever possible, RUS merely requires copies of information the borrower has prepared for another purpose.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities (item 5 of OMB Form 83-1), describe any methods used to minimize burden.

Telecommunication borrowers are members of the “wired telecommunications carriers” (NAICS 517110) industry. The SBA size standard for this industry is 1500 employees. All telecommunications borrowers have less than 1500 employees and accordingly are considered SBA small businesses.

RUS Form 481 has been designed to be simple, clear, concise, and easy to complete and is submitted by the borrower on an “as needed basis.” The data needed to supply the information is readily available from the borrower’s records. RUS field staff is available to consult with and assist borrowers in preparation of the material. The Agency feels that it has designed the form to minimize the impact on small businesses.

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

If the information from Form 481 were not collected, RUS would not have any control over how loan funds are spent or a record of the balance to be advanced and therefore, no assurance of RE Act purposes being accomplished. Since Form 481 is submitted only when an advance of approved loan funds is needed, less frequent collection is not possible either.

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

a. Requiring respondents to report information more than quarterly.

There is no requirement to respond more than quarterly.

b. Requiring written responses in less than 30 days.

There is no requirement for a response in less than 30 days.

c. Requiring more than an original and two copies.

There is no requirement for more than an original and two copies.

d. Requiring respondents to retain records for more than 3 years.

There are no such requirements.

e. That is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study.

This collection does not involve a survey.

f. Requiring use of statistical sampling which has not been reviewed and approved by OMB.

This collection does not involve statistical sampling.

g. Requiring a pledge of confidentiality.

There is no requirement for a pledge of confidentiality.

h. Requiring submission of proprietary trade secrets.

There is no requirement for submission of proprietary trade secrets.

8. If applicable, identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice soliciting comments on the information collection. Summarize public comments received and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the Agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, reporting format (if any), and on data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Agency published a Notice in the Federal Register on July 14, 2022 (87 FR 42139). No comments were received.

The following individuals were consulted concerning collection package:

1) Hilliary Communications LLC

Lawton OK, 73507

2) Byers Engineering Company

Shallotte NC 28470

3) Ellijay Telephone Company.

Ellijay, GA 30540

RUS also maintains close contact with borrowers through its General Field Representatives (GFRs), field accountants, and headquarters staff. GFRs have direct personal contact with the borrower in connection with the fulfillment of RUS requirements including the completing of the Form 481. GFRs pass on any substantive comments to headquarters’ staff. RUS also conducts seminars for borrowers. Suggestions and comments are always considered by the Agency.

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

No payment or gift has been provided to respondents.

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

This information collection does not require confidentiality. Rural Development (RD) does support the maintenance of confidentiality when appropriate. The Agency published a Privacy Act of 1974, System of Records (SORN) in the Federal Register on May 14, 2019 (84 FR 21315). A copy of that document can be found at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-05-14/pdf/2019-09874.pdf.

11. Provide additional justification for any question of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior or attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.

There are no questions of a sensitive nature.

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

This is a revision of the previously approved collection and the burden listed reflects the trend of the actual quantities of respondents and responses received during the past 3 years. A breakdown of the burden reporting for projected submissions of each collection is indicated below.

0572-0023 7 CFR Part 1744, Subpart C, Advance and Disbursement of Funds - Telecommunications	Number of respondents	No. of Responses per respondent	Total Annual responses	Hours per response	Total Burden Hours
1744.64 Budget Adjustment Telecom. Broadband	22 1	1.4 1.0	30.00 1.00	1.00 1.00	30.00 1.00
1744.66 Description of Advances Desired Telecom. Broadband	32 6	4.3 6.8	139 41	0.25 0.25	34.75 10.25
1744.66 Other Information Required Telecom. Broadband	32 6	4.3 6.8	139 41	1.00 1.00	139 41
1744.66 Financial Requirement Statement Telecom. Broadband	32 6	4.3 6.8	139 41	2.00 2.00	278 82
TOTALS	38	15.0	571	1.08	616

Costs for responses are attributed to: a professional employee collecting data and preparing a draft; a clerical position of the borrower's operation completing the forms in final form; and an authorized manager reviewing and signing the form. The wage figures used for these employees have been selected from the BLS’ May 2021 National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm\. The National 4-digit NAICS Industry-Specific estimates are used under listings for “Wired Telecommunications Carriers” (517100).

Benefits loading representing 29.6% of total hourly compensation (the loaded hourly wage) has been added to non-loaded hourly wages using the information from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf and is included on the “Total Labor Cost With Benefits Loading” line in the table. For ‘Review’ time a loaded hourly wage of $77.66 for ‘Managers, All Other (11-9199)’ is used. For ‘Clerical’ time a loaded hourly wage of $23.61 for ‘Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other (43-9199)’ has been used. For “Preparation” time a loaded hourly wage of $45.63 for ‘Financial Specialists, All Other (13-2099)’ has been used.

The following is the calculated cost to the public:

Item	Hours Per Response	X	Number of Responses	X	Labor Cost Per Hour	=	Line Item Total Cost
Budget Adjustment Request:
Collecting Data -	0.30	X	11	X	$ 45.63	=	$150.58
Preparation -	0.40	X	11	X	$ 45.63	=	$200.77
Typing -	0.20	X	11	X	$ 23.61	=	$51.94
Review -	0.10	X	11	X	$ 77.66	=	$85.43
Form 481:
Collecting Data -	0.50	X	180	X	$ 45.63	=	$4,106.70
Preparation -	0.75	X	180	X	$ 45.63	=	$6,160.05
Typing -	0.50	X	180	X	$ 23.61	=	$2,124.90
Review -	0.25	X	180	X	$ 77.66	=	$3,494.70
Description of Advances:
Preparation -	0.10	X	180	X	$ 45.63	=	$821.34
Typing -	0.15	X	180	X	$ 23.61	=	$637.47
Other information as requested:
Collecting Data -	0.50	X	42	X	$ 45.63	=	$958.23
Preparation -	0.25	X	42	X	$ 45.63	=	$479.12
Typing -	0.15	X	42	X	$ 23.61	=	$148.74
Review -	0.10	X	42	X	$ 77.66	=	$326.17
With Benefit loading							$28,048.49
Mailing							$1,300.00
Total Estimated Costs to the Respondents							$29,348.49

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

1. Total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and

There are no capital or start-up costs associated with this collection.

(b) Total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component.

There are no operation, maintenance or purchase of services costs associated with this collection.

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

Estimated annualized cost to the Federal Government for reviewing and processing the covered forms is presented in the following table:

The costs used are based on Washington, DC Area wages for office engineers at $79.04 per hour (GS 13, step 5) for “Review” and Loan and Grant Technicians for “Clerical” at $33.72 per hour (GS 6, step 5). 36.25% benefit loading has been added to these wages and is included on the “Total Wages with 36.25% Benefit Loading” line in the table.

Item	Hours Per Response	X	Number of Responses	X	Labor Cost Per Hour	=	Line Item Total Cost
Budget Adjustment Request:
Review	0.30	X	10	X	$ 79.04	=	$237.12
Clerical	0.10	X	10	X	$ 33.72	=	$33.72
Form 481 and Description of Advances:
Review	0.90	X	180	X	$ 79.04	=	$12,804.48
Clerical	0.10	X	180	X	$ 33.72	=	$606.96
Other information as requested:
Review	0.75	X	42	X	$ 79.04	=	$2,489.76
Clerical	0.10	X	42	X	$ 33.72	=	$141.62
with Benefit Loading							$22,227.37
Printing							$750.00
Mailing							$400.00
Total Estimated Costs to the Respondents							$23,377.37

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-1.

This is a revision of a previously approved collection. The total burden has been increased because of the added benefit amount in the calculation however there are fewer number of respondents due to the availability of the Reconnect program during the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. This trend is expected to continue under the covered current REA Infrastructure Telecom Loan Program and the Farm Bill Broadband Loan Program. The quantity of new program applications and loan awards, and the construction maturity stages of current projects are contributing to this trend. Costs of labor for public and government employees have been updated to the current published wage rates.

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

There are no plans for publication.

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 Agency is not seeking approval.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in item 19 on OMB 83-1.

There are no exceptions to the certification statement.

2. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods.

This collection does not employ statistical methods.

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