Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) Project: Pilot Phase

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status
Memo emergency clearance.signed.pdf Supplementary Document	2022-06-30
FLOW PRA Part B (002).docx Supporting Statement B	2022-06-30
FLOW PRA Part A (002).docx Supporting Statement A	2022-06-30

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
254450	Freight Logistics Optimization Work ( Pilot Phase Instruction	New

ICR Details

OMB Control No:	ICR Reference No: 202206-2138-003
Status: Received in OIRA	Previous ICR Reference No:
Agency/Subagency: DOT/BTSA	Agency Tracking No:
Title: Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) Project: Pilot Phase
Type of Information Collection: New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Emergency	Approval Requested By: 07/15/2022
Date Submitted to OIRA: 07/14/2022

	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	6 Months From Approved
Responses	12,480	0
Time Burden (Hours)	27	0
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0

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Abstract: FLOW is a joint endeavor between the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the freight industry aimed at improving key freight information exchange between parts of the goods movement supply chain. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the USDOT is seeking approval for voluntary information collection from the FLOW industry participants during a short-term pilot effort. The pilot phase will focus on the flow of goods to and from a limited number of terminals (i.e., ports) and involve approximately 20 participating companies including beneficial cargo owners (BCOs), ocean carriers, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOs), ports and terminals, motor carriers, railroads, intermodal equipment providers (IEPs), and warehouse's. Demand and capacity data will be reported through a secure portal administered by BTS. Data collected will be used to create an index of demand over capacity that is expected to act as a leading indicator of freight congestion and supply chain performance. This data will be necessary to complete the White House’s request for a report on the proof-of-concept by September 2022.

Emergency Justfication: This information is essential to both the USDOT mission to serve the American people and the economy through the safe, efficient, sustainable, and equitable movement of people and goods, as well as the BTS mission to provide timely, accurate, and credible information on the movement of people and goods. The COVID-19 pandemic is an unanticipated event that continues to negatively impact processes related to the movement of goods and the U.S. economy. It is imperative for the federal statistical system to produce real-time, objective data to allow for informed decision making by freight companies and stakeholders to speed up the movement of goods and lower costs for U.S. consumers.

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Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 49 USC 6307 Name of Law: BTS Confidentiality Statue
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

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Federal Register Notices & Comments

Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
Freight Logistics Optimization Work ( Pilot Phase

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Request	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	12,480	0	0	12,480	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	27	0	0	27	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Increase Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: Emergency Submission on behalf of BTS.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $75,462

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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:

(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

(c) It reduces burden on small entities;

(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;

(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:

(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;

(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.

(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and

(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

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.

Certification Date: 07/14/2022

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