The TASC program provides funds to
eligible organizations, on a grant basis, to implement activities
that are intended to address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical
barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty
crops that are available on a commercial basis. The provisions of
the Agricultural Act of 2014 mandated that the Secretary make
available $9 million in CCC funds available for TASC projects in
Fiscal Years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The program is
currently suspended pending a new Farm Bill.
Based on the stakeholder input
received during this revision cycle, FAS increased the burden
estimate for TASC projects from 32 hours per project to 50 hours.
This new number is in line with the burden estimates that we
received from stakeholders. FAS also decreased the total estimated
number of responses from 50 to 25, as the program now receives
fewer applications for funding each year. The impact of these two
changes decreased the total burden hours from 1,600 to 1,250, and
decreased total cost to the public from $107,500 to $78,500.
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.