1845-0103 Supporting Statement 30D Final 20231024

Tracking and OMB Number: (XX) 1845-0103 Revised: 10/24/2023

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Request for Supplemental Information

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. What is the purpose for this information collection? Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Include a citation that authorizes the collection of information. Specify the review type of the collection (new, revision, extension, reinstatement with change, reinstatement without change). If revised, briefly specify the changes. If a rulemaking is involved, list the sections with a brief description of the information collection requirement, and/or changes to sections, if applicable.

Section 455(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the HEA) authorizes Federal Direct PLUS Loans (Direct PLUS Loans) as one of the loan types that are available through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loan Program). Direct PLUS Loans are made to parents of dependent undergraduate students and to graduate and professional students. In accordance with 34 CFR 685.201(b), a parent or a graduate or professional student who wishes to borrow a Direct PLUS Loan must complete a Direct PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (Direct PLUS Loan MPN; approved under OMB No. 1845-0007). A master promissory note is a promissory note under which a borrower may receive loans for a single academic year or multiple academic years (see the definition of “master promissory note” in 34 CFR 685.102(b)). Borrowers have the option of completing a paper Direct PLUS Loan MPN or completing the Direct PLUS Loan MPN electronically on the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) StudentAid.gov web site. The eligibility requirements for Direct PLUS Loan borrowers are in 34 CFR 685.200(b) and (c).

Schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program are responsible for determining a borrower’s eligibility for a Direct PLUS Loan and must submit an electronic loan origination record to ED for each Direct PLUS Loan that a borrower receives. The loan origination record includes loan-specific information that is not included on the Direct PLUS Loan MPN, such as the loan amount. Because the Direct PLUS Loan MPN is a multi-year promissory note that can be used to make multiple loans for up to 10 years, it is not possible to include on the MPN itself loan-specific information about the multiple individual loans that may be made under a single Direct PLUS Loan MPN.

The Direct PLUS Loan Request for Supplemental Information (Direct PLUS Loan Request) collects additional information that schools need in order to originate Direct PLUS Loans. Schools obtain this information through the currently approved Direct PLUS Loan Request (1845-0103) or directly from Direct PLUS Loan applicants through school-based procedures that they have developed and that vary from school to school. The form has been reorganized and streamlined to make it easier for PLUS borrowers to use.

This is a request for a revision of the currently approved form. There has been no change to the underlying statute or regulations.

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.

The Direct PLUS Loan Request collects information that is required by schools before they can originate a Direct PLUS Loan. The Direct PLUS Loan Request also provides Direct PLUS Loan applicants with options for completing certain actions related to their loans (for example, requesting a deferment) that would otherwise have to be completed by other means. This reduces burden on borrowers by allowing them to complete multiple actions as part of the Direct PLUS Loan Request process instead of having to complete multiple separate transactions.

ED developed the Direct PLUS Loan Request in response to requests from schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program. The principal purpose of the Direct PLUS Loan Request is to simplify the Direct PLUS Loan application process for borrowers and assist schools in the creation of Direct PLUS Loan awards. Schools wanted to have a standardized process for collecting some of the information needed for a Direct PLUS Loan origination record that is not collected on the Direct PLUS Loan MPN. In addition, schools wanted this information to be collected on the same ED web site where borrowers may complete an electronic Direct PLUS Loan MPN and Direct Loan entrance and exit counseling, so that parents and students will be able to go to a single location where they can provide the information needed by schools to originate a Direct PLUS Loan, complete a Direct PLUS MPN and, if required, entrance counseling.

Completion of the Direct PLUS Loan Request is optional, at the discretion of the school that is awarding a borrower’s Direct PLUS Loan. Schools may continue to use their own procedures to obtain the information needed to originate Direct PLUS Loans, or they may direct parent and student Direct PLUS Loan borrowers to ED’s web site to complete ED’s Direct PLUS Loan Request. If a school chooses to use ED’s Direct PLUS Loan Request, a borrower will have to complete a Direct PLUS Loan Request for each Direct PLUS Loan that he or she receives. The Direct PLUS Loan Request is only available electronically on ED’s StudentAid.gov web site. A paper option is not available. To access this web site, a borrower must have an FSA ID. Once a borrower has completed a Direct PLUS Loan Request, ED will transmit the information that the borrower provided to the school(s) that the borrower identified.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision of adopting this means of collection. Please identify systems or websites used to electronically collect this information. Also describe any consideration given to using technology to reduce burden. If there is an increase or decrease in burden related to using technology (e.g. using an electronic form, system or website from paper), please explain in number 12.

The Direct PLUS Loan Request makes maximum use of available information technology. A borrower must have an FSA ID to access the web site where the Direct PLUS Loan Request is located. Identifying information from the FSA ID automatically populates some of the Borrower Information data elements on the Direct PLUS Loan Request, so the borrower does not have to provide this information. In addition, if a borrower who is completing the Direct PLUS Loan Request has already completed a Direct PLUS Loan MPN, or has another record on file in ED’s Common Origination and Disbursement System (for example, a Pell Grant origination record), most of the additional data elements in the Direct PLUS Loan Request for Supplemental Information are automatically populated based on the existing information from the Direct PLUS Loan MPN or other record. Borrowers are only required to provide information that is not already available from existing records or make any necessary corrections to the information that is imported from other records.

If a borrower who completes the Direct PLUS Loan Request has not already completed a Direct PLUS Loan MPN, the information collected on Direct PLUS Loan Request is used to populate corresponding data elements on the Direct PLUS Loan MPN when the borrower completes that document.

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.

The Direct PLUS Loan Request does not require borrowers to provide information that is available from other records maintained by ED. There is no information available from other sources that can be used for the purposes described in Item 2.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden. A small entity may be (1) a small business which is deemed to be one that is independently owned and operated and that is not dominant in its field of operation; (2) a small organization that is any not-for-profit enterprise that is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field; or (3) a small government jurisdiction, which is a government of a city, county, town, township, school district, or special district with a population of less than 50,000.

No small businesses are affected by this information collection.

6. Describe the consequences 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.

Completion of the Direct PLUS Loan Request is optional, at the discretion of the school that is processing a borrower’s Direct PLUS Loan request. If a school wants its Direct PLUS Loan applicants to complete ED’s Direct PLUS Loan Request, a borrower will have to complete a separate Direct PLUS Loan Request for each Direct PLUS Loan that he or she receives. If a borrower did not complete the Direct PLUS Loan Request, the school would have to obtain some of the information that is included in the Direct PLUS Loan Request by other means.

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

• requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

• requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

• requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

• requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;

• in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results than can be generalized to the universe of study;

• requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

• that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or that unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

• requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information’s confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

This information collection does not involve any of the conditions listed in 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2).

8. As applicable, state that the Department has published the 60 and 30 Federal Register notices as required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB.

Include a citation for the 60 day comment period (e.g. Vol. 84 FR ##### and the date of publication). Summarize public comments received in response to the 60 day notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden. If only non-substantive comments are provided, please provide a statement to that effect and that it did not relate or warrant any changes to this information collection request. In your comments, please also indicate the number of public comments received.

For the 30 day notice, indicate that a notice will be published.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instruction and record keeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years – even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

The currently approved Direct PLUS Loan Request was developed at the request of schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program. The form has been reorganized based upon feedback from the schools. The clearance process provides the public with two opportunities to submit comments on the revised forms included with this submission will be completed.

On August 17, 2023, a notice was published in the Federal Register inviting public comment on the estimated burden. The comment period expired 10-16-2023. Two public comments were received during the 60-day public comment period.  One was outside the scope of this information request and the other agreed with the current burden assessment.  No changes have been made to the form or collection based on these comments.

The Department is now requesting the 30-day notice be published in the Federal Register inviting public comment on this information collection.

8. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees with meaningful justification.

No payments or gifts will be provided to respondents.

8. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy. If personally identifiable information (PII) is being collected, a Privacy Act statement should be included on the instrument. Please provide a citation for the Systems of Record Notice and the date a Privacy Impact Assessment was completed as indicated on the IC Data Form. A confidentiality statement with a legal citation that authorizes the pledge of confidentiality should be provided.¹ If the collection is subject to the Privacy Act, the Privacy Act statement is deemed sufficient with respect to confidentiality. If there is no expectation of confidentiality, simply state that the Department makes no pledge about the confidentiality of the data. If no PII will be collected, state that no assurance of confidentiality is provided to respondents. If the Paperwork Burden Statement is not included physically on a form, you may include it here. Please ensure that your response per respondent matches the estimate provided in number 12.

The Direct PLUS Loan Request includes a Privacy Act Notice that (1) provides the statutory authority for the information collection, (2) explains that disclosure of the information is voluntary, and (3) identifies the third parties to whom the information may be disclosed, and explains the circumstances under which such disclosures may occur.

8. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. The justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

The Direct PLUS Loan Request does not require respondents to provide any information that would be considered sensitive.

8. Provide estimates of the hour burden for this current information collection request. The statement should:

• Provide an explanation of how the burden was estimated, including identification of burden type: recordkeeping, reporting or third party disclosure. Address changes in burden due to the use of technology (if applicable). Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

• Please do not include increases in burden and respondents numerically in this table. Explain these changes in number 15.

• Indicate the number of respondents by affected public type (federal government, individuals or households, private sector – businesses or other for-profit, private sector – not-for-profit institutions, farms, state, local or tribal governments), frequency of response, annual hour burden. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable.

• If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burden in the table below.

• Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents of the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. Use this site to research the appropriate wage rate. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 14. If there is no cost to respondents, indicate by entering 0 in the chart below and/or provide a statement.

ED estimates the total annual number of respondents for this information collection to be approximately 1,230,000. The estimated time required to complete a Direct PLUS Loan Request is 0.5 hours hour (30 minutes). Based on one response per respondent, this equates to a total estimated annual reporting burden of 615,000 hours.

For individuals, we have used the median hourly wage for all occupations, $22.26 per hour according to BLS. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000 .

Estimated Annual Burden and Respondent Costs Table

Information Activity or IC (with type of respondent)	Number of Respondents	Number of Responses	Average Burden Hours per Response	Total Annual Burden Hours	Estimated Respondent Average Hourly Wage	Total Annual Costs (hourly wage x total burden hours)
Individual	1,230,000	1,230,000	.5 hour	615,000	$22.26	$13,689,900
Annualized Totals	1,230,000	1,230,000		615,000		$13,689,900

Please ensure the annual total burden, respondents and response match those entered in IC Data Parts 1 and 2, and the response per respondent matches the Paperwork Burden Statement that must be included on all forms.

8. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14.)

• The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and acquiring and maintaining record storage facilities.

• If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

• Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices. Also, these estimates should not include the hourly costs (i.e., the monetization of the hours) captured above in Item 12.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Cost :

Total Annual Costs (O&M) :____________________

Total Annualized Costs Requested :

There are no capital/startup costs to respondents, nor are there any annual costs to respondents associated with operating or maintaining systems or purchasing services.

8. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.

The total estimated annual cost to the Federal government for this information collection is $320,000. This includes costs associated with software development and electronic transmission/receipt of data.

8. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments. Generally, adjustments in burden result from re-estimating burden and/or from economic phenomenon outside of an agency’s control (e.g., correcting a burden estimate or an organic increase in the size of the reporting universe). Program changes result from a deliberate action that materially changes a collection of information and generally are result of new statute or an agency action (e.g., changing a form, revising regulations, redefining the respondent universe, etc.). Burden changes should be disaggregated by type of change (i.e., adjustment, program change due to new statute, and/or program change due to agency discretion), type of collection (new, revision, extension, reinstatement with change, reinstatement without change) and include totals for changes in burden hours, responses and costs (if applicable).

Provide a descriptive narrative for the reasons of any change in addition to completing the table with the burden hour change(s) here.

	Program Change Due to New Statute	Program Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Agency Estimate
Total Burden
Total Responses
Total Costs (if applicable)

This is a request for a revision of the currently approved form. The form was reorganized for improved usability and flow. No changes are being proposed to the 615,000 burden hours or the estimated 1,230,000 respondents due to this reorganization.

8. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

The results of this information collection will not be published.

8. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

ED is not seeking this approval.

8. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in the Certification of Paperwork Reduction Act.

ED is not requesting any exceptions to the “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions” of OMB Form 83-I.

1 Requests for this information are in accordance with the following ED and OMB policies: Privacy Act of 1974, OMB Circular A-108 – Privacy Act Implementation – Guidelines and Responsibilities, OMB Circular A-130 Appendix I – Federal Agency Responsibilities for Maintaining Records About Individuals, OMB M-03-22 – OMB Guidance for Implementing the Privacy Provisions of the E-Government Act of 2002, OMB M-06-15 – Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information, OM:6-104 – Privacy Act of 1974 (Collection, Use and Protection of Personally Identifiable Information)

7