1010-0072 Supporting Statement_10032024

Supporting Statement A

30 CFR Part 580

Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur

on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and

Noncommercial Exploration and Scientific Research for Minerals

Form BOEM-0134

OMB Control Number 1010-0072

Current Expiration Date: December 31, 2024

Terms of Clearance: None

General Instructions

A completed Supporting Statement A must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below and must contain the information specified below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When the question, “Does this information collection request (ICR) contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods?” is checked "Yes," then a Supporting Statement B must be completed. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.

This information collection request supports the requirements in 30 CFR part 580, “Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf.” This request also includes information collection requirements related to authorizations of other noncommercial geological and geophysical (G&G) exploration issued pursuant to section 11 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended (43 U.S.C. 1340 et seq., and 43 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), as well as scientific research notices. These activities are not conducted as part of an existing lease on the outer continental shelf (OCS).

Section 11 of the OCSLA states that “. . . any person authorized by the Secretary may conduct geological and geophysical explorations in the [O]uter Continental Shelf, which do not interfere with or endanger actual operations under any lease maintained or granted pursuant to this Act, and which are not unduly harmful to aquatic life in such area.” 43 U.S.C. 1340(a)(1). The OCSLA defines the term “exploration” to mean the process of searching for minerals by, among other things, “geophysical surveys where magnetic, gravity, seismic, or other systems are used to detect or imply the presence of such minerals.” 43 U.S.C. 1331(k). Section 11 authorizes permits or authorizations for exploration only if the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) determines that the applicant is qualified and the exploration will neither interfere with operations on an existing lease, unduly harm aquatic life in the area, result in pollution, create hazardous or unsafe conditions, unreasonably interfere with other uses of the area, nor disturb any site, structure, or object of historical or archaeological significance. 43 U.S.C. 1340(g).

OCSLA requires all parties who are prospecting marine minerals for commercial purposes to be permitted. OCLSA allows for other Federal agencies or their contractor of Federal agencies to conduct G&G exploration on the OCS without authorization. OCSLA requires non-Federal parties (such as State agencies and contractors of State agencies) to obtain authorization from the Secretary to conduct noncommercial G&G exploration activities, which is typically related to the identification of OCS sand and sediment for potential use in beach nourishment and coastal restoration projects.

BOEM considers applications for commercial prospecting and noncommercial exploration for marine minerals, as well as scientific research related to marine minerals. Under 30 CFR part 580, G&G prospecting by any person on unleased lands or on lands leased to a third party requires a BOEM permit. G&G activities conducted for scientific or academic purpose require submission of a scientific research notice.¹ See 30 CFR 580.11. Because 30 CFR part 580 does not apply to noncommercial exploration, such activities are authorized directly pursuant to section 11 of the OCS Lands Act. Noncommercial exploration includes searching for sand, gravel, and other sources of sediment for potential use in qualifying beach nourishment and coastal restoration projects.

Respondents are required to submit form BOEM-0134, “Requirements for Geological and Geophysical Prospecting, Noncommercial Exploration, or Scientific Research on the OCS Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur,” to provide the information necessary to evaluate their qualifications, and upon approval, respondents are issued a permit or authorization. In this renewal, BOEM is renewing the use of form BOEM-0134, which serves as the instrument to authorize entities to carry out commercial or noncommercial exploration of marine minerals, often a precursor to leasing. BOEM also will use the form to receive scientific research notices.

As a Federal agency, BOEM has a responsibility to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), as applicable, among other environmental laws. The Endangered Species Act includes a substantive duty to carry out any agency action in a manner that is not likely to jeopardize protected species, as well as a procedural duty to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, when warranted, before engaging in a discretionary action that may affect a protected species.

The Independent Offices Appropriations Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-133, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 1996), and the OMB Circular A-25, authorize Federal agencies to recover the full cost of services that confer special benefits. Under the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) implementing policy, BOEM is required to charge fees for services that provide special benefits or privileges to an identifiable non-Federal recipient above and beyond those that accrue to the public at large. Prospecting permits are subject to cost recovery, and BOEM regulations specify service fees for these requests. However, authorizations for noncommercial use or scientific research notices are not subject to cost recovery at this time.

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. Be specific. If this collection is a form or a questionnaire, every question needs to be justified.

Respondents are required to submit form BOEM-0134 to provide the information necessary to evaluate their qualifications. BOEM uses the information in form BOEM-0134: (1) to prepare environmental documents, conduct necessary consultations, and ensure there is no environmental damage or harm, waste of natural or mineral resources, or unsafe operations and conditions; (2) to ensure the activities do not damage historical or archaeological sites or interfere with other uses; (3) to analyze and evaluate preliminary or planned mining activities; (4) to monitor progress and activities in the OCS; (5) to acquire G&G data and information collected under a permit or authorization; and (6) to determine eligibility for reimbursement from the Government for certain eligible costs. The information is necessary for BOEM to determine if the applicants for permits, persons authorized, or filers of notices meet the qualifications specified by the OCSLA.

BOEM uses the information collected to understand the G&G characteristics of marine mineral-bearing physiographic regions of the OCS. The data aids the Secretary in obtaining a proper balance among the potential for environmental damage, the discovery of marine minerals, and adverse impacts on affected coastal States. Information from permittees or persons authorized is necessary to determine the propriety and amount of reimbursement.

Form BOEM-0134 - Requirements for Geological and Geophysical Prospecting, Noncommercial Exploration, or Scientific Research on the OCS Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur.

Form BOEM-0134 includes the requirements and application for commercial prospecting, noncommercial exploration, or scientific research activities related to minerals other than oil, gas, and sulphur that are submitted to BOEM. The requirements portion of the form conveys the BOEM authority, application requirements, and relevant information for the permit, authorization, or notice. Primary updates for this renewal to Form BOEM-0134 include form formatting, minor revisions to clarify form, aligning content with regulations, and header changes to clarify nature of information submittal.

This form consists of two attachments:

Attachment 1: Application To Conduct Geological Or Geophysical Prospecting Or Noncommercial Exploration Or Notice Of Scientific Research Related to Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, And Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf.

The application portion requires the respondent to fill in relevant information such as company identification and the type of activity that will be conducted. The application portion is divided into different sections.

• Section A – This section requires details on who will conduct the activity and the purpose of the activity. Applicants provide information regarding the proposed activity, including environmental effects and mitigation measures to minimize effects. Applicants include the expected start and completion dates, the field operation point of contact, and the vessels and equipment to be used.

• Sections B and C – These sections request details regarding geological and geophysical Prospecting, Noncommercial Exploration, or Scientific Research. Applicants provide information including the type and location of the proposed operation.

• Section D – This section contains information attachments which are considered proprietary when an applicant is applying for a geological permit or a geophysical permit, but not when applying for an authorization or filing a scientific research notice.

• Section E – This section certifies that the information within the attachment is true and correct.

Attachment 2: Nonexclusive Use Agreement For Scientific Research or Noncommercial Exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf.

This attachment identifies which data and information from the proposed activity will be made available to the public for inspection, and it contains the applicant agreement that information obtained will not be sold or withheld for exclusive use and the applicant signature for submission to BOEM for approval.

Upon approval, applicants are issued a specific permit or authorization (BOEM-0135, “Permit for Geophysical Prospecting, Authorization for Noncommercial Geophysical Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf,” BOEM-0136, “Permit for Geological Prospecting, Authorization for Noncommercial Geological Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on The Outer Continental Shelf”). A permit or authorization is typically not issued for conducting scientific research for mineral resources because 30 CFR 580 only requires respondents conducting such research to file a notice with BOEM (§ 580.11-12) unless the proposed research activities meet select criteria (§ 580.11(a)).

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. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.

BOEM encourages respondents to use the BOEM-0134 form available on the BOEM website (https://www.boem.gov/boem-ocs-operation-forms) and submit it electronically. Currently, almost all information is submitted electronically or via electronic media, in addition to physical copies of original application. Applications are typically submitted via email to [email protected] or file transfer to a BOEM point of contact.

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.

There is no duplication as the Department of the Interior has specific statutory authority to collect this information. Applicants are applying for individual permits, or making notice of scientific research; each subsequent notice for processing of G&G data is unique, as are requests for reimbursement. There is no similar information available. To the extent that identical information or data are available from prior permits, authorizations, or other sources, BOEM would not require applicants to resubmit such information or data.

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

Applicants could be small businesses or other small entities. BOEM needs the information to evaluate all applications and review all notices, regardless of the size of the applicant, and we do not consider the burden to be significant (see burden table on page 8).

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.

Except for status reports, the information is only collected on occasion given the few applications received each year. Therefore, less frequent reporting is not applicable. The frequency of status reports varies according to the permit or authorization specifications. The reports are necessary for resource evaluation and environmental assessment. If BOEM did not collect the information, the Secretary could not meet the obligations of the OCSLA in a timely manner, resulting in economic losses to the Federal Government.

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

(a) requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

BOEM often acquires data collected under a commercial permit for government purposes. BOEM may have a third-party contractor reproduce, process, etc., data collected by a permittee for a sale evaluation or other government requirements. Following commercial prospecting activities, § 580.72(a) states that BOEM will provide a notice of intent to the permittee if BOEM intends to acquire data collected under permit and disclose data or information to an independent contractor or agent. The notice will afford the permittee a period of not less than 5 days in which to submit comments on the intended action by BOEM. BOEM would allow for a longer response time if feasible.

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

Not applicable in this collection.

(c) requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

The Department of the Interior allows for electronic signature, so electronic submissions and signatures are permissible. If electronic submission is not possible, applicants must submit one original, one copy of the original, one digital copy, and one public copy (with original signatures) of form BOEM-0134. After BOEM approval, one signed original each is needed for the OCS region and the permittee or person(s) authorized (standard legal agreement). The copies are for the contractor and the public. The copy for the public, however, will not include some information in Item D that is determined to be proprietary data and not subject to release.

(d) requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than 3 years;

The form specifies that at any time after receiving notification of the completion of the acquisition activities conducted under the permit or authorization, BOEM may request that the permittee or person authorized submit for inspection and possible retention all or part of the G&G data and/or information.

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

(f) requiring the use of statistical data classification that has been reviewed and approved by OMB;

(g) 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 which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

(h) 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.

Not applicable in this collection.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and in response to the PRA statement associated with the collection over the past 3 year] and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

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, 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.

As required in 5 CFR 1320.8(d), BOEM published the required 60-day notice in the Federal Register on June 24, 2024 (89 FR 52501). We requested comments on the need for the collection, the accuracy of the burden estimates, ways to enhance the collection, and ways to minimize the burden. We received two comments in response to the notice. One commenter does not want disturbance to the ocean floor, and the other commenter does not support granting of permits due to environmental impacts. These comments do not change the purpose of or need for the ICR, nor does it affect the cost or hour burden.

Also, §580.80 explains that BOEM will accept comments at any time on the information collection burden of our 30 CFR part 580 regulations and the related form. We display the OMB control number and provide the address for sending comments to BOEM.

BOEM communicated with the following companies regarding forms, the information collection process, and estimated burdens. The burden estimates in Section A.12 reflect their input.

Hydrographic Program Analyst

NV5

310 A Greenfield Drive

Newport, NC 28570

Director of Business Development

Geodynamics, an NV5 Company

Morehead City, NC

Principal /Vice President

Olsen Associates, Inc.

2618 Herschel Street

Jacksonville, Florida 32204

Senior Coastal Planner

Moffatt & Nichol

238 Princess St. | Wilmington, NC 28401

Senior Project/Program Manager

Coastal Protection Engineering, LLC

4038 Masonboro Loop Road

Wilmington, NC 28409

Impossible Metals Canada Inc.

93 Sandford Fleming Dr. Unit 1 |

Collingwood, ON | L9Y 5A6 Canada

Headquarters | 1145 Mariposa Ave., Suite 100 | San Jose, CA 95126 USA

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

OCSLA and §580.60 mandates that we reimburse applicants or permittees for their reproduction and processing costs of certain data and information that BOEM requests. These implementing regulations and permit or authorization form comply with the OCSLA and provide for reimbursement payment of the G&G data and information when applicable. We also pay applicants or permittees if they request reimbursement for food, quarters, or transportation they provide to BOEM representatives during inspections. We do not provide gifts to applicants or permittees.

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

BOEM will protect information considered proprietary according to the below regulations and statutes:

• § 580.70, “What data and information will be protected from public disclosure,”

• 30 CFR 550.197, “Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection” (to extent applicable),

• 30 CFR part 552, “OCS Oil and Gas Information Program” (to extent applicable), and

• The Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2).

Information collected during noncommercial exploration in support of non-competitive use of OCS marine minerals is considered public information.

11. 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. This 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 collection does not include sensitive or private questions.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

1. Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. 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 the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

The burden estimates for this collection include the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering, and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Submissions are generally on occasion. The number of respondents estimated is 45, with a total annual paperwork burden of 826 hours and $4,024 non-hour cost burdens.

(b) If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form.

The following table provides a breakdown of the burden hours.

Table 1. Burden Table

Citation 30 CFR part 580, as applicable	Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements	Hour Burden	Average No. of Annual Responses	Annual Burden Hours
		Non-Hour Cost Burden1
Subpart B
10; 11(a); 12(a); 13; Permit Form	Apply for permit or authorization (Form BOEM-0134) to conduct prospecting/exploration or G&G scientific research activities, including prospecting/scientific research plan and environmental assessment or required drilling plan. Provide notifications & additional information as required.	88	2 permit applications	176
			4 applications for authorization	352
		$2,012 permit application fee x 2 permits2 = $4,024
11(b); 12(c)	File notice to conduct scientific research activities related to hard minerals not covered by 30 CFR 580.11(a), including notice to BOEM prior to beginning and after concluding activities.	24	3 notices	72
Subtotal			9 Responses	600 Hours
			$4,024 Non-Hour Cost Burden
Subpart C
21(a)	Report to BOEM if hydrocarbon/other mineral occurrences are detected; if environmental hazards that imminently threaten life and property are detected; or adverse effects occur to the environment, aquatic life, archaeological resources or other uses of the area.	1	2 report	2
22	Submit written request for approval to modify operations, with required information.	1	4 requests	4
23(b)	Request reimbursement for food, quarters, and/or transportation expenses for BOEM inspection.	1	3 requests	3
24	Submit status and final reports on specified schedule with daily log.	16	6 reports	96
28	Request relinquishment of permit by certified or registered mail.	1	1 request3	1
31(b); 73(a)(b)	Governor(s) of adjacent State(s) submit to BOEM: comments on activities involving an environmental assessment; any agreement between Governor and Secretary upon Governor’s request for proprietary data, information, and samples; and any disclosure agreement.	Not considered IC as defined in 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(4).		0
33, 34	Appeal civil penalty; appeal order or decision.	Burden exempt under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2); (c).		0
Subtotal			16 Responses	106 Hours
Subpart D
40; 41; 50; 51; Permit Form	Notify BOEM and submit G&G data including analysis, processing or interpretation of information collected under a permit and/or processed by permittees or 3rd parties, including reports, logs or charts, results, analyses, descriptions, etc., as required.	16	6 submissions	96
42(b); 52(b)	Advise 3rd party recipient in writing that it assumes obligations as condition precedent of sale - no submission to BOEM is required.	½	4 notices	2
42(c), (d); 52(c), (d)	Written notification to BOEM of sale, trade, transfer, or licensing of data and identify recipient.	1	1 notice	1
60; 61	Request reimbursement for costs of reproducing data/information & certain processing costs.	1	1 request 3	1
70(d)(1)(i)	Enter disclosure agreement.	4	1 agreement	4
72(b)	Submit comments on BOEM’s intent to disclose data/information for reproduction, processing, and interpretation.	4	1 response	4
72(d)	Independent contractor or agent prepares and signs written commitment not to sell, trade, license, or disclose data/information without BOEM approval.	4	1 submissions	4
Subtotal			15 Responses	112Hours
General
Part 580	General departure and alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in Part 580 regulations.	4	1 request	4
Permits4	Request extension of permit/authorization time period.	1	2 requests	2
Permits4	Retain G&G data/information for 10 years and make available to BOEM upon request.	1	2 respondents	2
Subtotal			5 Responses	8 Hours
Total Burden			45 Responses	826 Hours
			$4,024 Non-Hour Cost Burdens

¹ Fees are subject to modification for inflation annually.

² Only permits, not authorizations, are subject to cost recovery.

³ No requests received for many years. Minimal burden for regulatory (PRA) purposes only.

⁴ These permits/authorizations are prepared by BOEM and sent to respondents; therefore, the forms themselves do not incur burden hours.

(c) Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included under “annual Cost to the Federal Government.”

The average respondent cost is $100/(rounded) hour. This cost is broken out in the below table using the Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the Houston, Texas area. See BLS website: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_26420.htm.

Table 2. Respondent Costs

Position	Hourly Pay rate ($/hour estimate)	Hourly rate including benefits (1.4* x $/hour)	Percent of time spent on collection	Weighted Average ($/hour)
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (43-6014)	$22	$31	10%	$3
Engineers (17-2171)	$77	$108	50%	$54
Supv. Engineers (17-2171)	$77	$108	15%	$16
Geoscientists (19-2042)	$77	$108	25%	$27
Weighted Average ($/hour)				$100

*A multiplier of 1.4 (as implied by BLS news release USDL-24-1863, September 10, 2024 (see http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm)) was added for benefits.

Based on a cost factor of $100 per hour, we estimate the hour burden as a dollar equivalent is $82,600 ($110 x 826 hours = $82,600).

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in Item 12).

(a) The cost estimate should be split into two components: (1) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (2) 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 (including filing fees paid for form processing). 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 record storage facilities.

(b) If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burden and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or 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.

(c) 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.

We have identified one non-hour cost burden for this collection of information. Section 580.12 requires permittees to pay an application fee of $2,012 when they submit an application for a G&G permit for commercial prospecting. This fee is part of BOEM’s cost recovery fees for services provided. We estimate the non-hour cost burden for this collection to be $4,024. Table 1 shows the non-hour cost burden breakdown.

14. 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.

The average government cost is $66/hour (rounded). This cost is broken out in the below table using the Office of Personnel Management pay schedule for the REST OF UNITED STATES (Consisting of the portions of the lower 48 United States not located within another locality pay area) (http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/).

Table 3. OPM Pay Schedule

Position	Grade	Hourly Pay rate ($/hour estimate)	Hourly rate including benefits (1.6* x $/hour)	Percent of time spent on collection	Weighted Average ($/hour)
Clerical	GS-5/5	$21	$34	5%	$2
Geophysicist/Geologist	GS-13/5	$56	$90	60%	$54
Geophysicist/Geologist	GS-11/5	$39	$62	30%	$19
Manager	GS-15/5	$78	$125	5%	$6
Weighted Average ($/hour)					$81

* A multiplier of 1.6 (as implied by BLS news release USDL-24-1863, September 10, 2024 (see http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm)) was added for benefits.

To analyze and review the information required under 30 CFR part 580 regulations and related permits or authorizations, the Government will spend approximately 200 hours annually. Based on a cost factor of $81 per hour, we estimate the annualized cost is $16,200 (200 hours x $81/hour). The annual hours are based on the following:

§§ 580.10, 11, 12, 13	6 applications x 8 hours	48 hours
§§ 580.11, 12	2 notices x 3 hours	6 hours
§ 580.22	2 modifications x 2 hours	4 hour
§ 580.24	6 status/final reports x 8 hours	48 hours
§ 580.28	2 relinquishments x 1 hour	2 hours
§§ 580.40, 41, 50, 51	6 G&G data/info submissions x 8 hours	48 hours
§§ 580.60, 61	2 reimbursements x 10 hours	20 hours
§ 580.72	1 request/submission x 4 hours	4 hours
§§ 580.1-580.80	Other miscellaneous submissions	20 hours
	Total Government Hours	200 hours

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

BOEM estimates 826 burden hours and 45 annual responses for this renewal. The burden has increased slightly to account for the technical evaluation of new technologies and methods and validation of data deliverables and reports received under permits and authorizations.

16. 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.

BOEM will not tabulate or publish the data.

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.

BOEM will display the OMB control number and approved expiration date.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in, “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submission.”

There are no exceptions to the certification.

1 A permit is required for scientific research activities that involve the use of solid or liquid explosives, the drilling of a deep stratigraphic test, or the development of data for proprietary use or sale. 30 CFR 580.11(a).

20