0648-0419 Supporting Statement Part A

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

StormReady, TsunamiReady, TsunamiReady Supporter, StormReady Supporter, and Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador Application Forms

OMB Control No. 0648-0419

Abstract

Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

This information collection supports Public Law 115-25, the Tsunami Warning Education, and Research Act (U.S.C. 33 Chapter 45) specifically Section 3204, which describes the development of a “community-based tsunami hazard mitigation program to improve tsunami preparedness of at-risk areas in the United States and its territories.” The National Weather Service (NWS) established the StormReady program in 1999 and the TsunamiReady program in 2002 to help counties, cities and towns implement procedures to reduce the potential for weather-related and tsunami hazards. By participating in this program, local agencies earn recognition for their jurisdiction by meeting guidelines established by the NWS in partnership with federal, state, and local emergency management professionals. Information and details on the StormReady and TsunamiReady programs are located at https://www.weather.gov/stormready/ and https://www.weather.gov/tsunamiready/. Many businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations and other non-governmental entities establish severe weather safety plans and actively promote severe weather safety awareness activities. The NWS established the StormReady and TsunamiReady Supporter programs to recognize those entities that do not have the resources necessary to fulfill all the full StormReady or TsunamiReady eligibility but actively promote the principles of the programs

The Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador program was established in January, 2014, as a way to recognize and collaborate with external organizations of any kind. From Fortune 500 companies to small town businesses, WRN Ambassadors serve as force multipliers sharing lifesaving preparedness messaging, collaborate with NOAA on community engagement opportunities, and help with social equity, engaging those most vulnerable. To date, NOAA has recognized over 13,000 organizations as ambassadors, collecting basic contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers. Emails are sent to ambassador contacts approximately 12 times per year highlighting weather safety, NOAA products, and collaboration opportunities.

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.

StormReady/TsunamiReady are voluntary programs that provide guidance and incentive to officials interested in improving their hazardous weather operations. Jurisdictions use the application to apply for initial StormReady/ TsunamiReady recognition. Full StormReady/ TsunamiReady renewals occur every four years, at which time communities complete the application form again. The government uses the information collected by the StormReady/TsunamiReady application to determine whether a community has met all of the guidelines to receive StormReady/TsunamiReady recognition.

Recognition as StormReady/TsunamiReady entitles a community to the following benefits:

1. One StormReady/TsunamiReady identification sign

2. Authorization to use the StormReady/ TsunamiReady logos

3. Instructions for acquiring additional identification signs

4. Information concerning the notification of the National Flood Insurance Program for possible adjustment to insurance rates; and

5. Inclusion on the national StormReady/TsunamiReady Website and map.

Each question asked on the application helps to determine if the applying jurisdiction meets the guidelines required to become StormReady or TsunamiReady. Specifically:

StormReady

Guideline 1: Community Information. Requests the primary and secondary points of contact for the jurisdiction and identifies the location of the 24-hour warning point and Emergency Operations Center. NWS must have this information to verify the person and place responsible for the information.

Guideline 2: NWS Information Reception Equipment. This information identifies the number, type and location of redundant reception equipment a jurisdiction has in place to receive critical NWS weather information.

Guideline 3: Local Weather & Water Monitoring Equipment. Verifies the number, type and location of redundant weather and monitoring equipment used by the jurisdiction.

Guideline 4: Local Warning Dissemination. Identifies the type, number and location of redundant warning systems used by the jurisdiction to disseminate weather information to the public.

Guideline 5: Community Preparedness. Details specific community education and preparedness activities in terms of hazardous weather.

StormReady Supporter is a voluntary program offered to provide guidance and incentive to entities that strive to improve their respective hazardous weather operations. Entities will use the application to apply for a one-time StormReady Supporter recognition. The government will use the information collected by the StormReady Supporter application to determine whether an entity has met the necessary guidelines to receive StormReady Supporter recognition.

Recognition as StormReady Supporter participant entitles an entity to the following benefits:

1. A StormReady Supporter certificate

2. Authorization to use the StormReady logo

3. Instructions for acquiring identification signs; and

4. Inclusion on the StormReady Supporter Website at http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/supporter.htm .

StormReady Supporter guidelines are less extensive and detailed than the full StormReady recognition. Unlike the full StormReady recognition, StormReady Supporter guidelines are not based on the size of the population and not subject to renewal every four years. The guidelines on the application help to determine if the applying entity meets the requirements necessary to become a StormReady Supporter.

TsunamiReady

Community Information. Requests the primary and secondary points of contact for the jurisdiction and identifies the location of the 24-hour warning point and Emergency Operations Center (EOC). NWS must have this information to verify the person and place responsible for the information.

Mitigation Guidelines: Requests information on mapped tsunami hazard zones for emergency management planning; how tsunami hazard and community vulnerability information in FEMA-approved multi-hazard mitigation plan are indicated; and information about signage that identifies tsunami danger area and/or hazard zone (entering and leaving tsunami zone signs), evacuation routes, and assembly areas.

Preparedness Guidelines: Requests information about tsunami evacuation maps; ongoing tsunami public education efforts including in public schools; community-wide outreach or education activities; and community exercises and drills that reinforce these concepts.

Response Guidelines: Ensures that tsunami hazards are addressed in the community’s emergency operations plan (EOP) including for public schools; and supports the EOC during tsunami incidents if an EOC is opened and activated.

TsunamiReady Supporter is a voluntary program offered to provide guidance and incentive to entities that strive to improve their respective tsunami preparedness activities. Entities will use the application to apply for a one-time TsunamiReady Supporter recognition. The government uses the information collected by the TsunamiReady Supporter application to determine whether an entity has met the necessary guidelines to receive TsunamiReady Supporter recognition.

Recognition as TsunamiReady Supporter participant entitles an entity to the following benefits:

1. A TsunamiReady Supporter certificate

2. Authorization to use the TsunamiReady logo

3. Instructions for acquiring identification signs; and

4. Inclusion on the TsunamiReady Supporter Website at https://www.weather.gov/tsunamiready/supporters

TsunamiReady Supporter guidelines are less extensive and detailed than the full TsunamiReady recognition. Unlike the full TsunamiReady recognition, TsunamiReady Supporter guidelines are not subject to renewal every four years. The guidelines on the application help to determine if the applying entity meets the requirements necessary to become a TsunamiReady Supporter.

Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador

Maintaining accurate contact information is the foundation of the WRN Ambassador program. Fundamentally, the ambassador program is a commitment to partner and collaborate with each other. Information sharing, feedback, and participation in community events are all ways that ambassadors can collaborate with NOAA. Without accurate contact information, the program would lose its value. Email addresses are used to send monthly WRN Ambassador emails highlighting various opportunities and resources for ambassadors to engage to help communities become ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather events.

Utility. Each newly recognized site is added to a graphical map of the U.S. located on the StormReady Web site (https://www.weather.gov/stormready/communities). Posting the information on the Web site provides the communities with public recognition of their status and enables the public to see what communities are recognized as StormReady/TsunamiReady. It also keeps an accurate, up-to-date count of the number of recognized communities. WRNAs are also listed online (https://www.weather.gov/wrn/current-ambassadors).

Integrity. The procedures for recognizing a community as StormReady/TsunamiReady/WRNA adhere to OMB Circular A-130. The Websites are updated as each new community is recognized. The Webmaster is the only person authorized to make any changes to the site. Procedures for getting the communities recognized and posted on the Websites are outlined in NWS Directives.

Objectivity. The recognitions are verified by the NWS field official who provides the name of the jurisdiction and date of recognition to the program manager and the Webmaster.

NOAA NWS will retain control over the information and safeguard it from improper access, modification, and destruction, consistent with NOAA standards for confidentiality, privacy, and electronic information. The information collection is designed to yield data that meet all applicable information quality guidelines.

None of the information on the application is distributed to the public. The only information made public is the name of the recognized community and the date of its recognition. The information is disseminated to the public via the Internet and complies with applicable NOAA Information Quality Guidelines.

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.

The StormReady, TsunamiReady, StormReady Supporter and TsunamiReady Supporter application forms are available in Word and fillable PDF format via the Internet at https://www.weather.gov/stormready/become or https://www.weather.gov/tsunamiready/become. Applicants will submit the forms either electronically or via paper copy to the responsible warning coordination meteorologist.

WRN Ambassador program uses a Google Form embedded in the “Become An Ambassador” website. Once the applicant fills out the contact information and clicks “accept” to the terms of use, their information is populated automatically in a Google Spreadsheet. From there, a review process is initiated to determine if the applicant organization is to be recognized as an ambassador.

3. 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 Question 2

StormReady, TsunamiReady and WRNA are unique federal programs. There are no other known programs that collect the information requested on the applications.

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

Application for StormReady, TsunamiReady, StormReady Supporter, TsunamiReady Supporter, and WRNA recognition is voluntary and collection will not have a significant impact on small entities. Since the information required is minimal and can be found in a community emergency manager’s customary and usual records, no impact on small governments is expected.

3. 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.

The programs are designed to help as many communities prepare for hazardous weather situations as possible. If the NWS could not collect the information requested on the application form, it would be forced to withhold applications from communities seeking to be recognized and deny them the political and tangible benefits of StormReady/TsunamiReady/WRNA recognition and possible reduction in flood insurance rates. Additionally, if the NWS collected the information less frequently, there is a risk that participating communities would have old contact information in the case of an emergency.

3. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.

This collection will be conducted in a manner consistent with OMB guidelines.

3. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publications 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 describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

A Federal Register Notice published on July 30, 2024 (89 FR 61096) solicited public comment on this request for extension. No comments were received.

Comments were solicited directly from several external stakeholders 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. No comments were received.

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

No payments or gifts will be provided to applicants. Each StormReady Supporter entity receives two signs to identify it as a program participant.

3. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy. If the collection requires a systems of records notice (SORN) or privacy impact assessment (PIA), those should be cited and described here.

Data collected through these forms are considered public information. The information is covered under the Privacy Act System of Records Notice, COMMERCE/NOAA-11, Contact Information for Members of the Public Requesting or Providing Information Related to NOAA’s Mission.

3. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior or 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 StormReady, TsunamiReady, StormReady Supporter, TsunamiReady Supporter, and WRNA application forms do not contain any sensitive questions as described in the PRA guidance.

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

Information Collection	Type of Respondent (e.g., Occupational Title)	# of Respondents/year (a)	Annual # of Responses / Respondent (b)	Total # of Annual Responses (c) = (a) x (b)	Burden Hrs / Response (d)	Total Annual Burden Hrs (e) = (c) x (d)	Hourly Wage Rate (for Type of Respondent) (f)	Total Annual Wage Burden Costs (g) = (e) x (f)
StormReady and TsunamiReady Applications	Project Mgmt Specialist	240	1	240	2	480	$ 50.44	$24,211
StormReady Supporter Application Form	Project Mgmt Specialist	25	1	25	1	25	$ 50.44	$1,261
TsunamiReady Supporter Application Form	Project Mgmt Specialist	20	1	20	1	20	$ 50.44	$1,009
Weather-Ready Ambassador Application Form	Project Mgmt Specialist	400	1	400	0.25	100	$ 50.44	$5,044
Totals				685		625		$31,525

*Occupational Code 13-1082, Project Management Specialists, was used to determine the hourly wage rate. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#11-0000

3. Provide an estimate for 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 already reflected on the burden worksheet).

No start-up, capital, or operations related costs are expected from this collection. Applications are submitted electronically, so there are no miscellaneous costs.

3. 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.

Cost Descriptions	Grade/Step	Loaded Salary /Cost	% of Effort	Fringe (if Applicable)	Total Cost to Government
Federal Oversight	GS-14/7	$219,959	50%		$109,980
Other Federal Positions	GS-15/2	$227,791	5%		$11,390
Contractor Cost
Travel
Other Costs:
TOTAL					$ 121,370

The OPM General Schedule pay tables were used to determine the government cost. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2024/RUS.pdf

The Rest of U.S. locality rate was used since NOAA is a geographically dispersed agency. A 1.5 multiplier was used to determine the loaded salary for each position.

3. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in ROCIS.

The Weather-Ready Nation collection is added to this control number.

3. 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 individual pieces of information collected are not published. The NWS maintains a web page identifying the communities that are recognized as StormReady, TsunamiReady, StormReady Supporter or TsunamiReady Supporter. It also maintains a web page for those recognized as Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors.

3. 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 plans to display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection on all instruments.

3. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

The agency certifies compliance with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).