The increase of 142,650 burden
hours and the increase in cost burden of $29,610,000 are due to two
adjustments: the first is an increase of 317 in the number of
respondents filing Forms 1-K over the last three-year period ended
December 31, 2023 (i.e., an average 30% yearly increase); and the
second is the change in the hourly cost per respondent. Based on
our estimate, we calculate the burden hours adjustment increase to
be 142,650—calculated, as follows: 75% x 600 hours per response x
317 responses. Also, the Commission increased the cost burden per
hour estimate from $400 per hour to $600 per hour for outside
counselors.
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.