In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years. As terms of clearance, however, the Agency is asked to ensure the next renewal package includes templates for the applications as well as clear and complete instructions exist for the forms included in this collection..
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2029
36 Months From Approved
03/31/2028
27
0
2
8,055
0
270
1,176,358
0
0
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrationâs (NOAAâs) National Ocean Service (NOS) requests extension and revision of this currently approved information collection that contains requirements under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). This collection is being revised pursuant to a final rule (RIN 0648-BN96) which will revise the DSHMRA regulations for exploration license and commercial recovery permits to add a new, alternative and optional procedure whereby interested and qualified U.S. citizens may submit a consolidated application to concurrently apply for a license and permit under DSHMRA. The final rule will allow an applicant who is seeking both an exploration license and a commercial recovery permit to proceed under either the information collection requirements for the current two-step sequential process where an applicant first applies for and, if eligible, obtains an exploration license and then applies for the commercial recovery permit; or, if the applicant is qualified, under the information collection requirements for the new consolidated application process where an applicant concurrently applies for the license and permit. Further, the information collection is being revised due to the likely future need to begin collecting permit applications, as well as annual reports related to permit compliance.
This information collection is for the purpose of the receipt and maintenance of exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits required by the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA) (30 U.S.C. §§ 1401-1473). NOAAâs regulations at 15 CFR Part 970 (exploration licenses) and 15 CFR Part 971 (commercial recovery permits) govern the issuance and maintenance of DSHMRA licenses and permits. The NOAA Administrator approves or denies DSHMRA licenses and permits. The NOAA Administrator has delegated to the NOS Assistant Administrator and the NOSâ Office for Coastal Management responsibility for processing DSHMRA licenses and permits for the NOAA Administratorâs consideration and decisions. License and permit applicants must submit information to ensure that the applicant meets the DSHMRA licensing and permitting standards. Licensees and permittees are required to conduct monitoring and make reports, including annual reports regarding the licenseeâs or permitteeâs conformance to the schedule of activities and expenditures contained in the license or permit, and may request revisions, transfers, or extensions of licenses and permits. Information required for the issuance, revision, transfer, and extension of licenses and permits ensures that the Administrator is able to make determinations on the findings set forth in 30 U.S.C. 1413(c) and 30 U.S.C. 1415(a) and the factors set forth in the DSHMRA regulations. These findings and factors include that license and permit applicants have identified areas of interest for deep seabed hard mineral exploration and production; developed plans for those activities; have the financial resources available to conduct proposed activities; and have considered the effects of the activities on the natural and human environment. This information is used to determine whether licenses and permits should be issued, revised, transferred, or extended. Exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits under DSHMRA are only for activities by U.S. citizens on the seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction. NOAA has received several applications recently and anticipates receiving additional applications. The licenses and permits are subject to annual reporting requirements and may be subject to extension requests (every five years for exploration licenses, or every twenty years for commercial recovery permits).
A new rule is adding a requirement for a consolidated license application / recovery permit. Other ICs were added as they are statutorily required, but were never included in this ICR because most of the ICs only come up for renewal once every 5-20 years.
$2,276,249
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Kerry Kehoe 301 713-3155 ext. 151
Reginfo record details
No
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.
0648-0145 Supporting Statement Part A_FINAL 2026-0114.docx
NOAA0900 PIA_SAOP_Approved.pdf
Annual Reports