OMB notes that no consultations have occurred recently on the burden for this submission. Furthermore, the per-form burden estimates appear low given the length and complexity of many of the forms. Prior to its next submission of this package, USDA should review and, where appropriate, modify the per-form burden and actively seek out consultation to accurately assess the total burden per respondent. In addition, OMB notes that many of the required forms have not been revised in decades. Given that these forms are now to be used for broadband construction projects, USDA should evaluate each form and revise as needed.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2006
06/30/2006
5,012
0
0
3,123
0
0
0
0
0
In order to facilitate the programmatic interest of the RE Act, in order to assure that loans made or guaranteed by RUS are adequately secured, RUS, as a secured lender, has established certain forms for materials, equiptment and construction of electric and telecommunications systems. The use of standard forms, construction contracts, and procurement procedures helps assure RUS that appropriate standards and specifications are maintained, RUS' loan security is not adversely affected; and the loan and loan guarantee funds are used effectively and for the intended purposes.
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.