The Secretary of Labor, EVE, and EPIC Awards are being utilized in recognition of outstanding Federal contractors and non-profit Public Interest organizations with EEO and Nondiscrimination programs that support OFCCP's mission. The Secretary of LaborÂs Opportunity Award shall be presented by the Secretary of Labor to one contractor each year that has established and instituted comprehensive workforce strategies to practice affirmative action and ensure equal employment opportunity. The EVE Award shall be presented by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Federal Contract Compliance (DAS) to those contractors that have demonstrated through program activities, exemplary and innovative efforts to create an inclusive American workforce. For the purpose of this Award, the term ÂFederal contractor includes federally-assisted construction contractors and subcontractors. The EPIC Award shall be presented by the DAS to selected public interest organizations that have supported equal opportunity and linked their efforts with those of Federal contractors to enhance employment opportunities for those with the least opportunity to join the workforce. Through these exemplary efforts, these organizations help to ensure that all Americans enjoy their rightful place in the workforce. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95), OFCCP submitted for public comment a proposed Information Collection notice regarding OFCCPÂs Exemplary Voluntary Effort (EVE), Exemplary Public Interest Contribution (EPIC), and the Secretary of LaborÂs Opportunity Award. (See Federal Register of June 7, 2006, Vol. 71, No. 109). The Federal Register Notice comment period ended on August 7, 2006. During the comment period, OFCCP received one comment. The commenter recommends that OFCCP either eliminate or reduce the cost of the overall program.
We are requesting OMB approval of 4,460 hours in recordkeeping and reporting burden. The present clearance contains approval of 37,280 hours. The new estimate represents an adjustment in the burden hour net decrease of -32,820 hours. The decrease in burden hours is attributed to a reduction of the number of nominations from the current 80 respondents to 39 respondents received during CY 2005.
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.
SS - 1215-0201 06-01-06.doc
The Secretary of Labor's Opportunity Award, Exemplary Voluntary Effort (EVE), and Exemplary Public Interest Contribution (EPIC) Awards