In order to award funding, the Agency must have certain information on the applicant and project to evaluate their eligibility and to score the applications. The respondents will be farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.
The President's Energy Initiative that is driving national interest along with additional funding and public interest in the program, has resulted in an adjustment increase in Guaranteed Loans and Grants responses and burden hours.
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.