The Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act requires applicants for an exploration license to submit information for NOAA to make a determination as to the applicants' eligibility to meet the provisions of the legislation. Information will be used to determine the financial, environmental and technological eligibility of the applicant to meet the requirements of the Act to conduct exploration activities. Licensees are required to submit annual reports and if needed, apply for license extensions.
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.