How to Prepare an OMB
Information Collection Package
Updated 03/25/2005
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 requires
government agencies to seek and obtain approval from the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) prior to obtaining or soliciting identical information from
10 or more persons, or continuing a collection for which the OMB control
number has expired. Methods of collection include written report forms,
application forms, schedules, questionnaires, focus groups, on-line
questionnaires and surveys. Information collected orally, via telephone or at
meetings requires OMB approval as well. OMB approval is required whether the
Federal agency collects the information itself or uses an outside agent or
contractor. OMB requires 90-120 days to approve new
information
collections and renew existing
approvals.
New Information
Collection
- Confer with the ITA information collection
clearance (ICC) contact in the Office of Organization and Management Support
for guidance on whether a new collection requirement needs OMB approval. If
so, obtain guidance and a sample information collection package;
- Complete draft of Form OMB 83-1, "Paperwork
Reduction Act Submission," and prepare a detailed justification statement per
OMB's instructions and ICC guidance;
- Submit an initial draft package that includes the
OMB 83-1, justification statement, sample of collection method (e.g. form or
questionnaire), and any other relevant support material, to the ITA ICC
contact for review; and
- Follow Steps 3 - 4 below.
Renewal of Existing Information
Collection
- Receive reminder notice from ITA's ICC contact
approximately 150 days in advance of expiration of OMB approval;
- Obtain copy of previously submitted collection
package from ITA ICC contact. Coordinate with relevant program staff, obtain
their comments, markup, proposed revisions, and prepare a information
collection package;
- Meet with ITA ICC contact for package
review, revisions, clearance and submission of package (original and four
copies) to the Department for clearance including original OMB
83-1, sample of collection method (e.g. form or
questionnaire), Justification Statement, and Concurrence Record; and
- Contact the ICC contact for status of OMB approval
60 days after package submission.
For additional information contact:
Jacqueline Harris 202-482-4011 or via e-mail at jacqueline_harris@ita.doc.gov.