[Federal Register: December 1, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 230)]
[Notices]               
[Page 66126-66127]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01de98-49]

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CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

 
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service 
(hereinafter the ``Corporation''), as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. Sec. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps 
to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirement on respondents can be properly assessed. 
Currently, the Corporation is soliciting comments concerning its 
proposed new AmeriCorps Application for Membership. This application 
will be used to screen and place applicants into the various AmeriCorps 
programs, and will replace the previously approved individual 
applications for the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) and 
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). Applicants will be able to 
use this single, new application to apply to any of the AmeriCorps 
programs, thereby eliminating the need for multiple applications should 
the individual wish to be considered for multiple programs, either 
concurrently or consecutively.

[[Page 66127]]

    Copies of the information collection requests can be obtained by 
contacting the office listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this 
notice.
    The Corporation is particularly interested in comments which:
    <bullet> Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the 
Corporation, including whether the information will have practical 
utility;
    <bullet> Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
    <bullet> Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity 
of the information to be collected; and
    <bullet> Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of 
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., 
permitting electronic submissions of responses.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
ADDRESSES section by February 1, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to the Corporation for National and Community 
Service, Office of AmeriCorps Recruitment, 8th Floor, Attn: Ms. Susie 
Zimmerman, 1201 New York Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20525.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Susie Zimmerman, (202) 606-5000, 
ext. 104.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    In the past, AmeriCorps*VISTA and AmeriCorps*NCCC required separate 
applications for their programs. A combined member application will 
gather similar data from applicants, including background information, 
educational history, skills and experience, and a motivational 
statement that AmeriCorps may use in evaluating the applicant's 
suitability for becoming a member and to place them in the most 
appropriate program(s) that match their skills and interests.

II. Current Action

    The Corporation seeks approval of its new AmeriCorps Application 
for Membership. If approved, this application will streamline the 
process for applicants by enabling them to complete one application and 
be considered for multiple programs within AmeriCorps. This new 
application will also be more cost-effective for the government by 
providing a centralized information source and streamlined process for 
receiving applications and placing them into the proper programs.
    Type of Review: New.
    Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service.
    Title: AmeriCorps Application for Membership.
    OMB Number: None.
    Agency Number: None.
    Affected Public: Any individual interested in applying to become a 
member of AmeriCorps*NCCC, AmeriCorps*VISTA, or a state and local 
AmeriCorps program located throughout the United States.
    Total Respondents: Approximately 60,000. (Approximately 40,000 
individuals serve each year in AmeriCorps programs; (collection totals 
are inexact as the bulk of these completed applications are submitted 
to local programs and not back to the Corporation for National 
Service).
    Frequency: An applicant need only complete the application once. 
Applicants may make copies of their completed forms; and submit copies 
(each, however, with an original signature) to several different 
AmeriCorps programs for consideration.
    Average Time Per Response: 45 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 45,000 hours (if 60,000 individuals 
complete the form per year).
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): None.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): None.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
matter of public record.

    Dated: November 24, 1998.
Kenneth L. Klothen,
General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 98-31851 Filed 11-30-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6050-28-U