[Federal Register: January 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 12)] [Notices] [Page 3068-3069] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr20ja99-40] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Proposed Information Collection: Comment Request AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. 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 requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Corporation is soliciting comments concerning its new Performance Standards Assessment Form. This form will be used by the Corporation to determine the adequacy and quality of state commission administrative systems. [[Page 3069]] Copies of the proposed information collection form can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the address section of this notice. The Corporation is particularly interested in comments which: 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; 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; Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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 March 22, 1999. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Corporation for National and Community Service, Office of the Department of Evaluation and Effective Practices, Attn. William Bentley, 9th Floor, 1201 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20525. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John R. Dill (202) 606-5000, ext. 292. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Performance Standards Assessment Form was developed in consultation with State Commissions. State Commissions collectively asked for clearly stated performance standards by which the Corporation would assess the adequacy of their administrative systems. Indicators of both competency and excellence were developed for each performance standard. A process is being developed for using these Performance Standards for both self and external assessment purposes. The Corporation seeks approval of its new Performance Standards Assessment Form. The information that is collected will help the Corporation determine the extent to which each State Commission has in place the administrative systems for effective operation. The form will be used for both self and external assessments of grantees. Assessment results will be used by grantees for continuous improvement and by the Corporation for guiding training and technical assistance resources, determining appropriate levels of grantee oversight, and determining eligibility for access to competitive funding and multi-year administrative awards. Type of Review: New approval. Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service. Title: Performance Standards Assessment Form. OMB Number: None. Agency Number: None. Affected Public: State Commissions of the Corporation for National Service. Total Respondents: 40 State Commissions. Frequency: 14 State Commissions Annually. Average Time Per Response: 340 hours per State Commission. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 4760 hours per 14 State Commissions. 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: January 14, 1999. Thomas L. Bryant, Acting General Counsel. [FR Doc. 99-1235 Filed 1-19-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6050-28-U