[Federal Register: June 11, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 112)]
[Notices]
[Page 39957-39958]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11jn02-50]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; NIST Weights
and Measures Survey
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3504(c)(2)(A)).
[[Page 39958]]
DATES: Written comments on the proposed collection of information must
be submitted on or before August 12, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to
Madeleine Clayton, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department
of Commerce, Room 6608, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC
20230, or via the Internet at MClayton@doc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests of additional information,
for copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions
should be directed to Henry Oppermann, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2600,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2600, Tel. (301) 975-5507, or
henry.oppermann@nist.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The NIST Weights and Measures Division (WMD) is part of Technology
Services in Gaithersburg, MD. The WMD is the national technical
resource on U.S. weights and measures standards, practices, and test
procedures. Weights and measures regulatory control of the commercial
measurement system is performed at the state and local government
level. The study is to document the changes that have occurred over the
past 10 years in state and local weights and measures enforcement
programs in terms of funding, administration, and allocation of
resources to their different regulatory activities. Additionally,
approximately fifteen weights and measures directors will be
interviewed to obtain information as to how the regulatory environment
and their operations have changed over 10 years to identify trends.
Jurisdictions will be asked to identify what they see as their most
critical needs under the current environment and operation conditions
of their programs. The changes in the number of businesses and devices
regulated by weights and measures will be examined to assess how the
nature of the regulated businesses has changed. Approximately ten
representatives of companies that manufacturer scales, load cells, and
meter manufacturers will be interviewed to identify how their markets
and customer needs have changed, and how this has affected their views
on national and international standards. The responses will help state
and local weights and measures offices evaluate their programs. This
information will be used to assess the impact of weights and measures
enforcement activities, and set program directions and priorities for
the NIST Weights and Measures Division.
II. Method of Collection
Web forms will be the primary method to collect information on
weights and measures resources, workloads, and distribution of
resources. Paper forms as a backup data collection method for those who
cannot access the web forms or prefer responding on paper. Interviews
with selected weights and measures officials and industry
representatives will result in the identification and assessment of
national and international market trends, and trends in state and local
budgets and program operations.
III. Data
OMB Number: None.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Regular submission.
Affected Public: State or local government, business or for-profit
organizations.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 90.
Estimated Time Per Response: 6 hours.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 540.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Public: $0.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
Dated: June 6, 2002.
Madeleine Clayton,
Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief
Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 02-14659 Filed 6-10-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P