[Federal Register: August 5, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 150)] [Notices] [Page 42710-42711] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr05au99-111] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Submission of Paperwork Reduction Act Requests to Office of Management and Budget AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Information Collection Requests for the Tribal Colleges and Universities Annual Report Form, OMB No. 1076-0105, the Tribal Colleges and Universities Grant Application Form, OMB No. 1076-0018, and Higher Education Grant Program Annual Report Form, OMB No. 1076-0106 have been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval under the provision of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C., Chapter 25). DATES: Submit your comments and suggestions on or before September 7, 1999. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent directly to Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior, Room 10102, 7225 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20503. Send a copy of your comments to: Garry R. Martin, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Indian Education Programs, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240- 0001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the information collection may be obtained by contacting Garry R. Martin at 202-208-3478. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Abstract The information collection is necessary to assess the need for tribally controlled community college programs and the Higher Education Grant Program in accordance with 25 CFR part 41. A request for comments regarding the information collection forms for 1076-0018 and 1076-0105 was published in the Federal Register on January 22, 1998 (63 FR 3333- 3341). The request for comments for 1076-0106 was published in the Federal Register on February 24, 1998 (63 FR 9241-9242). No comments were received pertaining to the Tribally Controlled Community College Grant Application, OMB No. 1076-0018. One response from tribal organization representing tribal colleges and universities contained six responses from various tribal institutions. After careful consideration of the responses, specific changes in the collection of information were made to eliminate duplication of information and to reduce the burden of reporting by the institutions. Specific changes regarding section 1 were rewritten and placed in section 5 entitled, ``Current Funds Revenue By Source.'' Data tables involving the collection of revenue by sources and grant expenditures tables were reformatted for easier use. A total of three respondents provided six comments during the comment period for the higher education programs, 1076-0106. One comment was favorable to the streamlined annual report form and remarked that it will make reporting a more efficient process. One respondent observed that part-time student data was utilized in the collection of information and that it was misleading as funding is for full time students. The Bureau considered this comment and has decided to remove the reference to part-time students from the data collection. The respondent also commented that the information requested in the Graduate Listing portion has never been utilized by employment agencies which negates the need to maintain such a specific database. The Bureau will continue requesting the number of graduates but will no longer request specific information concerning the individual graduate. The respondent also commented that there is no need for the Financial Profile as it may be detrimental to higher education funding. The Bureau considered this comment and will retain this section for comparing specific educational funding programs to financial aid programs frequently used by most college students applying for educational grants and loans. One respondent commented that the reporting period should be based upon the fiscal year of each individual contract; also that the length of time to gather and maintain data for completion is more than three hours. The Bureau considered these comments and contend that the time frame in reporting data reflects an academic period instead of a specific fiscal year and will continue using a reporting period that is consistent with institutional enrollments. The Bureau acknowledges that in some extenuating circumstances the data gathering may exceed the time as estimated; however, because of changes to the form and the lack of other comments concerning time, the Bureau will maintain the estimated burden of three hours to compile this information. Request for Comments Comments are invited on (a) Whether the collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (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 the information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Office of Management and Budget has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information collection but may respond after 30 days; therefore, comments submitted in response to this notice should be submitted to that office within 30 days in order to assure their maximum consideration. Title: Tribally Controlled Community College Grant Application Form. OMB approval number: 1076-018. Frequency: Annual. Description of respondents: Tribal colleges and universities. Estimated completion time: 3 hours. Annual responses: 25. Annual burden hours: 75. Title: Tribally Controlled Community College Annual Report Form. OMB approval number: 1076-0105. Frequency: Annual. Description of respondents: Tribal college and universities. Estimated completion time: 3 hours. Annual responses: 25. Annual burden hours: 75. Title: Bureau of Indian Affairs Higher Education Grant Program Annual Report Form. [[Page 42711]] OMB approval number: 1076-0106. Frequency: Annual. Description of respondents: Higher Education Grant program contractors. Estimated completion time: 3 hours. Annual responses: 125. Annual burden hours: 375. Dated: July 9, 1999. Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 99-20151 Filed 8-4-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-02-P