[Federal Register: March 12, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 48)]
[Notices]               
[Page 12286-12287]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12mr99-33]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of Export Administration

 
National Security and Critical Technology Assessments of the U.S. 
Industrial Base

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before May 11, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. Her ``e'' 
mail address is LEngel@doc.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Stephen Baker, Trade and Industry Analyst, Bureau 
of Export Administration (BXA), Department of Commerce, Room 3876, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (telephone no. (202) 
482-2017 or 3795).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    Commerce/BXA, in coordination with other government agencies and 
private entities, conduct assessments of U.S. industries deemed 
critical to our national security. The information gathered is needed 
to assess the health and competitiveness as well as the needs of the 
targeted industry sector in order to maintain a strong U.S. industrial 
base.

II. Method of Collection

    The information for each industry sector will be collected using a 
one-time, mandatory survey. The data will be collected in written or 
magnetic form.

III. Data

    The survey will collect common as well as sensitive business 
performance measure information including but not limited to: past and 
estimated future revenues; workforce data; financial information; 
production capabilities; shipments; defense conversion; research and 
development expenditures; capital expenditures; funding sources; 
investments; importing and exporting; and vendor/supply problems. 
Subjective information addressing competitiveness issues, the effects 
of regulations and policies, technology requirements and business 
outlook are also obtained to assist in developing a more comprehensive 
analysis.
    OMB Number: N/A.
    Form Number: N/A.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: Private and publicly owned manufacturers, vendors, 
suppliers, developers, as well as regulatory establishments of selected 
industries critical to national security.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,000
    Estimated Time Per Response: 4.0 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 24,000 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $630,240 for respondents time--no 
equipment or other materials will need to be purchased to comply with 
the requirement.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden

[[Page 12287]]

(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.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: March 8, 1999.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-6104 Filed 3-11-99; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 3510-JT-P