Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,
[Federal Register: June 4, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 107)]
[Notices]
[Page 29996]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04jn99-37]
[[Page 29996]]
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 requirement on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Corporation is soliciting comments concerning its request for approval of a survey form to collect data on project characteristics and accomplishments from AmeriCorps*VISTA projects that are managed by the Corporation. This information will be used by the Corporation to evaluate the nature and effectiveness of the program.
Copies of the proposed information collection request may 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 August 3, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to the Corporation for National and Community Service, Attn: Carol Hafford, Office of Evaluation, 1201 New York Avenue, NW., 9th floor, Washington, DC 20525.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Hafford, (202) 606-5000, ext. 232.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
One of the missions of the Corporation is to ``provide opportunities to engage in service that addresses the nation's unmet human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs'' (42 U.S.C. 12501(b)). Through the AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program, the Corporation supports VISTA's 34 year mission to engage Americans in community service activities and build the capacity of low-income communities. AmeriCorps*VISTA activities address issues of poverty and poverty-related problems by generating private sector resources, encouraging volunteer service at the local level, and strengthening the capacity of local organizations and agencies to meet the needs of low-income communities.
VISTA is a full-time, full-year service program for men and women ages 18 and older. AmeriCorps*VISTA places federally funded national service participants in ongoing programs managed by public agencies or private, nonprofit organizations. AmeriCorps*VISTA members work within these agencies or organizations to help them expand services to people in economically disadvantaged communities. Members are involved in a wide variety of community-oriented efforts, such as developing literacy programs, organizing outreach programs in health care, training low- income people in business management, and establishing transitional housing programs for the homeless.
Since 1996, the Corporation has conducted an annual survey and collected data from AmeriCorps*VISTA projects to describe program accomplishments. These responses assist the Corporation in addressing policy and programming issues about AmeriCorps*VISTA and the projects it supports throughout the country.
Current Action
The Corporation seeks approval of a survey form to collect data from a sample of AmeriCorps*VISTA projects. The 1999 AmeriCorps*VISTA Project Accomplishments Survey will be administered by mail and also through a computerized data tracking system. The survey will cover VISTA project activities and accomplishments during the 12-month period of October 1, 1998, through September 30, 1999. Approximately 1,250 projects will be surveyed, of which we expect 950 respondents. The survey will collect data on project characteristics and on specific AmeriCorps*VISTA activities and accomplishments in each of seven program emphasis areas and in organizational capacity building. Accomplishment data from the FY 1999 survey will be used to provide a report on AmeriCorps*VISTA accomplishments to the Congress in FY 2000 and to satisfy the Government and Performance and Results Act of 1993 requirements.
Type of Review: New approval.
Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service.
Title: AmeriCorps*VISTA 1999 Project Accomplishments Survey.
OMB Number: None.
Agency Number: None.
Affected Public: AmeriCorps*VISTA projects that have been active for at least nine months prior to September 30, 1999.
Total Respondents: Approximately 950.
Frequency: Annually.
Average Time Per Response: One hour.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 950 hours.
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: June 1, 1999. Thomas L. Bryant, Associate General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 99-14203Filed6-3-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6050-28-U
