Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: July 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 143)]

[Notices]

[Page 40547]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr27jy99-28]

[[Page 40547]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse Survey

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces FNS' intention to request renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse Survey.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by September 27, 1999.

ADDRESSES: 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 has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Joyce C. Willis, Director, Office of Consumer Affairs, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 813-B, Alexandria, VA 223302

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joyce C. Willis, (703) 305-2281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse Survey.

OMB Number: 0584-0474.

Expiration Date: 5/31/99.

Type of Request: Renewal of OMB approval.

Abstract: Section 26 of the National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769g(d)) (copy attached), which was added to the Act by section 123 of Pub. L. 103-448 on November 2, 1994, mandated that FNS enter into a contract with a non-governmental organization to establish and maintain an information clearinghouse (named USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse) for groups that assist low-income individuals or communities regarding nutrition assistance programs or other assistance. FNS awarded the 4- year contract to World Hunger Year (WHY) on September 29, 1995; the contract ends on September 30, 1999.

Section 26 was amended by section 112 of Pub. L. 105-336 on October 31, 1998 (applicable amendatory language attached), to extend funding for the Clearinghouse through fiscal year (FY) 2003. FNS is in the process of conducting the necessary competitive procurement activities to award this new contract.

The USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse includes a database of non- governmental, grassroots programs that work in the areas of hunger and nutrition, as well as a mailing list of relevant local governmental agencies. Under the existing contract, Clearinghouse staff established the database by reviewing relevant programs of organizations contained in several existing mailing lists. Updated program and mailing information about organizations culled from these lists were collected and entered into the database once each year (years 1, 2, and 3 of the contract) through a series of electronically-processed survey questionnaires sent through the mail. Returned surveys were scanned and data entered into the database. Clearinghouse staff followed up by phone or fax to ensure the highest possible return rate on the questionnaires. Surveys may also be completed on the World Wide Web. The return rate on questionnaires under the existing contract was 7 percent in year 1 of the contract, 18 percent in year 2, and 27 in year 3.

In order to effectively maintain the database under the new contract, questionnaires will be sent to all organizations included in the database once each year (years 1 through 5 of the contract) in order to obtain updated information, and to add additional organizations to increase the size of the database.

Each survey will be administered to each respondent only once each year.

Estimate of the Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 minutes for the survey (the survey includes one 2-page instrument).

Respondents: The respondents are non-governmental organizations that have grassroots food and nutrition programs.

Estimated Number of Respondents: For the first year of the contract, 1,850 respondents are estimated; and for years 2 through 5, 1,750 respondents.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondents: One response in each of the 5 years.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: For the first year of the contract, 154 hours; and for years 2 through 5, 146 hours. The estimated total burden for all 5 years of the contract is 738 hours.

Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Martha Newton, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 813-B, Alexandria, VA 22302.

Dated: June 18, 1999. Samuel Chambers, Jr., Administrator.

[FR Doc. 99-19080Filed7-26-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

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