Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; NOAA Space-Based Data Collection System (DCS) Agreements

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce.

ACTION:

Notice.

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.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before July 23, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Kay Metcalf, 301-763-8142 or kay.metcalf@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

NOAA operates two space-based data collection systems (DCS), the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) DCS and the Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) DCS, known as the Argos system. NOAA allows users access to the DCS if they meet certain criteria. The applicants must submit information to ensure that they meet these criteria. NOAA does not approve agreements where there is a commercial service available to fulfill the user's requirements.

II. Method of Collection

Paper applications, electronic reports, and telephone calls are required from participants, and methods of submittal include Internet, facsimile transmission and postal mailing of paper forms.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0648-0157.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions; Federal government; state, local or Tribal government; and business or other for-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 390.

Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour and eight minutes per response.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 440.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to 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.

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.