Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Labor (DOL) has submitted the following public information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). A copy of each individual ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Department of Labor. To obtain documentation contact Marlene Howze at (202) 693-4158 or e-mail Howze-Marlene@dol.gov.

Comments should be sent to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ESA, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503 ((202) 395-7316), within 30 days from the date of this publication in the Federal Register.

The OMB is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• 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;
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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 submission of responses.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Agency: Employment Standards Administration (ESA).

Title: Agreement and Undertaking.

OMB Number: 1215-0034.

Affected Public: Business or other-for-profit.

Frequency: On Occasion.

Number of Respondents: 300.

Number of Annual Responses: 300.

Estimated Time Per Response: 15 minutes.

Total Burden Hours: 75.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Total Annual Costs (operating/maintaining systems or purchasing services): $0.

Description: Coal Mine Operators and Longshore companies desiring to be self-insurers are required by law (30 U.S.C. 933 BL and 33 U.S.C. 932 LS) to produce security in terms of an indemnity bond, security deposit, or for Black Lung only, a letter of credit or 501(c)(21) trust. The OWCP-1 is a joint use form (Longshore and Black Lung Programs) completed by employers to provide the Secretary of Labor with authorization to sell securities or to bring suit under indemnity bonds deposited by the self-insured employers in the event there is a default in the payment benefits. If this Agreement and Undertaking were not required, OWCP would not be empowered to utilize the company's security deposit to meet its financial responsibilities for the Coal Mine or Longshore benefits in case of default.