Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[60Day-03-52]

Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call the CDC Reports Clearance Officer on (404) 498-1210. CDC is requesting an emergency clearance for this data collection with a two week public comment period. CDC is requesting OMB approval of this package 7 days after the end of the public comment period.

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 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. Send comments to Seleda Perryman, CDC Assistant Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-D24, Atlanta, GA 30333. Written comments should be received within 14 days of this notice.

Proposed Project:

Select Agent Distribution Activity—New—National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background

This project is designed to provide a systematic and consistent mechanism to review requests that come to CDC for Select Agents. In light of current Bioterrorism concerns and the significant NIH grant monies being directed toward Select Agent research, NCID anticipates the receipt of hundreds of requests for Select Agents. Applicants will be expected to complete an application form in which they will

identify themselves and their institution, provide a CV or biographical sketch, a summary of their research proposal, and sign indemnification and material transfer agreement statements. A user fee will be collected to recover costs for materials, handling and shipping (except for public health laboratories.) The cost to the respondent will vary based on which agent is requested.

Respondents

No. of

respondents

No. of responses per respondent

Average

burden per

Response (in hours)

Total burden

(in hours)

Researcher

900

1

30/60

450

Total

450

Dated: March 13, 2003.

Thomas Bartenfeld,

Acting Associate Director for Policy, Planning and Evaluation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[FR Doc. 03-6504 Filed 3-18-03; 8:45 am]

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