User Satisfaction Surveys; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

User Satisfaction Surveys; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort

to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, invites the general public

and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the

continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 10, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier,

Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room

5327, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. Phone

number: (202) 482-3272.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Request for additional information or

copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should

be directed to: Jana Nelhybel, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service,

Export Promotion Service, Room 2202, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW,

Washington, DC 20230. Phone number: (202) 482-5367, and fax number

(202) 482-5362.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The International Trade Administration (ITA) provides a multitude

of export promotion programs to help U.S. businesses. These programs

include information products, services, and trade events. To accomplish

its mission effectively, ITA needs ongoing feedback on its programs.

This information collection item allows ITA to solicit clients'

opinions about the use of ITA products, services, and trade events. The

information is used for program improvement, strategic planning,

allocation of resources, and performance measures.

The surveys are part of ITA's effort to implement objectives of the

National Performance Review (NPR) and Government Performance and

Results Act (GPRA). Responses to the surveys will meet the needs of ITA

performance measures based on NPR and GPRA guidelines. These

performance measures will serve as a basis for justifying and

allocating human and financial resources.

Survey responses will acquaint ITA managers with firms' perceptions

and assessments of export-assistance products and services. Also, the

survey will enable ITA to track the performance of overseas posts. This

information is critical for improving the programs.

Survey responses are used to assess client satisfaction, assess

priorities, and identify areas where service levels and benefits differ

from client expectations. Clients benefit because the information is

used to improve services provided to the public. Without this

information, ITA is unable to systematically determine client

perceptions about the quality and benefit of its export-promotion

programs.

II. Method of Data Collection

ITA faxes, mails or telephones surveys to clients.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0625-0217.

Form Number: ITA-4108P-A1, ITA-4110P, etc.

Type of Review: Revision-regular submission.

Affected Public: ITA clients that purchased products and services.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 32,312.

Estimated Time Per Response: Range from 05-60 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 5,444.

Estimated Total Annual Costs: The estimated annual cost for this

collection is $326,640.00 ($190,540.00 for respondents and $136,100.00

for the federal government).

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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 costs) 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 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.

Dated: June 3, 1998.

Linda Engelmeier,

Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and

Organization.

[FR Doc. 98-15293 Filed 6-8-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-FP-P