Information Collection Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Review under the Paperwork Reduction Act

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Information Collection Submitted to the Office of Management and

Budget for Review under the Paperwork Reduction Act

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Reinstatement.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

has submitted the proposed information collection request for the

Application for Assistance/Services under the Financial Assistance and

Social Services Program, OMB NO. 1076-0017 for reinstatement under the

Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). On June 5, 1998, the

BIA published a Notice in the Federal Register (Volume 63, No. 108,

page 30771) requesting comments on the proposed information collection.

One public comment was received during the 60 day comment period. The

respondent recommended that the application form be divided into two

separate forms, enlarging the print, and that Self-Governance Tribes be

provided flexibility to develop their own forms. In response to the

suggestions, the BIA stated that prior to 1992, there were two separate

application forms. Based on the recommendations of a majority of tribes

for brevity and ease of application, the forms were combined. The print

is small because of the volume of information requested, but has been

determined readable by users and caseworkers alike. Therefore, one

comment was not sufficient to change the format. In response to the

recommendation that the Self-Governance Tribes not be required to use

the form, the BIA agrees that there is no statutory requirement for the

Self-Governance Tribes to use the form. However, if the Tribes choose a

different form, it should collect comparable data so that the

information can be used for reporting and budget preparation purposes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the collection of

information may be obtained by contacting Larry Blair, Office of Tribal

Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, 1849 C

Street NW, MS-4603-MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240. Telephone: (202) 208-

2479.

DATES: OMB is required to respond to this request within 60 days after

publication of this notice in the Federal Register, but may respond

after 30 days; therefore, your comments should be submitted to OMB by

January 20, 1999 (to assure maximum consideration).

ADDRESSES: Your comments and suggestions on the requirements should be

made directly to the attention of: Desk Officer for the Department of

the Interior, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of

Management and Budget, Room 10102, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington,

D.C. 20503. Telephone: (202) 208-3667. Please provide a copy to Mr.

Larry Blair, Office of Tribal Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs,

Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, MS-4603-MIB, Washington,

D.C. 20240. Telephone: (202) 208-2479.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The information collection is in compliance with 25 CFR Part 20,

for the purpose of applying for annual welfare assistance funds which

includes general assistance, child welfare assistance, and

miscellaneous assistance to determine eligibility for services and

funding. In addition, the BIA uses this data to measure program

performance and for gathering data to prepare the annual program budget

justification.

II. Request for Comments

We specifically request your comments be submitted to OMB at the

address provided above with a copy to the BIA within 30 days concerning

the following:

1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the

proper performance of the functions of the BIA, including whether the

information will have practical utility;

2. The accuracy of the BIA's estimate of the burden of the

information collection, including the validity of the methodology and

assumptions used;

3. The quality, utility and clarity of the information to be

collected; and,

4. How to minimize the burden of the information collection on

those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated

electronic, mechanical or other forms of information technology.

III. Data

Title of the Collection of Information: Department of the Interior,

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Application for Financial Assistance and

Social Services Program.

OMB Number: 1076-0017.

Affected Entities: Members of Indian tribes and their members who

are living on a reservation or near-reservation.

Frequency of Response: Annual.

Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 200,000 applicants.

Estimated Time per Application: 15 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 50,000 hours.

Dated: December 7, 1998.

Kevin Gover,

Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.

[FR Doc. 98-33666 Filed 12-18-98; 8:45 am]

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