The OSQR was established in September
1999, in response to the requirements of the 1998 Farm Bill. The
law included mandates to perform peer reviews of all research
activities conducted by the USDA. Information to be obtained from
the public includes: confidentiality agreements, reviewer
background, peer reviews (3 kinds of reviews and ratings), expense
reports, and invoices. These items are mandatory to legally conduct
peer reviews.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.