Section 3505(a)(2) of the PRA of 1995
provides the OMB Director authority to approve the streamlined
clearance process proposed in this information collection request.
This information collection request was originally approved by OMB
in January of 1997. This information collection streamlines the
clearance process for all discretionary grant information
collections which do not fit the generic application process. The
streamlined clearance process continues to reduce the clearance
time for the U.S. Department of Education's (ED's) discretionary
grant information collections by two months or 60 days. This is
desirable for two major reasons: it would allow ED to provide
better customer service to grant applicants and help meet ED's goal
for timely awards of discretionary grants.
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.