OMB is returning
this ICR as improperly submitted due to aspects related to the
quarterly report, which does not meet the PRA's criteria for
emergency processing. More specifically, FRA incorrectly submitted
the quarterly report with this ICR before the 60 day public comment
period expired. FRA also incorrectly included information in a
guidance letter about the quarterly report that is still subject to
public comment and possible change. Finally, the supporting
statement for this ICR incorrectly states that FRA is seeking OMB
approval of the quarterly report as part of this ICR, instead of as
part of a subsequent ICR after the public comment process for the
quarterly has taken place.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
07/31/2016
6 Months From Approved
07/31/2016
147,571
0
147,571
3,120,984
0
3,120,984
0
0
0
The information collected is used to
ensure new or novel signal and train control technologies meet
proposed performance standards and work as intended in the U.S.
rail environment. FRA is requesting OMB approval for two new agency
forms to track railroads progress in implementing Positive Train
Control (PTC) on their systems by December 31, 2018. Under the
Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015
(PTCEI Act), each railroad subject to 49 U.S.C. § 20157(a) must
submit an annual progress report to FRA by March 31, 2016, and
annually thereafter, until PTC implementation is complete. FRA is
authorized to collect additional information as well.
FRA is requesting
Emergency processing approval five (5) business days after
publication of the required Notice in the Federal Register on March
7, 2016, see 81 FR 11878, for new Form FRA F 6180.166 (Annual PTC
Progress Report) because FRA cannot reasonably comply with normal
clearance procedures since they would be reasonably likely to
disrupt the collection of information. Under the Positive Train
Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015 (PTCEI Act),
each railroad subject to 49 U.S.C. § 20157(a) must submit an annual
progress report to FRA by March 31, 2016, and annually thereafter,
until PTC implementation is complete. 49 U.S.C. § 20157(c)(1). The
amended statute specifically requires each railroad to provide
certain information in the annual reports (new Form FRA F 6180.166)
regarding its progress toward implementing PTC, and authorizes FRA
to request that railroads provide additional information in the
annual progress reports. See id. The annual progress report will
chronicle all implementation progress for the previous calendar
year. Therefore, FRA is seeking OMB approval for new Form FRA F
6180.166 on or before March 14, 2016.
US Code:
49
USC 20157 Name of Law: Implementation of Positive Train Control
Systems
PL: Pub.L. 114 - 73 1302 Name of Law: Surface
Transportation Extension Act of 2015
Total burden for this
information collection submission has increased by 1,833 hours from
the last approved submission. The change in burden is due solely to
program changes resulting from proposed new Form FRA F 6180.165,
Quarterly PTC Progress Report, and proposed new Form FRA F
6180.166, Annual PTC Progress Report. The table provided in the
answer to question number 15 of attached Supporting Justification
fully delineates the two program changes. Program changes depicted
in the provided table increased the burden amount by 1,833 hours,
and increased the number of responses by 205. The correct current
inventory exhibits a burden total of 3,120,984 hours, while the
present submission reflects a burden total of 3,122,817 hours.
Hence, there is a total burden increase of 1,833 hours. There is no
change in cost to respondents from the last approved
submission
$3,084,347
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Devin Rouse 202 493-6185
devin.rouse@dot.gov
No
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.