Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Comment Request

In compliance with the requirement for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects (section 3506(c)(2)(A) of title 44, United States Code, as amended by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) publishes periodic summaries of proposed projects being developed for submission to the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and draft instruments, call the HRSA Reports Clearance Officer on (301) 443-1129.

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 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 the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Proposed Project: Progress Reports for Continuation Training Grants (OMB No. 0915-0061)—Extension

The HRSA Progress Reports for Continuation Training Grants are used for the preparation and submission of continuation applications for title VII and VIII health professions and nursing education and training programs. The Uniform Progress Report measures grantee success in meeting (1) the objectives of the grant project and (2) the cross-cutting outcomes developed for the Bureau's education and training programs. Part I of the progress report is designed to collect information to determine whether sufficient progress has been made on the approved project objectives, as grantees must demonstrate satisfactory progress to warrant continuation of funding. Part II collects information on activities specific to a given program. And Part III, Comprehensive Performance Management System, collects data on overall project performance related to the Bureau of Health Profession's strategic goals, objectives, outcomes and indicators. Progress will be measured based on the objectives of the grant project and outcome measures and indicators developed by the Bureau to meet requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).

To respond to the requirements of GPRA, the Bureau developed goals, outcomes and indicators that provide a framework for collection of outcome data for its Title VII and VIII programs. An outcome based performance system is critical for measuring whether program support is meeting national health workforce objectives. At the core of the performance measurement system are found cross-cutting goals with respect to workforce quality, supply, diversity and distribution of the health professions workforce. A demonstration project to assess availability of the data needed to support the indicators was conducted, and data from this project are currently being analyzed.

The grantees were able to obtain, and submit progress reports electronically for fiscal year 2001.

Estimates of annualized reporting burden are as follows:

Send comments to Susan G. Queen, Ph.D., HRSA Reports Clearance Officer, Room 11A-33, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.