Application for NATO International Competitive Bidding

ACTION:

Extension of a Currently Approved Collection: Comments Request.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before April 9, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230, (or via the internet at DHynek@doc.gov.).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Larry Hall, BIS ICB Liaison, Department of Commerce, Room 6622, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

Opportunities to bid for contracts under the NATO Security Investment Program (NSIP) are only open to firms of member NATO countries. NSIP procedures for international competitive bidding (AC/4-D/2261) require that each NATO country certify that their respective firms are eligible to bid such contracts. This is done through the issuance of a “Declaration of Eligibility.” The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security is the executive agency responsible for certifying U.S. firms. ITA-4023P and BIS-4023P are the application forms used to collect information needed to ascertain the eligibility of a U.S. firm. BIS will review applications for completeness and accuracy and determine a company's eligibility based on its financial viability, technical capability, and security clearances with the Department of Defense.

II. Method of Collection

Submitted on forms.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0694-0128.

Form Number: ITA-4023P and BIS-4023P.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 40.

Estimated Time Per Response: 1 hour.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 40.

Estimated Total Annual Cost: No start-up capital expenditures.

IV. Request for Comments

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 (including hours and cost) 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 through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. In addition, the public is encouraged to provide suggestions on how to reduce and/or consolidate the current frequency of reporting.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they will also become a matter of public record.