Information Collection Requirement; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Drug-Free Work Force

AGENCY:

Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments regarding a proposed extension of an approved information collection requirement.

SUMMARY:

In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), DoD announces the proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved this information collection requirement for use through October 31, 2004. DoD proposes that OMB extend its approval for use through October 31, 2007.

DATES:

DoD will consider all comments received by August 23, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments, identified by OMB Control Number 0704-0336, using any of the following methods:

• Defense Acquisition Regulations Web site: http://emissary.acq.osd.mil/dar/dfars.nsf/pubcomm . Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• E-mail: dfars@osd.mil. Include OMB Control Number 0704-0336 in the subject line of the message.
• Fax: (703) 602-0350.
• Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations Council, Attn: Ms. Amy Williams, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP(DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062.
• Hand Delivery/Courier: Defense Acquisition Regulations Council, Crystal Square 4, Suite 200A, 241 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22202-3402.

All comments received will be posted to http://emissary.acq.osd.mil/dar/dfars.nsf .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Amy Williams, (703) 602-0328. The information collection requirements addressed in this notice are available electronically via the Internet at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dfars/index.htm . Paper copies are available from Ms. Amy Williams, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP(DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title and OMB Number: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Section 223.570, Drug-free work force, and the associated clause at DFARS 252.223-7004; OMB Control Number 0704-0336.

Needs and Uses: This information collection requires DoD contractors to maintain records regarding drug-free work force programs provided to contractor employees. The information is used to ensure reasonable efforts to eliminate the unlawful use of controlled substances by contractor employees.

Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions.

Annual Burden Hours: 980,096.

Number of Recordkeepers: 18,012.

Annual Responses: 0.

Average Annual Burden Per Recordkeeper: 48 hours.

Frequency: This is a requirement for recordkeeping only.

Summary of Information Collection

DFARS Section 223.570, Drug-free work force, and the associated clause at DFARS 252.223-7004, Drug-Free Work Force, require that DoD contractors institute and maintain programs for achieving the objective of a drug-free work force, but do not require contractors to submit information to the Government. This information collection requirement reflects the public burden of maintaining records related to a drug-free work force program.