Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments regarding this information collection received by February 26, 2016 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8958.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Food and Nutrition Service

Title: Uniform Grant Application for Non-Entitlement Discretionary Grants.

OMB Control Number: 0584-0512.

Summary of Collection: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has a number of non-entitlement discretionary grant programs to collect the information from grant applicants needed to evaluate and rank applicants and protect the integrity of the grantee selection process. All FNS discretionary grant programs will be eligible, but not required to use the uniform grant application package. The authorities for these grants vary. The term “grant” in this submission refers only to non-entitlement discretionary grants or cooperative agreements. Discretionary grant announcements include a number of information collections, including a “project description” (program narrative), budget information, disclosure of lobbying activities certification, and disclosure of Corporate Felony Convictions and Corporate Federal Tax Delinquencies. The requirements for the program narrative statement are based on the requirements for program narrative statements described in section 1.c (5) of OMB Circular A-102 and OMB A-110 (as implemented at USDA 7 CFR part 3015, 3016 and 3019); and will apply to all types of grantees; State and local governments, non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, hospitals, and for profit organizations.

Need and Use of the Information: The primary users of the information collected from the applicant are FNS and other Federal staff who will serve on a panel to systematically review, evaluate, and approve the grant/cooperative agreement applications and recommend the applicants most likely to meet program objectives and most responsive to the solicitation. The selection criteria will be contained in the Request for Application package. Without this information, FNS will not have adequate data to select appropriate grantees or evaluate which grants should be continued, or monitor financial reporting requirements.

Description of Respondents: State, Local, or Tribal Government; Business or other for-profit; Not for profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 3,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (one-time).

Total Burden Hours: 150,000.

Food and Nutrition Service

Title: Generic Clearance for the Development of Nutrition Education Messages and Products for the General Public.

OMB Control Number: 0584-0523.

Summary of Collection: The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducts consumer research to identify key issues of concern related to understanding and use of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), as well as the tools and resources used to implement the Dietary Guidelines—previously known as the MyPyramid food guidance system. The Dietary Guidelines, a primary source of dietary health information, are issued jointly by the USDA and Health and Human Services and serve as the cornerstone of Federal nutrition policy and form the basis for nutrition education efforts of these agencies. After the release of the 2010 DGA a new communication initiative built around USDA's new MyPlate icon, including the resources at ChooseMyPlate.gov, was launched. MyPlate is a visual cue supported by Dietary Guidelines messages to help consumer make better food choices.

Need and Use of the Information: CNPP will collect information to develop practical and meaningful nutrition and physical activity guidance for Americans to help improve their health. The collected information will also be used to expand the knowledge base concerning how the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations and messages supporting MyPlate are understood and how they can be used by consumers to improve balance of their food intake with physical energy expenditure for good health. If this information is not collected, USDA's ability to incorporate messages and materials that are practical, meaningful, and relevant for the intended audience in any proposed update of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans or related resources at Choosemyplate.gov will be impaired.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households.

Number of Respondents: 57,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (as desired).

Total Burden Hours: 12,004.