Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

Proposed Projects

Title: Tribal Child Support Enforcement Direct Funding Request and Reports

OMB No. 0970-0218

Description: The final rule within 45 CFR part 309, published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2004, contains a regulatory reporting requirement that in order to receive funding for a Tribal IV-D program a Tribal or Tribal organization must submit a plan describing how the Tribe or Tribal organization meets or plans to meet the objectives of section 455(f) of the Social Security Act, including establishing paternity, establishing, modifying, and enforcing support orders, and locating noncustodial parents. The plan is required for all Tribes requesting funding; however, once a Tribe has met the requirements to operate a comprehensive program, a new plan is not required annually unless a Tribe makes changes to its title IV-D program. Tribes and Tribal organizations must respond if they wish to operate a fully funded program. In addition, any Tribe or Tribal organization participating in the program will be required to submit form OCSE 34A. This paperwork collection activity is set to expire in April 2007.

Respondents: Tribes and Tribal Organizations.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 17,408.

In compliance with the requirements of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Administration for Children and Families is soliciting public comment on the specific aspects of the information collection described above. Copies of the proposed collection of information can be obtained and comments may be forwarded by writing to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Administration, Office of Information Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. E-mail address: infocollection@acf.hhs.gov. All requests should be identified by the title of the information collection.

The Department specifically requests comments 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) 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. Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted within 60 days of this publication.