Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Office of Management, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Office of Management (OM), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to evaluate quotations received and to determine which quotation offers the best value in terms of price and other factors.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before February 22, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Donald E. Kaliher, Office of Acquisition Resources Service (049A5), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail donald.kaliher@mail.va.gov. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0393” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Donald E. Kaliher at (202) 273-8819.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, OM invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of OM's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of OM's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (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 respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Part 813.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0393.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA collects acquisition information from firms and individuals who wish to sell supplies, services, and construction or who wish to establish blanket purchase agreements (BPA) or other contractually related agreements with VA. VA uses the information collected to determine to whom to award contracts or with whom to enter into BPAs or other contractually related agreements.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Individuals and households, Not-for-profit institutions, and State, Local or Tribal Government.

Estimated Annual Burden: 20,845 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 1 hour.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 20,845.