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SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR RadNet ICR# 0877.10

Section I: Part A

1. Identification of the Information Collection

1.(a) Title of the Information Collection

RadNet (formerly, Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System 

[ERAMS])

1.(b) Short Characterization

RadNet in this ICR refers to EPA’s national environmental radiation monitoring network. The 

objectives of RadNet (formerly, Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring System [ERAMS]

and renamed in 2005 to RadNet) are to provide a means of estimating ambient levels of 

radioactive pollutants in our environment, to follow trends in environmental radioactivity levels, 

and to detect and assess the impact of fallout and other intrusions of radioactive materials. Data 

generated from EPA's RadNet have been and are being used to provide the information base for 

making decisions necessary to ensure the protection of public health. The system enables EPA to 

determine if additional sampling or other actions are required in particular cases of radioactive 

releases to the environment, and, where necessary, RadNet can provide ancillary information on 

population exposure, radiation trends, and other aspects of such releases.

The RadNet network is used to collect air particulate, precipitation, drinking water, and 

pasteurized milk samples. Most RadNet air particulate monitors are capable of measuring 

radiation from the filter in real-time, sending the data hourly to EPA. The data from analysis of 

these samples constitute the nation's single major source of environmental radiation data. The 

responsibility for operating RadNet is assigned by the EPA’s Office of Radiation and Indoor Air 

to the Director, National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL), 

Montgomery, Alabama. The component sampling locations are distributed throughout the United 

States and cover each geographical region, individual states, and most major population centers. 

The respondents, primarily state and some local personnel, voluntarily collect the samples and 

complete the information forms. The forms request descriptive information related to sample 

collections (e.g., sample type, sample location, length of sampling, and volume represented). 

Requested sampling frequencies are as follows:

 Air particulate samples are requested twice weekly. *

 Precipitation samples are collected after each measurable rainfall and composited 

into monthly samples.

 Pasteurized milk samples are collected quarterly.

 Drinking water samples are collected quarterly.

* Many variable, site-specific conditions may preclude predicting a specific number of filters 

changed by a respondent weekly. For example, operator safety may be compromised by 

construction or severe weather, which may preclude routine air sample collection. Reduced 
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operator availability may cause reduced filter change frequency if an operator’s non-volunteer job 

duties increase, or if frequency of visits to a monitor site decreases, such as may occur with sites at 

remote locations generally visited in conjunction with non-volunteer job duties. The RadNet 

Quality Assurance Project Plan contains a detailed discussion of these conditions. It is important to 

recognize that these variations do not affect the quality of the results of the analyses.

The samples are sent to NAREL for radiochemical analyses. To ensure that the data generated at 

NAREL are of known quality, a quality assurance plan (available upon request) is followed 

during all phases of sample collection and analysis activities. 

All results are stored in the NAREL computer and made available online at the EPA website and 

when necessitated by circumstances can be available daily. See Attachment 1 for the forms used 

by respondents and NAREL personnel to document sampling in all RadNet media: air, 

precipitation, milk, and drinking water.

The utility of RadNet data is evidenced by its extensive use by a number of federal, state and 

commercial entities. DOE's National Laboratories (including Oak Ridge, Savannah River, 

Brookhaven, and Argonne) and many universities across the country utilize the data generated by

the operation of the RadNet network. RadNet data are also used by the Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission (NRC) and NRC licensed nuclear power plants and their environmental contractors 

to establish background data. These data are used by some power plant operators as a baseline to 

ensure compliance with NRC release limits. The states also use RadNet data to supplement or 

compare with environmental radiation information generated by their own programs.

Data from this program have been used to measure fallout following atmospheric nuclear weapon 

tests until 1980, when atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons ceased. During and following the 

accident at Three Mile Island, RadNet stations in the adjacent states demonstrated to the public 

that there were no radioactive materials in their areas as a result of the accident. Increased 

monitoring following the nuclear incident at Chernobyl in 1986 provided daily reports of 

atmospheric concentrations of radionuclides across the United States. Most recently, RadNet was 

the largest source of radiological data following the Fukushima reactor accidents in 2011.

The collection of samples will involve 302 respondents with an annual respondent burden cost of 

approximately 299,913 dollars, including costs of benefits and overhead. The respondents are not 

asked or required to keep records and all supplies and equipment relating to RadNet activities are 

provided by NAREL at no cost to the respondents.

RadNet data back to 1981 may be found at the EPA web site http://www.epa.gov/radnet/radnetdata/online-data.html. RadNet data on the web are interactive--the database can be queried and 

searched. Quarterly reports are no longer produced in hard copy, due to the availability of 

RadNet data online. NAREL does not survey respondents, other than on specific issues regarding 

their work as sample collectors. That is done through routine conversations with them via 

telephone as part of the process of maintaining the flow of samples and supplies between NAREL 

and respondents.

Currently, expansion of the real-time air network of RadNet, which began in 2006, is being 

completed. Since 2006, the number of air samplers has increased from 52 to the current 146 and 

will increase to a total of 156 during the period of this ICR (from February 2013 through 

February 2016). The total of 156 samplers will be comprised of 140 near-real-time samplers plus 

a legacy of approximately 16 conventional samplers. The size of the other media networks (milk, 

drinking water, and precipitation) are expected to remain essentially unchanged, except for the 

normal fluctuation of volunteer participants. The increased burden for the Agency provided in 
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this supporting statement is primarily the result of the increased sample load inherent in an 

expanded air monitoring system.

2. Need for and Use of the Collection

2.(a) Need / Authority for the Collection

The legal basis of RadNet originated and resides in Executive Order 10831 and Public Law 86-

373. Executive order 10831 was announced to the public on July 31, 1959, and issued August 4, 

1959. This order came in response to recommendations contained in a memorandum to the 

President from Elmer B. Staats on July 31, 1959. As reiterated before the Joint Committee on 

Atomic Energy by Maurice H. Stans, these recommendations also became a part of the legislative 

history of the 1959 amendments to the Atomic Energy Act. Radioactive fallout and 

environmental radiation monitoring became a responsibility of the Department of Health, 

Education and Welfare (HEW) under these legal mandates. In 1970, Reorganization Plan No. 3 

transferred HEW's fallout and radioactive monitoring responsibilities to the Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA). On July 1, 1973, through its Office of Radiation Programs (ORP), 

EPA developed and implemented a new continuous monitoring system. This system, originally 

termed ERAMS and now called RadNet, was designed to complete and complement the 

monitoring system previously instituted by HEW's Public Health Service under Executive Order 

10831.

The objectives of RadNet are to provide a means of estimating ambient levels of radioactive 

pollutants in our environment, to follow trends in environmental radioactivity levels, and to 

assess the impact of fallout and other intrusions of radioactive materials. Data generated from 

EPA's RadNet have been and are being used to provide the information base for making decisions 

necessary to ensure the protection of public health. The system enables EPA to determine if 

additional sampling or other actions are required in particular cases of radioactive releases to the 

environment, and, where necessary, RadNet can provide ancillary information on population 

exposure, radiation trends, and other aspects of such releases.

2.(b) Use / Users of the Data

Data generated by RadNet are used to provide a means of estimating ambient levels of 

radioactive pollutants in our environment, to follow trends in environmental radioactivity levels, 

and to detect and assess the impact of fallout and other intrusions of radioactive materials. Data 

generated from EPA's RadNet have been and are being used to provide the information base for 

making decisions necessary to ensure the protection of public health. The system enables EPA to 

determine if additional sampling or other actions are required in particular cases of radioactive 

releases to the environment and, where necessary, RadNet can provide ancillary information on 

population exposure, radiation trends, and other aspects of such releases.

The utility of the RadNet data is evidenced by its extensive use by a number of federal, state and 

commercial entities. DOE's national Laboratories (including Oak Ridge, Savannah River, 

Brookhaven, and Argonne) and many universities across the country utilize the data generated by 

the operation of the RadNet network. RadNet data are also used by the Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission and NRC licensed nuclear power plants and their environmental contractors to 

establish background data. These data are used by some power plant operators as a baseline to 

ensure compliance with NRC release limits. The states also use RadNet data to supplement or 

compare with environmental radiation information generated by their own programs.
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Data from this program have been used to measure fallout following atmospheric nuclear weapon 

tests until 1980, when atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons ceased. During and following the 

accident at Three Mile Island, RadNet stations in the adjacent states demonstrated to the public 

that there were no radioactive materials in their areas as a result of the accident. Increased 

monitoring following the nuclear incident at Chernobyl in 1986 provided daily reports of 

atmospheric concentrations of radionuclides across the United States. Most recently, RadNet was 

the largest source of radiological data following the Fukushima reactor accidents in 2011.

3. Non-duplication, Consultations, and Other Collection Criteria

3. (a) Non-duplication

RadNet has been in operation for 40 years. During that time, data derived from the system have 

been disseminated nationally and internationally. The professional/information network 

developed over the life of RadNet has identified other environmental radiation data systems in the 

United States, but none have RadNet's national scope or exact collection and analytical structure. 

This was recently highlighted during the months following the nuclear reactor accidents in 

Fukushima, Japan.

Immediately following the accident at Chernobyl in 1986 in the former Soviet Union, the 

President's order charged EPA with lead responsibility for monitoring possible environmental 

effects in the United States. It was the unique nationwide monitoring capability of RadNet that 

helped EPA respond to that Presidential Order. Similarly, during the nine-year EPA follow-up 

monitoring of the accident at Three Mile Island RadNet was called upon because of its unique 

national scope and analytical structure and capability.

3. (b) Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB

The first Federal Register(FR) notice has been completed. The notice was published February 15, 

2013 in FR Vol. 78, No. 32. EPA received no comments.

3. (c) Consultations

The National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) is involved in telephone 

and written communication with the respondents who supply the samples. In addition, NAREL is 

an active participant in the Council of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), which is 

an association of individuals from radiation programs from all fifty states. These individuals and 

their associates make up a significant number of RadNet data users. NAREL's participation in 

this association allows for frequent consultations on a variety of issues involving RadNet with 

many RadNet data users. Comments from federal and state agencies and other organizations 

concerning RadNet are welcomed and are noted at NAREL. 

3. (d) Effects of Less Frequent Collection

Alternate, less frequent collection intervals have been considered but not adopted because these 

would not provide the continuous current "picture" of the radiation levels across the United States 

now available with the current system. Less frequent collection would eliminate the ability to 

determine and respond to elevated radiation levels soon after they occur and would dramatically 

decrease the ability to map trends in radiation data following a release.
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3. (e) General Guidelines

The respondents are requested to supply precipitation samples and air filters and accompanying 

forms more often than on a quarterly basis. This is done so that elevated levels of radiation will 

be detected as soon as possible so as to allow for the quickest response possible to potential 

health threats. 

The respondents submit sample collection information on a one page form that accompanies the 

sample to the NAREL. Since most samples are collected in the field, electronic means of 

recording or sending the information are not feasible. In addition, to avoid assigning incorrect 

sampling information to a sample, the sample and sampling information need to be linked when 

they are sent to the lab. The most effective means to do this is to attach a form with the 

information to the sample.

3. (f-g) Confidentiality and Sensitive Questions

The section on confidentiality and sensitive questions does not apply to RadNet. The respondents 

do not supply confidential or sensitive information.

4. The Respondents and the Information Requested

4.(a) Respondents / NAICS Codes

All fifty states, primarily the State Public Health Departments (NAICS Code 92312), send 

samples along with one page sample collection forms to NAREL. The respondents were chosen 

for two basic reasons: most of them routinely collect samples of this type as part of their normal 

activities, and in order to obtain meaningful information concerning ambient radiation levels for 

the entire United States samples must be collected from as many parts of the country as feasible.

4.(b)(i) Information Requested

Respondents provide actual samples of air, precipitation, drinking water, and milk. Respondents 

do provide descriptive information about their samples on one page forms (see Attachments 1-6). 

The respondents are not requested or required to maintain records. Since the forms, as shown in 

the attachments, have had only very minor changes over time expiration dates are not included on 

them. 

4.(b)(ii)Respondent Activities

RadNet respondents perform the following tasks in order to provide samples to NAREL:

 Read instructions concerning the sampling process

 Collect samples in appropriate containers

 Mail/ship samples to NAREL in Montgomery, Alabama

 Complete description forms regarding samples

Most respondents are employees of state health agencies and routinely perform sampling of their 

own that is analogous to RadNet sampling. 
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5. The Information Collected

5.(a) Agency Activities

Since RadNet began operating in the early 1970's, the following functions have been part of 

EPA's inventory of Agency activities:

 Maintain a master database

 Answer respondent questions

 Coordinate respondent sample submissions

 Maintain records of sample submissions

 Publish and disseminate data from sample analyses

 Analyze samples submitted by respondents

 Prepare and send sampling material

 Provide maintenance and or replacements for sampling instruments

5.(b) Collection Methodology and Management

The RadNet network involves the collection of a variety of samples including air filters, milk, 

drinking water, and rain water (precipitation) samples. Standard Operating Procedures (available 

upon request) contain the detailed procedures used to ensure uniform collection of the samples 

and the standard forms filled out by the respondents when they collect the samples. The forms 

were designed to minimize the burden on the respondents. In most cases only the date of 

sampling, location of sampling, and the name of the individual taking the sample are required. 

Since most samples are taken in the field, an electronic means of recording and sending this 

information is not feasible. To ensure that the sample collection information accompanies the 

correct sample, the sample and the information need to be sent together. This is best 

accomplished by attaching the one page form to each sample when it is sent to the NAREL.

When the samples and accompanying forms arrive at NAREL, the samples are assigned an 

identification number. This number and information from the accompanying forms are entered 

into the NAREL computer. The samples are then analyzed for a variety of radionuclides. Data 

from the analyses performed at NAREL are also entered into the computer. The data are stored in 

a database and are available to the public online at the EPA website

http://iaspub.epa.gov/enviro/erams_query_v2.simple_query. When necessitated by unique 

circumstances, data from the RadNet network can be made available daily. The data are verified 

by at least two individuals at NAREL. To ensure that the data are accurate and reliable, all 

activities associated with the RadNet network must conform to the RadNet Quality Assurance 

Project Plan and the Quality Assurance Manual, which detail the data quality objectives, project 

organization and responsibility, internal quality control checks, and other areas relating to quality 

assurance. 

5.(c) Small Entity Flexibility

This section is not applicable because the respondents are state agencies.

5.(d) Collection Schedule

Listed below are the requested sample collection frequencies that require completion of sample 

collection forms.
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Sample Requested Collection frequency

Milk Quarterly

Drinking water Quarterly

Precipitation As precipitation occurs

Air filters Two times per week *

* Many variable, site-specific conditions may preclude predicting a specific number of filters 

changed by a respondent weekly. For example, operator safety may be compromised by 

construction or severe weather, which may preclude routine air sample collection. Reduced 

operator availability may cause reduced filter change frequency if an operator’s non-volunteer job 

duties increase, or if frequency of visits to a monitor site decreases, such as may occur with sites at 

remote locations generally visited in conjunction with non-volunteer job duties. The RadNet 

Quality Assurance Project Plan contains a detailed discussion of these conditions. It is important to 

recognize that these variations do not affect the quality of the results of the analyses.

In the rare case of an emergency, such as Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, or Fukushima, EPA may 

request an increased sample collection frequency.

6. Estimating the Burden and Cost of Collection

6.(a) Estimating Respondent Burden

Total individual respondent burden for RadNet is estimated to be 8,243 hours annually. This 5 

percent reduction in burden from 8,710 hours annually is primarily driven by the use of improved 

technology which reduces manual calculations for the real-time air monitors. Improved 

technology of the RadNet real-time air monitors also allows some operations to be performed by 

EPA personnel at NAREL rather than requiring respondent time. EPA continues to look for other 

ways to reduce operator burden, particularly in the real-time air monitoring program. 

Burden hour estimates are based primarily on sample collection times tested by NAREL 

personnel and informal telephone conversations with respondents over the years. Additional 

information used in estimating burden hours was obtained through discussions of NAREL 

personnel with personnel from state radiation departments at Council of Radiation Control 

Program Directors (CRCPD) meetings. Discussions with respondents and RadNet management

revealed that the technical labor category is the most appropriate one for all RadNet burden 

activities.

Although the respondent burden assumes 302 sampling locations, there can be times when the 

actual number of stations reporting is less than that, due to unexpected nonparticipation by some 

stations. However, participation is not anticipated to decrease by more than 15 percent.

6.(b) Estimating Respondent Cost

Total respondent cost for RadNet is estimated to be about $300,000 annually. This 37 percent 

reduction in cost from about $480,000 annually is again primarily driven by the use of improved 

technology. The improved technology of the real-time RadNet air monitors allows operation by 

volunteers with a much wider range of technological skills which reduces the hourly rate assumed 

in the calculation. Additionally, as stated in 6.(a), improved technology aides in reducing

respondent burden and thus cost. 
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Informal conversations and discussions with respondents and RadNet management have revealed 

that the technical labor category is the correct one for all RadNet respondent burden activities. 

Since the hourly wages of the respondents depend on years of employment and the pay scales of 

their respective states, an actual average hourly wage would require obtaining confidential 

information from the respondents. Based on our informal discussions with respondents and 

RadNet managers, the hourly rate at the GS-9(1) level, 36.384 dollars/hour ($22.74 per hour 

times a 1.6 overhead multiplication factor, based upon OPM salary tables for “rest of U.S.” 

effective January 2012 as displayed at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/payleave/salaries-wages/2012/general-schedule/rus_h.pdf), is a good approximation of the 

respondents’ hourly wage for this technical labor category. This is reduced from the previous 

reports which used GS-12(1) as a basis. This reduction is due to newer information concerning 

respondent’s time burden and reduced burden of the real-time air program due to improved 

technology. 

The respondents are not asked or required to keep records, and all supplies and materials relating 

to RadNet activities are provided by the NAREL at no cost to the respondents.

There are no capital costs for sample collectors (respondents). All equipment and materials are 

supplied by NAREL. 

6.(c) Estimating Agency Burden and Cost

Total agency burden and cost for RadNet are estimated to be about 28,700 hours and $2,376,000 

annually. The 31 percent increase in burden from 21,930 is primarily due to additional sample 

throughput in the laboratory and additional data review and maintenance operations needed to 

support the expanded network of real-time air monitors. These additional hours result in a 25% 

increase in agency personnel cost from about $1,447,000 to $1,803,000 annually. Additionally, 

EPA estimates the cost for supplies for the RadNet program to be $78,000 annually, which is a 

5% increase due to the additional RadNet air samplers. Finally, EPA estimates the capital costs 

to decrease significantly from about $1,383,000 to about $495,000. The decrease in capital cost 

is primarily due to EPA having completed air monitor purchases, which was the largest capital 

acquisition.

Our agency burden estimates are based on our years of experience in operating the RadNet

network. Since the activities for the operation of RadNet involves worker at various GS levels, 

we used composite burden hours and calculated hourly costs at the GS-13 level (step 1) times 1.6 

(the overhead multiplication factor) to be 62.74 dollars/hour. The total number of annual hours 

devoted to RadNet by Agency personnel is estimated to be 28,706 hours. 

6.(d) Bottom Line Burden Hours and Cost/Burden Tables

See burden tables on pages 11-13.

6.(e) Reasons For Change in Burden

Total respondent burden for RadNet was reduced by 5% primarily due to the use of improved 

technology of the RadNet real-time air monitors. Total agency burden increased by 31 percent, 

primarily due to additional sample throughput in the laboratory and additional data review and 

maintenance operations needed to support the expanded network of real-time air monitors.
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6.(f) Burden Statement

The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is 

estimated to average just under 0.5 hours per response. Burden means the total time and effort 

expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a 

Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, 

and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying 

information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; 

adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; 

train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete 

and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. An 

agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of 

information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers 

for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR Part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15. 

To comment on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden 

estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the use of 

automated collection techniques, EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket 

ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0041-0008, which is available for online viewing at 

www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Office of Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA 

Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, 

DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 

Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202-566-1744, 

and the telephone number for the Office of Air and Radiation Docket is 202-566-1742. Use 

EPA’s electronic docket and comment system at www.regulations.gov, to submit or view public 

comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in 

the docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “docket search,” then key 

in the docket ID number identified above. Please note that EPA’s policy is that public comments, 

whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing at 

www.regulations.gov as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains 

copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. 

For further information about the electronic docket, go to www.regulations.gov.

Section II: Part B

In the case of the RadNet network, respondents send in actual samples such as air filters, milk, 

drinking water, and rain. With each sample the respondents send in a one page form which 

basically requires the date and location of sampling, the size of the sample, and the name of the 

individual taking the sample. This is basic information that identifies the sample and requires no 

real data gathering on the part of the respondent. The respondent simply supplies information on 

the sampling process that he/she just performed.

The design of RadNet makes it the most comprehensive radiation monitoring network in the 

nation. The 302 sampling sites span the United States and cover most major population centers in 

all geographical regions. They are typically located at or near state health facilities and samples 

are collected voluntarily by state personnel. Although the choice of sampling station locations is 

not based on a truly randomized design, the nationwide dispersion of sites does represent a close 

approximation to randomly selected locations with consideration given to population centers and 

potential radiation source distribution. This arrangement maximizes the coordination with state 

and local agencies collecting the samples as it does not place stations in extremely remote and 

relatively inaccessible locations.
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The RadNet network satisfies the three major objectives of an environmental monitoring program 

as set forth by the Health Physics Society's Committee on Upgrading the Quality of the 

Environmental Data (EPA 520/1-80-012). These objectives are:

a. to assess dose,

b. to determine any trends of environmental radiation dose rates and concentrations 

of radioactive materials, and 

c. to reassure members of the public and governmental organizations regarding

radiation hazards and environmental radiation exposures.

The Society specifically references EPA's RadNet as an example of a functioning environmental 

monitoring program that incorporates these major desirable features. 
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TABLE 1

Annual Respondent Burden Cost Estimates

Activity Hours per 

Occurrence

(A)

Occurrences per 

Year

(B)

Hours per 

Respondent per 

Year

(C = A x B)

Respondents per 

Year

(D)

Burden-hours per 

years

(E = C x D)

Cost per year

(F = E x 

$36.38/hr)*

Read Instructions

 Air 1 2 2 156 312 11,351.81

 Precipitation 0.5 2 1 33 33 1,200.67

 Drinking water 0.5 2 1 74 74 2,692.42

 Milk 1 2 2 39 78 2,837.95

Collect Samples

 Air 0.32 104 32.9 156 5137.6 186,926.44

 Precipitation 0.23 26.2 6.1 33 201.6 7,335.01

 Drinking Water 0.15 4 0.6 74 44.4 1,615.45

 Milk 3.90 4 15.6 39 608.4 22,136.03

Complete and Mail 

Forms

 Air 0.1 104 10.4 156 1622.4 59,029.40

 Precipitation 0.1 26.2 2.6 33 86.4 3,143.58

 Drinking Water 0.1 4 0.4 74 29.6 1,076.97

 Milk 0.1 4 0.4 39 15.6 567.59

TOTAL ANNUAL HOURS 8243

TOTAL ANNUAL LABOR COST 299,913.31

RESPONDENTS’ TOTAL ANNUAL COST** 299,913.31

* The rate used in this table is that of a GS-9/1 for 2012. The $36.384 per hour amounts to the GS-9/1 rate of $22.74/hr multiplied by an overhead rate of 1.6.

** Record keeping costs, capital costs, and maintenance costs are zero (0) for respondents.
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TABLE 2

Annual Agency Burden/Cost Estimates

(Activities)

Line 

Item

Burden Activity Annual Hours Agency Costs*

1 Maintaining master database 50 3,137.00

2 Monitoring real-time data (contractor) 3,288 206,000.00

3 Monitoring real-time data (NAREL) 500 31,370.00

4 Maintain real-time monitors (contractor) 6,480 421,200.00

5 Maintain system operations (NAREL) 1,500 94,120.00

76 IT support (contractor) 1,920 108,000.00

7 Answering respondent questions 210 13,175.40

8 Coordinating respondent submissions 1,462 91,725.88

9 Maintaining records of samples 1,462 91,725.88

10 Publishing and disseminating data 300 18,822.00

11 Analyzing samples 9,734 610,711.16

12 Providing sampling supplies 1,800 112,932.00

TOTAL 28,706 1,802,909.32

* For federal employees, the activity costs assume an average of GS-13/1 ($62.74/hr) rate. Lines 2, 4, and 6 are contractor costs. GS hourly rates

are based upon 2012 data from the Office of Personnel Management (http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2012/general-schedule/rus_h.pdf).
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TABLE 3

Agency Burden/Cost Estimates (Capital Costs)*

Line Item Unit Cost ($) No. Units Total ($)

Physical site preparation for air 

samplers 3,000 4 12,000

Supplies to field stations 500 156 78,000

Maintain real-time monitors parts 

(annual total) 180,000 1 180,000

Maintain real-time monitors 

(contractor site visits, annual total) 180,000 1 180,000

IT costs 

 Data disaster recovery 

site 22,000 1 22,000

 Oracle license 15,000 1 15,000

 Internet access 18,000 1 18,000

 FTP software 500 1 500

 Records retention 1,800 1 1,800

 Backup software 6,000 1 6,000

 Equipment refresh 10,000 1 10,000

 CDX website host 50,000 1 50,000

Grand Total 573,300

*All capital costs in this table, except for the $78,000 to supply field stations, pertain to costs supporting the expansion and upgrade

of the RadNet air network.

TABLE 4

Summary of Respondent and Agency Total Costs

Line Item Total ($)

Annual Respondent Burden 299,913.31

Annual Agency Burden for Activities 1,802,909.32

Annual Agency Burden for Capital Costs 573,300

Combined (activity and capital cost) Burden

 to the Agency 2,376,209.32
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ATTACHMENT 1

Forms Used by RadNet Respondents

(click on PDF icon below)

RadNet Forms.pdf