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###### Department of State

          - [Public Notice: 12193]

# ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

# SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

# DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to November 28, 2023.

# ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
      -  Web:                          Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to                          www.Regulations.gov.                          You can search for the document by entering “Docket Number: DOS-2023-0031” in the Search field. Then click the “Comment Now” button and complete the comment form.                    
      - Email: GHSD_FinancialOps@state.gov.
      -  Regular Mail:                          Send written comments to: Bureau of Global Health Security & Diplomacy (S/GHSD), U.S. Department of State, SA-22, 1800 G Street NW, Suite 10300, Washington, DC 20006.                    
      -  Fax:                          202-663-2979.                    

You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                        Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Irum Zaidi, 1800 G St. NW, Suite 10300, SA-22, Washington, DC 20006, who may be reached on 202-663-2588 or at                         *ZaidiIF@state.gov.*

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    -  Title of Information Collection:                      PEPFAR Program Expenditures.                
    -  OMB Control Number:                      1405-0208.                
    -  Type of Request:                      Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.                
    -  Originating Office:                      Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy (S/GAC).                
    -  Form Number:                      DS-4213.                           ( print page 67421)      
    -  Respondents:                      Recipients of U.S. government funds appropriated to carry out the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).                
    -  Estimated Number of Respondents:                      3,480.                
    -  Estimated Number of Responses:                      3,480.                
    -  Average Time per Response:                      20 hours per response.                
    -  Total Estimated Burden Time:                      68,750 hours.                
    -  Frequency:                      Annually.                
    -  Obligation to Respond:                      Mandatory.                

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:
    - Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
    - Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
    - Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
    - Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

## Abstract of Proposed Collection

The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was established through enactment of the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act (Pub. L. 108-25), as amended by the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act (Pub. L. 110-293) (HIV/AIDS Leadership Act), as amended by the PEPFAR Stewardship and Oversight Act (Pub. L. 113-56), and as amended and reauthorized for a third time by the PEPFAR Extension Act (Pub. L. 115-305) to support the global response to HIV/AIDS. In order to improve program monitoring, PEPFAR added reporting of expenditures by program area to the current routine reporting of program results for the annual report. Data are collected from implementing partners in countries with PEPFAR programs using a standard tool (DS-4213) via an electronic web-based interface into which users upload data. These expenditures are analyzed by partner for all PEPFAR program areas. These analyses then feed into partner and program reviews at the country level for monitoring and evaluation on an ongoing basis. Summaries of these data provide key information about program costs under PEPFAR on a global level. Applying expenditure results will improve strategic budgeting, identification of efficient means of delivering services, and accuracy in defining program targets; and will inform allocation of resources to ensure the program is accountable and using public funds for maximum impact.

## Methodology

Data will continue to be collected in a web-based interface available to all partners receiving funds under PEPFAR. After implementing Expenditure Reporting since 2012, we learned that implementing partners (IPs) prefer the Microsoft Excel template based data collection process. The requirements in the Excel template have been reduced with IP input to only request critical information. By being able to download a template, prime IPs responsible to complete the submission are more effectively able to collaborate quickly with other key personnel and coordinate with their subrecipients to enter the data for the full amount of PEPFAR funding expended during the prior fiscal year. This approach also proves helpful where internet connectivity is not strong. After completing the Excel template, IPs upload the data to an automated system that further checks the data entered for quality and completeness. Automated checks reduce the time needed by IPs to complete the data cleaning process. Aggregate data is available in a central system for analysis.

Brendan Garvin,

Director of Management and Budget, Bureau of Global Health Diplomacy and Security, Department of State.

[FR Doc. 2023-21309 Filed 9-28-23; 8:45 am]

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