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EDICS Tracking and OMB Number: (XXXX) 1840 - 0797 Revised: 03 / 13 /2015 RIN Number: XXXX - XXXX (if applicable)
**SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION** 
**A. Justification** 1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary . Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a hard cop y of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information , or you may provide a valid URL link or paste the applicable section . 1 Specify the review type of the collection (new, revision, extension, reinstatement with change, reinstatement without change) . If revised, briefl y specify the changes. If a rulemaking is involved, make note of the sections or changed sections, if applica ble. The Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Program is authorized under Title III, Part F of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) ( http://www2.ed.gov/programs/pbi/legislation) . T he PBI Program makes grant awards to eligible colleges and universities to support the strengthening of PBIs to carry out programs in the following areas: science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM); health education; internationalization or globalization; teacher preparation; or improving the educati onal outcomes of African American males. Grants support the establishment or strengthening of such programs that are designed to increase the institution ’ s capacity to prepare students for instruction in the above noted fields. Grants are awarded competi tively. This information collection is necessary to comply with Title III, Part F of the HEA. 2. Indicate how, by

whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection. The Department will use the data collected in the PBI Application to determine institutional program - specific eligibility, to evaluate the projects submitted by eligible institutions of higher education and to determine allowable multi - year project expense s based on statutory requirements.

1 Please limit pasted text to no longer than 3 paragraphs.2

EDICS Tracking and OMB Number: (XXXX) 1840 - 0797 Revised: 03 / 13 /2015 RIN Number: XXXX - XXXX (if applicable) 3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or forms of information technology , e.g. per mitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision of adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration given to using technology

to reduce burden. The Office of Postsecondary Education is committed to the reduct ion of paperwork. In FY 2015, applicants will be required to submit their application electronically via Grants.gov. 4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specificall y wh y an y similar information already available cannot be used or modi fied for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above. The information submitted in each application is unique to each respondent and to the authorizing legislation . N o duplication exists. 5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden. A small entity may be (1) a small business which is deemed to be one that is independently owned and operated and that is not dominant in its field of operation; (2) a small organization that is any not - for - profit enterprise that is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field; or (3) a small government jurisdiction, which is a government of a city , county, town, township, school district, or special district with a population of less than 50,000. This collection of information does not involve small business or other small entities. 6. Describe the consequences to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted l ess frequentl y, as well as an y technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden. Federal program and policy activities could not be carried out if the information requested in this package is not collected. Collection of the data is necessary in order to meet statutory requirements and make grant awards under this program. 7. Explain any

special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:
 requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterl y;3

EDICS Tracking and OMB Number: (XXXX) 1840 - 0797 Revised: 03 / 13 /2015 RIN Number: XXXX - XXXX (if applicable)
 requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 day s after receipt of it;
 requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;
 requiring respondents to retai n records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant - in - aid, or tax records for more than three years;
 in connection with a statistical survey , that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results than can be generalized to the universe of study ;
 requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved b y OMB;
 that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by

authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or that unnecessaril y i mpedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or
 requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidenti al information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information ’ s confidentiality to the extent permitted by law. There are no special circumstances as outlined in #7 of the instructions. 8. As applicable, stat e that the Department has published the 60 and 30 Federal Register notices as required b y 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and desc ribe actions taken b y the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability

of data, frequency

of collection, the clarity

of instruction and record keeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if an y), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported. Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or tho se who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years – even if the collection of information activity

is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained. As required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), a 30 - day Federal Register Notice w ill be published soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB.4

EDICS Tracking and OMB Number: (XXXX) 1840 - 0797 Revised: 03 / 13 /2015 RIN Number: XXXX - XXXX (if applicable) 9. Explain any

decision to provide any

pay ment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees with meaningful justification . The Department will not provide payments or gifts to respondents. 10. Describe an y assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy . If personally

identifiable information (PII) is being collected, a Privacy Act statement should be included on the instrument. Please provide a citation for the Sy stems of Record Notice and the date a Privacy Impact Assessment was completed as indicated on the I C Data Form . A confidentiality statement with a legal citation that authorizes the pledge of confidentiality should be provided. 2 If the collection is subject to the Privacy Act, the Privacy

Act st atement is deemed sufficient with respect to confidentiality . I f there is no expectation of confidentiality , simply state that the Department make s no pledge about the confidentiall y of the data. The Department’s disclosure policies adhere to the provisi ons of the Privacy Act. 11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. The justification should include the reasons wh y the agency considers the questions necessary , the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent. Questions of a sensitive nature are not included in this information collection. 12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:
 Indicate the number of respondents by affected public ty

pe (federal government, individuals or households, private sector

– businesses or other for - profit, private sector
– not - for - profit institutions, farms, state, local or tribal governments) , frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated, including identification of burden type: recordkeeping, reporting or third party disclosure. All narrative should be included in item 12. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special survey s to obtain informatio n on which to 2 Requests for this information are in accordance with the following ED and OMB policies: Privacy Act of 1974, OMB Circular A - 108

– Privacy Act Implementation

– Guidelines and Responsibilities, OMB Circular A - 130 Appendix I

– Federal Agency Responsibilities for Maintaini ng Records About Individuals, OMB M - 03 - 22

– OMB Guidance for Implementing the Privacy Provisions of the E - Government Act of 2002, OMB M - 06 - 15

– Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information, OM : 6 - 104

– Privacy Act of 1974 (Collection, Use and Protection of Personally Identifiable Information)5

EDICS Tracking and OMB Number: (XXXX) 1840 - 0797 Revised: 03 / 13 /2015 RIN Number: XXXX - XXXX (if applicable)

base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widel y because of differences in activity , size, or complexity , show the ran ge of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generall y, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.
 If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden e stimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens in the ROCI S IC Burden Analy sis Table . (The table should at minimum include Respondent types, IC activity , Respondent and Responses, Hours/Response, and Total Hours)

 Provide estimates of annualized c ost to respondents of the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 14. The estimated total reporting burden hours for this data collection is 4,550 hours. This includes an estimated total of 130 respondents, each with an estimated response time of 35 hours. It is estimated that t his program will run one competition in the next three years. 130 applicants x 35 burden hours = 4,550 4,550 total burden hours for all applicants The average estimated annual costs to respondents are provided below. **Estimated Cost to Respondents: PBI**  **One time cost to applicant** Use of computer equipment to search for data and generate application in required format. Computer time is $200 and printing is $10. (130 applicants x $210 per applicant) $ 27,300 **Operation Cost** Annual c ost to applicant to file and maintain application materials (130 applicants x $100 per applicant) $ 13,000 **Estimated Total $**  **40,300** Professionals ( 130 personnel X 25 hours X $25 per hour) $ 81,250 Clerical ( 130 personnel X 10 hours X $15 per hour) $ 19,500 **Estimated Cost to Respondents Total**  **$ 141,050** 6

EDICS Tracking and OMB Number: (XXXX) 1840 - 0797 Revised: 03 / 13 /2015 RIN Number: XXXX - XXXX (if applicable)
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14. )

 The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start - up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including s ys tem and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equip ment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start - up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and acquiring and maintaining record storage facilities.
 If cost estimates are expected to vary widel y, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of contracting out information c ollection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60 - day

pre - OMB submission public comment process and use existing economi c or regulatory

impact anal ys is associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

 Generally , estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices. Al so, these estimates should not include the hourly costs (i.e., the monetization of the hours) captured above in Item 12 Total Annualized Capital/Startup Cost : Total Annual Costs (O&M) :

____________________ Total Annualized Costs Requested : There are no capital start - up costs to the respondents in this information collection. No operational or maintenance costs beyond usual and customary business pr actices would apply. 14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational7

EDICS Tracking and OMB Number: (XXXX) 1840 - 0797 Revised: 03 / 13 /2015 RIN Number: XXXX - XXXX (if applicable) expenses (such as equipment, overhead, pri nting, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.

15. Explain the reasons for an y program changes or adjustments. Generally, adjustments in burden result from re - estimating burden and/or from economic phenomenon outside of an agency ’ s control (e.g., correcting a burden estimate or an organic increase in the size of the reporting universe). Program changes result from a deliberate action that material ly changes a collection of information and generally are result of new statute or an agency action (e.g., changing a form, revising regulations, redefining the respondent universe, etc.). Burden changes should be disaggregated by type of change (i.e., adju stment, program change due to new statute, and/or program change due to agency discretion) , ty

pe of collection (new, revision, extension, reinstatement with change, reinstatement without change) and include totals for changes in burden hours , responses and cost s (if applicable) . This is a reinstatement of a previously approved collection. Therefore, all burden is new. 16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex an aly

tical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions. The Department has no plans to pub lish any information from this collection. 17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate. **Task Costs**  **Hours Number**  **of Staff Total** 

**An nual**  **Hours Total** 

**An nual**  **Costs** Securing OMB A pproval $50/hr 24 1 24 $1,200 Reports D esign $50/hr 15 1 15 $750 Reviewing A pplications $50/hr 100 2 200 $10,000 Generating/Preparing Slates $50/hr 40 1 40 $2,000 Slate Review and Approval $70/hr 5 6 30 $2,100 Issuance of Awards $50/hr 30 2 60 $3,000 Monitoring and Technical Assistance $50/hr 300 2 600 $30,000 **Total A nnual Costs**  **$49,050**8

EDICS Tracking and OMB Number: (XXXX) 1840 - 0797 Revised: 03 / 13 /2015 RIN Number: XXXX - XXXX (if applicable) Not applicable. This report will display the expiration date for the OMB approval of the information collection. 18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in the Certification of Paperwork Reduction Act. Not applicable. There are no exceptions to the certification state ment.