[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 147 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41021-41022]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-20237]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Consumer Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request--The Integrity Profile (TIP)

AGENCY: Food and Consumer Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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[[Page 41022]]

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Food and Consumer Service's (FCS) intention to 
request OMB review of The Integrity Profile (TIP) data collection and 
reporting system.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by September 29, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Send comments and requests for copies of this information 
collection to: Stanley C. Garnett, Director, Supplemental Food Programs 
Division, Food and Consumer Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.
    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval, and will become a matter of public record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stanley C. Garnett, (703) 305-2749.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: The Integrity Profile (TIP).
    OMB Number: 0584-0401.
    Expiration Date: 1-31-98.
    Type of Request: Extention of a Currently Approved Collection.
    Abstract: State agencies administering the Special Supplemental 
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program) are 
required by 7 CFR 246.12(i)(3) to submit to FCS an annual summary of 
the results of their vendor monitoring efforts in order to provide 
Congress, senior FCS officials, as well as the general public, 
assurance that every reasonable effort is being made to ensure 
integrity in the WIC Program.
    Since 1989, integrity data has been required to be submitted 
annually for analysis and the Vendor Activity Monitoring Profile (VAMP) 
report has been traditionally produced by FCS which shows the level of 
monitoring and investigation conducted by WIC State agencies to detect 
and eliminate, or substantially reduce, vendor fraud and abuse. The WIC 
Program recently reassessed State and Federal data collection and 
reporting needs as they relate to the integrity of the WIC Program. 
Based on this reassessment, The Integrity Profile (TIP) was developed, 
which will replace the current VAMP data system.
    Approximately 25 data elements that had been reported in VAMP were 
eliminated and about 15 data elements were added to the data that is 
currently reported to form the new TIP reporting system. Whereas VAMP 
focused on vendors that were investigated, TIP will better reflect all 
monitoring efforts, not just investigations conducted. The TIP report 
will better describe State agency efforts to not only detect abuse but 
also prevent abuse from occurring and better describe the 
characteristics of the vendor population. Lastly, the TIP report makes 
better use of existing data that is captured in State automated 
systems. Reporting will be streamlined, as data will be downloaded from 
State systems and transmitted to FCS electronically.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 20.8 hours per response, including 
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing 
the collection of information.
    Respondents: The Program Director of each WIC State agency, which 
is generally a State Health Department or an Indian Tribal 
Organization.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 88 respondents.
    Estimated Number of Responses Per Respondent: One.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,830.4 hours.

    Dated: July 21, 1997.
William E. Ludwig,
Administrator, Food and Consumer Service.
[FR Doc. 97-20237 Filed 7-30-97; 8:45 am]
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