[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 78 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20165-20166]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10798]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Foreign Agricultural Service


Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Foreign Agricultural Service's intention to 
request an extension and revision for a currently approved information 
collection in support of the List of Commodities by Firm Available for 
Exporting (U.S. Supplier Listing) based on re-estimates.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by June 22, 1998 to be 
assured of consideration.

REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS: Send comments regarding (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

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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 automated electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology. Comments should be sent to, and copies of the U.S. Supplier 
List registration form and qualification criteria may be obtained from: 
Charles T. Alexander, Director, AG Export Services Division, Commodity 
and Marketing Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Stop 1052, Washington, 
D.C. 20250-1052. All written comments received will be available for 
public inspection at the above address during business hours from 8:00 
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.--Phone (202)720-0159, Fax: (202)720-0193.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: List of Commodities by Firm Available for Exporting (U.S. 
Supplier Listing) OMB Number 0551-0031.
    Expiration Date of Approval: July 31, 1998.
    Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: The List of Commodities by Firm Available for Exporting 
is a service provided to any foreign buyer, or other U.S. agent or 
broker. This service is intended to assist foreign buyers to contact 
U.S. exporters or small and medium size U.S. companies about purchasing 
products. The lists are contained in a searchable database on CD rom 
that is distributed to USDA overseas offices. It is a tool for offices 
to use in responding to requests from foreign buyers and importers to 
help them find a U.S. supplier of food, farm, and forest products. An 
exporter may be listed in a number of products areas. Each listing 
provides a product description and information about the exporter. This 
information is collected by the USDA from a registration form which the 
exporter completes followed by a qualification process before the 
exporter is listed in the database. The database is necessary to 
facilitate effective advertisement and marketing of the U.S. 
agricultural product in overseas markets. Authority for this program 
falls under 7 U.S.C. Part 1761. The program is voluntary. A small fee 
is charged for use of the service in the domestic United States and is 
free through USDA's overseas offices.
    Estimate of Burden: The burden to U.S. exporters is estimated to 
average 0.25 hours per response.
    Respondents: U.S. agricultural exporters of food, farm, and forest 
products.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 4500 per annum.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 1 per annum.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden of Respondents: 1,125 hours per 
annum.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Valerie 
Countiss, the Agency Information Collection Coordinator, at (202) 720-
6713.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

    Signed at Washington, D.C. April 17, 1998.
Christopher E. Goldthwait,
Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service.
[FR Doc. 98-10798 Filed 4-22-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-M