FEMA Publishes Information Collection Request Notices in Federal Register

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) on Wednesday posted two new Information Collection Request (ICR) notices in the Federal Register. The first ICR pertains to the Freight Rail Security Grant Program (FRSGP); the second pertains to the Trucking Security Grant Program (TSP). Both are 30-day notices and requests for comments. The original 60-day notices for these ICRs were posted on September 21st, 2009 under slightly different names.

The Freight Rail Security Grant Program ICR addresses the requirement for the submission of Investment Justification information (FEMA Form 089-6) with the grant application. This information is required to demonstrate “how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies in current programs and capabilities and the ability to provide enhancements consistent with the purpose of the program and guidance provided by FEMA." 75 Fed. Reg. 8,389. The data is used in the application evaluation review as part of the ranking process. FEMA estimates that there will be 400 applications requiring this information submission each year. They estimate that this requirement will place an average burden of 24 hours on each applicant.

The Trucking Security Grant Program ICR applies to the submission of Investment Justification Template information (FEMA Form 089-7) as part of the grant application process. This information is used to “evaluate applicants' familiarity with national preparedness architecture and identify how elements of this architecture have been incorporated into regional/State/local planning, operations, and investments." 75 Fed. Reg. 8,385. FEMA estimates that there will be 25 applications requiring this information submission each year. They estimate that this requirement will place an average burden of 5 hours on each applicant.

The comment period on both ICRs ends on March 26th, 2010. Comments should be addressed to the Desk Officer for the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and sent via electronic mail to oira.submission@omb.eop.gov or faxed to (202) 395-5806.