1117-0034 support statement 2006

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

Collection of Laboratory Analysis Data on Drug Samples Tested by Non-Federal (State and Local Government) Crime Laboratories

[omb CONTROL NUMBER 1117-0034]

Part A. Justification

1. Necessity of information: The purpose of the data collection is to provide the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with a national database on analyzed drug evidence from non-federal laboratories. Information from this database is combined with other existing databases to develop more accurate, up-to-date information on abused drugs. This database represents a voluntary, cooperative effort on the part of participating laboratories to provide a centralized source of analyzed drug data.

Existing federal drug abuse databases do not provide the type, scope or quality of information necessary to effectively estimate the actual or relative abuse potential of drugs as required under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 811(b)) and international treaties in a timely and efficient manner. For example, much of the trafficking data for federal drug scheduling actions is presently obtained on a case-by-case basis from state and local laboratories. Occasionally scientific personnel from the DEA’s Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Office of Diversion Control, have visited the laboratories and manually reviewed files to locate the data. The development of the National Forensics Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) greatly enhances the collection of such data. Submission of information for this collection is voluntary. DEA is not mandating this information collection.

2. Needs and Uses: The National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) provides the DEA with a computerized data collection and retrieval system on information associated with analyzed drug evidence which is submitted from non-federal forensic laboratories. This information supplements and complements information obtained from the DEA System To Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE) and other surveys and databases such as the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), NIDA’s High School Survey and the NIJ Drug Use Forecasting System (DUFS). The information from these sources combined with the data from the non-federal laboratories presents a more complete indicator of the extent of and activities associated with the illicit trafficking of a substance. The data is used to provide information in support of drug scheduling actions and enables DEA to better monitor the diversion of legitimately marketed drugs, drug trafficking and abuse.

The data obtained from the system is under the control of DEA. Data is used primarily by DEA, with consideration given to other federal agencies such as ONDCP,

and state and local agencies, as agreed with DEA. Participating laboratories, law enforcement agencies and other government agencies are permitted limited access to the database. The level and type of access is controlled by DEA.

3. Use of Technology: NFLIS collects data through the electronic transmittal of standardized electronic reports. State and local forensic laboratories submit reports via magnetic tape, CD-ROM, floppy disk, e-mail or other electronic media. Electronic reporting minimizes the burden by eliminating the time and expense necessary to print, package and mail hard copy reports and allows for more efficient processing of the data reported.

4. Efforts to Identify Duplication: This information collection is unique to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

5. Methods to Minimize Burden on Small Businesses: This information collection will not have a substantial impact on small entities. Participation by state and local law enforcement laboratories in this system is voluntary.

6. Consequences of Less Frequent Collection: Not collecting the information would compromise federal efforts to prevent diversion. The collection of this data will provide valuable information to DEA and other drug regulatory enforcement agencies. Existing federal drug abuse databases do not provide the type, scope or quality of information necessary to effectively estimate the actual or relative abuse potential of drugs as required under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 811(b)) and international treaties in a timely and efficient manner.

7. Special Circumstances Influencing Collection: Some respondents report monthly, others quarterly. Respondents decide how frequently they will submit these voluntary reports. Less frequent reporting would reduce DEA’s ability to monitor actual and relative abuse potential of drugs. Other special circumstances in item 7 of the supporting statement are not applicable to this information collection.

8. Reasons for Inconsistencies with 5 CFR 1320.6: DEA meets occasionally with forensic laboratory directors to discuss NFLIS policies, programs and reporting requirements.

9. Payment or Gift to Claimants: No gifts or remunerations are given to respondents.

10. Assurance of Confidentiality: The information collected is protected by the Department of Justice confidentiality provisions.

11. Justification for Sensitive Questions: This information collection does not request information of a sensitive nature.

12. Estimate of Hour Burden:

Number of respondents: 150

Frequency of response: Monthly (120 Respondents) and Quarterly (30 Respondents)

Total Number of Responses 1560 Monthly (120 x 12) + Quarterly (30 x 4)

Average Time to Complete Responses:

0.16 hours (10 minutes)

Time for Responses:

Monthly: 120 respondents X 12 responses = 1440 responses x 0.16 hours = 240 hours

Quarterly: 30 respondents X 4 responses = 120 responses x 0.16 hours = 19 hours

Total: 259 hours

Cost:

Cost per hour: 259 hours at $10 per hour = $2,880

13. Estimate of Cost Burden:

Mailing:

3 respondents mail data monthly:

3 respondents x 12 months annually = 36 annual responses

36 annual responses x $0.39 mailing cost = $14.04

14. Estimated Annualized Cost to Federal Government:

Project Manager:

1 GS-14 Chemist (50% of work year): $66,300

Oversight of Contract Responsibilities:

1 GS-14 Contracting Officer (100% of work year): $10,358

Government Contractor: $1,500,000

Total cost to government: $1,576,658

15. Reasons for Change in Burden: The Reduction in hour burden is due to certain laboratories reporting at different intervals than previously occurred. This adjust is a normal part of this collection of information. There are no program changes associated with this collection.

16. Plans for Publication: The results of this information collection will not be published.

17. Expiration Date Approval: There is no specific form on which information is reported.

18. Exceptions to the Certification Statement: There are no exceptions to the certification statement.

Part B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods:

The Drug Enforcement Administration does not employ statistical methods in this information collection.