1550.0056.SupportingStatement

Supporting Statement

Application Filing Requirements

Page 3

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR THE

APPLICATION FILING REQUIREMENTS

OMB CONTROL NO. 1550-0056

A. JUSTIFICATION

1. Circumstances and Need

OTS regulations require that applications, notices, or other filings must be submitted to the appropriate Regional Office of OTS, unless specifically noted otherwise in the procedures for a particular filing. See 12 C.F.R. § 516.1(c). Section 516.1(c) requires applicants to file three appropriately marked copies of an application with the appropriate Regional Office. The applications are to clearly state the type of filing and contain all exhibits and other pertinent documents. Applications, notices, or other filings that raise an issue of policy or law require that two additional copies be submitted to the Applications Filing Room at OTS in Washington, D.C.

This submission reflects changes to certain application procedural requirements in an effort to provide more consistency among publication, public comment, and meeting procedures for various filings. The remaining requirements are unaffected by the interim rule, but are included in the overall burden estimates discussed below.

Depending on the type of filing, third party requirements are reflected in the individual OMB submissions for these filings.

2. Use of Information Collected

OTS reviews applications for completeness and compliance with legal requirements and for safety and soundness concerns. In addition, when required by regulation, OTS makes a copy available for public perusal.

3. Use of Technology to Reduce Burden

OTS’ Information Technology staff are currently developing a system that will allow electronic filing of certain applications which will reduce the paperwork burden.

4. Efforts to Identify Duplication

There is no information requested on the application forms that is collected by OTS in any other way.

5. Minimizing the Burden on Small Firms

The burden is likely to be smaller for smaller savings associations filing less complex applications.

6. Consequences of Less Frequent Collection

The information is required only when a savings association files an application or notice with OTS. The labeling and provision of additional copies will be beneficial in expediting the application process and ensuring that all respective offices receive the application filings.

7. Special Circumstances

OTS requires submission of more than the original and two copies of a few documents to permit simultaneous review by either the Washington office staffs and/or other regulatory agencies. The following documents require additional copies: those that raise a significant issue of law or policy; certain Holding Company filings for acquisition and merger of a savings association that fall under the Bank Merger Act; a change of control notice; and an acquisition of a savings association by any acquiror. The other reviewing agencies are: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve, Department of Justice, State Supervisor (if applicable), and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

8. Consultation with Persons Outside OTS

Notice of intent to renew this information collection was published in the Federal Register on January 28, 2008 (FR 73 No. 18, page 4953). OTS has not received any comments.

9. Payment of Respondent

OTS provides no payment or gift to respondents.

10. Confidentiality

Certain information is not available to the public, including, among other things: (1) information contained or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared for agency use; and (2) privileged information related to the business, personal, or financial affairs of any person which is furnished in confidence.

11. Information of a Sensitive Nature

The application filings do not request any information that could be considered personally sensitive.

12. Estimate of Annual Burden

The total annual burden to the respondents is estimated at 274 hours representing 1,609 filings at .17 hours per filing ─ a calculation of burden to make three copies.

13. Estimate of Annual Cost

The total annual cost to the respondent is estimated at $16,412 ─ 1,609 filings at .17 hours at $60 per hour ─ the cost to submit three copies of a filing.

14. Estimate of Annualized Cost to the Government

The annualized cost to the government is allocated to the receipt and distribution of specific applications equal to one FTE at an estimated annual salary of $35,000.

15. Reason for Change in Burden

OTS is citing a reduction in the inventory due to a reduction in the number of respondents.

16. Publication

Not applicable.

17. Expiration Date

No specific form is required by this information collection. The OMB Control Number is displayed in the regulation table at 12 C.F.R. 506.1. OTS requests permission to not display the expiration date.

18. Exceptions

There are no exceptions to the certification on OMB form 83-I.

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL

METHODS

Not applicable.