This information collection is an
external evaluation of how NOAAs Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management (OCRM) is operating and managing coastal
management and estuarine research reserve programs under the
Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), particularly in terms of how
the OCRM plans, measures, reviews and directs funding for these
programs to achieve the objectives of the CZMA. The contractor
shall examine the extent to which planning and performance-based
management processes have changed in the past five to six years and
make recommendations to the appropriate officials of NOAA, NOS, and
the OCRM about how the programs can further improve their planning,
budgeting, and performance measurement processes to weigh
priorities and assign resources based on the clearest needs. The
contractor shall also make recommendations, if appropriate, for
improving the Programs evaluation and funding guidance and
mechanisms to enhance its capacity for demonstrate the outcomes and
results of the Program, as well as improving linkages between the
component programs.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.