NPS Study of Value of Natural Sounds: A Pilot Study

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status
NSNSD_Peer Review.pdf Supplementary Document	2016-11-16
1024-0269 30 Day FRN.pdf Supplementary Document	2016-11-22
1040-0269 60 Day FRN.pdf Supplementary Document	2016-11-14
NPS_Sounds_Part_A_11-16-16.doc Supporting Statement A	2016-11-16

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
207747	Computer Tablet - Debriefing Interview Other-debreifing interview	Removed
207746	Computer Tablet - Survey Exercise Other-survey exercise	Removed
207716	Computer Tablet - Visitor Survey - Initial Contact Other-script for initial contact	Removed
207715	General Population Survey Focus Group - Sessions Other-General Pop Survey - Focus Group Sessions	Removed
207714	General Population Survey Focus Group - Initial Contact Other-script for initial contact	Removed
207713	2016 - Focus Group Discussion Guide Other-Discussion Guide and Pretest Questions	Modified
207712	2016 - Initial Contact Other-script for initial contact	Modified

ICR Details

OMB Control No: 1024-0269	ICR Reference No: 201609-1024-001
Status: Historical Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 201303-1024-001
Agency/Subagency: DOI/NPS	Agency Tracking No: NSNSD
Title: NPS Study of Value of Natural Sounds: A Pilot Study
Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved without change	Conclusion Date: 02/13/2017
	Date Received in OIRA: 11/22/2016
Terms of Clearance:

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	02/29/2020	36 Months From Approved	02/28/2017
Responses	180	0	514
Time Burden (Hours)	165	0	183
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0

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Abstract: Between 2011 and 2014, researchers at the U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center (DOT) requested and received OMB approval (OMB Control Number 1024-0269) to conduct a series of focus groups to pre-test materials for a stated-preference valuation study designed to estimate values for maintaining and enhancing natural soundscapes. The findings from the study indicated that in order to advance the project, another expert panel should be convened to determine how to address the issues raised by the focus groups. A subsequent peer review of this work commissioned by Night Skies and Natural Sounds Division (NSNSD) indicated that fundamental aspects of the survey, notably the framing, presentation and format of the valuation scenario, required restructuring. The purpose of this ICR is to request approval to continue survey development and pre-testing activities that were initiated in 2013. This continuation will involve a series of eight focus groups in two NPS units (four per unit). The intent of the focus groups is to refine and test existing survey materials. Specifically, previous pre-testing efforts indicated that further refinement and testing of stated–preference questions was necessary. Best practice guidelines in the conduct of stated-preference studies require that survey content, language and instructions be clearly understood by respondents. Failure to continue testing the instrument could possibly compromise the accuracy of information collected through the survey when it is implemented

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Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 54 USC 100702 Name of Law: NPS Organic Act
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	81 FR 63492	09/15/2016
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	81 FR 83868	11/22/2016
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? Yes

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 2

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
2016 - Initial Contact
2016 - Focus Group Discussion Guide
General Population Survey Focus Group - Sessions
Computer Tablet - Survey Exercise
General Population Survey Focus Group - Initial Contact
Computer Tablet - Debriefing Interview
Computer Tablet - Visitor Survey - Initial Contact

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Approved	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	180	514	0	-334	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	165	183	0	-18	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Increase Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Reduction Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Short Statement: This request is for the renewal of a previously approved collection. The results of the previous collection indicated that fundamental aspects of the valuation scenario and survey materials require revisions (i.e., framing, provision mechanism, and payment vehicle). The purpose of this request is to conduct additional in-park focus groups to address these issues. The adjustment in the burden is a net difference of 18 hours (Table 5). The previously approved collection included the burden for instruments that will not be used during this collection (e.g., the general population focus groups and all activities related to the on-site survey).

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $89,248

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Is the Supporting Statement intended to be a Privacy Impact Assessment required by the E-Government Act of 2002? No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? Uncollected

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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:

(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

(c) It reduces burden on small entities;

(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;

(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:

(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;

(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.

(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and

(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

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.

Certification Date: 11/22/2016

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