As the Food and Nutrition Service
(FNS) is responding to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, it is
implementing a number of waivers and program adjustments to ensure
Americans in need can access nutrition assistance during the crisis
while maintaining recommended social distancing practices. This
extension covers burden associated with waivers and reporting
required by FFCRA.
PL: Pub.L. 116 - 127 1101, 1102, 2102, 2202,
et al Name of Law: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act of
2020
PL: Pub.L. 116 - 136 3222 Name of Law: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security (CARES) Act
This request has multiple
components. This new information collection request is the result
of program evolution/changes and will reduce burden hours by
8,341.03 and reduce responses in OMB’s inventory by 5,492. The
total burden hours requested in this package is 11,548.97. The
changes from the last information collection include those
discussed below. With regard to the Child Nutrition Programs, under
0584-0654, it will not be necessary to include forms FNS-10, FNS-44
and FNS-418; they are currently covered and included in the
information collection titled “Food Programs Reporting System
(FPRS),” OMB Control Number 0584-0594. In addition, FNS has
addressed in this extension/renewal statewide, COVID-related
waivers authorized under Section 12(l) of the NSLA. Section 12(l)
of the NSLA allows FNS to waive statutory and regulatory
requirements established under the NSLA or Child Nutrition Act of
1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) for a State or eligible service
provider administering a Child Nutrition Program. FNS issues
statewide waivers under NSLA waiver authority in response to State
agencies’ requests to facilitate the ability for Program operators
to carry out the purposes of CNPs during COVID-19-related
operations. FNS has issued waivers under NSLA authority to enable
program operators to operate CNPs with appropriate safety measures
in place with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. NSLA waiver
authority requires States or eligible service providers in need of
a waiver of program requirements to submit a detailed application
that identifies the statutory or regulatory requirements to be
waived and supplemental information; States read the associated
guidance in order to prepare the application. In addition, States
must provide notice to the public regarding each waiver request
submitted to FNS, and States that receive a waiver approval of
program requirements under NSLA waiver authority must submit a
report on waiver implementation, including whether the waiver
resulted in improved services to children. All of this has been
captured in this ICR. With regard to the SNAP program, there are
currently active waivers across the country. This ICR extension
assumes that states will request adjustments as the pandemic
continues. This ICR takes into account the submission of such
requests and associated required data reports and weekly
operational updates as applicable. With regard to the WIC state
programs, the current burden estimates reflect what FNS knows will
occur through 2023, that is, no new waiver requests but a need to
capture burden for required reporting for State agencies and Local
agencies associated with waivers previously received. This is
similarly true as it relates to reporting requirements for FMNP
state program staff.
$541,746
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Jamia Franklin 202 409-8729
jamia.franklin@usda.gov
No
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.