Revision of Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Program

AGENCY:

Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION:

30-day Notice.

SUMMARY:

This notice announces that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has forwarded the Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0047, abstracted below to OMB for review and approval of an revision of the currently approved collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. TSA published a Federal Register notice, with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments, of the following collection of information on May 30, 2013, 78 FR 32417. The collection involves the submission of identifying and other information by individuals applying for a TWIC and a customer satisfaction survey.

DATES:

Send your comments by October 28, 2013. A comment to OMB is most effective if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication.

ADDRESSES:

Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB. Comments should be addressed to Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security/TSA, and sent via electronic mail to oira_submission@omb.eop.gov or faxed to (202) 395-6974.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joanna Johnson, TSA PRA Officer, Office of Information Technology (OIT), TSA-11, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 20598-6011; telephone (571) 227-3398; email TSAPRA@dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The ICR documentation is available at http://www.reginfo.gov. Therefore, in preparation for OMB review and approval of the following information collection, TSA is soliciting comments to—

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed information requirement is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Information Collection Requirement

Title: Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Program.

Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection.

OMB Control Number: 1652-0047.

Form(s): TWIC Disclosure and Certification Form, TWIC Pre-Enrollment Application, TWIC Enrollment Application, TWIC Card Replacement or Extended Expiration Date Request, and TWIC Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Affected Public: Individuals requiring unescorted access to facilities and vessels regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and all mariners holding Coast Guard-issued credentials or qualification documents.

Abstract: The data collected will be used for processing TWIC enrollment and conducting the security threat assessment. At the enrollment center, applicants verify their biographic information and provide identity documentation, biometric information, and proof of immigration status (if required). This information allows TSA to complete a comprehensive security threat assessment. TSA may also use the information to determine a TWIC holder's eligibility to participate in TSA's expedited screening program for air travel, TSA Pre✓^TM. If TSA determines that the applicant is qualified to receive a TWIC, TSA notifies the applicant that their TWIC is ready for activation. Once activated, this credential will be used for identification verification and access control. TSA also conducts a survey to capture worker overall satisfaction with the enrollment and activation process. This optional customer satisfaction survey is provided at the end enrollment and at the end of the activation process. Additionally, on June 27, 2013, OMB approved a change request allowing TSA to implement a web based option for individuals to order an Extended Expiration Date (EED) TWIC.

Number of Respondents: An estimated 512,565 responses annually.

Estimated Annual Burden Hours: An estimated 1,233,245 hours annually.