Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: SABIT Participant Application, Participant Surveys, Alumni Survey

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; SABIT Participant Application, Participant Surveys, Alumni Survey

Dates

To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before June 17, 2024.

Supplementary Information

I. Abstract

The SABIT Program of the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA), is a key element in the U.S. Government's efforts to support the economic transition of Eurasia (the former Soviet Union) and to support economic growth in other regions of the world, including countries in Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East, et al. SABIT develops and implements two-week training programs in the United States for groups of up to 20 business and government professionals from Eurasia and other regions. These professionals meet with U.S. government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private sector companies in order to learn about various business practices and principles. This unique private sector-U.S. Government partnership was created in order to tap into the U.S. private sector's expertise and to assist developing regions in their transition to market-based economies while simultaneously boosting trade between the United States and other countries. SABIT also develops and implements virtual events for its alumni and other participants that provide industry-specific training on best practices for business and management and fosters contacts with U.S. organizations. Participant applications are needed to enable SABIT to find the most qualified participants for the training programs. Participant pre-program surveys and post- program surveys provide insight as to what the participants have learned, and they are used to improve the content and administration of future programs. Such monitoring and evaluations is required by law (Foreign Aid and Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016). Alumni success story reports/surveys track the success of the program as regards to business ties between the U.S. and the countries SABIT covers. These alumni surveys also serve to provide evaluation information as required under the Foreign Aid and Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016).

The closing date for participant applications is based upon the starting date of the program and is published with the application and on the program's website at www.trade.gov/sabit-program. Pursuant to section 632(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, funding for the programs will be provided through the Agency for International Development (AID).

The SABIT Program has revised the collection instruments. The instruments are very similar to those used by SABIT in past years. However, some wording has been changed to reflect the changing needs of SABIT over time. The changes are relatively minor and most of them are rephrasing of wording. Instructions for filling out the form, methods of submission, and the order of questions have been revised on the Participant Application. These revisions are not expected to increase the response time to complete the instruments. SABIT only accepts Participant Applications, Pre- and Post-Program surveys, and Alumni Surveys electronically. This is a change from the last collection request.

II. Method of Collection

Participant applications are electronic and are found on sabit.smapply.us when available. Pre-program and Post-program surveys are provided electronically with a link to a Survey Monkey site. Alumni Surveys are also gathered via Survey Monkey electronic, web-based forms.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0625-0225.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission (revision of a currently approved information collection).

Affected Public: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,500.

Estimated Time per Response: Participant application, 3 hours; participant pre-program survey, 1 hour; participant post-program survey, 1 hour; alumni survey, 1 hour.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 8,500.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $14,500.

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

Legal Authority: Section 632(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (the "FAA"), and pursuant to the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2018 (Div. K, P.L. 115-141); Foreign Aid and Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016.

IV. Request for Comments

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment-including your personal identifying information-may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.