Justification for emergency processing

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT
EMERGENCY PROCESSING REQUEST
Supplement to OMB 83i

Date 2007-08-31

OMB Control # 3060 -

Title of Collection Information collection for Emergency Communications Back-Up System Report t

5 CFR 1320.13

Certifying official's name, phone
number, and email address.

Jerry Cowden; 202-418-0447; jerry.cowden@fcc.gov

1. I certify that this collection of information is needed prior to the
expiration of time periods normally associated with PRA requests.
2. I certify that this collection of information is essential to the mission
of the Federal Communications Commission.

Yes

Yes

No

No

3. I certify that the Federal Communications Commission cannot reasonably comply with
normal PRA clearance procedures because such procedures will likely cause: (if applicable)
3a. If none of the impacts identified in Question 3 are
Yes
likely, is this request based upon an unanticipated
event?
No

Public harm
Prevention or disruption of the
collection of information
A statutory or court ordered
deadline to be missed

3b. Explain the reason for
your answer to either
The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Act), Public Law 110-53,
Question 3 or 3a. If you
mandates that the FCC “conduct a vulnerability assessment of the Nation’s critical communications
answered "yes" to
and information infrastructure” and “evaluate the technical feasibility of creating a back-up emergency
Question 3a, be sure to
communications system that complements existing communications resources and takes into account
include in your explanation
next generation and advanced communications technologies.” The FCC must submit a report of its
reasons why OMB should
findings to Congress not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Act (since the Act was
not expect the FCC to have
enacted on August 3, 2007, the report will be due to Congress on January 30, 2008).
anticipated this event.
(750 character limit).

4. Indicate the
date by which
an OMB decision September 19, 2007
on this request is
needed.
4a. Explain why it is essential to have OMB
approval by the requested date.
(500 character limit).

5. Describe "all practicable
steps" the FCC has taken to
consult with interested
agencies and members of
the public to minimize the
burden of this collection of
information.
(750 character limit).

The FCC must submit a report of its findings to Congress not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of the Act (since the Act was enacted on August 3, 2007, the
report will be due to Congress on January 30, 2008).

FCC staff have researched relevant information available in the public domain and briefed the industry
executive committee of the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee
(NSTAC), regarding the FCC’s obligation to produce this report. The executive committee includes a crosssection of the sectors of the telecommunications industry from which the FCC intends to collect
information to complete the report to Congress. The members of this group expressed an eagerness to
assist the Commission with its information needs.

6. Give the Federal Register citation for the Commission's public notification of this
request for emergency PRA processing.
ATTACH A PDF COPY OF THIS FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE TO THIS DOCUMENT.

Anticipated date of publication in the Federal
Register is September 5, 2007.