Notices. Notice

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BILLING CODE 3410-11-M DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). *Agency:* U.S. Census Bureau. *Title:* Shipper's Export Declaration (SED)/Automated Export System

(AES)Program. *OMB Control Number:* 0607-0152. *Form Number(s):* 7525-V, AES. *Type of Request:* Revision of a currently approved collection. *Burden Hours:* 817,941. *Number of Respondents:* 239,094. *Average Hours per Response:* 7525-V—11 minutes; AES—3 minutes. *Needs and Uses:* The current clearance under Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)Number 0607-0152 covers the paper SED, Commerce Form 7525-V and its electronic equivalent, the AES and related documents (e.g., Letter of Intent, AES *Direct* Registration and Certification Quiz). The Census Bureau will be using the paper SED for a limited period of time during 2008. This is due to the expected implementation of mandatory electronic filing of all export information via the AES. This requirement is mandated through Public Law 107-228, of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2003. This law authorizes the Secretary of Commerce with the concurrences of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to require all persons who file export information according to Title 13, United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 9, to file such information through the AES. Since 2005, the Census Bureau and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection

(CBP)have implemented the following enhancements to the AES:

(1)Edits for rough diamond shipments for the Kimberly Process;

(2)E-mail messaging;

(3)Created the Validated End-User license code;

(4)Automated carrier code updates;

(5)Developed background Standard Carrier Alpha Codes

(SCAC)update process from National Motor Freight Traffic Association file;

(6)Developed SCAC maintenance log list;

(7)Developed Consignee screens;

(8)Allowed Option 4 vessel shipments to proscribed countries;

(9)Developed method of transportation maintenance screens; and

(10)Developed edit value type screens. The revisions should not affect the average three-minute response time for the completion of the AES record. There will be no changes to the paper SED; therefore, there is no expected change to the existing 11-minute response time to complete this form. The Census Bureau will allow the trade community to continue using the paper SED until the actual implementation of the mandatory electronic filing requirement occurs. Implementation of the mandatory electronic filing requirement is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2008. Currently, the Census Bureau is involved in the rulemaking process that will notify the trade community of the mandatory requirement for electronic filing. The SED form and its electronic equivalent, the AES record, provide the means for collecting data on U.S. exports. The official export statistics collected from these tools provide the basic component for the compilation of the U.S. position on merchandise trade. These data are an essential component of the monthly totals provided in the U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Press Release, a principal economic indicator and a primary component of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The data collected from the SED and the AES records are also used for export control purposes under Title 50, U.S.C., Export Administration Act, to detect and prevent the export of certain items by unauthorized parties or to unauthorized destinations or end users. The information collected on the paper SED and the AES record shows what is being exported (description and commodity classification number), how much is exported (quantity, shipping weight, and value), how it is being exported (mode of transport, exporting carrier, and whether containerized), from where (state of origin and port of export), to where (port of unloading and country of ultimate destination), and when a commodity is exported (date of exportation). The identification of the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) shows who is exporting goods for consumption (control purposes), while the USPPI and/or the forwarding or other agent information provides a contact for verification of the information. The information is used by the Federal Government and the private sector. The Federal Government uses every data element on the SED/AES record for statistical purposes, export control, and/or to obtain data to avoid taking additional surveys. Data collected from the SED/AES serves as the official records of export transactions. In addition, the mandatory use of the AES record will enable the U.S. Government to produce more accurate export statistics. Currently, the mandatory use of the AES in specific export situations facilitates the Bureau of Industry and Security

(BIS)and the CBP to enforce the Export Administration Regulations for the detection and prevention of exports of high technology commodities to unauthorized destinations; the enforcement of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations

(ITAR)by the U.S. Department of State; and the validation of the Kimberly Process Certificate for the export of rough diamonds. Other Federal agencies use the data to develop the components of the merchandise trade figures used in the calculations for the balance of payments and GDP accounts to evaluate the effects of the value of U.S. exports; to plan and examine export promotion programs and agricultural development and assistance programs; and to prepare for and assist in trade negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Collection of these data also eliminate the need for conducting additional surveys for the collection of information as the SED/AES record shows the relationship of the parties to the export transaction (as required by the Bureau of Economic Analysis). The SED/AES record data are also used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a source for developing the export price index and by the Department of Transportation for administering the negotiation of reciprocal arrangements for transportation facilities between the United States and other countries. A collaborative effort amongst the Census Bureau, the National Governors' Association and other data users resulted in the development of export statistics requiring the state of origin to be reported on the paper SED/AES record. The information collected enables state governments to focus activities and resources on fostering exports of the kinds of goods that originate in their states. Export statistics collected from the SED/AES record aid private sector companies, financial institutions, and transportation entities in conducting market analysis and market penetration studies for the development of new markets and market-share strategies. Port authorities, steamship lines, steamship freight conferences, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and air transport associations use these data for measuring the volume and effect of air or vessel shipments and the need for additional or new types of facilities. *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit organizations. *Frequency:* On occasion. *Respondent's Obligation:* Mandatory. *Legal Authority:* Title 13, U.S.C., Chapter 9, Sections 301-307, mandates the collection of these data. The regulatory provisions for the collection of these data are contained in the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations, Title 15, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 30. *OMB Desk Officer:* Brian Harris-Kojetin,

(202)395-7314. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer,

(202)482-0266, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov).* Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to Brian Harris-Kojetin, OMB Desk Officer either by fax (202-395-7245) or e-mail ( *bharrisk@omb.eop.gov* ). Dated: February 20, 2008. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8-3503 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE U.S. Census Bureau Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Current Population Survey

(CPS)Housing Vacancy Survey

(HVS)AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on or before April 25, 2008. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Jim Back, U.S. Census Bureau, 7H003M, Washington, DC 20233-8400,

(301)763-3806 (or via the Internet at *james.r.back@census.gov* ). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Census Bureau is requesting clearance for the collection of data concerning the HVS. The current clearance expires October 31, 2008. The HVS has been conducted in conjunction with the CPS since 1956 and serves a broad array of data users as described below. Census conducts the HVS interviews with landlords or other knowledgeable people concerning vacant housing units identified in the monthly CPS sample and meeting certain criteria. The HVS provides the only quarterly and annual statistics on rental vacancy rates and homeownership rates for the United States, the four census regions, the 50 states and the District of Columbia, and the 75 largest metropolitan areas (MAs). The private and public sector organizations use these rates extensively to gauge and analyze the housing market with regard to supply, cost, and affordability at various points in time. In addition, the rental vacancy rate is a component of the index of leading economic indicators published by the Department of Commerce. Policy analysts, program managers, budget analysts, and congressional staff use these data to advise the executive and legislative branches of government with respect to the number and characteristics of units available for occupancy and the suitability of housing initiatives. Several other government agencies use these data on a continuing basis in calculating consumer expenditures for housing as a component of the gross national product; to project mortgage demands; and to measure the adequacy of the supply of rental and homeowner units. In addition, investment firms use the HVS data to analyze market trends and for economic forecasting. II. Method of Collection Field representatives collect this HVS information by personal-visit interviews in conjunction with the regular monthly CPS interviewing. Census collect HVS data concerning units that are vacant and intended for year-round occupancy as determined during the CPS interview. Approximately 6,518 units in the CPS sample meet these criteria each month. All interviews are conducted using computer-assisted interviewing. III. Data *OMB Control Number:* 0607-0179. *Form Number:* HVS-600 (Fact Sheet for the Housing Vacancy Survey); CPS-263 (MIS-1)

(L)(Introductory letter explaining the need for the survey and answering frequently asked questions); and BC-1428RV (Brochure—The U.S. Census Bureau Respects Your Privacy and Keeps Your Personal Information Confidential). *Type of Review:* Regular submission. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households (knowledgeable of the vacant sample unit, e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors). *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 78,216 (6,518 per month). *Estimated Time per Response:* 3 minutes. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 3,910. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $0. *Respondent's Obligation:* Voluntary. *Legal Authority:* Title 13, U.S.C., Section 182, and Title 29, U.S.C., Sections 1-9. IV. Request for Comments *Comments are invited on:*

(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: February 20, 2008. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8-3504 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE U.S. Census Bureau Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pre-Canvass for the 2008 Business Research and Development Survey AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on or before April 25, 2008. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Richard S. Hough, 301-763-4823 (or via the Internet at *richard.s.hough@census.gov* ). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Census Bureau, with support from the National Science Foundation, plans to conduct a pre-canvass for the 2008 Business Research and Development Survey (formerly the Survey of Industrial Research and Development). The pre-canvass will be conducted to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the sample frame for the 2008 Business Research and Development Survey. It will contain a small number of questions (approximately 3 to 5), in the form of check boxes, to determine if the company has research and development expenditures and if so, a range of the volume of those expenditures. Census will eliminate, from the sample frame, companies that do not have R&D expenditures, improving the resulting sample for the 2008 survey. II. Method of Collection The Census Bureau will use mail out/ mail back survey forms and a web-based collection for the pre-canvass. Companies will be asked to respond within 30 days of the initial mail out. III. Data *OMB Control Number:* 0607-0912. *Form Number:* BRD-08S. *Type of Review:* Regular submission. *Affected Public:* Manufacturing, mining, construction and services companies. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 30,000. *Estimated Time per Response:* 15 minutes. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 7,500. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $120,000. *Respondent's Obligation:* Mandatory. *Legal Authority:* Title 13 U.S.C. Section 182, 224, and 225. IV. Request for Comments *Comments are invited on:*

(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: February 20, 2008. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8-3505 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security Action Affecting Export Privileges; Mohammad Fazeli In the Matter of: Mohammad Fazeli, 545 S. Atlantic Blvd. #C, Los Angeles, CA 90022. Order On September 12, 2007, I entered an Order 1 denying Mohammad Fazeli (“Fazeli”) all U.S. export privileges until August 7, 2012, pursuant to Section 11(h) of the Export Administration Act 2 and Section 766.25 of the Export Administration Regulations, 3 and based on a criminal conviction of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1705 (2000)) (“IEEPA”). 1 72 Fed. Reg. 54427, Tuesday, September 25, 2007. 2 50 U.S.C. app. 2401-2420. Since August 21, 2001, the Act has been in lapse and the President, through Executive Order 13222 of August 17, 2001 (3 CFR 2001 Comp. 783 (2002)), as extended by the August 15, 2007 (72 Fed. Reg. 46137, Aug. 16, 2007), has continued the Regulations in effect under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706 (2000)) (“IEEPA”). 3 The Regulations are currently codified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 15 CFR Parts 730-774 (2007). Whereas, the September 12, 2007 Order identified Fazeli's addresses as “1439 Saltair Fazeli Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025”, and “112 West 9th Street, Suite 1115, Los Angeles, CA 90015”; Whereas, the Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce (“Department”), has confirmed that these two addresses are no longer correct, and that Fazeli's current address is “545 S. Atlantic Blvd. #C, Los Angeles, CA 90022”; and Whereas, as a result of the information the Department obtained regarding Fazeli's current address, the Department has requested that an order be issued amending the September 12, 2007 Order to reflect that new address for Fazeli; Accordingly, *It is hereby ordered* that the September 12, 2007 Order denying all U.S. export privileges to Mohammad Fazeli is amended by deleting the addresses “1439 Saltair Fazeli Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025”, and “112 West 9th Street, Suite 1115, Los Angeles, CA 90015”, and by adding the address “545 S. Atlantic Blvd. #C, Los Angeles, CA 90022”. In all other aspects, the September 12, 2007 Order remains in full force and effect. This Order, which is effective immediately, shall be published in the **Federal Register** . Dated: February 12, 2008. Eileen M. Albanese, Director, Office of Exporter Services. [FR Doc. 08-826 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am]

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