Regular Clearance Process

The purpose of the Regular Clearance Process is to allow for information collection requests (ICR) that are outside the scope of the current generic clearance processes (i.e., NPS Programmatic Clearance Process, Fast-Track Qualitative Feedback, and Customer Satisfaction Surveys). Before conducting any type of social science information collection (quantitative or qualitative), the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) requires ICRs to be reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Regular Review Process can take anywhere from 18-24 months, depending on the number of requests currently in process and the subject matter and complexity of the study.

Steps for Preparing and Submitting a Regular Review Request:

1. The study team (e.g. principal investigator (PI), researchers, NPS park/program contact) contacts the NPS Social Science Program (SSP) Information Collection Review Coordinator to determined the appropriate review process.
2. If the Regular Review Process is deemed the appropriate channel, the study team prepares and submits a 10-1900 form to the SSP.
3. The SSP sends the 10-1900 form to the NPS Information Collection Management Program (ICMP). The ICMP uses the form to populate the 60-day Federal Register Notice (FRN).
4. The 60-day FRN is routed through the document tracking system (DTS) for surnaming within the Department of the Interior (DOI). Upon completion of surnaming, the 60-day FRN is published.
5. During the surnaming and subsequent 60-day public comment period, the study team compiles the information collection package. A complete package should contain the following items:
6. • Supporting Statement A & B (Instructions for completing these statements)
   • Copies of all the necessary attachments, including data collection instruments, instructions, scripts, etc.
   • Reference materials related to the collection (e.g. studies substantiating the need for the collection)
   • Copies of documents published as a result of previous collection efforts, if applicable
   • Draft of the 30-day Federal Register Notice
7. The study team submits the complete, draft package to the SSP. The SSP conducts a technical review of the collection and works with the study team on necessary revisions.
8. The SSP submits the draft package to the ICMP for review and subsequent edits.
9. The ICMP submits the updated package to DOI for review and the 30-day FRN is routed through DTS for surnaming.
10. Upon DOI approval, the 30-day FRN is published and the final package is submitted to OMB.