ICR Basics

An Information Collection Request (ICR) is a set of documents that describes reporting, record keeping, survey, or other information collection requirements imposed on the public by a federal agency.

The Paperwork Reduction Act stipulates that every federal agency must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before collecting the same or similar information from 10 or more members of the public.

What is covered in an ICR?

• A description of the information to be collected
• The reason the information is needed
• An estimate of the time and cost for the public to answer the request.

Examples:

• Surveys
• Permit Applications
• Questionnaires
• Standardized Data Collection
• Reports

What is my role in the ICR process?

If EPA decides to gather such information, the appropriate program office must prepare an Information Collection Request (ICR) and submit it to the appropriate Office of Enterprise Information Programs (OEIP) Desk Officer.

The ICR provides an overview of the collection, and estimates the cost and time for the public to respond. The public may view an ICR and submit comments any time on Regulations.gov.