ML24157A036

Final Supporting Statement for Visitor Access Request System (VARS

ML24157A036
Person / Time
Issue date:	09/10/2024
From:	NRC/OCIO
To:
Shared Package
ML24157A034	List: ML24157A036 ML24157A041
References
Download: ML24157A036 (4)

Text

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR VISITOR ACCESS REQUEST SYSTEM (VARS)

(3150-XXXX)

NEW The Visitor Access Request System (VARS) module, part of the Space and Property Management System (SPMS), is an internal on-line self-service portal available to NRC employees and contractors to register visitors requesting physical access to NRC facilities.

The registration process is simple and can be completed ahead of time. NRC employees can pre-register visitors on-line or register them on-site and concurrently assign parking.

Minimum required information includes visitors name, company, dates of visit, NRC contact name and phone number, location of the visit, country of nationality, and visitor type. Upon arrival, visitors are required to provide a government-issued ID, such as drivers license or passport. Security officers verify the visitors identity, conduct security screening, and provide a visitor badge. Badges have time limits to ensure that it cannot be used longer than the duration of the visit. NRC personnel (employees and contractors) must escort visitors at all times.

A. JUSTIFICATION

1. Need For the Collection of Information The goal of VARS is to ensure that security measures are properly followed during visits to NRC facilities. Only authorized visitors can have access to NRC facilities in order to ensure the safety and security of its facilities and personnel. VARS manage visitor access by identifying, tracking, and scheduling visitors at NRC facilities. VARS collects data related to visit requests, such as names of visitors, visitor contact information, country of nationality, vehicle information, and arrival and departure dates and times. Visitor information is captured and verified against the Criminal Watch List or Terror Watch List. For classified meetings, VARS documents clearance levels so that only visitors with the appropriate level of clearance are permitted to attend. The Security Management Operations Branch (SMOB) is immediately notified when a foreign national is registered in VARS. This information is retained for 7 years in the database. In addition, the system scans and retains identification cards for 30 days. The collection of this information is used to verify the visitors identity which, in turn, improves the security of NRC facilities.

2. Agency Use and Practical Utility of Information At the NRC, the information is collected on-line during the registration process.

Required information includes visitors name, company, dates of visit, NRC contact name and phone number, location of the visit, country of nationality, and visitor type.

Additional voluntary information requested includes the visitors contact information, purpose of visit, and any property belonging to the visitor. For sensitive meetings, visitors are also required to provide the last four digits of their social security number.

For visitors requiring parking, vehicle and license plate information is required. The information is verified upon entry of the vehicle to the parking lot by NRC security during the vehicle inspection process.

3. Reduction of Burden Through Information Technology The requested information is submitted 100% electronically, using an internal on-line portal. The information provided by the visitor is entered into the system by an NRC employee or contractor.

4. Effort to Identify Duplication and Use Similar Information No sources of similar information are available. There is no duplication of requirements.

5. Effort to Reduce Small Business Burden Not applicable.

6. Consequences to Federal Program or Policy Activities if the Collection Is Not Conducted or Is Conducted Less Frequently If the registration is not conducted, visitors would not be allowed inside NRC facilities. The required information is the minimum necessary to ensure that visitors identify themselves for the protection and safety of NRC staff and facilities.

The collection of this information cannot be collected less frequently since the information is collected once per visit.

7. Circumstances Which Justify Variation from OMB Guidelines Not Applicable.

8. Consultations Outside the NRC Opportunity for public comment on the information collection requirements for this clearance package was published in the Federal Register.

9. Payment or Gift to Respondents Not applicable.

10. Confidentiality of Information

Information collected is protected by NRC System of Record, NRC-40, Facility Security Access Control Records.

Confidential and proprietary information is protected in accordance with NRC regulations at 10 CFR 9.17(a) and 10 CFR 2.390(b).

However, no information normally considered confidential or proprietary is requested.

11. Justification for Sensitive Questions Not Applicable.

12. Estimated Burden and Burden Hour Cost The NRC has approximately 750 visitor registrations on average annually. Each registration takes approximately 2-mins per visitor (or 25 hours2.893519e-4 days <br />0.00694 hours <br />4.133598e-5 weeks <br />9.5125e-6 months <br /> per year) at a cost of

$317/hr. which equals, $7,925 The $317 hourly rate used in the burden estimates is based on the NRCs fee for hourly rates as noted in 10 CFR 170.20 Average cost per professional staff-hour.

For more information on the basis of this rate, see the Revision of Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2024 (89 FR 51789, June 20, 2024).

13. Estimate of Other Additional Costs There are no additional costs.

14. Estimated Annualized Cost to the Federal Government Annually, the NRC spends approximately $9,000 including burden hours for entering information into the system, verifying visitor identification at check-in to an NRC site, and printing materials (temporary badges for visitors).

15. Reasons for Change in Burden or Cost There is no change. This is a new clearance.

16. Publication for Statistical Use Collection of information is not used for statistical use.

17. Reason for Not Displaying the Expiration Date An expiration date will be displayed.

18. Exceptions to the Certification Statement There are no exceptions.

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS Not Applicable. No statistical method is used.