FR 2020-29011

The document from the Federal Register primarily describes a request for public comments on a proposed extension for collecting information through the YouthBuild Reporting System by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the Department of Labor. This exercise is part of an ongoing effort to streamline paperwork and reduce the administrative burden under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

General Summary

The Department of Labor’s ETA is seeking input on its proposal to extend authority for an established information collection effort known as the YouthBuild Reporting System. The initiative targets a reduction of bureaucratic burdens and involves several forms used to gather data about YouthBuild programs that aid at-risk youth in preparing for in-demand occupations. Although no modifications are suggested for forms ETA-9136 and ETA-9138, proposed changes to ETA-9143 aim to enhance clarity based on collected feedback. Public comments can be submitted until March 5, 2021, and will form part of the final request.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One area of concern is the specialized terminology and legal references embedded in the document. These may be challenging for the general public to grasp, which could lead to misunderstandings regarding the proposed information collection and its potential impact. Another issue is the lack of explicit discussion regarding who might be most affected by these changes, possibly raising questions related to fairness and transparency.

The document mentions an estimated annual cost burden of $174,636.20 without a detailed breakdown, thereby obscuring a clear understanding of what these expenses cover and whether they are justified. Further, while the OMB Control Number 1205-0464 is noted, there is a shortfall of precise information guiding interested parties to access pertinent data or precedents, essential for an informed response.

Impact on the Public

The proposed data collection extension should, in theory, result in reduced paperwork for involved parties and improve the administration of YouthBuild programs. This could potentially benefit the general public by streamlining government operations and enhancing the efficiency of services provided to young individuals in need of employment training. However, clarity surrounding changes to the ETA-9143 form is absent, leaving room for uncertainty about real-world impacts on information collection and reporting processes.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as the grantees engaged with YouthBuild programs, the revisions, particularly to form ETA-9143, aim to eliminate confusion and enhance reporting practices. It is less clear, however, how these changes are substantially different from previous practices or how they would tangibly benefit the processes for these grantees.

In sum, while the document outlines a noble effort to reduce bureaucratic strain, it would benefit significantly from enhanced transparency and clearer communication regarding its possible effects, ensuring stakeholders and the general public understand and engage effectively with the proposed changes.

The document provides an estimate of the Total Estimated Annual Other Cost Burden amounting to $174,636.20. This financial allocation is part of the broader information collection request associated with the YouthBuild (YB) Reporting System.

The stated cost burden is essential for understanding the financial impact on grantees involved in the reporting process. However, the document does not offer a detailed breakdown of what these costs include or how they are justified. This lack of specificity may raise concerns for stakeholders attempting to evaluate whether these expenditures are necessary or excessive. Without a clear explanation, interested parties may find it challenging to assess the financial efficiency of the reporting extensions or how these resources are allocated.

Furthermore, the absence of a detailed cost breakdown complicates the understanding of potential financial implications for different organizations or individuals. With a comprehensive distribution of these costs, stakeholders could assess the equity of the financial burden across various involved parties.

Overall, the financial reference within this document highlights a crucial aspect of the reporting system's continuation but leaves room for questions about transparency and accountability in financial planning. By providing more detailed insights into how the $174,636.20 will be utilized, the Department of Labor could alleviate concerns related to possible over-expenditure and demonstrate the necessity and utility of these funds.