Overview
Title
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Defense Department wants to collect information from people to help pay money to the families of soldiers who have died, and they want to know if this is a good idea and how to make it better. They are asking people to say what they think by writing online before April 1, 2021.
Summary AI
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service of the Department of Defense has announced a proposed collection of public information in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They are seeking public comments on whether this information collection is necessary and if it can be improved. This collection involves gathering signatures and details needed to process death gratuity payments to designated beneficiaries or next-of-kin of deceased service members. Public comments must be submitted by April 1, 2021, through the official eRulemaking Portal.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: 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; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service of the Department of Defense announces a proposal to collect information from the public, compliant with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The agency seeks feedback on whether this data collection is necessary and how the process might be improved. This information is crucial for processing death gratuity payments to beneficiaries or next-of-kin of deceased service members. Comments from the public must be submitted by April 1, 2021, via the official eRulemaking Portal.
General Summary
In essence, the document is a formal notice requesting public input on a specific information collection process administered by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. It outlines the purpose of collecting data related to death gratuity payments, which are financial benefits given to the beneficiaries of deceased military personnel. The input from the public is sought to ensure that the information collected is useful and the associated burden on respondents is as minimal as possible.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several noteworthy concerns arise from the document:
Fraud Prevention: There is no mention of any measures to prevent fraudulent claims for death gratuity payments. This omission could lead to potential misuse of funds, impacting the efficiency and integrity of the program.
Access to Submission Methods: The notice restricts written comments due to the COVID-19 pandemic and requires submissions through the internet. This could exclude individuals who do not have access to digital platforms, thus potentially limiting their ability to participate.
Complexity and Accessibility: The instructions for including specific details like agency name, docket number, and title in submissions could be confusing. Those unfamiliar with bureaucratic processes might find this challenging, discouraging participation.
Clarity of Language: The language used in the abstract and other parts of the document might be too complex for the average person, which could limit understanding and engagement.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the document could impact how the public interacts with governmental information collection processes. By seeking public feedback, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service positions itself as responsive to public concerns, potentially improving trust in their operations. However, the barriers to participation, such as reliance on internet submissions, might limit the document's positive impact by excluding those without reliable internet access.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For beneficiaries of deceased service members, this process is crucial in ensuring that they receive the financial support to which they are entitled. The proposed collection and its improvement could streamline this support mechanism, providing timely disbursement of funds during a difficult period. Conversely, stakeholders, particularly those with limited bureaucratic knowledge or internet access, might find the process daunting, which could hinder their engagement and potentially delay their benefits.
In conclusion, while the document aims to refine and enhance the data collection process for death gratuity payments, it must address the significant concerns related to fraud prevention, access, and clarity to serve the public effectively.
Issues
• The document does not specify if there are any measures in place to prevent fraudulent claims for the death gratuity payment, which could lead to wasteful spending.
• The document mentions that DoD cannot receive written comments due to COVID-19 but does not provide alternate methods for individuals or households who may not have internet access.
• The instruction to include agency name, docket number, and title in all submissions may be difficult for some respondents who are unfamiliar with such bureaucracy, potentially limiting their ability to comment.
• The abstract could be viewed as overly complex for individuals not familiar with the bureaucratic process or the Paperwork Reduction Act, which could result in limited understanding or engagement.