FR 2021-00056

The document under consideration is a notice from the Department of Commerce regarding information collection activities associated with the NIST Associates Information System. The purpose is to invite public comment, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This procedure allows the department to gather feedback on the necessity and efficiency of the information they collect and to find ways to ease the reporting burden on the public. Feedback must be submitted by March 8, 2021.

Summary

The document outlines a process where individuals associated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will provide specific personal information to gain access to NIST facilities or resources. This information, collected on paper, includes personal details such as home address and security data. The collected information aids in preliminary access and could be used for further security checks if needed. The process targets reducing the hassle for individuals submitting the data while ensuring the data serves its intended legal and operational purpose.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One of the most notable issues with the document is the reliance on paper-based data collection methods. In an increasingly digital world, this could signify inefficiency and a lack of modernization in government processes. Automating these systems could potentially streamline efforts and reduce errors.

Additionally, the document highlights that collected data may be used for "further security investigations," yet it fails to specify what these might entail. More details should be furnished to clarify what such investigations involve and under which circumstances they might occur.

The assurances surrounding the protection of personal information also remain vague. There is a mention that personal comments could be made public, but no substantial safeguards or systems to prevent misuse of personal identifying information are described. Further elaboration on this front could enhance trust and compliance among respondents.

Impact on the Public

For the broader public, particularly those who are potential NIST associates, this notice signals a certain level of bureaucratic engagement. While the document states there are no financial costs associated with participation, the time burden of 2,667 hours annually across all respondents could still be significative especially for those involved.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For individuals required to disclose information, the impact is potentially twofold. On the positive side, structured data collection ensures a systematic process for gaining access to NIST facilities, which is crucial for contractors and researchers involved with the institution. However, the lack of clear safeguards for their information might raise concerns over privacy and data handling.

From an institutional perspective, the Department of Commerce aims to maintain security and efficiency but must balance that with modernity and transparency to ensure cooperation and adherence from the affected parties.

Overall, through public comment, the agency hopes to address these issues and refine its processes. By inviting active participation, there is an opportunity to address these concerns and bring the system more in line with public and administrative expectations.

The document from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the Commerce Department, primarily discusses an information collection request related to the NIST Associates Information System. Within this context, the fiscal aspects are minimal and involve no direct financial cost to the public.

Estimated Total Annual Cost

In this notice, the document explicitly states that the "Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public" is $0. This suggests that the public, specifically individuals or households who are part of this data collection process, will not bear any direct financial burden as a result of this activity. This aspect of the notice indicates that either the funding for the necessary resources and processes to conduct this information collection is covered entirely by NIST or that costs are absorbed in a manner not requiring financial contribution from the public participants.

Financial Transparency and Clarifications

Despite the presentation of no financial cost-bearing from the public, there might be a need for further clarity on how the costs incurred by NIST for this process are managed or absorbed internally. It does not clarify the broader financial framework supporting these activities. Understanding whether this is internally funded through NIST resources, covered by specific budget allocations from the Department of Commerce, or supported by other funding mechanisms could provide helpful context to assess the efficiency and management of federal resources.

Related Issues

One of the issues identified in the document points out the lack of modernization in the method of collecting information, which is stated to be through "paper format." While the financial section claims no cost to the public, a potential concern could be whether the choice of a non-digital communication method might entail higher costs for the agency itself due to inefficiencies compared to digital methods that might offer cost reductions and streamlining benefits.

Additionally, the document does not reference expenses associated with ensuring the protection of personal information, a crucial aspect given that personal identifying data is being collected. While no cost is passed to the public, understanding where the financial responsibilities lie for safeguarding data could be beneficial in evaluating the overall financial strategy and responsibility of the NIST in conducting this information collection.

By addressing these areas, stakeholders and public commentators could better understand the financial implications and resource allocations inherent in this notice. Such insights can then inform decision-making and public responses to the agency's information collection activities.