Overview
Title
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to ask people questions about boats using their locks, which helps them know how to make things work better. They are asking people to share their thoughts online by March 15, 2021.
Summary AI
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, part of the Department of Defense, is planning to collect public information and is asking for public comments by March 15, 2021. This collection is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and aims to gather data on the utilization of federally owned or operated locks, including vessel identification and tonnage. This information helps in managing navigation systems by informing lock maintenance and operation procedures. The public can submit comments online at http://www.regulations.gov.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 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 under review is an announcement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a part of the Department of Defense, detailing a proposal to collect public information. This proposal seeks to gather data regarding the use and operation of federally owned or operated locks, with specific emphasis on vessel identification and tonnage. Such information is intended to support the management of navigation systems, particularly by aiding in decisions related to maintenance, operation procedures, and scheduling related to the locks.
General Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is acting in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 by proposing this information collection plan and inviting public comments by March 15, 2021. The collected data will focus on understanding how locks are utilized and will be used to prioritize and plan for maintenance and replacement of these structures. The public can submit their comments through an online federal portal as physical mail submissions are currently halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues arise from this proposal:
Burden Minimization: While the document mentions using automated techniques to reduce the reporting burden on respondents, it lacks specifics on how this will be executed. This raises concerns about whether these techniques will indeed minimize the reporting effort required from vessel operators.
Accuracy of Burden Estimate: There is no clear explanation of how the average response time of 2.6 minutes was calculated. This vagueness may create doubt about the realism of the effort required from respondents.
Access Limitations: With comments only being accepted electronically due to the pandemic, those without internet access or adequate digital skills might be excluded from participating, limiting the breadth and diversity of feedback.
Privacy Concerns: The document notes that public submissions, including personal information, can be viewed online. This could dissuade individuals from participating due to privacy concerns, as there is no specified mechanism for safeguarding personal data.
Definition Ambiguity: The term "Other for-profit" concerning the affected public is vague. Providing a more precise definition could clarify which businesses are impacted and ensure proper stakeholder engagement.
Impacts on the Public
The proposed collection aims to enhance the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' ability to manage lock systems effectively, potentially leading to improved navigation infrastructure. This could positively impact businesses that rely on waterways for transporting goods efficiently. However, public engagement may suffer due to the limitations noted, potentially skewing the data and insights that the Army Corps of Engineers aims to gather.
Impact on Stakeholders
For vessel operators and businesses utilizing waterways, the captured data can lead to more predictable and reliable lock operations, aiding logistics and planning. Conversely, the requirement to frequently report data could impose an operational burden, particularly for smaller businesses. Additionally, privacy concerns from having personal information publicly available might deter some stakeholders from providing feedback.
Overall, while the intent of the information collection is clear and potentially beneficial for enhancing waterway management, the execution details raise questions that could affect public confidence and participation in the process. Addressing these issues through clear communication strategies and adequate privacy protections would be critical to the success of this initiative.
Issues
• The document does not elaborate on specific measures to ensure the minimization of burden on respondents beyond a general mention of using automated collection techniques or information technology.
• The document lacks detailed information on how the average burden per response of 2.6 minutes was calculated, which could lead to ambiguity regarding the accuracy of the estimate.
• The mention of sending comments electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with no alternative for those unable to do so, might limit participation or feedback from certain stakeholders.
• The document mentions that submissions are available for public viewing without change, including personal identifiers, but it lacks clarification on how personal privacy will be protected, which could be a concern for respondents.
• The term 'Other for-profit' regarding affected public could be seen as ambiguous, and a clearer definition could be provided to specify which types of businesses are primarily involved.