Overview
Title
Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is holding meetings to talk about how to use information they collect to make better decisions. People can watch these meetings online if they sign up first.
Summary AI
The Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs has announced three public meetings of the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building. These meetings, set for February, March, and April 2021, aim to develop recommendations on how to use federal data effectively. The public can attend these virtual meetings by RSVPing in advance. The committee will prepare an annual report on its findings, which will be made publicly available.
Abstract
The Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs is providing notice of three upcoming meetings of the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building (ACDEB or Committee). These will constitute the second, third, and fourth meeting of the Committee in support of its charge to review, analyze, and make recommendations on how to promote the use of Federal data for evidence building purposes. At the conclusion of the Committee's first and second year, it will submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President, an annual report on the activities and findings of the Committee. This report will also be made available to the public.
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AnalysisAI
The document outlines a notification from the Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs concerning the upcoming meetings of the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building (ACDEB). These meetings are crucial for developing strategies to use federal data more effectively. Scheduled to be held virtually in February, March, and April 2021, the meetings invite public participation and aim to compile an annual report on their findings, which will also be openly shared.
General Overview
The ACDEB is tasked with examining how federal data can be utilized to enhance evidence-based policymaking. At the heart of the committee's work is the promotion of transparency and accountability in government data use. The notice informs the public about the opportunity to attend these virtual meetings and to provide input via email, ensuring that various perspectives can be considered in the decision-making process.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the document that warrant attention. First, the technical language and reference to specific regulatory statutes may make it challenging for people unfamiliar with government jargon to fully understand the proceedings. Furthermore, while the public is invited to attend these meetings, there is limited explanation on how public input will be incorporated into the committee's decisions. This lack of clarity could affect perceptions of transparency.
Concerns about the integrity and security of these virtual meetings are also left unaddressed. Given the virtual nature of the meetings, details about the security measures to be employed would be reassuring for stakeholders. Additionally, the absence of information about the criteria or process for appointing committee members may raise questions about the transparency and qualifications of those selected to serve.
Potential Public Impact
The ACDEB's work has the potential to significantly impact public policy by improving how federal data is utilized. This enhancement could lead to evidence-based decision-making that better serves the public's needs. By allowing public participation, the committee can incorporate diverse viewpoints, strengthening the resultant recommendations and frameworks.
Impact on Stakeholders
Various stakeholders may be affected by the committee's work. For state and local government representatives, as well as nongovernmental stakeholders with expertise in related fields, this committee represents an opportunity for collaboration and influence. They can help shape how federal data policies might be implemented, impacting their operations and strategic planning.
Conversely, the extent to which public comments influence the committee's outputs is not detailed, which could diminish stakeholder engagement. A clearer process for integrating public input would likely enhance stakeholders’ perception of the committee's receptiveness and inclusivity.
Overall, while the document underscores the importance of these meetings, further transparency in the process and deliberations could bolster public confidence and participation. The ACDEB's decisions could pave the way for more effective policymaking, benefiting a wide array of stakeholders across various governmental and nongovernmental sectors.
Issues
• The document does not include any specific spending information, making it difficult to assess any potential wasteful spending.
• The language used in the document is somewhat technical due to the nature of the Committee's work, which may limit accessibility for individuals not familiar with government terminology and procedures.
• The document refers to various regulatory and statutory references (e.g., Pub. L. 115-435, Evidence Act 101(a)(2), 5 U.S.C. 315(a)), which may require additional context or explanation for members of the public not familiar with these citations.
• The location of the virtual meetings (where the information and links will be provided) is mentioned, but there is no information on how the virtual platform will be accessed, secured, or managed to ensure integrity and privacy.
• The process for the public to submit input is mentioned, but there is no specific information on how public comments will influence the Committee's deliberations or decisions, which could affect perceptions of transparency and inclusivity.
• There is no information provided about the criteria or process used by the Director of OMB to appoint the members of the Committee, which may raise concerns about selection transparency and member qualifications.