Overview
Title
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Foreign Diplomatic Services Applications (FDSA)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The State Department wants people to share their thoughts on some forms that help manage what foreign diplomats can do in the country. They ask for this feedback to see if they can make the forms easier to use and are inviting comments until March 15, 2021.
Summary AI
The Department of State is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for revised information collection related to the Foreign Diplomatic Services Applications. They are inviting public comments on this proposal as per the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The public can submit their feedback by March 15, 2021, using various means such as online submissions, email, or mail. This effort is to ensure the information collection aids in managing benefits and privileges for foreign missions effectively, while also seeking to reduce the reporting burden through improved methods.
Abstract
The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question announces a request for public comment by the Department of State as it seeks approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on revised information collection related to Foreign Diplomatic Services Applications. This is done under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to reduce information collection burdens on the public while maintaining the government's ability to collect necessary data. The notice provides a 60-day period for public comments.
General Overview
The Department of State requests input regarding its collection of information used to manage benefits and privileges for foreign diplomatic missions. They are revising current forms and methodologies to ensure efficiency and to minimize the burden on those required to provide information. Public comments are encouraged to suggest improvements before final submission for approval. The deadline for comments is March 15, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from the document:
Obligation to Respond: The document indicates that responding to the information collection is "Mandatory and/or Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit." However, it does not specify when each type of obligation applies. This lack of clarity could be confusing for respondents trying to understand their responsibilities.
Complexity and Language: The document includes numerous form numbers (e.g., DS-98, DS-99, etc.) without any descriptions or context, which can be challenging to understand for those not familiar with these forms. The bureaucratic language may also be difficult for the average reader to navigate.
Privacy Concerns: It is noted that comments made in response to this notice will become public records. This could deter individuals from participating, as their personal information could be exposed.
Submission Guidelines: While it is possible to submit comments via email or an online system (eGov), the document does not provide detailed instructions on how to navigate these methods, which may discourage participation due to potential technical or accessibility issues.
Assumptions about Respondents: The document estimates the number of respondents and responses to be identical, which implies a 1:1 relationship. This may not reflect the true range of responses, particularly if a single respondent has to submit multiple forms.
Calculation of Burden Time: The estimated burden time is presented only as a total annual figure. Offering more specific breakdowns could better inform individuals about the time commitment involved.
Public Impact
Overall, this request for comment could shape upcoming changes to how the Department of State collects and manages information from foreign missions. Any adjustments made based on public feedback might streamline these processes, becoming less time-consuming and more efficient for all stakeholders.
Stakeholder Impact
Foreign Diplomatic Missions: These entities are the primary respondents. Streamlined processes could reduce their administrative burden, aligning with their diplomatic functions' complexity and demands.
General Public: While the general public is less directly impacted, those with expertise or interactions involving foreign diplomatic services have the opportunity to shape policies that indirectly affect diplomatic efforts and international relations.
The ability to make meaningful comments relies heavily on understanding detailed aspects of the forms and procedures, making transparent communication and effective public guidance essential in leveraging this public comment period for significant administrative improvement.
Issues
• The document mentions an obligation to respond that is 'Mandatory and/or Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit,' but does not clearly delineate the conditions under which each type of obligation is applicable.
• The document uses a significant amount of bureaucratic language and references numerous forms by number (e.g., DS-98, DS-99, etc.) without providing descriptions of these forms, which may be confusing for individuals unfamiliar with them.
• The call for public comments notes that responses are a matter of public record, potentially discouraging individuals from providing feedback due to privacy concerns, especially since it includes a reminder regarding personal information.
• The notice mentions that information is to be submitted either by Email or through an electronic system (eGov), but does not provide comprehensive guidance or clarity on how to use these submission methods or the potential issues respondents may face.
• The estimated number of respondents and responses are both set at 79,095, which might imply a 1:1 relationship that may not always hold true depending on the nature and frequency of responses required from the same respondent.
• Total Estimated Burden Time is listed as an annual figure (18,200 hours), which might be more helpful if broken down into more specific periods or tasks to better illustrate the demands on respondents.