Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Army wants to help families of soldiers who died, so they're asking people to share some information to make their program better, but they're still figuring out details like keeping the information safe and private.
Summary AI
The Department of the Army, part of the Department of Defense, is seeking public comments on a new information collection effort related to their Survivor Outreach Services program. This program supports families of soldiers who died while on active duty by providing various services, including support groups, life skills education, and financial counseling. The proposal involves collecting information from up to 72,307 respondents to maintain an updated database to improve service delivery. Comments on this proposal can be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal until February 12, 2021.
Abstract
The DoD has submitted to OMB for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document outlines a proposal from the Department of Defense (DoD), submitted by the Department of the Army, seeking public feedback on a new information collection related to the Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) program. This proposal is set for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act, and public comments are invited until February 12, 2021. The information collection aims to support families of soldiers who died in active duty by compiling data to enhance service delivery.
General Summary
The SOS program is designed to provide comprehensive support to families of deceased soldiers through various means, such as support groups, life skills education, and financial counseling. The Army intends to collect information from over 72,000 respondents to build a robust and up-to-date database. This effort is expected to improve the program's effectiveness by ensuring more organized and efficient support offerings.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several concerns arise from this proposal. Primarily, the document does not specifically address the costs involved with this information collection. Without an understanding of the financial implications, it is challenging to assess the efficiency and the potential for unnecessary spending.
Another concern is the complexity of language used to describe the SOS program. Simplifying it could allow for better understanding among a broader audience, particularly those directly affected.
Moreover, there is scant information on the data collection methods, the accuracy and security of the collected data, and measures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of personal information. In an age where data privacy is paramount, understanding how this sensitive information will be managed, who will have access, and how it will be protected is crucial.
The document briefly mentions that "no customers have access to the collection instrument," a statement that could lead to confusion. A clearer definition of who is considered a "customer" in this context would prevent misinterpretation.
Impact on the Public
The impact of this collection proposal on the broader public and specific stakeholders could be significant. For the general public, increased awareness and transparency about how support services are administered for military families might foster greater trust in public institutions.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For families of deceased soldiers, often dealing with emotional and financial strain, the SOS program could offer essential support. Through improved data collection, they might benefit from more targeted outreach and efficient interaction with support coordinators and counselors.
However, these benefits depend heavily on resolving the concerns highlighted. Protection of personal data is vital to preserve trust among respondents. Ensuring transparency and efficiency in administering such a program will determine its success and acceptance within the affected community.
In conclusion, while the proposal addresses a crucial need for supporting military families, the execution details must be meticulously scrutinized to uphold ethical standards and practical efficiency. Engaging the public and stakeholders in this dialogue through feedback will be critical in shaping a responsive and sensitive outreach effort.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed information on the specific costs associated with the information collection proposal, which may prevent thorough scrutiny for wasteful spending.
• The language describing the 'Survivor Outreach Services' program is somewhat dense and could be simplified to enhance clarity and understanding for all readers.
• The document lacks a detailed explanation of the method of data collection, which may raise questions about the accuracy and security of the collected data.
• There is no mention of safeguards or measures to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information collected from individuals.
• The document states that the information is recorded in the 'SOS application collection instrument' but does not specify who has access to this data or how it is protected.
• The document claims that 'No customers have access to the collection instrument,' which could be misinterpreted; clarification is needed to specify who is considered a 'customer' in this context.