Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Defense wants to ask some questions to make sure companies are safe to get secrets about the government, and they need permission from another big company called the Office of Management and Budget to do this. People can say what they think about this plan until February 12, 2021.
Summary AI
The Department of Defense (DoD) has submitted a proposal to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to collect information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This proposal involves collecting data through the National Industrial Security System (NISS), which helps maintain records related to security clearances for contractor facilities. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency oversees this process to ensure that companies and their management are eligible for security clearances needed to handle classified information. The public has until February 12, 2021, to submit comments or recommendations regarding this information collection proposal.
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 under review is a notice from the Department of Defense (DoD) featured in the Federal Register. It describes a proposal submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) seeking approval for information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The focus of this data collection is the National Industrial Security System (NISS), which records details related to security clearances for contractor facilities that handle classified information. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency oversees this system, and public comments regarding this proposal are invited until February 12, 2021.
General Summary
The DoD, through this notice, outlines its intentions to collect data necessary for the maintenance of the National Industrial Security System (NISS). The NISS serves as an essential tool for the oversight of the National Industrial Security Program, ensuring that contractor facilities and key personnel meet the eligibility criteria to manage classified information securely. This data collection is further intended to support government contracting activities in evaluating a contractor's capability to sustain facility clearance status and identify potential vulnerabilities.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several noteworthy issues arise from the document:
Lack of Detail: The notice does not provide specific information regarding what data will be collected. This omission might lead to ambiguity about the purpose and extent of the data collection, which can be a concern for stakeholders expecting clear communication.
Response Burden: The average estimated time of 60 minutes per response seems high. Such a significant time requirement could imply inefficiencies in the data collection process or indicate room for streamlining to reduce the burden on respondents.
Complex Terminology: The document includes terms like "National Industrial Security System (NISS)" and "Government Contracting Activities (GCAs)" without further explanation. This could make the notice less accessible to individuals unfamiliar with these specific terms, thereby potentially limiting effective public engagement.
Rationale and Impact: While the notice mentions the oversight necessity, it does not explain how collecting this specific information will directly enhance security outcomes, which could lead to skepticism about the necessity or efficiency of the collection process.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
The document might broadly impact the public and specific stakeholders in several ways:
Public Engagement: The call for comments allows individuals and organizations a chance to voice their opinions or concerns regarding the proposed data collection. However, the document's complexity and the lack of clarity might deter general public participation, as it might seem too technical or niche.
Businesses and Organizations: For businesses and not-for-profit institutions involved in government contracting, particularly those requiring security clearances, the document's proposals could have direct implications. The potential administrative burden could increase operational costs, and the need to comply may require additional resources or adjustments in internal procedures.
Government Stakeholders: For federal entities, the document signals an ongoing commitment to national security via stringent oversight processes. However, the document also suggests potential areas where process improvements could be initiated to enhance efficiency and transparency in collecting and managing sensitive information.
In summary, while the OMB review of this data collection initiative seems to aim at bettering the security clearance process, stakeholders might have various concerns—ranging from administrative burdens to the ultimate effectiveness in safeguarding national security interests. A clearer articulation and simplification of the communication could foster better public understanding and willingness to participate in the feedback process.
Issues
• The document provides detailed information on the information collection proposal but lacks specifics on what the information collection entails, which could be perceived as unclear or ambiguous.
• The average burden per response is 60 minutes, which seems quite high for a single response and could indicate potential inefficiencies or areas for process improvement in the information collection process.
• The language in terms like 'National Industrial Security System (NISS)' and 'Government Contracting Activities (GCAs)' without a clear explanation for individuals not familiar with these terms might be considered overly complex for public comprehension.
• The notice indicates the collection requirement is necessary for oversight but does not elaborate on how exactly the collected information will lead to improved security outcomes, potentially leading to concerns about the necessity or efficiency of the collection.