FR 2021-00700

The document under consideration is a notice from the Department of Labor (DOL) regarding its proposed information collection activities linked to the HIRE Vets Medallion Program. This proposal has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, as mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The program aims to recognize employers that actively hire and support veterans, fostering an employment environment that appreciates and engages the veteran workforce.

General Summary

The Federal Register notice invites public feedback on the significance and utility of the data collected via the HIRE Vets Medallion Program. Those interested have until February 16, 2021, to submit their comments. This program involves a voluntary recognition initiative where employers compete to achieve the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, spotlighting their efforts to recruit and retain veteran employees. With an estimated 7,236 respondents contributing a total burden of 59,571 hours per year, the scope of engagement is substantial.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues emerge from the document. Notably, the claim that the "Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden" stands at $0 might raise eyebrows among stakeholders, considering the scale of the program and its administrative requirements. This figure risks underselling potential hidden costs that employers might face when applying for the award. Moreover, the document’s reliance on references to other Federal Register entries could pose challenges for readers not immediately familiar with these documents. Without instant access to these references, stakeholders might struggle to grasp the full context of the program.

Furthermore, the explanation of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) authorization process could be daunting to those not accustomed to federal protocols. The specific mechanics of how public comments will be utilized remain vague, leaving individuals uncertain about the tangible impact of their input.

Potential Impacts on the Public

For the broader public, the program signifies the government's recognition of the importance of veteran employment. By shining a light on businesses that prioritize hiring veterans, the initiative could inspire more organizations to follow suit. However, the burden of participating, as indicated by the significant time commitment required from respondents (almost 60,000 hours annually), could dissuade some businesses, particularly smaller enterprises, from engaging.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Employers stand to benefit from the positive recognition that accompanies the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. Those who successfully navigate the application process can leverage this accolade in their branding and recruitment strategies, potentially enhancing their attractiveness to both customers and prospective employees. However, the perceived administrative burden and complex data collection process may serve as deterrents, especially if the financial or time costs are underestimated.

Veterans could gain indirectly from increased employment opportunities as this program encourages businesses to create veteran-friendly workplaces. over time, this might lead to improved veteran integration into the civilian workforce.

In conclusion, while the HIRE Vets Medallion Program offers a promising vehicle for boosting veteran employment and recognizing employer efforts, it also presents challenges that need careful consideration. Addressing potential hidden costs, clarifying the public comment process, and providing clearer access to relevant supplemental information could enhance stakeholder engagement and improve the program’s overall efficacy.

In the Federal Register document concerning the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) American Veterans (HIRE Vets) Medallion Program, there is a specific reference to the financial aspect of the initiative, particularly focusing on the annual other costs burden, which is listed as $0. This financial indication is quite striking because it suggests that the program does not incur any additional costs outside the estimated time burden required for compliance from the affected parties.

The assertion of a zero-dollar cost burden might prompt skepticism or inquiries regarding the completeness or thoroughness of the budget assessment. Indeed, typically, programs engaging thousands of respondents, like the 7,236 respondents estimated for this program, would foresee some level of administrative or operational costs, even if minor. These could include expenses related to processing applications, communications, or support services necessary to handle such a scale efficiently.

Furthermore, the document specifies a total estimated annual time burden of 59,571 hours for the respondents involved. While this provides a quantitative estimate of the human resource investment required, the absence of an associated cost could lead stakeholders to question whether there are hidden or unreported costs that have not been accounted for within the document.

This potential underestimation aligns with one of the issues identified in the notice, suggesting the financial declarations in the document may overlook costs typically inherent in managing a program of this nature. The precise financial impact on businesses or agencies participating in the program could be skewed by the failure to account for these operational expenses, which might include costs of personnel, materials, or technology infrastructures necessary for participation or compliance.

In summary, the financial references in the Federal Register document raise questions about the transparency and comprehensiveness of the financial reporting concerning the HIRE Vets Medallion Program. A clear delineation of costs, even if minimal, would offer better insight into the program's operational dynamics and likely bolster the understanding and confidence of stakeholders considering participation or affected by the program.