Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: COVID-19 Contact Tracing, COVID-19 Contact Tracing Scripts, COVID-19 Contact Tracing Form
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Homeland Security wants to keep track of people who might catch a bad virus at work to help stop it from spreading. They want to keep doing this and are asking people to tell them what they think about it.
Summary AI
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a proposal to extend an existing information collection effort related to COVID-19 contact tracing, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. This initiative involves gathering information to aid contact tracing within the DHS workforce, which aims to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by identifying those who may have been exposed to the virus at work. The collected data will only be used internally to notify potentially exposed individuals while maintaining privacy. Comments on this proposed extension are welcomed until March 16, 2021.
Abstract
The Department of Homeland Security, will submit the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under review is an announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding an extension of a previously approved information collection related to COVID-19 contact tracing. The aim of this initiative is to help control the spread of the virus within the DHS workforce by identifying those potentially exposed to COVID-19 in the course of their duties.
Summary of the Document
The DHS is seeking to maintain a structured approach to contact tracing by collecting essential data from employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. This entails gathering information about their recent interactions in the workplace, without disclosing any personally identifiable details to the exposed parties. By leveraging the existing Service Now platform, the department seeks to streamline the reporting process and ensure swift communication of exposure information to affected individuals within the workforce. Public comments on this information collection proposal are invited until March 16, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
A few concerns arise from the document, primarily centered on aspects of transparency, efficacy, and resource allocation:
Ambiguity in Funding and Costs: The document fails to outline the budget allocated for the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program or any associated costs. Transparency in financial matters is essential to ensure responsible spending and avoid unnecessary expenditure.
Evaluation of Program Effectiveness: There is no mention of how the success or effectiveness of the contact tracing initiative will be evaluated. Without clear performance indicators, it remains uncertain whether resources are being utilized efficiently, or if the program is achieving its intended goals.
Alternative Solutions: Although the document mentions the use of Service Now for contact tracing, it does not provide information about alternative tools considered or the comparative costs associated with different potential solutions.
Complex Legal References: The authority and justification for information collection are built on various laws and regulations. However, the language used could be seen as fragmented, making it hard for a non-expert to grasp the full legal context.
Data Security and Privacy Protections: While the document emphasizes safeguarding personal information, it lacks a detailed explanation of the measures in place to secure this data from unauthorized access. Furthermore, the absence of independent oversight or auditing mechanisms could raise concerns about compliance with privacy standards.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
From a broad perspective, the implementation of this contact tracing program may positively impact public health by attempting to curb the spread of COVID-19 within the DHS workforce, thereby potentially reducing community transmission. It reflects an effort by a major government entity to adhere to national guidelines and protect its employees and their families.
Positive Impacts on Stakeholders: - Workforce Protection: DHS employees, contractors, and related personnel stand to benefit from increased health safety measures, which may reduce anxiety and enhance workplace safety.
Negative Impacts on Stakeholders: - Concerns About Data Use and Privacy: Employees may have concerns about confidentiality and how their personal health information is managed. The lack of clear oversight could potentially lead to distrust among stakeholders.
Overall, while the DHS's approach to implementing a COVID-19 contact tracing program showcases a commitment to health and safety, several gaps in transparency and clarity remain. Addressing these issues would likely strengthen the program's credibility and effectiveness while fostering greater confidence among stakeholders in the processes established to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Issues
• The document does not specify how much funding is allocated for the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program or any associated costs, making it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending.
• There is no mention of how the effectiveness of the Contact Tracing Program will be evaluated, which is crucial for accountability and ensuring that resources are being used effectively.
• The use of 'Service Now' as a tool for contact tracing is mentioned, but there is no information about the cost of this tool or if there were other competing options considered.
• The document references several laws and regulations that authorize the information collection, but the explanation is fragmented and could be difficult for a layperson to understand.
• The language used regarding contact tracing procedures and privacy protections is detailed, but it could be simplified for clarity and readability.
• The document does not provide a clear explanation of how collected data will be securely stored and protected from unauthorized access.
• There is no mention of independent oversight or audit mechanisms to ensure compliance with privacy and data protection standards.
• The estimated burden hours and time per respondent seem low (167 total hours for 500 respondents), which may underestimate the actual time needed for data collection and verification processes.