Overview
Title
Request for Comments for the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is asking people to share their thoughts on how it can make better decisions by using data, making sure to respect privacy and keep information safe. They want to hear from everyone by February 9, 2021, so they can understand the challenges and come up with helpful solutions.
Summary AI
The Department of Commerce's Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs is requesting public comments as part of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018. This Act requires federal agencies to improve their data management for better policymaking. Comments are sought to guide the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building on key issues such as data access, privacy protection, and data services. Responses are invited to address specific questions about the challenges and opportunities in using data for evidence-based policy, with submissions due by February 9, 2021.
Abstract
The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 requires federal agencies to modernize their data management practices to develop and support evidence-based policymaking. The Act requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), or the head of an agency designated by the Director, to establish the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building (Advisory Committee). In a letter dated September 3, 2019, OMB delegated managerial and administrative responsibility for this Federal advisory committee to the Department of Commerce Office of Under Secretary for Economic Affairs (OUSEA).
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Document
The document is a formal request for public comments from the Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs under the Department of Commerce. This request is part of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, which aims to enhance the data management practices of federal agencies to enable more effective policymaking. The comments gathered will inform the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building. The committee's focus is on crucial topics such as data access, privacy, and the coordination of data sharing among various government levels. The request seeks input on specific questions related to these themes, with a deadline for submitting comments by February 9, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One of the main issues with the document is its complexity and use of technical jargon, which might not be easily understood by the general public. Terms such as "data linkage" and "privacy enhancing techniques" are used without much explanation, potentially limiting broader public engagement. Additionally, the document does not provide specific examples or case studies that could help clarify the objectives and importance of the initiative. There is also a lack of detailed information about budget allocations or spending, which makes it difficult to assess financial efficiency. Furthermore, the roles and responsibilities of various involved parties, such as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs (OUSEA), and public commenters, are mentioned but not elaboratively detailed. Finally, the document does not indicate how the public comments will influence policy decisions, which could discourage participation.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the document represents an opportunity to participate in the policymaking process by providing input that could shape how federal agencies manage data. However, the impact might be limited due to the complexities of understanding the document's technical content. The public may feel disconnected from the process if they are unclear about how their comments will be used or appreciated.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For specific stakeholders such as researchers, evaluators, and government entities, this document could have a significant impact. It offers them a platform to influence data management practices and policy development, potentially leading to enhanced data access and utilization for research and public policy decisions. Policymakers and data specialists are likely to benefit from the feedback, as it could guide efforts to improve data sharing practices and address challenges in evidence-based policymaking.
Overall, while the document demonstrates a commendable initiative to involve the public and improve government data practices, it also reveals areas where clarity and accessibility could be enhanced to ensure broader and more effective participation.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific information on budget allocations or spending, so it's difficult to identify potential wasteful spending or favoritism without additional financial details.
• The language in the document could be considered overly complex for the general public, especially regarding technical data management and privacy topics, which might limit public engagement.
• The document lacks specific examples or case studies of high-impact data uses, which could help clarify its purpose and effectiveness.
• There's no clear outline on the implementation process or accountability measures for the recommendations and feedback received through this request.
• The document occasionally uses technical jargon (e.g., 'data linkage', 'privacy enhancing techniques') without explanations, which might not be accessible to all readers.
• The roles and responsibilities of various actors (OMB, OUSEA, Advisory Committee, public commenters) are mentioned but not detailed, leading to some ambiguity.
• The document does not specify how public comments will be used or the potential impact of such comments on policy development.