Overview
Title
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program
Agencies
ELI5 AI
HUD, a part of the U.S. government, wants to hear from people about their plan to collect information about homes for Native Americans, and they are asking for help on making it easier and faster to do so. They want people to share their thoughts before March 26, 2021, to help them do a better job collecting and using this information.
Summary AI
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is asking for public comments on a proposed information collection related to the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program. HUD wants feedback on whether this information collection is necessary and how it can be improved. The comments will help HUD evaluate the burden on responders and consider improvements like electronic submissions. Comments should be submitted by March 26, 2021, to help HUD manage and report on Native American housing programs.
Abstract
HUD is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD is requesting comment from all interested parties on the proposed collection of information. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which is seeking public commentary on a proposed information collection concerning the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program. This notice, published in the Federal Register, is part of a regulatory process designed to evaluate and improve federal programs through public input.
Summary of the Document
The main objective of the document is to inform the public about HUD's intention to obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the collection of information related to the IHBG Program. HUD emphasizes the importance of receiving feedback from interested parties regarding the practicality and efficacy of this information collection. Public comments are invited to assess whether the collection is necessary, how accurate the agency’s estimates are, and to suggest potential improvements, including the adoption of modern technology for submissions. This process is open until March 26, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable concern is that the document does not specify the total estimated cost associated with the proposed information collection. Knowing this cost is crucial for determining if resources are being utilized effectively or wastefully. Additionally, the document lacks clear explanations of the specific outcomes or benefits that the information collection aims to achieve. Without these details, it is challenging to understand the full justification for the need for the collection.
Furthermore, several form numbers are mentioned but are not described, potentially leading to confusion about their purposes. Clarity on these forms would be beneficial for those expected to use them. The technical language in the notice may also pose an obstacle, as not all interested parties may have the necessary background to fully comprehend the terms used.
Moreover, there is an absence of a detailed breakdown of the expected burden on respondents, such as the estimated hours required to fulfill the information request. This oversight makes it difficult to assess whether the required time commitment is reasonable for those involved.
Public Impact
From a broad perspective, this notice has the potential to impact the public by shaping the effectiveness of HUD's Indian Housing Block Grant Program. Feedback from the public can lead to improvements in the way HUD collects and utilizes data, potentially enhancing the efficiency of housing programs for Native American communities.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, Corporations, and Tribally Designated Housing Entities are the primary stakeholders impacted by this notice. These groups could be positively impacted if the information collection process becomes more streamlined and less burdensome. However, if the process is perceived as overly complicated or if it imposes a significant time burden, these stakeholders might face negative outcomes.
In conclusion, while the initiative to seek public input is commendable, additional clarity and transparency in this notice could improve understanding and participation. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of the IHBG Program.
Issues
• The document does not specify the total estimated cost associated with the proposed information collection, making it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending.
• No information is provided about the specific outcomes or benefits that the information collection aims to achieve, which would help justify the need for the collection.
• The document lists several form numbers but does not provide a brief description of each, potentially leading to confusion about their individual purposes.
• The language used in the solicitation for public comment is somewhat technical, which may not be easily understood by all interested parties.
• There is no breakdown of the expected burden (in hours) per respondent, which could help evaluate the reasonableness of the time commitment required from respondents.