Overview
Title
Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Bureau of Labor Statistics wants to check if it's still useful to ask people questions about their jobs and families, just like they have since 1997, but they want to make it quick and easy. They also want people to tell them what they think about these questions by March 29, 2021, so they can make the survey better.
Summary AI
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is requesting comments on a proposed revision of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97) as part of its efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden. This survey, which began in 1997, tracks individuals born between 1980 and 1984 to study their transitions from school to work and family life. The BLS plans to conduct round 20 of the survey, which will mostly be done by phone and aims to collect updated information while minimizing the participants' effort. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the necessity, utility, and burden of this information collection by March 29, 2021.
Abstract
The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed revision of the "National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997." A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) within the Department of Labor is a call for public comments regarding the proposed revision to the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97). This survey plays a key role in collecting important data from a demographic cohort of individuals born from 1980 to 1984. The aim is to understand their transition from education to careers and family life. As part of efforts to streamline the data collection process, feedback from the public is being sought to ensure the survey remains both useful and non-burdensome to respondents.
Overview of the Document
The survey, now preparing for its 20th round, is conducted every two years and provides crucial longitudinal data that helps inform U.S. national policies regarding labor and related fields. The data collected touches upon various facets of respondents' lives, including education, job experience, income, and family life, providing policymakers and researchers with vital insights.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several potential issues with the document and related survey can be identified:
Lack of Financial Transparency: There is a noticeable absence of information regarding the budget or costs for conducting the 20th round of the survey, which might raise concerns over financial efficiency and potential overspending.
Vendor Selection Transparency: The document does not specify which vendor has been contracted to conduct the survey, raising potential concerns about the selection process and whether it is open and fair.
Technical Language: For a document meant to engage the general public, the language may be overly technical. Terms like "OMB Number," "biennial basis," and "round twenty interviews" may not be immediately understandable to all readers.
Data Privacy and Confidentiality: The document does not clarify the measures in place to protect the privacy and confidentiality of survey respondents, which is crucial given the sensitivity of the data being collected.
Difficulty in Submitting Comments: While email submissions for comments are encouraged, there is inadequate mention of alternative methods for individuals without internet access, potentially limiting public participation.
Incorporation of Public Feedback: There is limited information on how public comments will influence the final survey design, leaving uncertainty about the tangible impact of public input.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the continuation and revision of the NLSY97 survey represent an ongoing commitment to understanding workforce dynamics and demographics. The data collected can influence policy decisions that affect employment, education, and social programs.
However, the concerns around technical jargon and limited access to comment submission could act as barriers to broader public engagement and feedback. It's crucial that these aspects be addressed to ensure inclusivity and transparency.
Stakeholder Implications
Various stakeholders are impacted by the proceedings described in this document:
Respondents: Those participating in the survey may benefit from the streamlined process but also might express concerns over privacy protections and the significance of their input.
Researchers and Policymakers: They stand to benefit considerably from the data collected, as it can inform decisions and lead to publications exploring various socioeconomic issues.
Vendors: Transparency in vendor selection and contracting processes is vital to ensure fair competition and effective execution of survey tasks.
In conclusion, while the NLSY97 survey continues to provide valuable insights into workforce and life transitions of the designated age cohort, it would benefit from increased transparency and accessibility in its processes. Engaging a wide array of public comments without technological barriers and clearly outlining the privacy measures in place can enhance the survey's relevance and effectiveness.
Issues
• The document provides limited information on the budget and costs associated with conducting round 20 of the NLSY97 survey. There is a lack of detailed financial transparency which could hide potential wasteful spending.
• There is no mention of the vendor or organization that the BLS contracts to conduct the NLSY97, which could potentially indicate favoritism or a lack of fair competition in vendor selection.
• The general public may find the document language overly technical, particularly terms like 'OMB Number', 'Round twenty interviews', and 'biennial basis', without providing definitions or simpler explanations.
• The document does not clarify whether there are any specific measures in place to ensure data privacy and confidentiality for the survey respondents.
• The instructions for submitting comments (such as via email) might be difficult for those without internet access, yet there are no alternative submission methods (like mail) provided explicitly other than mentioning email transmission.
• The document lacks detailed information on how the feedback from the public will be incorporated into the final survey design, reducing clarity on the impact of public comments.