Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Sea Grant Program Application Requirements for Grants, for Sea Grant Fellowships, Including the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships, and for Designation as a Sea Grant College or Sea Grant Institution
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Commerce wants people to share their thoughts on how they plan to change a program that helps with ocean and coastal work. They want to stop using paper forms and start using a computer form, but some parts of their plan aren't very clear yet.
Summary AI
The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is requesting public comments on the information collection activities for the Sea Grant Program. The program, which supports research, education, and outreach related to ocean and coastal resources, is revising its information collection process. The revisions include transitioning data collection from Excel spreadsheets to an online webform, which aims to improve data management and user experience. This notice provides a 30-day period for public comments and suggestions on these proposed updates.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register outlines a request by the Department of Commerce, specifically through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), for public comments on updates to the information collection process related to the Sea Grant Program. This program plays a crucial role in supporting initiatives around ocean and coastal resources through research, education, and outreach efforts.
General Summary
The notice primarily details a proposed shift in how data is collected for the Sea Grant Program. Traditionally, information was gathered using Excel spreadsheets; however, there is a proposal to transition this process to an online webform. The intended change is expected to streamline data management and improve the user experience for applicants. Public comments are invited to weigh in on these revisions over the course of 30 days.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues stand out in the document that may require further attention:
Ambiguity in Revisions: The document mentions adding two new information fields to the NOAA Form 90-2 to resolve existing data issues. However, it fails to provide a clear explanation of how these additions will specifically address the current problems.
Potential for Added Burden: Transitioning from Excel to a webform might incur additional time and cost burdens for respondents, which is not addressed. The implications of this transition—regarding both the potential benefits and the possible burdens—are left unexplored.
Vague Language: Phrases like "cosmetic modifications on the form structure" are used but not clearly defined. The document would benefit from a more detailed outline of what these modifications entail to offer stakeholders a clearer understanding.
Impact on Total Burden Hours: It is not clearly stated whether the transition to a webform will affect the total annual burden hours required for submission. Stakeholders would benefit from understanding whether this change is anticipated to reduce or increase the burden on respondents.
Lack of Detailed Benefits: The proposed efficiencies or benefits resulting from the migration to an online webform are not explicitly mentioned. Stakeholders need to understand the expected advantages to evaluate them alongside potential drawbacks.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
The proposed updates could have broad implications for various stakeholders:
General Public: Members of the public interested in participating in the comment process may find the description of the changes somewhat unclear, potentially limiting their ability to provide informed feedback.
Academic and Not-for-Profit Institutions: As significant applicants participating in the Sea Grant Program, these institutions may experience both positive and negative impacts. The ease of data entry through an online platform could streamline application processes for some. However, potential increased burdens of transitioning to a new system could offset these benefits.
Businesses and Government Agencies: Businesses and state or local agencies, which might rely on the program's grants and fellowships, could similarly experience a mixed impact. Access to improved data management systems could enhance efficiency, though technological costs or learning curves associated with new systems might present challenges.
In conclusion, while the intended migration to an online webform seems aimed at improving efficiencies, the lack of specificity regarding the impacts and benefits of this change raises questions. Detailed clarity and exploration of potential consequences would immensely benefit all stakeholders involved.
Issues
• The document lacks a clear explanation of how the additional two information fields required for the NOAA Form 90-2 would resolve existing data fields.
• The transition from an Excel spreadsheet to a webform for NOAA Form 90-2 could incur additional costs or time burdens for respondents, which is not addressed.
• Language such as 'cosmetic modifications on the form structure' is vague and could benefit from clarification on what specific changes are anticipated.
• It is not explicitly stated how the proposed changes will impact the total annual burden hours, if at all.
• The document does not provide specific details on the expected benefits or efficiencies gained from migrating to the online webform for Form 90-2.