Overview
Title
Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Labor wants to know what people think about new questions they're asking businesses to learn more about how they are dealing with changes after COVID-19. They hope to ask about 150,000 businesses and it will take about 10 minutes for each to answer.
Summary AI
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the Department of Labor, has issued a notice requesting public comments on a new data collection initiative called the QCEW Business Supplement (QBS). This program aims to gather timely information about the U.S. economy to aid stakeholders and policymakers. The first survey will explore how businesses are adjusting post-COVID-19, covering topics such as telework and government assistance. Comments on the data collection process are requested by April 5, 2021, and the survey is expected to engage 150,000 respondents, requiring about 10 minutes each.
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 new information collection of the "QCEW Business Supplement." A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a part of the Department of Labor. It announces a request for public comment on a new data collection initiative known as the QCEW Business Supplement (QBS). This program is designed to gather timely and relevant economic information to better inform policymakers and stakeholders, particularly in relation to how businesses are managing in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public comments on this initiative are solicited to ensure the collection process is as effective and efficient as possible.
Summary and Purpose
The primary objective of the QBS is to streamline data collection concerning various economic issues swiftly, particularly those arising from unforeseen events like the pandemic. The survey is poised to cover diverse topics, such as telework arrangements, business demands, and government aid. By focusing on these areas, the BLS aims to provide insights that can direct policy and business strategy.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One concern is the lack of clarity on how the QBS improves upon or differs from existing data collection methods. While the document outlines the intent to capture current economic conditions, it falls short of explaining how this approach stands out from previous programs.
Furthermore, the document briefly mentions the methodology and assumptions used to estimate the burden on respondents but does not elaborate on these points. Given that the initiative involves a new collection system, understanding these components would help respondents gauge the legitimacy and necessity of their participation.
Another area needing clarity is how the collected data will benefit respondents directly. While the data aims to assist policymakers, concrete examples of use cases or prospective benefits for businesses could enhance participation enthusiasm.
Public Impact
For the general public, especially those involved with businesses or economic policy, the introduction of the QBS could lead to more efficient policymaking, potentially translating into more precise economic responses and better resource allocation. Businesses, particularly those selected to participate, might benefit indirectly by shaping insights into useful economic strategies.
Stakeholder Impact
Specific stakeholders, notably those from businesses or non-profit institutions, stand to gain bespoke insights from these surveys, particularly in navigating the post-pandemic economic landscape. However, their impact hinges on the clarity and utility of the feedback mechanisms implied by these data collection efforts. Conversely, without clear communication and understanding of the process, respondents might find the additional survey task to be more of a burden rather than an opportunity.
The inclusion of contact information for obtaining the Information Collection Request (ICR) is a positive step, although more details on accessing additional resources or materials related to the process might alleviate concerns.
Overall, while the initiative's intentions are commendable, improving clarity around its execution and benefits would likely bolster its effectiveness and public reception.
Issues
• The document could be clearer about how the new QCEW Business Supplement specifically improves upon or differs from existing data collection methods.
• It may be beneficial to include examples or case studies of how the data collected will be used to enhance utility and decision-making for stakeholders.
• The term 'methodology and assumptions' could be further elaborated to provide respondents with a clearer understanding of how the estimates of burden are determined.
• The document mentions minimizing the reporting burden but does not provide specific examples of technological innovations or methods used to achieve this.
• There is a lack of clarity on how the data collected will directly benefit respondents, which could impact their willingness to participate.
• Language is sometimes overly formal and bureaucratic, which might make it less accessible to a general audience.
• The document mentions 'small surveys' under the QBS clearance but does not clarify the expected frequency or the criteria for new surveys, which may lead to ambiguity.
• The inclusion of a specific contact person is positive; however, more details regarding the process of obtaining the ICR or additional resources could be helpful.
• Further clarification on 'targeted sampling' and its execution could be beneficial to ensure transparency in the selection process.