FR 2021-02510

The document under review is a notice from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which discusses the renewal of a specific information collection known as "NRC Form 354, Data Report on Spouse." This process is conducted as part of the NRC's oversight, involving the submission of the form to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. Generally, the form collects data on the spouses of NRC contractors, licensees, and applicants who marry or cohabit after receiving NRC security clearance. The purpose of this collection is to enable the NRC to conduct security evaluations related to the respondent's spouse, assessing any potential threats to national security.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several noteworthy concerns associated with this information collection process. Firstly, the document does not provide an adequately detailed explanation of why acquiring this particular data about a respondent's spouse is essential for security determinations. This lack of clarity might contribute to skepticism among stakeholders regarding the necessity of such information.

Secondly, privacy implications are significant, given that the form requests personal information about the spouse and their parents. The document falls short of elaborating on how such sensitive data will be protected and what measures will be implemented to mitigate privacy risks. Without explicit assurances on data protection, some respondents might be hesitant to provide complete or truthful information.

The abstract in the document also offers a very general overview of the information collection process, which might not encompass the full spectrum of its implications or its critical nature. This brevity might hinder a comprehensive understanding among the public regarding the reasons for this governmental request.

Additionally, the document lacks synchronization with past data by not clarifying whether the estimated number of 50 annual respondents is consistent with prior years. This ambiguity in determining these figures leaves questions regarding the evaluation and adjustment processes involved.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

For the general public, this document exemplifies a facet of bureaucratic oversight aiming to ensure national security through meticulous background checks. However, while security is of utmost importance, the collection of personal data, sometimes at the expense of privacy, remains debatable when not transparently justified.

Specific stakeholders, such as NRC contractors, licensees, and applicants who face the obligation to comply with these regulations, might experience a dual impact. On the positive side, compliance with such procedures can reinforce the trust and security associated with working in sensitive environments. However, the potential negative impact includes the perceived invasion of privacy or administrative burdens that come with additional paperwork and disclosure requirements. Moreover, confusion may arise for individuals unfamiliar with terms like "interveners," which the document uses without additional context.

Failure to comply or inaccuracies in submitted forms are not discussed within the document, which might leave respondents uncertain of possible repercussions or redress options. Clearer communication of potential consequences could encourage more accurate and timely submissions, benefiting both the respondents and the NRC in maintaining effective security protocols.

In summary, while the NRC's intentions to safeguard security are clear, the document might benefit from addressing concerns about necessity, privacy, and transparency in its information collection processes, ultimately fostering greater public trust and cooperation.