Overview
Title
Information Collection: Financial Information Security Request Form
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Forest Service wants to know if people think a form they use to keep money information safe is still helpful and easy to fill out. They especially want feedback from people who do business with them and use this form.
Summary AI
The Forest Service, part of the USDA, is asking for public input on the continuation of a form used to protect financial information, known as the Financial Information Security Request Form. They want to gather opinions on whether this form is necessary, accurate, and how the information collected can be made more useful and less burdensome to gather. Comments can be submitted in writing by April 12, 2021, and will become part of the public record. This form is mostly used by contractors who work with the Forest Service and need access to financial systems.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the extension of a currently approved information collection, Financial Information Security Request Form (0596-0204).
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document is a notice from the Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), published in the Federal Register. It announces the agency's intention to extend the use of the Financial Information Security Request Form, a procedure used to protect and manage access to financial information within the Forest Service. The notice invites comments from the public and organizations about the necessity and efficiency of this form, gathering input on whether it is needed, if the burden on respondents is accurately estimated, and how the information collection process could be improved.
Summary
The Financial Information Security Request Form is an electronic application used primarily by contractors working with the Forest Service. The form is necessary for obtaining access to financial systems housed at the National Finance Center. Contractors are required to complete this form to gain the necessary clearances, ensuring that only authorized personnel access sensitive financial information. Public feedback is sought on the process to ensure it meets its intended purposes efficiently without placing undue burden on the stakeholders involved.
Significant Issues and Concerns
A notable concern expressed in the document is the lack of an expiration date for the current approval of the information collection request. This may lead to confusion about the timeline within which the agency must seek an extension. Moreover, some may question why contractors specifically need to complete this form and whether the procedure is justified or an unnecessary complication. Additionally, while the estimated time burden per response (10 minutes) is noted, the real-world practicality of this estimation could be debated, as some respondents might find it inadequate or underestimate the actual time required.
The process also involves the participation of a client security officer, adding another level of complexity that might appear burdensome without a clear understanding of why it's necessary. Furthermore, the instructions concerning the submission of comments—particularly regarding confidentiality—could be more transparent to ensure respondents fully comprehend how their information will be treated.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the document might not have immediate implications. However, it reflects the broader government practice of ensuring transparency and accountability by seeking public input on administrative processes. The process ensures that stakeholders directly involved, such as contractors, are contributing their perspectives to optimize government practices.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Contractors working with the Forest Service are the primary group affected by this notice. The requirement to complete the Financial Information Security Request Form is a critical step in accessing financial systems. The comment period represents an opportunity for these contractors to voice their opinions on the practicality and necessity of the form. On the positive side, their feedback can lead to improvements in the process, potentially making it more efficient and less burdensome.
Given the emphasis on transparency, this public input process showcases an effort by the government to incorporate diverse insights on regulatory matters involving sensitive financial information. However, if stakeholders perceive the process to be overly complex or onerous, it could lead to dissatisfaction or hinder collaboration between the Forest Service and its contractors.
This document serves as an important reminder of the role of public participation in shaping efficient governmental procedures while balancing the need for safeguarding sensitive financial data.
Issues
• The document does not specify the expiration date of the current approval for the information collection, which may lead to ambiguity about the timeline for extension.
• There is no detailed explanation about the criteria for determining the necessity of contractors completing and submitting the form, which could clarify why this process is important.
• The complexity of the form submission process, including detailed requirements for contractors and the need for a client security officer's involvement, might be seen as burdensome without clear justification or potential automation solutions.
• The breakdown of the estimated burden (10 minutes per response, 9,549 respondents, 3 responses each) should be evaluated for its accuracy and practicality, as assumptions might not reflect actual time required by respondents.
• The instructions for submitting comments, specifically guidance about confidentiality and public record implications, could be made clearer to ensure that respondents fully understand how their information will be used.