FR 2021-03115

The document is a notice from the Department of Labor (DOL) regarding an information collection request (ICR) related to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The purpose of the collection is to gather data from State, local boards, and educational and training providers on performance outcomes of participants in the Act's core programs. The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is supporting this request, which is being submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. Public comments on this notice are encouraged, and they must be submitted by March 19, 2021.

Summary and General Impact

This notice is an important aspect of federal administrative processes, as it ensures transparency and public participation in governmental decision-making. By seeking public comment, the DOL allows stakeholders and the public to provide feedback on whether the data collection will be useful and efficient or if it will create unnecessary burdens. The ICR affects a significant number of stakeholders, with an estimated 19 million respondents expected to participate, suggesting its substantial reach and impact on both governmental agencies and private citizens involved in workforce programs.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One notable issue with the document is the lack of detail on how public comments will influence the final decision or how they will be addressed. Clearer information about the expected impact of public input might encourage more meaningful engagement from stakeholders.

The document estimates a significant annual time burden and costs related to the ICR, totaling nearly 10 million hours and $34.6 million, but it does not break down these figures or explain how they were calculated. Such figures could be daunting for the readers, potentially discouraging participation. A detailed explanation could foster a better understanding and facilitate informed feedback from the public.

Additionally, the use of specific CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) citations without accompanying explanations may make the document difficult to comprehend for those unfamiliar with federal regulations. Readers may benefit from summaries or context about these regulations to fully grasp their implications.

While the document requests comments on minimizing respondent burden, it fails to outline specific actions that will be taken to achieve this goal. Clearer guidance on potential reductions in regulatory burden would likely provide reassurance to those affected.

Impact on Stakeholders

The public at large may view this ICR as an effort to ensure accountability and effectiveness in workforce development programs. However, the substantial time and cost burden estimated in the notice could negatively impact state, local, and tribal governments, as well as individuals and households involved in these programs.

For governmental entities tasked with implementing WIOA programs, these requirements may necessitate allocating additional resources to comply with reporting mandates, which may be a challenge for smaller or resource-constrained entities.

Educational and training providers may find the data collection valuable for assessing and improving program outcomes. Still, they could face operational challenges due to the time and resources required to comply.

In conclusion, while the notice aims to improve performance reporting under the WIOA, there are areas within the document where increased clarity and contextual information could enhance understanding and beneficial engagement by stakeholders. Addressing these concerns could lead to more effective data collection and, ultimately, more successful workforce development outcomes.

The document in question concerns the submission of an information collection request (ICR) by the Department of Labor (DOL) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). A key financial element mentioned in the document is the Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden of $34,594,532. This figure appears to represent the additional expenses associated with the data collection activities mandated by the act.

Financial Allocation Summary

The document specifies that the estimated costs incurred due to this collection requirement amount to approximately $34.6 million annually. These costs are labeled as "other costs," suggesting they encompass expenditures beyond direct salaries or wages, possibly including costs related to data handling, technology, training, and other logistical aspects necessary to compile and report performance data.

Relation to Identified Issues

1. Explanation of Costs: One of the issues pointed out is the lack of a breakdown or explanation for the estimated financial figures, particularly how the $34.6 million was calculated. Without additional clarification from the document, it remains unclear precisely what these costs cover and how they contribute to the efficiency or effectiveness of the data collection efforts.

2. Burden on Respondents: Additionally, there is a reported annual time burden estimated at 9,863,057 hours. While the financial expenditure is distinct from time burden, both represent significant commitments. The document does not elucidate how the financial allocation can help mitigate this substantial time commitment placed on respondents.

3. Process for Minimizing Costs: The notice invites public comments on strategies to minimize the information collection burden, including financial aspects. However, it does not elaborate on what specific steps might be implemented to reduce the $34.6 million cost, nor does it discuss potential savings or efficiencies that might result from public feedback.

4. OMB Review and Renewal: Although the document states that OMB authorization lasts no more than three years without renewal, there is no discussion of how financial considerations, such as the impact of the $34.6 million in annual costs, factor into the criteria or process for renewing the authorization.

The financial implications outlined in the document underscore the substantial resources dedicated to compliance with WIOA reporting requirements. However, without more detailed information on how these funds will be utilized or managed, stakeholders may find it challenging to gauge the real-world impact or necessity of such expenditures.