Overview
Title
Stakeholder Scheduling Application
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The CBP One™ app is a tool that helps people easily set up meetings with border officers, and they want to know what everyone thinks about it. People can share their thoughts by sending an email, but they have to do it by April 19, 2021.
Summary AI
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking public comments on a new information collection method as part of the Stakeholder Scheduling Application within the CBP One™ app. This app aims to streamline and automate the current manual processes for scheduling inspections with CBP officers. The information collection efforts are part of several legal frameworks, including the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001. Comments should be submitted by April 19, 2021, and directed to the provided email address.
Abstract
The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The information collection is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in discussion is a notice from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security, announcing a new initiative to collect public feedback regarding an information collection system. This system, detailed within the 'Stakeholder Scheduling Application', is part of the broader CBP One™ app. The agency aims to automate and standardize the current labor-intensive scheduling processes for inspections, which involve significant time spent by CBP officers exchanging phone calls and emails with stakeholders such as brokers and travelers.
Summary of the Document
This notice, published in the Federal Register, seeks public comments on the proposed information collection before approval. The primary goal is to transition from manual to automated systems for scheduling inspections of various cargo and travelers, thereby increasing efficiency. CBP outlines a range of legal statutes empowering this process and claims that this digital transition will improve the functionality and operations of the agency.
Significant Issues and Concerns
There are several notable issues surrounding this notice. Firstly, the restricted medium for submitting comments—email—could pose challenges for those with limited internet access, particularly during the COVID-19 restrictions that suspend mail-in options. This limitation raises concerns about inclusivity and barriers to participation.
Additionally, while the abstract provides an overview, it lacks specific details about how the new application will directly benefit stakeholders and the CBP. More clarity in this area would help both the public and interested parties better understand the practical implications of the proposed changes.
There is also the matter of legal clarity. Although several legislative frameworks are cited as justifications for the information collection, the connection between each law and the collection processes outlined is not explicitly clarified. More detailed explanations could enhance public understanding and trust.
Furthermore, the estimated response time of two minutes may not accurately reflect the time it takes for all users, especially those unfamiliar with digital apps. This estimation may therefore underestimate the real time burden on stakeholders.
The tone of the notice is also notably formal, which can present accessibility challenges. For laypersons or individuals not regularly engaged with bureaucratic language, deciphering such documentation can be cumbersome.
Finally, the document does not mention specific security measures designed to protect the sensitive data collected via the app, an oversight potentially leading to privacy concerns.
Impact on the Public
The implementation of the Stakeholder Scheduling Application could have far-reaching impacts. For the general public, this means a potential shift towards more efficient border and customs scheduling services. However, it also introduces the challenge of ensuring that all potential users are equipped to interact with digital tools.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For individuals and businesses that frequently interact with CBP for inspection services, this application promises increased efficiency, potentially reducing operational delays. However, the transition to a digital system demands that stakeholders possess the necessary technological literacy and resources.
In conclusion, while the initiative appears to be a step forward in modernizing CBP processes, attention must be paid to inclusivity, clarity of legal grounding, and data security, ensuring that the transition benefits all involved parties equitably.
Issues
• The method of submitting comments is limited to email, which may restrict participation from individuals or organizations with limited internet access, especially during COVID-19 when mail-in comments are not accepted.
• The abstract provides a general overview but could be more detailed in explaining how the Stakeholder Scheduling Application specifically benefits CBP and stakeholders.
• Explanation of legal authorities is provided, but additional clarity on how each cited law correlates directly to the information collection could enhance understanding.
• The estimated response time of 2 minutes per response might underestimate the time it takes for some stakeholders to schedule inspections, especially if technology issues or unfamiliarity with the app come into play.
• There could be an overly formal tone in the language that may make it challenging for individuals not accustomed to bureaucratic language to fully understand the notice.
• Although the document mentions the scope of the application to automate scheduling processes, there is no mention of the security measures in place to protect sensitive information collected.