FR 2021-03792

The document issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), published in the Federal Register, seeks public commentary on a revised initiative titled the "Survivor Sheltering Assessment." This initiative is part of FEMA's ongoing efforts to streamline data collection and improve emergency response coordination with State, Tribal, and Territorial (STT) governments, particularly in the context of challenges posed by events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

General Summary

The document outlines FEMA’s plan to revise an existing data collection process, emphasizing a more streamlined approach to information sharing with state and local governments. The goal is to reduce the paperwork burden and improve the efficiency of disaster response, specifically related to emergency sheltering. By updating the "Survivor Sheltering Assessment," FEMA aims to enhance collaboration and planning capabilities, ensuring better outcomes for those affected by disasters.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One significant issue with the document is its lack of clarity regarding specific data collected from shelter residents. Although it references forms designed for this purpose, it fails to detail what information will be gathered. Understanding the nature of the data is crucial for assessing privacy concerns and ensuring that the information collected is both necessary and proportionate to its intended use.

Another concern is the estimated cost to the federal government, stated as $307,884, without a detailed breakdown or justification. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to evaluate the efficiency and potential wastefulness of the initiative. Furthermore, the document's mention of flexibility for non-congregate sheltering due to COVID-19 lacks specifics on implementation and oversight, raising questions about how such flexibility might be monitored to prevent misuse.

Additionally, while the estimated number of respondents is significant, the document does not clarify if these figures represent unique individuals or repeated interactions, potentially leading to overestimation. The previous comment period yielded no public feedback, suggesting potential shortcomings in outreach efforts. The use of technical jargon, coupled with references to legislative acts like the Paperwork Reduction Act, might further impede the understanding for a general audience.

Broad Public Impact

The document’s impact on the general public primarily revolves around the smooth execution of disaster response activities. Improving data collection processes can result in quicker and more effective shelter operations, directly affecting individuals and families displaced by disasters. Enhanced coordination among FEMA and local governments means streamlined services and potentially faster recoveries for affected communities.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For State, Tribal, and territorial governments, this initiative promises improved data sharing and collaboration with FEMA. This could lead to better resource allocation and more effective shelter management during disasters, ultimately benefiting their constituents. However, stakeholders must remain vigilant about issues like data privacy and the efficiency of government spending to ensure that the anticipated benefits are realized without unintended negative consequences.

In conclusion, while FEMA's revision of the “Survivor Sheltering Assessment” initiative holds promise for improving emergency response effectiveness, the document could benefit from greater transparency and clarity in several areas. Enhanced public awareness and understanding, coupled with more detailed feedback opportunities, will be crucial to the success of this initiative and its acceptance by the diverse stakeholders it aims to serve.

The document details the financial aspects related to a revision of the "Survivor Sheltering Assessment" by FEMA, exploring various costs and intended financial usage. These financial references help illuminate some of the broader issues associated with the document.

Summary of Financial References

The document outlines several key financial figures associated with the "Survivor Sheltering Assessment." The estimated total annual respondent cost is noted as $320,490. Additionally, the estimated total annual cost to the Federal Government for managing this information collection is reported as $307,884. Other operational costs, such as respondents’ operation, maintenance, capital, and start-up costs, are not applicable, as these have been listed as N/A.

Relation to Identified Issues

These financial figures underscore some of the issues identified within the document. A crucial point of concern is the absence of a detailed breakdown or justification for the $307,884 annual cost to the Federal Government. Without this transparency, it becomes challenging to assess the potential for inefficient or wasteful spending. There would benefit in providing a more granular look at how these funds are allocated to various aspects of the project, helping to ensure accountability and efficient use of taxpayer money.

Additionally, the high number of estimated respondents, 51,200, and the associated costs bring into question whether this figure represents unique individuals or multiple interactions per individual. This ambiguity may result in overestimated financial allocations. A more precise understanding of these numbers could lead to more accurate budgeting, potentially reducing unnecessary expenditures.

Another point is the apparent lack of public engagement in the commenting process, previously reported as not having received any comments. This lack of interaction could indicate a need for better communication and outreach strategies, ensuring that the public is effectively informed and engaged with these processes. Enhancing public participation could lead to more informed feedback, potentially identifying efficiencies or cost reductions that FEMA may have otherwise overlooked.

In summary, the financial references within the document are concise but lack the necessary detail to fully assess the financial efficiency of the proposed revisions. Providing a comprehensive breakdown of costs and clarifying the respondent figures could significantly enhance the transparency and accountability of this FEMA initiative.