Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Application for Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Requests
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. agency wants to gather opinions from people to help make filling out forms for asking information easier and less of a hassle. They need feedback to ensure it's useful for everyone and not too much work for those who fill it out.
Summary AI
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the renewal of an information collection activity aimed at reducing paperwork and respondent burden. They are seeking public comments on the necessity, practicality, and accuracy of their information collections, as well as suggestions to improve quality and reduce respondent burden. The collection is part of the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act processes, requiring individuals to provide personally identifiable information through a paper form. Comments on this collection can be submitted within 30 days of the notice's publication.
Abstract
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Comments are requested concerning whether the proposed or continuing collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimates; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of the information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) regarding the renewal of an information collection activity. This activity aligns with USAID's effort to reduce paperwork and lessen the burden on respondents, part of an initiative supported by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. USAID is seeking public commentary on the necessity and utility of their existing information collection methods, its accuracy, and potential strategies to enhance its quality and minimize the burden on respondents. Responses are invited within 30 days of publication.
Summary of the Document
The notice communicates that USAID has opened a channel for public input on the ongoing information collection associated with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act of 1974. The agency uses a paper form for this collection, necessitating that individuals provide personally identifiable information to facilitate USAID's response to their requests. With an estimated 600 respondents annually and a cumulative burden estimated at 9,000 hours, the notice implies significant time commitments from respondents.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues arise from a closer reading of this document. Firstly, the exclusive reliance on paper forms for data collection may be considered outdated in an increasingly digital world. The document lacks mention of potential electronic or automated methods to streamline this process, which could decrease time spent by both USAID and respondents.
Additionally, the estimated burden of 9,000 hours for 600 respondents equates to an average of 15 hours per respondent annually, which may suggest inefficiency or an excessive burden. Without specific details about the types of information technology in use or plans to update them, it is difficult to assess how USAID plans to modernize or streamline this process.
The notice also fails to discuss any measure ensuring that the data collection process remains equitable and unbiased toward any organization or individual. This is crucial to maintain public trust and compliance.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the collection activity impacts individuals who seek information through USAID under FOIA or the Privacy Act. While the opportunity for public comments may foster greater participation and transparency, the excessive time burden could deter respondents from engaging with the process or seeking their necessary information.
The exclusive reliance on paper forms further limits accessibility for those who may prefer or only have access to digital means, potentially affecting younger demographics or those accustomed to technological conveniences.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For USAID, inefficiencies in the current process could mean excessive administrative costs and time spent managing paper forms when electronic alternatives might simplify both collection and analysis. Efficiencies in this area could redirect resources elsewhere.
Respondents could experience increased clarity and reduced time obligations if streamlined collection techniques are adopted. Conversely, failing to address the issues raised might amplify frustrations among individuals seeking information and lead to lower rates of participation or compliance with USAID's requests.
In conclusion, while USAID's effort to invite public feedback is commendable, significant improvements could be made in the methods and processes indicated. Modernizing and ensuring equity in the information collection process would likely enhance overall efficiency and reduce burdens on individuals using their services.
Issues
• The document lacks specific details about any associated costs related to the collection effort, making it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending.
• There is no mention of measures to ensure that the collection process does not unfairly favor certain organizations or individuals, which could be a potential concern.
• The method of collection specified is 'Paper,' which may be outdated and could be made more efficient by including electronic or automated collection methods.
• The language used in specifying the use of personally identifiable information and the potential consequences of not providing it may be unclear or too brief, making it difficult for respondents to understand the requirements.
• The estimated burden of 9,000 annual hours for 600 respondents implies a high time commitment per respondent, which could suggest inefficiency or a high burden on individuals.
• The document does not provide detailed examples of the types of information technology or automated techniques that could be used to minimize the collection burden.