FR 2021-04157

The document presented by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers a platform for public commentary on a revised information collection request for USAJOBS. USAJOBS is the primary avenue through which the Federal Government disseminates job listings and employment information. The notice invites the general public and Federal agencies to submit their comments until March 29, 2021. The effort is part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and seeks specific feedback on the collection's necessity, accuracy, and potential burden reduction measures, especially regarding technological alternatives.

Summary and Purpose

This document serves to extend the public comment period by an additional 30 days for any proposed changes to USAJOBS's information collection process, initially published for public review in November 2020. It attempts to evaluate the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of collecting specific data elements from applicants through USAJOBS, much of which is mandated by federal legislation. The data collected includes applicant profiles and resumes, necessary for evaluating their suitability for federal job positions.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Upon reviewing the document, there are several concerns:

• There is a notable lack of specificity regarding any changes made to the information collection request. The document mentions a revision but fails to delineate what has been modified from past versions.

• The notice lacks transparency concerning the methodology used to estimate the time burden of 43 minutes per respondent. Understanding this methodology is essential for evaluating whether the time estimate is realistic and appropriate.

• While the document references significant acts like the Paperwork Reduction Act, it does not provide context on how these laws shape the collection process, which can lead to confusion for individuals unfamiliar with these laws.

• The absence of information about how feedback or data collected in previous cycles was used to make improvements raises questions about the ongoing necessity and efficacy of the collection.

• Although the request encourages minimizing burdens through technology, the document does not elaborate on any current or planned technological solutions for digital submissions, leaving stakeholders uncertain about future options.

Impact on the Public

The document potentially impacts the public at large, particularly those interested in federal employment opportunities. It underscores the importance of USAJOBS as a central hub for employment information and highlights the need for a streamlined data collection process that minimizes applicant burden.

For individuals, particularly job applicants, understanding changes in the data collection process is crucial, as it directly relates to the time and effort required to complete applications. The lack of clarity on revisions can be confusing and may lead to inefficiencies or misunderstandings about what is expected.

Effects on Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, such as job seekers and Federal agencies using USAJOBS to post job listings, could experience varied implications:

• Positive Impact: By inviting public commentary, OPM offers stakeholders an opportunity to influence how data is collected and used, potentially leading to a more user-friendly and efficient process in the future.

• Negative Impact: The lack of detailed information about revisions and methodologies could result in skepticism or hesitation from stakeholders, potentially hindering participation in the commentary process.

Overall, while the notice signifies an important step in refining the USAJOBS data collection process, the issues noted, especially regarding specific revisions and technological implementations, need more comprehensive articulation to ensure that stakeholders can contribute effectively to the discussion.