Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Extension, Without Change, of a Previously Approved Collection; FBI Hazardous Devices School Application
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FBI wants to keep track of who can go to a special school for learning about dangerous stuff, and they're asking people to say what they think about the way they collect this information. They haven't explained everything about how this works or how people can let them know their thoughts.
Summary AI
The Department of Justice is inviting public comments on the proposed extension of an existing information collection by the FBI's Hazardous Devices School. This form, known as FD-731, is used to collect information on prospective students' identities and qualifications and to assess their security clearance status. The aim is to ensure these individuals have the necessary access to sensitive law enforcement facilities and information. The public comment period is open for 60 days, concluding on April 30, 2021, and the feedback will help evaluate and improve the collection process.
Abstract
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), Hazardous Devices School (HDS) 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. The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has published a notice inviting public input on the continuation of an information collection by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), specifically concerning its Hazardous Devices School. This process involves the submission of Form FD-731, which helps in gathering necessary information about prospective students to verify their identity, qualifications, and to start security clearance procedures. The primary objective is to ensure candidates meet the requirements to access secure law enforcement environments and sensitive information. The public is invited to submit their comments within a period of 60 days, ending on April 30, 2021. Through public feedback, the DOJ aims to improve and streamline this information-gathering process.
Key Issues and Concerns
Several concerns are highlighted in the notice that may require further clarification. First, the document does not clearly explain the specific purpose and necessity of the hazardous devices school application, leading to potential ambiguity. Understanding the exact purpose could help the public assess its significance better.
Moreover, while the notice specifies an end date for the public comment period, it lacks detailed instructions on how individuals can submit their comments, whether online or by mail. This lack of clarity could hinder stakeholder participation.
The criteria for assessing the identification and qualifications of prospective students are not specified. Transparency in what the qualifications entail could help prospective applicants better prepare and understand what is expected of them.
Furthermore, while the form FD-731 is mentioned, the notice does not provide information on how and where applicants can access this form. Detailed instructions could facilitate a more efficient application process.
Finally, while estimating a total of 750 annual burden hours for respondents, the notice fails to break down how this burden is distributed among individual respondents and related activities. Providing this breakdown could offer a clearer picture of what the application process entails regarding time and effort.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
For the general public, this notice represents an opportunity for open dialogue with the DOJ to improve a federal process. By providing feedback, citizens and interested parties can influence how efficiently and effectively critical information is collected and used.
For stakeholders, especially potential applicants to the Hazardous Devices School, the outcome of this process could impact their ability to apply and be accepted into the program. Improved clarity and efficiency in the application process can result in more qualified individuals being able to enroll, thus enhancing the program's overall quality and effectiveness.
However, unclear procedures or requirements could deter potential applicants, particularly those for whom navigating bureaucratic processes poses a challenge. It's crucial that the DOJ addresses these concerns to ensure the process is equitable and accessible to all qualified individuals.
In summary, while the DOJ's initiative to seek public input is commendable, addressing stakeholders' concerns through greater clarity and transparency will be vital in improving the application process for all involved.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact purpose of the hazardous devices school application, which might lead to ambiguity about its necessity.
• The document mentions that the comments can be submitted until April 30, 2021, without specifying how the comments should be submitted, whether electronically or by mail.
• There is no explanation of what criteria will be used to evaluate the identification and qualification of prospective students, leading to potential ambiguity in the application process.
• The form FD-731 is mentioned but there are no details provided about where or how to access this form or apply for it.
• The document does not provide detailed information on security clearance procedures, which might be critical for the applicants.
• The estimation of 750 total annual burden hours might not provide a clear picture of the burden distribution per respondent or other related activities.