Overview
Title
Revision of Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Exercise Information System
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The TSA is asking for approval to update a tool that helps plan practice drills, making it easier and faster for people to sign up, while still keeping everything safe. They're doing this to make the whole process less work for everyone involved, and they want to know what people think about it by January 6, 2025.
Summary AI
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has submitted an Information Collection Request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) seeking approval for updates to their Exercise Information System (EXIS®). EXIS® is a web-based tool to help organize and manage training exercises for the Transportation Systems Sector. TSA plans to streamline the user registration process by eliminating certain data collection elements deemed unnecessary due to new identity verification capabilities. The application of these changes, motivated by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, aims to reduce the administrative burden while maintaining the system's utility and security. Public comments on this proposal are invited by January 6, 2025.
Abstract
This notice announces that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has forwarded the Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0057, abstracted below to OMB for review and approval of a revision of the currently approved collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden for the TSA Exercise Information System (EXIS[supreg]). EXIS[supreg] is a web portal that assists stakeholders to build and manage exercise planning teams, and share best practices & lessons learned. Using and inputting information into EXIS[supreg] is completely voluntary.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a notice regarding their Exercise Information System (EXIS®), a web-based tool designed to aid the Transportation Systems Sector in organizing and managing training exercises. This system is part of the efforts mandated by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The TSA is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to update various aspects of this tool, specifically streamlining the user registration process by removing certain unnecessary data fields due to enhanced identity verification capabilities. Public comments on these proposed changes are being solicited until January 6, 2025.
Key Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from this notice:
Lack of Cost Details: The document does not provide any specific details regarding potential costs or budget implications associated with EXIS®. This absence may lead to questions about whether the system's funds are being spent effectively and efficiently.
Ambiguity of Stakeholders: While the abstract mentions that EXIS® will assist stakeholders, it does not clarify who these stakeholders are. This ambiguity can lead to confusion about who the primary users of the system are supposed to be and who will benefit most from these updates.
Increased Respondents and Burden Hours: An increase in the estimated number of respondents and burden hours is noted, but no clear explanation is provided. This lack of detail raises questions about whether the TSA is accurately forecasting the use and impact of the system and if there are any inefficiencies present.
Complex Language and Statutory Context: The document refers to complex statutory requirements without detailing the practical implications of these rules. Simplifying this language could help the public better understand the purpose and goals of EXIS® in relation to security recommendations.
Data Privacy and Management: While the document mentions a reduction in data collected during registration, it offers limited information on why these changes are necessary beyond citing new capabilities. More transparency is needed to assure potential users about the system's data privacy and management practices.
Potential Public Impact
Broadly, the streamlined registration process could potentially make EXIS® more user-friendly by simplifying the initial setup for users. This could encourage greater participation from entities within the Transportation Systems Sector, thereby enhancing collaborative efforts in security training exercises. However, without more information on budget implications, stakeholders might question the value and efficiency of the investment in such systems.
Stakeholder Impact
For public and private entities within the Transportation Systems Sector, these changes could positively impact their operations by providing a more effective tool for planning and executing training exercises. The reduction in required information during registration could lower barriers to entry for participants. Yet, the absence of clear definitions around who the stakeholders are may lead to uncertainties about whether the right audiences are benefiting. Furthermore, if the increase in respondents and burden hours indicates broader involvement, stakeholders might need to prepare for more intensive engagement with the system.
In conclusion, the TSA's updated proposal for EXIS® represents a step towards improving operational efficiency in security training but requires further clarification and transparency to ensure all potential users understand and trust its value.
Issues
• The notice does not provide specific cost estimates or budget implications associated with the Exercise Information System (EXIS®), which might raise questions about wasteful spending.
• The abstract mentions a 'web portal that assists stakeholders' but does not clarify who these stakeholders are, potentially leading to ambiguity regarding the target audience and beneficiaries of the system.
• There is no clear justification provided for the increase in the estimated number of respondents and burden hours in the supplementary information, which could imply inefficiencies or inaccuracies in forecasting.
• The language and structure used to describe the statutory requirements and the purpose of the EXIS® could be simplified to enhance clarity, such as detailing the practical implications of fulfilling the 'Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.'
• The reduction in data collected during user registration is mentioned, but the specific impacts or reasons beyond 'new capabilities in EXIS®' are not transparently detailed, which might raise questions about privacy or data management practices.