Overview
Title
Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Collection: Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education Annual Application for Designation
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Maritime Administration wants to know what people think about their plan to check which schools can be special helpers in teaching about ships and sailing. They ask for people's thoughts to see if they should keep doing this plan every year.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on its plan to ask for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew a data collection related to the Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. This information is used to determine which training centers can be designated as CoEs. The renewal is part of a strategy to maintain and modernize the maritime workforce, in line with the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018. Public and institutions have 30 days to provide feedback on this proposal.
Abstract
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments on our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection OMB 2133-0549 (Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education Annual Application for Designation) is used to determine the eligibility of certain qualified training entities to apply for CoE designation. Due to a change in the CoE program designation duration, the total responses, respondents, and burden hours for this collection have reduced since the last renewal. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation, seeking public input on a proposal to renew a data collection system. This system concerns the Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The intent of this proposal is to maintain and modernize the maritime workforce, adhering to the strategic goals outlined by MARAD and aligning with the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018.
Summary of the Document
At its core, the document invites public commentary on MARAD's plan to renew its information collection efforts. This involves evaluating which training entities qualify for CoE designation. By engaging the public, MARAD aims to ensure that the data collection process is both necessary and effectively managed, adhering to the stipulations of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Estimated figures for respondents and responses currently stand at 50, with an average of 48 hours required per response, cumulating to 2,400 annual burden hours.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues within the document merit closer examination:
Estimation Clarity: The document provides estimates for the number of respondents, responses, and the time burden per response. However, it lacks clarity on how these estimates were derived. This could lead to questions about the accuracy or reasonableness of the figures.
Eligibility Criteria Vagueness: References to "certain eligible and qualified training entities" are vague. The lack of clear criteria could lead to confusion among institutions about their qualifications for CoE designation.
Legislative Implications: Although the document cites the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018 and specific U.S. Code, it does not sufficiently clarify how these legal frameworks influence the application process or eligibility for CoE designation.
Program Changes: There is mention of a reduced burden due to changes in program designation duration, yet the nature of these changes is not detailed. This omission leaves readers without a clear understanding of the program's evolution or its implications.
Lack of Contextual Examples: The document does not provide examples or case studies of institutions that have benefited from CoE designation in the past. Such information could enhance understanding of the program’s impact and value.
Public and Stakeholder Impact
From a public perspective, the document highlights the government's proactive stance in refining a system that serves the maritime workforce. On a broad level, the renewal aims to ensure that training programs remain relevant and of high quality, feeding into the larger objective of economic competitiveness and workforce modernization.
For stakeholders, particularly postsecondary educational and vocational institutions, the renewal of this information collection could either present opportunities or challenges. Positively, institutions that meet the criteria might gain recognition and support as Centers of Excellence, which can enhance their reputation and possibly lead to more funding or partnerships. Negatively, the vague eligibility criteria and high estimated burden hours might deter some institutions from participating. Clearer guidelines and less onerous processes could mitigate these concerns.
In conclusion, while the document seeks to renew a critical aspect of maritime workforce training, several areas in its current presentation raise questions. Addressing these issues could foster a more transparent, efficient, and equitable process that benefits all stakeholders involved.
Issues
• The document mentions an estimated number of respondents and responses as 50, but it's not clear how this estimation was reached or what factors influenced this number.
• The burden hours per response are estimated at 48, but there is no breakdown or explanation provided for this estimation, making it difficult to assess whether this is reasonable or not.
• The document refers to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018 and a citation 46 U.S.C. 51706, but does not explain in detail how these legislative references impact the application process or designation criteria.
• There is a mention of reduced total responses, respondents, and burden hours due to a change in the CoE program designation duration, but the document does not elaborate on the nature of this change or its implications.
• The language used to describe the eligibility criteria—such as "certain eligible and qualified training entities"—is somewhat vague and could lead to confusion about specific qualifications required for CoE designation.
• The document fails to provide specific examples or case studies of postsecondary institutions or programs that have previously benefited from the CoE designation, which could offer more context for its effectiveness or value.