Overview
Title
Notice of Intent To Extend and Revise a Previously Approved Information Collection
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture wants to update a form that helps them see if people can safely handle money from the government. They're trying to make the form easier to fill out and follow the rules better. They want to hear what people think about these changes until early next year.
Summary AI
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is announcing its plan to extend and update its current information collection process called "Organizational Information." This process is necessary for assessing the ability of grant applicants to manage federal funds. The update includes adjustments to meet current legal and regulatory standards and aims to make the information collection form more accessible. Public comments on this proposal are invited until February 4, 2025, and can be submitted electronically.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, this notice announces the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) intention to extend and revise a previously approved information collection, entitled Organizational Information.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has issued a notice of its intent to update and extend its information collection process related to organizations looking to receive federal grants. This is presented under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ensuring the necessary balance between government requirements and the burden placed on respondents. Public comments on this initiative are welcome until February 4, 2025, offering stakeholders the opportunity to impact the final form and implementation of these updates.
General Summary
The document outlines NIFA's plan to revise a previously approved information collection called "Organizational Information." The intention is to ensure that the form meets updated statutory and regulatory requirements, particularly as they pertain to managing federal funds. The changes aim to enhance both the accessibility and relevance of the information collected. NIFA is responsible for ensuring that potential grant recipients can responsibly manage federal funds, and this collection serves as a critical component of that assessment.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from the document, primarily due to a lack of detailed information:
Lack of Specificity on Updates: The document mentions an update to align with 2 CFR Part 200, but it does not provide details on what these changes entail. This lack of specificity may lead stakeholders to question how these changes will affect their application process.
Time Burden Assessment: The estimated time to complete each response is six hours and eighteen minutes, but there is no breakdown of tasks involved. Without understanding what contributes to this time estimate, potential applicants might find it challenging to prepare adequately.
Data Privacy Concerns: Though the document specifies the types of organizational and financial information required, it does not address how NIFA will secure this sensitive data. This omission may raise concerns about data protection among organizations submitting their information.
Evaluation of Public Comments: While public feedback is solicited, the document does not clarify how these comments will be assessed or the criteria for implementing suggested changes. This lack of clarity might discourage some stakeholders from participating, as the impact of their input appears uncertain.
Ambiguity in Responding to 'Material Changes': The requirement for grantees to submit revised information in the event of "material changes" lacks a definition. This vagueness could lead to confusion, as organizations might not be clear on what types of changes necessitate an update.
Impact on the Public and Specific Stakeholders
Broad Public Impact: For the general public, this process ensures that federal funds for agricultural research and education are responsibly managed. A well-defined and accessible information collection process can build public confidence in the use of their tax dollars.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders: Organizations applying for NIFA grants will experience the most direct impact. On the positive side, an updated form may streamline the application process and improve clarity. However, uncertainties about the changes, the time burden, and data privacy might create challenges. Smaller organizations, in particular, might struggle with compliance if the requirements are complex or time-intensive, potentially limiting their ability to apply for federal funding.
Overall, while NIFA's efforts to update and enhance its information collection form are commendable, addressing the identified issues will be crucial for a smoother transition and equitable impact on all potential applicants.
Issues
• The document mentions a proposal to update the Organizational Information Form, but lacks specific details about the changes to 2 CFR Part 200, which could lead to ambiguity about the nature and extent of the updates.
• The estimate of burden section calculates the average time to complete each response as 6.3 hours, but it does not break down the activities involved or provide a rationale for the estimate, which might make it difficult for respondents to assess the reasonableness of the time burden.
• The document outlines a variety of information required from applicants, including organizational and financial details, yet it does not provide guidance on how this information will be securely managed and safeguarded, leading to potential concerns about data privacy and protection.
• In the comments section, while suggestions are invited on various aspects, the document does not specify how those comments will be evaluated or what criteria will be used to implement potential changes based on the feedback.
• There is reference to 'material changes' that require the grantee to submit revised information, but the document does not define what constitutes a material change, which could lead to confusion among respondents.