FR 2024-28853

The document titled "60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP); OMB Control No.: 2506-0157" from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) serves as an important channel for inviting public commentary on its proposed information collection under the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP). HUD is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to continue data gathering from potential applicants. This data is crucial for determining eligibility, ensuring compliance with program requirements, and for the equitable assessment and ranking of SHOP grant applicants.

Summary

The Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program aims to foster partnerships with national and regional non-profit housing organizations to aid in homeownership. To maintain this program’s effectiveness, HUD is seeking feedback on its information collection approach. Specifically, HUD is interested in whether the information collection is necessary for proper agency functions, the accuracy of estimated respondent burden, and methods to enhance or simplify the collection process using technology.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A key issue with the document is its lack of detail regarding the costs associated with collecting this data. Without a clear cost framework, stakeholders, including taxpayers, might find it challenging to discern the potential for inefficient use of resources. Another concern is the absence of clearly defined criteria for assessing SHOP applicants. This lack of transparency could invite allegations of favoritism or bias, which may undermine public trust in the program.

The document also fails to elucidate terms such as "SHOP NOFO" (Notice of Funding Availability) and "Executed Grant Agreement,” which may confuse readers unfamiliar with these terminologies. Additionally, while the document provides some insight into the forms required (such as SF-424 and HUD 424 CB), it lacks explanatory content regarding each form's specific purpose. This could hinder applicants who are unfamiliar with these bureaucratic processes.

Public Impact

Broadly speaking, the document’s solicitation of public feedback is an effort to engage stakeholders, potentially leading to improvements in the SHOP program’s operation and efficiency. By engaging the public, HUD hopes to fine-tune its information collection methods, thus positively affecting the program's accessibility and utility.

However, the unclear presentation of cost and procedural details could dilute public engagement efforts. People may be less willing to provide valuable feedback if they are not adequately informed about the procedures and implications of such data collection.

Stakeholder Impact

For national and regional non-profit housing organizations, which form the main stakeholder group for the SHOP program, this notice holds substantial relevance. These organizations depend on clarity and efficiency in HUD's processes to successfully participate in and benefit from the program. Any improvements to the data collection procedure could reduce administrative burdens, thereby allowing these bodies to focus more on their core missions.

Conversely, the current document’s lack of clarity might deter or disadvantage these stakeholders, especially smaller organizations with limited resources, as they might find the preparation of detailed responses overly burdensome without clear guidance.

For individuals and communities that benefit from SHOP-funded projects, streamlining requirements and feedback processes may lead, ultimately, to more efficient project implementation and increased access to homeownership opportunities.

In conclusion, the document makes a commendable effort to engage the public in shaping future HUD policies concerning data collection for the SHOP program. However, without greater transparency and clarity, both in the description of processes and costs, the full potential of public and stakeholder engagement may not be realized.