Overview
Title
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application/License for Permanent/Temporary Export or Temporary Import of Classified Defense Articles and Related Classified Technical Data
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of State wants to hear from people about rules for moving secret military stuff and information between countries. They need help to make sure the forms and questions they’re using are good and not too hard, so everyone has until February 10, 2025, to say what they think.
Summary AI
The Department of State is asking for public feedback on a request to renew the information collection needed for exporting or importing classified defense articles and data. This is done using Form DSP-85, following regulations under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The public has until February 10, 2025, to submit comments either online or through mail. The feedback will help the Department assess the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of this information collection process.
Abstract
The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document currently under review is a notice from the Department of State, aiming to collect public feedback on their proposed renewal of an information collection procedure. This procedure concerns the export and import of classified defense articles and data, specifically using Form DSP-85, as regulated under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The goal of seeking public comment is to ensure that the process remains necessary, accurate, and efficient.
General Summary
The Federal Register notice highlights that the Department of State seeks approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for this information collection. Public comments are requested to ensure a proper evaluation of the necessity and effectiveness of the current process. Interested parties have until February 10, 2025, to provide their comments, which they may submit online or via regular mail.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several noteworthy issues stem from the current notice. Firstly, the document lacks a comprehensive explanation of why the information collection is necessary, possibly limiting the public's understanding of the need for their feedback. The notice also mentions that submitted comments will become public records but does not specify protections for personal information, which could deter participation owing to privacy concerns.
Furthermore, the estimated time of 30 minutes per response seems understated, given the complexities involved with classified defense articles. If underestimated, this may lead to an inaccurate assessment of the process's burden on respondents. The document uses various acronyms such as DDTC, PM/DDTC, ITAR, and USML without clarification, potentially causing confusion among individuals unfamiliar with these terms. The methodology section lacks depth and details on data usage, possibly raising concerns about transparency in handling the collected information. Additionally, there is no information on how submissions via regular mail will ensure timely receipt, which may create uncertainty among respondents preferring this method.
Public Impact
Broadly, this document and the process it outlines could significantly impact individuals and organizations involved in defense trade. For the general public, it may ensure that classified defense-related exports and imports follow strict, safely monitored guidelines, contributing to national security.
Stakeholder Impact
For specific stakeholders, such as businesses involved in defense exporting and importing, the renewal of the information collection process can directly affect their operational procedures and compliance obligations. Ensuring public feedback is incorporated efficiently could enhance confidence in the transparency and necessity of these regulations, aligning business operations with national and international security requirements. However, inadequate transparency or perceived reporting burdens could lead to dissatisfaction or non-compliance issues. Additionally, nonprofit organizations may find that their ongoing input helps shape a more user-friendly and streamlined process, enhancing their ability to participate without excessive resource expenditure.
Overall, while the proposed notice seeks to refine the information collection mechanism, addressing key issues within the document could optimize effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.
Issues
• The notice does not provide a detailed explanation as to why the information collection is deemed necessary, which might obscure the intent and need for public comment.
• The document mentions that comments will be public records but does not explicitly state how personal information will be protected or addressed, which might discourage public participation.
• The estimated time per response is 30 minutes, which seems low given the complexity of the material involving classified defense articles; this might underestimate the actual burden on respondents.
• The document relies on several acronyms (e.g., DDTC, PM/DDTC, ITAR, USML) without providing definitions, potentially causing confusion for readers unfamiliar with these terms.
• The methodology section is too brief and lacks specifics on how the data will be used, which might raise concerns about transparency in data handling.
• The provision for submitting comments via regular mail does not elaborate on how receipt and timeliness will be ensured, which may add uncertainty for respondents using this method.