Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Defense wants people to share their thoughts about a system that helps keep track of how well they take care of military families, and people have until January 15, 2025, to do so. This will help them figure out better ways to support the families of people in the military.
Summary AI
The Department of Defense (DoD), specifically the Air Force, is seeking public comments on a proposal for collecting information as part of the Air Force Family Integrated Results & Statistical Tracking (AFFIRST) system. This system helps track customer service data and evaluates the effectiveness of the Military and Family Readiness Center's programs. The information is crucial for improving services and supporting military families. People who use these services can provide their input until January 15, 2025. The feedback will be used to ensure effective support for military personnel and their families.
Abstract
The DoD has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in review is a notice from the Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, published in the Federal Register. It seeks public input on the proposal for collecting information under the Air Force Family Integrated Results & Statistical Tracking (AFFIRST) system. This initiative is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of services provided by the Military and Family Readiness Centers. It offers an opportunity for individuals to submit comments until January 15, 2025, to help improve support for military personnel and their families.
General Summary
The Department of Defense is requesting public comments on its plan to gather data through the AFFIRST system. The purpose of this data collection is to monitor customer service data and assess the effectiveness of programs and services provided by Military and Family Readness Centers. The ultimate goal is to enhance service delivery and ensure that military families receive the necessary support. The notice outlines details such as the number of respondents, the frequency of the data collection, and the duration of the public comment period.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from this document, particularly around issues of transparency and data security. First, the document does not provide detailed information on the cost or budget allocated for the data collection and management of the AFFIRST system. There is a concern this may mask potential wasteful spending. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity regarding the privacy and security measures in place to protect personal information collected through the system.
Additionally, the language used to describe the system’s functions and its legal authorizations may be too technical and complex for a general audience to easily understand. This complexity could hinder effective public engagement and feedback. Moreover, the method for public comment submission via reginfo.gov could be seen as inaccessible to some individuals, limiting broader participation.
It is also unclear what specific outcomes or benchmarks will be used to evaluate the program's efficacy, potentially leading to ambiguity in measuring the success of the data collection. Lastly, there is no mention of any oversight or review process for the system, raising questions about its accuracy and effectiveness in aiding decision-making.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, this document and the resulting data collection initiative will impact various individuals and households, especially those affiliated with the military community. By gathering comprehensive data, the Air Force aims to refine services provided to military families. However, the opacity regarding costs and privacy protocols may lead to public skepticism or concern over personal data usage.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For military personnel and their families, an effective evaluation of the Military and Family Readiness Centers' activities may lead to improved support services, directly affecting their welfare and readiness. On the other hand, DoD civilians and general public users of these services may also benefit from enhanced program effectiveness and service delivery.
However, if concerns regarding data privacy and transparency are not addressed, there could be negative perceptions and reluctance from stakeholders to participate or provide honest feedback. The lack of a clear review process for the AFFIRST system also poses risks of inefficiency or mismanagement, which could undermine efforts to support the target stakeholders effectively.
In conclusion, while the initiative aims to support the military community effectively, addressing the significant concerns raised could improve transparency and participation, ultimately enhancing the credibility and success of the AFFIRST system for all involved.
Issues
• The notice does not provide detailed information on the cost or projected budget for the AFFIRST system's data collection and management. This might conceal potential wasteful spending.
• The document lacks clarity on the measures in place to ensure the privacy and security of the personal information collected through the AFFIRST system.
• The language used in describing the AFFIRST system's functions and authorization references (e.g., 10 U.S.C. 9013, DAFI 36-3009, E.O. 9397) could be overly complex for general public understanding.
• The method for public submission of comments (via reginfo.gov) may not be easily accessible or navigable for all individuals, potentially limiting public participation and feedback.
• It is not clear what specific outcomes or benchmarks will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs supported by the AFFIRST data collection.
• There is no mention of any oversight or external review process for the AFFIRST system to ensure its accuracy and utility in decision making.