FR 2024-29590

The document titled "Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request" from the Department of Defense (DoD) calls for public comments on a proposal submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The proposal involves conducting the Service Academy Gender Relations Survey, which aims to collect information relating to sexual assault, harassment, and gender relations at U.S. Military Service Academies such as West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy. The survey data is intended to help evaluate and improve existing programs and policies by assessing the climate and social perspectives at these academies. The survey is conducted biennially, and the DoD is inviting public comments on this proposal by January 15, 2025.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document contains technical language and references that might not be easily understood by the general public. Terms like "OMB Clearance," "PRAMain," "DoD Instruction (DoDI)," and "variance strata" could confuse readers without a background in government processes or statistics. Additionally, it references specific legal statutes, such as "10 U.S.C., Section 4361," which could be challenging for non-legal professionals to understand. The absence of further context or explanation on these technical aspects may hinder a broader audience's comprehension.

Another concern is that the document does not provide a clear cost-benefit analysis or justification for conducting the survey. Such information could be crucial in understanding whether the financial and administrative resources allocated for the survey are well spent and whether it provides significant value to justify its implementation.

The survey's response rate estimation and methodology are described in a manner that assumes an understanding of statistical analysis, using terms like "industry standard process," "weighted," and "precision measures." These concepts might not be immediately clear to a non-expert audience, potentially limiting the accessibility of the document's information.

Furthermore, while the document mentions the exclusion criteria for survey participants, it does not explain how these exclusions ensure unbiased results. This raises questions about the survey's comprehensiveness and whether the sample truly represents the overall population of the service academies.

Impact on the Public

The document's proposal could impact the public positively by collecting crucial data that can lead to improved environments at the military academies. By understanding the issues of sexual assault and gender relations, the DoD can implement better policies and training programs, contributing to a safer and more equitable setting for cadets and midshipmen. This data collection could also reassure the public that steps are being taken to address serious concerns within these institutions.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as the DoD, military academies, and potentially Congress, the survey results are critical for policy evaluation and development. They provide data-driven insights that can guide the allocation of resources and the development of strategies to improve gender relations. A positive outcome for these stakeholders would be the implementation of effective changes that address the identified issues. However, if the survey results are not utilized effectively or do not lead to tangible improvements, stakeholders may question the survey's utility, leading to criticisms of wasted resources.

The academies' students, as direct participants in the survey, are key stakeholders who could potentially benefit from improved academy environments. Nonetheless, if students perceive the survey as merely procedural without subsequent impactful actions, it may lead to disillusionment or skepticism towards surveys and assessments in general. Therefore, it is crucial for the survey data to translate into meaningful policy changes to maintain trust and engagement from these stakeholders.

In summary, while the Service Academy Gender Relations Survey aims to address critical issues within military academies, the general public and specific stakeholders could better evaluate its worth with simpler language, a clear justification, and transparency regarding the use of survey results.