Overview
Title
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Defense Department wants to check if asking military families for some information is useful and not too much work for them. They would like to hear ideas on how to make the process easier before February 18, 2025.
Summary AI
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness is asking for public comments on their proposed information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The comments should address whether the information collection is necessary, its practical utility, its burden, and how it can be improved or made less burdensome. The proposal includes a system called the Military OneSource Case Management System, which aims to provide comprehensive online information to military members and their families. The deadline for submitting comments is February 18, 2025, and individuals or households are the primary respondents, with an expected 242,711 respondents each dedicating one hour of their time.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the OUSD(P&R) announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document titled "Proposed Collection; Comment Request" is issued by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD(P&R)), part of the Department of Defense (DoD). This notice, published on December 17, 2024, calls for public comment regarding a proposed information collection system known as the "Military OneSource Case Management System." The solicitation of comments aligns with requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, intending to ensure that federal agencies gather only essential information and do so efficiently and effectively.
Summary of the Document
The key focus of the proposal is the development and implementation of the Military OneSource Case Management System. This system aims to provide a centralized, web-based platform that delivers information on benefits and services to military personnel and their families. The notice seeks input on several points: the necessity and utility of the information collection, the accuracy of burden estimates on respondents, and suggestions for reducing respondent burden through automation or other techniques. The comment period is open until February 18, 2025.
Issues and Concerns
Several notable issues are apparent in the document. First, there is a lack of clarity regarding how the estimated annual burden of 242,711 hours for respondents was calculated. This estimate assumes each of the 242,711 respondents will spend precisely one hour responding, which might not accurately reflect the actual time burden. Without detailed methodologies, stakeholders might question the soundness of these estimates.
Privacy concerns are also implicit. The notice mentions that submissions, including personal identifiers, will be publicly available, yet lacks explicit detail on data protection measures. Given the sensitive nature of personal information, especially within military communities, this omission could raise alarms about the handling of such data.
There is ambiguity in how frequently responses are required from individuals or households. The term "on occasion" is used but lacks specific frequency details. This vague language may lead to misunderstandings about how often respondents should anticipate engagement with the system.
Moreover, the description of the "Military OneSource Business Operations Information System" is limited. While it is identified as integral to the proposal, its purpose and functioning remain nebulous, potentially complicating public understanding and support.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, especially military personnel and their families, this proposal holds significant potential impact. If implemented effectively, the system could streamline access to vital information, thereby enhancing the support infrastructure for military communities. However, if the system's utility and ease of use fall short, individuals could experience increased frustration and wasted time.
Impact on Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, such as potential respondents (military families and personnel), face the possibility of both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, the system might provide easier access to comprehensive resources, thus improving quality of life and awareness of available support. Conversely, if estimates of burden times prove inaccurate, or if privacy concerns remain unaddressed, stakeholders could face unnecessary administrative load and anxiety over data privacy.
In summary, while the initiative for the Military OneSource Case Management System is well-intentioned and potentially beneficial, the proposal in its current form leaves several questions unanswered that could influence public perception and efficacy. By addressing these gaps—clarifying burden estimates, ensuring robust data protection, and delineating the system's operational specifics—the Department of Defense can more effectively engage with its stakeholders and fulfill the proposed system's objectives.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific details on the methodologies or processes used to estimate the 'Annual Burden Hours' and the accuracy of these estimates could be questioned.
• The language around the collection of personal information could be more explicit in terms of how privacy and data protection measures are addressed, especially since the submissions are made available publicly.
• Details on how the information collected will directly impact or benefit the functions of the agency are not clear, possibly leading to concerns about the necessity of the information collection.
• The frequency section labeled as 'On occasion' is vague and could be clarified with more specific information regarding when or how often the collection occurs.
• The term 'Military OneSource Business Operations Information System' is not explained, which might make it difficult for the general public to understand its purpose and function within the system.