Overview
Title
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to hear people's thoughts on a plan to collect information to help factories that make things for the military get better. They want to know if the plan is a good idea, if the guess about how hard it is for people to give this information is right, and how to make it easier for everyone to help.
Summary AI
The Department of Defense is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This proposal involves the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program, which aims to support long-term investments in skills, facilities, research, and small businesses to enhance the U.S. defense manufacturing base. The public is invited to comment on the necessity and practicality of this collection, the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate, and ways to improve or streamline the process. Comments must be submitted by February 18, 2025.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation 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 provides a notice from the Department of Defense regarding a proposed collection of information under the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP). This information collection is designed to assess and strengthen the U.S. defense manufacturing base by gathering data from various community stakeholders. The deadline for public comment on this proposal is February 18, 2025.
General Summary
The purpose of this document is to announce a proposed information collection process and invite public feedback. The focus is on the DMCSP, which is intended to support investments in defense-related skills, facilities, research, and development. This initiative aims to identify and bolster communities that employ best practices in defense manufacturing. The document details the expected burden on respondents and offers instructions on how to submit comments.
Significant Issues and Concerns
There are several notable issues within the document. First, it does not clearly specify the criteria for judging the necessity of the information collection effort. This leaves stakeholders unsure about the standards being applied. Additionally, there is no explanation provided on how the burden estimates were derived, which could affect the credibility of the process in the eyes of the public.
The language used in the document could also pose a barrier to comprehension. Some sections are formal and may be challenging for individuals not well-versed in legal or bureaucratic terminology, potentially limiting meaningful public input. Moreover, while the document mentions the use of automated technologies to ease the response process, it fails to provide specific examples or methods that could be employed.
Finally, the notice does not elaborate on what constitutes "best practices" in defense manufacturing communities. This lack of clarity can make it difficult for interested parties to understand what standard they are being measured against or what sort of practices they should aim to implement or document.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, especially those not directly involved with defense manufacturing or related industries, this document may not have an immediate or apparent impact. However, it encourages public participation in governmental processes, providing an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and potentially influence policy decisions related to national security investments.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For businesses, non-profits, and governmental bodies involved in defense manufacturing, this proposal has more direct implications. Positive impacts include the potential for increased recognition and support for communities that excel in defense manufacturing, possibly leading to economic benefits and more robust manufacturing ecosystems. On the downside, stakeholders may face increased administrative burdens associated with preparing and submitting proposals, particularly if they lack clarity on what is expected from them.
In conclusion, while this document provides an important call to action for public engagement, the lack of clarity and specific guidance could hinder its effectiveness and limit constructive feedback from stakeholders. Addressing these issues in future communications could enhance understanding and participation in this vital initiative.
Issues
• The document does not specify the criteria for evaluating whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency.
• The document lacks details about how the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection was determined.
• The language could be interpreted as overly formal in some sections, potentially making it difficult for non-expert stakeholders to understand the notice and provide meaningful input.
• The document does not elaborate on specific automated collection techniques that could be used to minimize the burden on respondents.
• There is no explanation or detailed description of the 'best practices' that will be recognized in defense manufacturing communities.