Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comments Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) wants to hear what people think about changes to a survey that checks if their funded projects are doing a good job for the community and environment. People have until January 22, 2025, to share their thoughts.
Summary AI
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is seeking public comments on a change to an existing information collection called the Development Outcomes Survey (DOS). This survey assesses how well projects supported by the DFC meet development goals, including environmental, labor, and economic policies. The notice invites comments for 30 days, ending on January 22, 2025. The survey is expected to take 2 hours per respondent, with around 650 respondents participating annually.
Abstract
Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, agencies are required to publish a Notice in the Federal Register notifying the public that the agency is modifying an existing approved information collection for OMB review and approval and requests public review and comment on the submission. The agencies received no comments in response to the sixty (60) day notice. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional thirty (30) days for public comments to be submitted. Comments are being solicited on the need for the information; the accuracy of the burden estimate; the quality, practical utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize reporting the burden, including automated collected techniques and uses of other forms of technology.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document published by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in the Federal Register announces a request for public comments regarding a modification of an existing information collection called the Development Outcomes Survey (DOS). This is a crucial opportunity for the public and stakeholders to offer feedback on the survey, which assesses how well projects funded by the DFC align with and achieve development goals, including adherence to environmental, labor, and economic policies. The exercise aims to ensure these projects not only fulfill their intended objectives but also adhere to the DFC's authorizing legislation.
Summary and Key Information
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, this notice invites comments for 30 days, with a deadline on January 22, 2025. The DOS will require respondents, which include businesses, not-for-profit institutions, and individuals, to spend approximately 2 hours completing the survey. It is anticipated that around 650 respondents will take part annually. The notice specifies various methods for submitting comments, including mail and email.
Concerns and Issues
A notable concern with the document is its lack of specific examples or scenarios on how the comments might influence the existing information collection. More explicit information could empower the public by illustrating their potential impact on the process. Additionally, the document outlines the need for an agency form number in electronic submissions, which could be confusing for those unfamiliar with such procedural nuances.
The notice highlights that no comments were received during the initial 60-day period. It does not clarify whether this lack of response is a typical occurrence or if it indicates shortcomings in outreach or communication. Understanding these dynamics could prove critical for assessing and potentially improving public engagement strategies.
Furthermore, while the document touches on the general purpose and importance of the DOS, it does not provide detailed insight into what specific revisions are being proposed. This lack of detail could hinder stakeholders' ability to offer targeted and informed feedback, thereby affecting the quality of the input the agency might receive.
Broader Public Impact
Overall, the document could significantly impact the broader public by shaping how development projects are monitored and evaluated. Public input might lead to improvements in the survey that enhance its utility and accuracy, ultimately ensuring that DFC-supported projects better align with national and international development goals.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders such as businesses and not-for-profit institutions, the revisions to the DOS could have positive or negative implications depending on how changes alter their reporting obligations or affect project evaluations. Detailed information on revisions would have allowed these stakeholders to assess potential impacts more thoroughly. Moreover, individuals involved in projects funded through the DFC may find their administrative burden either alleviated or exacerbated based on how the survey modifications address or fail to address existing concerns.
In conclusion, while the document provides necessary information about the chance to comment on proposed survey modifications, enhancing clarity and detail would improve stakeholder engagement and facilitate more impactful public participation.
Issues
• The document provides comprehensive information but lacks clear examples or scenarios illustrating how the comments could impact the existing information collection, which might help the public better understand their potential influence in the process.
• The instructions for submitting comments are detailed, but specifying the need for the agency form number in electronic submissions might be confusing for individuals not familiar with submitting such comments.
• The document does not explain what happens if no further comments are received by the January 22, 2025 deadline, which might be useful information for the public.
• The document states that no comments were received from the original 60-day notice period, yet does not provide any insight into whether this is typical or indicative of potential issues in outreach or communication.
• The description and purpose of the Development Outcomes Survey (DOS) are briefly mentioned, but there's limited information on what specific aspects are being revised, which might be helpful for stakeholders to know.