Overview
Title
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Washington Headquarters Services wants to ask people if it's good to collect certain work information from employees and helpers, like soldiers, to check if they need it and how they can make it easier. They also want to know if doing this will be helpful and not too hard for everyone involved.
Summary AI
The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) of the Department of Defense (DoD) is gathering input on a proposed public information collection, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They want public comments on whether the data collection is necessary and useful, and suggestions to improve clarity and reduce the burden on respondents. This collection is crucial for ensuring that records of employees, service members, and contractors leaving or moving within WHS components are properly preserved or transferred. Interested parties have until February 25, 2025, to submit their comments.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) 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 under consideration is a notice from the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) of the Department of Defense (DoD) indicating their intention to collect public information as mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The purpose of this collection is to seek input about whether the proposed data gathering is essential for the agency's activities and to explore ways to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. This initiative chiefly concerns records management for personnel leaving or transferring within WHS components.
General Summary
The WHS is calling for public comments on a proposed information collection effort titled the "Separating Personnel Records Accountability Checklist." This proposal is intended to manage records for departing or transferring employees, service members, and contractors. The public's feedback is sought to ascertain whether this data collection is practically useful and to suggest improvements in the process. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments by February 25, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
There are notable concerns regarding the clarity and transparency of the document:
Lack of Clarity: The document is vague about the specific nature of the information to be collected. The term "Separating Personnel Records Accountability Checklist" is not thoroughly explained, leaving readers without a clear understanding of what data will be gathered.
Justification for Burden Estimates: The document provides no detailed justification for the estimated 250 annual burden hours or the average time burden of 5 hours per response. Without a clear explanation, stakeholders may question whether the data collection is efficient or necessary.
Undefined Collection Frequency: The proposal indicates that the information collection will occur "as required," but it does not clearly define the criteria for this requirement, introducing uncertainty about how often respondents will need to furnish data.
Technical Language: The language used in the document may be too technical for a broad audience. Simplifying and clarifying the terms used could help ensure better understanding and more meaningful public involvement.
Utility Explanation: The document lacks a comprehensive explanation of the utility of the information being collected, which is a significant factor in assessing whether the collection serves a practical purpose.
Impact on the Public
The impact of this proposal on the general public is relatively limited in scope, as the primary audience comprises contractors associated with the WHS. However, if the process of providing feedback and the burden of compliance are clearly defined and justified, public confidence in governmental data handling could be bolstered.
Potential Impact on Stakeholders
Positive Impacts: - WHS Components: Improved records management can facilitate smoother transitions for personnel and safeguard information critical to ongoing operations. - National Security: By maintaining accurate records, the DoD can support informed decision-making.
Negative Impacts: - Contractors: Contractors may experience an increased administrative burden without clear guidance, which could lead to inefficiency and higher operational costs. - Public Participation: Ambiguities and technical language might limit meaningful participation from the broader public, reducing the value of the feedback received.
In summary, while the collection of information is a routine part of government function under the Paperwork Reduction Act, the execution of this proposal could benefit from enhanced transparency and clarity to ensure it truly meets the needs of the agency and its stakeholders effectively.
Issues
• The summary and details of the proposed information collection lack clarity on the specific type of information being collected.
• There is no justification provided for the annual burden hours and the average burden per response, which could be clarified to ensure there is no wasteful collection of unnecessary data.
• The document does not provide clear criteria for determining when collections are 'as required'.
• The language is somewhat technical and may not be easily accessible to all public respondents, particularly concerning the exact nature of 'Separating Personnel Records Accountability Checklist'.
• The document lacks a detailed explanation of the utility of the information being collected, which could help in assessing the necessity and practical use of the collection.