Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activity: Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Veterans Legacy Memorial is like a special website where people can write nice things about Veterans who have passed away, and the Department of Veterans Affairs wants to know if this process is easy and useful. They are asking for ideas on how to make it better by February 2025, but they need to explain more about how it works and make sure everyone knows what is allowed to be shared.
Summary AI
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking public comment on a proposed information collection related to the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM). This initiative honors Veterans by providing them with online memorial pages. The NCA is asking for feedback on the utility and efficiency of the information collected, including how to ease the process for respondents. Comments can be submitted via www.regulations.gov until February 25, 2025. The estimated annual burden for respondents is 22,500 hours, with each response taking about 18 minutes on average.
Abstract
National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a notice inviting public comments on a proposed collection of information related to the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM). Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, federal agencies are required to seek public feedback when collecting information from the public. The VLM initiative aims to create online memorial pages that honor veterans by allowing them, their next of kin, and the public to contribute tributes and other content.
General Summary
The notice outlines the opportunity for the public to comment on the utility and effectiveness of the information collection process involved in maintaining the Veterans Legacy Memorial. With the set deadline for comments being February 25, 2025, individuals can provide input on various aspects of the process, including its necessity, accuracy, and the burden it places on respondents. The VA has estimated that the annual burden on respondents is equivalent to 22,500 hours, based on 75,000 submissions, each taking approximately 18 minutes to complete.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues emerge from the notice that merit consideration. Firstly, the document does not thoroughly explain how the estimated annual burden of 22,500 hours was calculated, which may raise questions regarding its accuracy. Furthermore, the details of the information collection process, such as the types of content permissible and the moderation procedures, are somewhat ambiguous. This lack of clarity could lead individuals to misunderstand what is required or acceptable.
Additionally, the document mentions a general solicitation for information but fails to provide specific methods or channels through which these calls to action are communicated to potential respondents. This oversight may result in confusion or a lack of participation. Moreover, while the VLM User Policy is referenced for content compliance, it is not summarized within the document, requiring interested parties to navigate external links for information. Including more accessible information could enhance understanding and participation.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the proposed information collection offers an innovative means for the public to engage in preserving the memories of veterans. It allows individuals, particularly those closely connected to veterans, to actively participate in memorializing and celebrating their contributions. However, without a clear understanding of the submission process and content guidelines, participants might feel hesitant or confused about contributing effectively.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For veterans, their families, and associates intimately connected with veteran affairs, this initiative provides a significant avenue for public recognition and respect. The opportunity to contribute to the VLM can be both a meaningful and therapeutic activity. However, the lack of detail surrounding the submission guidelines and solicitation methods may hinder full participation and engagement. It is crucial that the VA addresses these areas to ensure the process is as inclusive and straightforward as possible.
In conclusion, while the Veterans Legacy Memorial initiative represents a meaningful step towards honoring veterans, attention should be given to clarified guidelines, transparent calculation of burden estimates, and clear communication methods to optimize public participation and develop a comprehensive and respectful memorial platform.
Issues
• The document specifies an estimated burden of 18 minutes per respondent for 75,000 respondents, which translates to a total of 22,500 hours annually. However, there is no detailed explanation or breakdown of how this burden is calculated, which could raise concerns about its accuracy or reasonableness.
• The description of the information collection process lacks clarity on the specific types of content that can be submitted to the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) and how these submissions are moderated and used. This ambiguity might lead to misunderstandings about what is acceptable or required.
• The document mentions a general solicitation for voluntary information but does not detail the methods or channels through which these solicitations occur, potentially leading to confusion or lack of awareness among potential respondents.
• The VLM User Policy, which governs content moderation, is referenced but not included or summarized in the document. This requires users to access an external link to understand critical compliance details, potentially limiting readability and comprehension.
• Given the potential emotional sensitivities associated with memorializing deceased veterans, the document could benefit from more empathetic language to ensure it is respectful and considerate towards respondents.