Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Defense (DoD) wants to hear people's thoughts about a special plan to help military families with certain needs, and they can share their ideas by the end of January. The goal is to make sure they get help more easily when they move to new places.
Summary AI
The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking public feedback on a proposed information collection process for the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Family Needs Assessment. This initiative, which requires approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), aims to improve the consistency and efficiency of support services for military families with special needs as they move across different service locations. The deadline for comments is January 30, 2025, and interested parties can submit their input through the website mentioned in the notice.
Abstract
The DoD has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document titled "Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request" from the Department of Defense (DoD) is a public notice seeking feedback on a proposed information collection related to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). This proposal submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. It aims to streamline and enhance support services for military families with special needs as they transition between different service locations.
Overview of the Document
The document serves as a formal request for public comments on the planned data collection initiative. It highlights the need for a standardized Family Needs Assessment (FNA) to unify and improve the support experience for families in the EFMP. This program assists military families with special needs, offering services across various military branches when relocating due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. The deadline for public input is set for January 30, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The notice assumes that readers are acquainted with specific military programs, like the EFMP, which may not be well-known outside the defense community. A basic explanation of the EFMP's objectives and functions could improve understanding for the general public.
Furthermore, while the document mentions the duration of time required for each response, it does not discuss the potential financial costs incurred by participants. Offering this information might provide a clearer picture of the overall respondent burden.
Additionally, the instructions for submitting comments are somewhat terse. More comprehensive guidance could assist those unfamiliar with the process, encouraging broader participation. An elaboration on the role and importance of the "Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer" might also offer valuable context for those interested in the procedural aspects of the request.
Broader Public Impact
Broadly, this document is an effort to refine and enhance the efficiency and consistency of the EFMP. By gathering input from the public, the DoD seeks to ensure that the planned improvements adequately address the needs of military families with special needs. The initiative could lead to more seamless transitions between service locations, fostering better support for these families.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Military Families: This proposal has significant potential benefits for military families with special needs. A standardized assessment and support procedure could minimize disruptions and inconsistencies as families move between installations, particularly those needing a PCS to joint bases or sister-service locations.
DoD and Military Installations: For the DoD and related military facilities, implementing a uniform process could lead to operational efficiencies and enhanced coordination between different branches. It could improve resource allocation and service delivery across diverse installations.
General Public and Potential Respondents: Public participants, including interested citizens and advocacy groups for special needs services, are invited to share their perspectives. Their input could influence the development and refinement of the EFMP, ensuring that the final process reflects diverse insights and needs.
In conclusion, the document is a crucial step in seeking public engagement to better serve military families with special needs. However, enhancing clarity and providing additional context could amplify the effectiveness of this public consultation process.
Issues
• The document assumes familiarity with specific programs such as Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), which might not be clear to all readers. A brief description or purpose of the EFMP could enhance understanding.
• The call for comments regarding the information collection proposal might benefit from more detailed guidance on what kind of feedback is being sought from the public, which could facilitate more useful responses.
• While the document outlines the time burden per response (30 minutes), there is no mention of the potential monetary cost to respondents, which could be useful information.
• The instructions for submitting comments via the website (www.reginfo.gov) are somewhat concise. More detailed, step-by-step instructions might assist respondents unfamiliar with the process.
• The document references an 'Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer' without elaborating on the role or its significance in the process, which could be helpful for understanding the context.