FR 2024-31475

The document, released by the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, details a notice related to collecting information as prescribed by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This involves two specific forms: VA Form 26-0967 and VA Form 26-0967a, which applicants of Specially Adaptive Housing Assistive Technology grants need to provide. The purpose is to determine eligibility and assign scores for grant awards. The public has been invited to comment on this proposed information collection by February 3, 2025.

Summary and Purpose

This Federal Register notice centers around procedural compliance with a federal mandate that requires public input when agencies collect certain information. Specifically, the Department of Veterans Affairs aims to continue using forms related to adaptive housing grants for veterans, ensuring that candidates meet necessary criteria for grant eligibility and receive a fair review based on their application responses.

Issues and Concerns

Several issues arise from this document which may affect understanding and participation:

• Lack of Detailed Explanation: The notice references specific forms and scoring criteria but does not provide details on VA Form 26-0967 or the six scoring criteria mentioned. This omission could lead to confusion about the forms' real purpose and how they fit into the grant application process.

• Complex Language and Legal References: The document uses technical jargon and legal references such as "U.S.C. 2108" and "44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq." that might be challenging for a general audience. These references may prevent individuals from easily understanding their implications on the application process.

• Understanding Burden and Process: There’s a noted estimation that completing these forms would take approximately 120 minutes. Without a provided rationale or breakdown, this timeframe might seem excessive and discouraging, especially for individual applicants who may lack resources or assistance.

• Difficult Comment Submission Process: The outlined process to submit comments through the reginfo.gov portal appears convoluted. This complexity could deter public participation and limit valuable input from stakeholders who are directly affected by these regulations.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

For the general public, especially veterans interested in adapting their housing through these grants, this notice carries significant implications. Positive impacts include the continuation of financial support aimed at enhancing living conditions for eligible veterans. Yet, the complexity and perceived opacity of the information collection process could discourage participation.

Specific stakeholders such as veterans and advocacy organizations may view this notice as both an opportunity and a challenge. While it ensures a chance to influence regulatory procedures, the lack of transparent detail and accessibility could dampen enthusiasm and confidence in the application process.

In summary, while this document adheres to obligatory bureaucratic processes, it underlines the need for governmental notices to provide clearer, more accessible communication. Doing so would empower all stakeholders, particularly those directly impacted by these regulations, to engage more effectively and with greater understanding in the regulatory process.