Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Defense wants to collect information about bad things that happen in the military, like unwanted touching, and they are asking for people's thoughts about this plan. They want to make sure they hear what everyone thinks before February 5, 2025.
Summary AI
The Department of Defense (DoD) has submitted a proposal to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to collect information about sexual assault incidents in the military as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act. This proposal includes maintaining a database with details such as the nature of the assault, the individuals involved, and the outcomes of any investigations. The proposal also covers reporting on retaliation claims related to sexual assault cases. Public comments on this plan will be accepted until February 5, 2025.
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 Federal Register document presented is a submission by the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding the collection of information related to sexual assault incidents within the military. This submission is made under the Paperwork Reduction Act, which aims to streamline and regulate the federal paperwork burden. Public comments on this proposal are invited until February 5, 2025.
General Summary
The notice outlines a proposal to gather comprehensive data about sexual assault cases involving military personnel. This includes details about the assault, victims, alleged offenders, and the outcomes of investigations. Additionally, the proposal includes provisions for reporting retaliation claims related to sexual assault cases. Such data collection is intended to fulfill specific legislative requirements and aid in the preparation of annual reports on sexual assault in the military.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several pertinent issues arise from this document:
Data Utilization: While the document clearly states the legislative requirements, it lacks specific details on how the collected data will be utilized beyond fulfilling these reporting mandates. This absence raises concerns about potential wasteful spending or underutilization of the data.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Given the sensitive nature of the data being collected, particularly with regard to sexual assault cases, there is a notable omission of information regarding privacy and confidentiality measures. Ensuring the protection of individuals' personal information is critical in such sensitive matters.
Cost and Budget Transparency: The document does not provide any insight into the costs associated with implementing and maintaining this centralized database. Understanding these financial obligations is important for transparency and accountability.
Clarity of Legislative References: The references to specific sections of Public Laws are presented in technical language that may be challenging for a layperson to understand. This could hinder public engagement and understanding of the proposal.
Public Feedback Impact: There is no mention of how public comments will influence the process or what changes might be made based on such feedback. This lack of transparency can reduce the perceived value of public participation.
Data Retention and Disposal: The document does not specify the duration for which the collected data will be retained or the conditions for its disposal, which are important considerations for long-term data management and privacy concerns.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
The document's implications for the public are twofold. Firstly, it provides an opportunity for public engagement through the comment period, allowing individuals to voice concerns or support for the proposal. However, the lack of clarity and detail about how public input might lead to adjustments could limit the perceived effectiveness of this opportunity.
For specific stakeholders, such as military personnel and advocacy groups focused on sexual assault, the proposal's outcomes can have significant implications. A well-implemented and effectively used database could enhance accountability and improve support systems for victims. Conversely, if the concerns about privacy and data use are not addressed, it could lead to distrust and reluctance among individuals to report incidents.
In summary, while the DoD's proposal to collect detailed information on military sexual assault cases is mandated by legislative requirements and could lead to positive systemic changes, the document raises several unanswered questions about data use, privacy, cost, and public engagement. These concerns need to be addressed to ensure transparency, accountability, and trust in the initiative.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific details on how the collected data will be utilized beyond fulfilling reporting requirements, which could raise concerns about potential wasteful spending or privacy issues if the data is not effectively used.
• There is no specific mention of measures taken to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals whose information is collected, which is critical for sensitive topics like sexual assault.
• The document lacks clear information on any cost analysis or budget involved in the implementation and maintenance of the centralized database, which could highlight potential financial concerns.
• The language used to describe the legislative directives (e.g., sections of Public Laws) is technical and may be difficult for laypersons to understand without additional context.
• There is no information on how feedback from the public will impact the process or what changes, if any, can be expected based on public comments.
• The document does not specify how long the collected data will be retained or the conditions for data disposal, raising potential concerns about long-term data management.