Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Army wants to check if family members of people who work at stores for soldiers can still shop there, and they asked for permission to collect some information about this. People can give their opinions on this idea until February 10, 2025.
Summary AI
The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, has issued a notice regarding a proposal for collecting information, which has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The proposal seeks to update the Exchange Official Personnel Folder and includes changes to Exchange Form 1100-016. The purpose of the information collection is to authorize or continue shopping privileges for exchange associates' dependents. Public comments on this proposal will be accepted until February 10, 2025, and written comments can be submitted through the reginfo.gov website.
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 recent notice from the Department of Defense (DoD), particularly the Department of the Army, presents a proposal for the collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. The objective is to collect information from Exchange employee dependents who request shopping privileges, thereby updating the Exchange Official Personnel Folder, and involves modifications to Exchange Form 1100-016. Public comments on this proposal are invited until February 10, 2025, via the reginfo.gov website.
Summary of the Document
The main focus of this document is to inform the public about a proposal in which the DoD aims to streamline the process for exchange associates' dependents to gain or maintain eligibility as patrons of exchange facilities. It details the necessity of obtaining authorization for these individuals through a structured application process, culminating in the issuance of a personalized, laminated card. This document invites public scrutiny and feedback, as it undergoes review by the OMB.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise upon reviewing this proposal:
Cost and Budget Implications: The document lacks specific information regarding the potential costs or the financial burden associated with processing Exchange Form 1100-016. Without these details, stakeholders might find it difficult to assess the financial efficiency of the proposal.
Justification and Frequency: There is no explicit rationale for the frequency and necessity of data collection. The recurring need to authorize shopping privileges might appear administratively burdensome, potentially being perceived as an unnecessary use of resources.
Complexity of Language: The section outlining the "Needs and Uses" of the information collection is somewhat convoluted, which could lead to confusion among the respondents. Simplifying this section would greatly enhance comprehension and compliance.
Ambiguity in Terminology: The use of terms like "patronage" lacks clarity. Clarifying these terms would be beneficial to avoid misunderstandings regarding who is eligible for these shopping privileges.
Efficiency Concerns: No mention is made of potential alternatives or simplified methods to achieve the same ends, which might raise questions about the efficiency of the proposed process.
Potential Public Impact
Broadly speaking, the proposal could affect exchange employees and their dependents who seek shopping access within DoD facilities. The broader public is unlikely to experience direct impact, as the process is primarily internal to the DoD. However, the public comment period invites engagement and transparency, potentially increasing public trust in the DoD's administrative procedures.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For the specific stakeholders, namely exchange employees and their families, this proposal might pose mixed outcomes:
Positive Impacts: By standardizing and potentially streamlining the process, stakeholders might experience a more structured pathway to obtain privileges, which could improve their access to desired resources.
Negative Impacts: The lack of clarity and efficiency, as currently described, might lead to frustrations and delays in gaining the needed shopping privileges. Additionally, if the process is deemed cost-inefficient, it could heighten concerns over wasted resources that could have been used elsewhere.
In conclusion, the notice serves as a call for participation and input from interested parties. By addressing the outlined issues, the DoD could enhance transparency, efficiency, and overall satisfaction with the process.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed information on the potential costs or budget implications related to the issuance and processing of Exchange Form 1100-016.
• There is no clear justification or rationale provided for the necessity and frequency of the information collection as it relates to obtaining shopping privileges, which could raise concerns about the potential wastefulness of the administrative process.
• The text describing the 'Needs and Uses' section is somewhat complex and might be difficult for some respondents to fully comprehend, potentially leading to confusion about the requirements and processes involved.
• The use of the term 'patronage' in the context of eligible Exchange patrons is somewhat ambiguous and could be clarified to avoid any misunderstanding regarding the scope and nature of shopping privileges being discussed.
• No alternative options or simpler processes are suggested for obtaining shopping privileges, which could raise concerns about the efficiency of the current method.