Overview
Title
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Army wants to hear what people think about a new rule where food sellers need to ask permission to cook and sell food on Army places. They're asking if people can send their thoughts by February 10, 2025.
Summary AI
The Department of the Army, part of the Department of Defense, is seeking public comments on a proposal for collecting information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This proposal involves the use of DD Form 2970, which food vendors must submit to operate a temporary food establishment on military installations. The purpose of this information collection is to assess the food vendor's capability to safely prepare and serve food according to military standards. The deadline for submitting comments is February 10, 2025, and those interested can find more details or submit comments through a designated government 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 recently published notice from the Department of the Army under the Department of Defense seeks public commentary on a proposed information collection effort as mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act. This initiative principally revolves around the use of a particular form, identified as DD Form 2970, which potential food vendors are required to submit if they intend to operate temporary food establishments on military installations. The document outlines the necessary steps and contact information for those interested in making their opinions heard by February 10, 2025.
General Summary
The document outlines an established protocol whereby food vendors must demonstrate their ability to safely prepare and dispense food, compliant with military standards, through the completion of DD Form 2970. The purpose of gathering this information is to ensure safety and uphold public health standards on military installations.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable challenge within this document is the technical language used, which may pose barriers to understanding for individuals unfamiliar with military or public health procedures. References to specific forms and codes, such as the DD Form 2970 and the Tri-Service Food Code, could be bewildering to those without experience in this field.
Moreover, the document lacks comprehensive guidance on how food vendors can obtain and complete this crucial form, potentially leading to confusion. The absence of detailed approval criteria used by the Preventive Medicine or Public Health Activity may also be seen as lacking transparency, possibly causing unease among stakeholders about the fairness and objectivity of the assessment process.
The contact details provided in the document present another area for potential confusion, given that it includes both a phone number and an email address. Stakeholders, especially those not comfortable with digital communication, may find this dual approach either overwhelming or inadequate depending on their communication preferences.
Additionally, while the document states that vendor participation is "voluntary," this could be misleading because, logically, completion of the form likely becomes mandatory for those wishing to conduct business on military sites.
Impact on the Public
Generally, this proposal is unlikely to impact the broader public directly, as it is primarily focused on food vendors looking to operate on specific military premises. However, it indirectly affects public health and safety by ensuring that only vendors meeting strict safety criteria are allowed to serve food on military sites.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders like food vendors seeking opportunities to expand their businesses onto military installations, this document's guidance is both a potential gateway and a barrier. On the positive side, those who successfully navigate the form submission process and meet safety guidelines may find new business opportunities. Conversely, the lack of detailed instructions and criteria transparency may discourage participation or lead to the failure of otherwise capable vendors to attain approval.
This document serves as an essential reminder to decision-makers within military installations about the importance of clear communication and stakeholder engagement, especially when involving new processes or requirements. Better clarity and transparency could significantly improve stakeholder relations and enhance compliance and cooperation.
Issues
• The document uses technical jargon and references specific forms and codes (e.g., DD Form 2970, Tri-Service Food Code) which might not be immediately clear to those unfamiliar with military or public health procedures.
• The document mentions the need for a food vendor to submit an application for operating on a military installation but does not provide detailed instructions on how to obtain or complete the DD Form 2970, potentially leading to confusion.
• There is limited information regarding the criteria used by the Preventive Medicine or Public Health Activity to approve or disapprove vendors, which might be perceived as non-transparent.
• The contact information for further inquiries is provided but might be unclear to some stakeholders as it uses multiple means - a phone number and an email address - that might not align with all stakeholders' preferences.
• The document states that the respondent's obligation is 'voluntary,' which could be ambiguous if participation is actually mandatory for certain vendors wishing to operate on military installations.