FR 2025-01254

The document from the Federal Register details a request by the Department of Labor (DOL) for public comments on a proposed information collection effort, related to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This request is made to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. The focus of the information collection is the SCSEP Older Workers Study Impact Evaluation, which seeks to help low-income seniors, aged 55 and older, find private-sector, unsubsidized employment through job training and placement activities.

General Summary

Overall, the document announces the availability of an Information Collection Request (ICR) for public review and comment. It invites stakeholders and the general public to provide feedback on the scope and necessity of the data collection, its estimated burden, and its intended outcomes. The deadline for comments is specified as February 20, 2025. This public involvement is part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One significant issue is the placeholder label for the OMB Control Number ("1290-0NEW"), indicating that a definite control number has yet to be assigned. This could lead to confusion or a perceived lack of completeness in the request.

The document also provides broad estimates, such as the number of respondents (1,600) and the total annual time burden (400 hours), but offers limited transparency on how these numbers were derived. Without a detailed breakdown, stakeholders may find it challenging to assess the accuracy or reasonableness of these estimates.

Additionally, the language includes references to specific legal codes (e.g., "5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6"), which may be inaccessible to individuals without a legal background. Making this information clearer and more approachable could enhance public understanding and engagement.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, particularly those eligible for the SCSEP, this document represents an effort to improve job placement assistance for older workers through data collection and evaluation. Public comments allow individuals to voice their thoughts on the design and implementation of the study, potentially influencing its effectiveness.

From a broader perspective, this information collection could enhance employment opportunities for older, low-income Americans, aiding in poverty reduction and economic inclusion. However, without clearly explained methodology and rationale for the estimates provided, prospective respondents may remain uncertain about the impact on their time and resources.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders like nonprofit organizations, community service providers, and advocacy groups working with older adults, this document is critical. These entities might use the opportunity to suggest improvements and advocate for practices that would benefit their clients.

Organizations that could be involved in data collection might face changes in processes or resource allocation based on the outcome of the feedback and subsequent implementation of the information collection. Positive engagement with the feedback process could lead to more effective data gathering techniques, influencing the future direction of SCSEP-related initiatives.

In summary, while the document offers a pathway for public engagement and potential improvements in assisting older workers, clarity, transparency, and accessible language will be key to maximizing participation and effectiveness.

The document outlines the Department of Labor's (DOL) submission of an information collection request related to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This program aims to assist low-income seniors in finding employment through job training and placement activities. A noteworthy aspect of the document is its reference to the financial aspects and burdens associated with this program.

Financial References:

The document provides a few key financial metrics related to the information collection process. It states a "Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden" of $0. This suggests that beyond the direct time burden calculated for respondents, there are no additional costs anticipated for the respondents in terms of participating in this information collection.

This financial estimate indicates an intention to minimize direct out-of-pocket expenses for participants involved in this survey or study. The goal seems to be to reduce barriers for individuals or households, encouraging participation without financial burdens that may deter them from contributing valuable information necessary for the study.

Relation to Identified Issues:

Despite this mention of zero additional costs, there appears to be a lack of detailed information on how other estimates, such as the "Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,600" and the "Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 400 hours", were calculated. Greater transparency and explanation of these figures would enhance understanding and improve confidence in these estimates, addressing one of the document's noted issues. Specifically, understanding how the estimated time burden translates into actual financial or opportunity costs for participants would provide a more comprehensive picture of the potential financial implications of participating in the study.

Additionally, the document labels the OMB Control Number as "1290-0NEW", which appears to be a placeholder and should be updated with a valid control number once assigned. This aspect, while not directly a financial issue, relates to procedural transparency, which indirectly contributes to understanding financial appropriations and allocations tied to administrative processes.

Overall, while the document emphasizes the absence of additional financial costs for respondents, a deeper, more accessible breakdown of the estimates would benefit the clarity and transparency of the financial aspects surrounding this information collection activity. Additionally, clear documentation and assignment of valid control numbers would ensure proper oversight and validation of the financial processes involved.