Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; National Civilian Community Corps Impact Studies
Agencies
ELI5 AI
AmeriCorps wants to ask people questions about a program that helps train leaders and improve communities, and they need to make sure asking these questions is worth it and not too hard for people to do. They are asking people to tell them what they think about this plan by March 24, 2025.
Summary AI
The Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps) is seeking public comments on its proposal to reinstate a data collection for the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) impact studies. These studies aim to evaluate the effectiveness of NCCC programs in developing leaders, strengthening communities, and retaining participants throughout their service. The information collection had previously expired, and AmeriCorps intends to gather feedback on various aspects of the proposed data collection, including its necessity and potential burden on respondents. Comments are invited and must be submitted by March 24, 2025.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Corporation for National and Community Service (operating as AmeriCorps) is proposing to reinstate an information collection.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under discussion is a notice from the Corporation for National and Community Service, known as AmeriCorps, detailing a proposed reinstatement of data collection activities for the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) impact studies. This is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. AmeriCorps seeks public feedback on whether resuming this data collection will effectively evaluate the development of leadership, community strengthening, and retention of participants in the NCCC programs. The previously approved information collection expired at the end of 2022, and comments are welcomed until March 24, 2025.
Issues and Concerns
One significant concern with the document is the clarity of the estimated burden on respondents. The document states that there will be 300 annual responses with a total estimated annual burden of 190 hours. However, it does not provide a clear explanation of how these numbers were specifically calculated or what they mean for each respondent's time commitment. This could lead to confusion about the real impact of participating in the data collection process.
Another point of ambiguity lies in the use of technical jargon such as "OMB Control Number" and "type of review," which can be challenging for the general public to understand without additional context or explanation. Including a brief description of these terms would make the document more accessible.
Additionally, there is mention of not including "confidential nature" information in submitted comments without a clear definition of what constitutes such information. This could create uncertainty for those wishing to comment, potentially discouraging participation due to fears of inadvertently sharing sensitive information.
The document also invites suggestions on how to minimize the burden on respondents but does not provide any starting points or examples. Offering concrete suggestions could facilitate more focused and constructive feedback from stakeholders.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
The public may be broadly impacted by this document as it seeks to ensure AmeriCorps efficiently collects data that can lead to informed policy decisions and improvements in the NCCC program. For those involved in or benefiting from AmeriCorps programs, such as program participants and communities served, the outcome of this data collection could influence the structure and focus of future AmeriCorps initiatives.
For specific stakeholders, including potential respondents to the data collection, this document could impact the decision of whether or not to participate based on perceived burden and clarity of the request. The engagement and feedback from these individuals are crucial as they provide firsthand insights that could shape the effectiveness and relevance of the NCCC programs.
Meanwhile, AmeriCorps benefits from obtaining valuable data to evaluate and enhance the program's effectiveness, which can lead to improvements that benefit both the participants and the communities they serve. However, the success of this data collection depends significantly on addressing the issues identified, ensuring that participation is seen as valuable and manageable.
Issues
• The document could clarify how the estimated annual burden hours (190 hours) relate to the number of annual responses (300 responses). It is not immediately clear how these figures were derived and whether they accurately reflect the time commitment required for each respondent.
• The document uses technical terms related to the information collection process (e.g., 'OMB Control Number,' 'type of review') that might not be immediately clear to the general public. A brief explanation of these terms could enhance understanding.
• While the document details the method for submitting comments, it doesn't specify what constitutes acceptable 'confidential nature' information that should not be included, which could be ambiguous for potential commenters.
• The document mentions 'ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents,' but it does not provide examples or suggestions that could potentially guide public comment, thus missing an opportunity for directed feedback.