Overview
Title
Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) Participant Letter(s) of Interest (LoI)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Commerce wants people to share their thoughts about a plan to work together on computer safety projects. They invite tech companies to say if they're interested in joining, but the details about the projects and how people will be picked are a bit fuzzy.
Summary AI
The Department of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking public comments on its information collection request related to the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) Participant Letter of Interest (LoI). This request is part of a regular review and extension of a currently approved collection concerning collaborative cybersecurity projects. Interested technology providers are encouraged to submit Letters of Interest to participate. Comments on the proposed information collection can be submitted online within 30 days of the notice's publication.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Department of Commerce, via the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), seeks public comment on its information collection effort linked to the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) Participant Letter of Interest (LoI). This request forms part of a routine review to extend an approved program and involves inviting technology providers to engage in collaborative cybersecurity initiatives. The current notice allows a 30-day window for public input following an earlier 60-day comment period. Stakeholders can submit their thoughts on the proposed information collection process online.
Significant Issues and Concerns
While the document lays out the basic framework of the call for interest, several aspects could benefit from clarification:
Objective Clarity: The document does not specify what particular cybersecurity challenges these collaborative projects aim to address. This oversight might lead to confusion or misalignment among potential participants.
Outcome Utilization: There is an absence of detailed information on how the results of these collaborative endeavors will be employed or disseminated. Understanding the eventual use and impact of the results would give participants more context for their involvement.
Selection Process Transparency: The method by which NIST chooses participants from the submitted Letters of Interest is not described. This lack of detail could lead to perceptions of bias or favoritism, which can be problematic in a competitive selection landscape.
Effort and Resource Assumptions: The stated burden hours and time per response assume a certain level of effort from participants but do not clarify how these estimates were formulated. Providing a rationale for these figures could enhance understanding and acceptance.
Cost Considerations: The document does not mention any potential costs associated with submitting an LoI or joining the projects. Knowing whether financial resources are necessary would be important for potential participants when evaluating their ability to participate.
Understanding the Template: The reference to an LoI template is made without detailing its contents or availability, which could hinder technology providers in deciding whether and how to apply.
Broad Public Impact
For the broader public, this initiative signifies ongoing efforts by federal agencies to strengthen cybersecurity measures. The call for technology providers to engage in projects reflects a cooperative approach, which could lead to more robust and diverse solutions to pressing cybersecurity issues. However, the public's confidence in the process might be affected by the uncertainty surrounding the selection procedures and the intended outcomes of the projects.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Technology Providers: These stakeholders may view this as an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and contribute to national cybersecurity improvements. However, without a clear understanding of project goals or selection criteria, they might be hesitant to invest their resources in preparing an LoI.
Businesses and Industry Participants: Companies that typically benefit from advancements in cybersecurity might stand to gain from enhanced protective measures developed through these projects. Nevertheless, transparency issues could pose concerns regarding equitable access to participate and benefit from the program.
Overall Commentary
While the intent to invite participation in cybersecurity challenges is laudable, the federal notice would be strengthened by greater detail in key areas. Clearly defined objectives, transparent processes, and a comprehensive view of the implications for those involved would not only attract contributions from capable stakeholders but also ensure that the public interest is adequately served.
Issues
• The document does not provide a detailed explanation of what specific cybersecurity challenges the collaborative projects aim to address, which may result in ambiguity for potential participants.
• There is no information on how the results of the participation will be utilized, which may raise questions about the effectiveness and impact of the initiative.
• The document lacks details on how the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will select participants from the Letters of Interest (LoI), which could lead to perceptions of favoritism.
• The burden hours and the average hours per response indicate an assumption of effort required, but there is no explanation for how these were calculated, which could be considered unclear.
• There is no information on whether there are any costs involved in submitting an LoI or participating in the projects, which might be a concern for transparency.
• The use of the term 'LoI template' could be seen as unclear without providing specific details on what the template includes or where it can be accessed.