FR 2025-02056

The recent notice from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, specifically its Departmental Offices, provides important information regarding its plan to submit requests for information collection to the Office of Management and Budget. This submission is conducted in alignment with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The primary focus is to collect qualitative feedback intended for enhancing service delivery by the U.S. Mint. It's noteworthy that public comments on these requests are solicited and should be submitted by March 3, 2025.

General Summary

The document outlines a procedural step where the Department of the Treasury seeks approval from the Office of Management and Budget to continue collecting qualitative feedback. This means gathering insights from individuals and businesses to improve the services provided by the U.S. Mint. The feedback consists primarily of non-statistical data collected through methods such as surveys and focus groups, aiming to fine-tune products and services based on customer perceptions and opinions. It's projected that this initiative will involve up to 250,000 responses annually, with the time commitment for respondents ranging from a brief three minutes to an extended two hours.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable concern lies in the use of the term "qualitative feedback," which might not be universally understood without further clarification or context. This feedback type is distinct from quantitative data and could benefit from examples to illustrate how it aids service improvements.

Additionally, a significant range in the estimated time per response—from three minutes to two hours—might raise questions. A more detailed explanation of what types of responses require longer participation would improve understanding.

The timeline statement about the submission to the OMB, noted as "on or after the date of publication of this notice," lacks precision. It's somewhat vague, which might cause confusion about when exactly this process begins.

Furthermore, the document references Executive Order 12862 without offering an explanation or context for those unaware of its significance, potentially hindering comprehension.

Finally, there seems to be limited transparency regarding how the feedback will specifically lead to improvements. There's a generalized mention of feedback collection without detailing the processes or specific changes that might occur as a result.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, particularly those who engage with the services of the U.S. Mint, this document signifies an opportunity for their opinions to be heard, potentially influencing the quality and effectiveness of services offered. The call for public comments opens a channel for individuals to express their views on the initiative, providing a sense of inclusion and participation in governmental processes.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders like the U.S. Mint itself, the ability to gather and analyze qualitative feedback stands as a valuable opportunity to align their offerings more closely with customer expectations and needs. This could lead to improved customer satisfaction and enhanced product offerings.

Conversely, individuals and businesses required to provide feedback might view this as a time-consuming task, especially if they are asked to provide input frequently or if the nature of the feedback solicited is extensive.

In conclusion, while the document sets forth an initiative promising to enhance service delivery through public participation, clear explanations and transparent methodologies would help alleviate potential misunderstandings or concerns about how this feedback will ultimately be utilized.