FR 2025-03220

The document titled "Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; DOL Generic Solution for Funding Opportunity Announcements" outlines the Department of Labor's (DOL) request for public comments on its intention to extend a data collection initiative. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline the process of awarding grants, ensuring that the most qualified applicants receive funding. The request is submitted in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and is sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM).

General Summary

The essence of the document revolves around DOL's practice of soliciting applications for grants through Funding Opportunity Announcements. To facilitate this, applicants are required to complete and submit a two-part application, which includes a standardized form and a technical proposal. The document requests feedback on specific aspects, such as the necessity, utility, and burden of this data collection. Comments are to be submitted to Nora Hernandez by April 29, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One notable issue is the lack of clarity surrounding the types of projects or entities eligible for these funding opportunities. This absence of specificity may lead to confusion among potential applicants about whether they qualify or what types of projects are supported.

The estimated time commitment for applicants is another concern, as it suggests that each response requires 50 hours of work. The document does not explain why such a significant time investment is necessary, which might deter entities from applying, especially smaller organizations with limited resources.

Furthermore, while the document claims that there are no additional costs associated with this process, it raises the question of whether there might be hidden costs that are not adequately disclosed.

The use of technical jargon and regulatory terms without sufficient explanation makes the document less accessible to a broad audience. Potential applicants might find it challenging to comprehend the requirements, possibly leading to errors or incomplete submissions.

Lastly, there is an absence of guidance or resources to help applicants navigate this complex application process. Given the high estimated time burden, assistance could be invaluable in supporting potential applicants.

Broad Public Impact

This document has the potential to affect various public and private sectors that may benefit from DOL grants. The open comment period allows for the public to voice concerns or suggest improvements, potentially shaping future funding processes to be more inclusive and efficient.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Positive Impact:

For entities eligible for grant funding, a more efficient and clarified process could lead to better access to necessary financial support. Ideally, this could foster innovative projects that contribute positively to society.

Negative Impact:

However, without significant changes, the process could remain burdensome and difficult to navigate, especially for smaller or less resourced organizations. This could discourage these entities from applying, thus missing opportunities for growth and development.

Conclusion

In summation, while the document aims to enhance the grant application process under the DOL, there are several areas where it could benefit from greater clarity and support. By addressing these issues, the DOL may improve the process's inclusivity, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. Public feedback during this open comment period will be crucial in shaping a more efficient and equitable system for future funding opportunities.

The document under review refers to the Department of Labor's (DOL) request for public comments on extending the information collection titled "DOL Generic Solution for Funding Opportunity Announcements," outlined under OMB Control Number 1225-0086. This document details an information collection request that federal agencies like the DOL utilize to manage applications for grant funding effectively.

One significant aspect of this notice is the Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden, which is listed as $0. This means that, according to the document, there are no additional costs expected to be incurred by applicants as part of the application process other than the time investment. This is a crucial point for potential applicants considering the application, as it suggests there will be no financial outlay required beyond the applicant’s time and effort in preparing the submission.

Considerations on the Financial Reference

1. No Additional Financial Costs: The document states that the estimated annual other costs burden associated with this information collection is $0. This suggests applicants won't face any application fees or related charges, which is particularly relevant for entities operating with limited budgets, such as state, local, and tribal governments, or non-profit organizations.

2. High Time Commitment: Despite the absence of direct financial costs, the document estimates an Average Time per Response as 50 hours. This translates into a substantial time investment, implicating an indirect financial impact in terms of labor or opportunity cost. For organizations with limited staffing resources, this could indirectly result in expenses that, while not directly financial in terms of fees, affect economic factors like labor allocation.

3. Potential Hidden Costs: While the document explicitly mentions there are no other annual costs beyond the estimated time burden, potential applicants may still be concerned about hidden costs not detailed in the notice. These might include engaging additional consultants or allocating current staff time, particularly for complex technical or legal requirements involved in preparing the application thoroughly.

Overall, the document's assertion of a $0 other costs burden is likely reassuring for budget-constrained applicants but requires careful consideration of indirect costs associated with the significant time investment. For applicants, the absence of direct financial expenditures encourages participation, although they must still evaluate internal resources needed to meet application requirements.