Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection Renewal; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FDIC wants to know what people think about renewing a process that checks if job applicants are good and honest before they can work for them. They're asking if this check is really needed and how to make it less of a hassle for people who have to do it.
Summary AI
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is seeking comments regarding the renewal of an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This collection, identified as OMB Control No. 3064-0121, involves a certification of compliance with mandatory bars to employment, ensuring job applicants meet minimum standards of integrity. Comments are invited on the necessity and practicality of this information collection, as well as suggestions for improving its quality and reducing the burden on respondents. Responses must be submitted by April 2, 2025.
Abstract
The FDIC, as part of its obligations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the request to renew the existing information collection described below (OMB Control No. 3064-0121). The notice of proposed renewal for this information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2024, allowing for a 60-day comment period.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register is a notice issued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), inviting public comment on the proposed renewal of an information collection process under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, identified by the control number 3064-0121. This process involves a certification of compliance associated with employment eligibility at the FDIC, primarily focused on ensuring candidates meet the minimum standards of integrity and character.
General Summary
The FDIC is currently in the process of renewing a data collection protocol related to hiring, which obliges potential employees to certify that they do not fall into specific barred categories, such as individuals who have been convicted of felonies. This initiative aims to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of the organization by establishing clear and comprehensive standards for applicants. Despite the current federal hiring freeze, the FDIC is paving the way for this renewal to be ready for future hires once the freeze is lifted. Comments from the public and other federal agencies are requested by April 2, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
A few notable issues are associated with this document. The FDIC has not provided detailed reasoning or breakdowns regarding the increase in the estimated burden on applicants, which has risen from 88 hours in 2022 to 144 hours in this renewal. Such an increase in hours suggests enhanced scrutiny or an uptick in the number of applicants—however, the lack of transparency makes it challenging to evaluate the necessity or the efficiency of such a change.
Additionally, the document frequently references specific statutes and regulations, using technical jargon which may not be accessible or easily understood by general readers. This lack of plain language may impede comprehension and limit meaningful public commentary.
Public Impact
The impact on the public at large is relatively limited, as this particular FDIC information collection affects a select group: individuals seeking employment with the corporation. However, the broader implications of establishing stringent employment policies touch upon the institutional responsibility to maintain fairness, accountability, and high ethical standards within federal bodies.
Stakeholder Impact
Specific stakeholders, particularly job seekers who aspire to work at the FDIC, are directly impacted by this process. These applicants face additional documentation and time requirements due to the enhanced burden estimate, which might discourage some potential candidates or necessitate more detailed preparation.
For the FDIC and its associated administration, the thorough vetting of employees serves as a quality control mechanism ensuring capable and ethically sound personnel, thereby strengthening public trust. This methodology supports the institution's commitment to rigorous standards, though it simultaneously imposes administrative and methodological pressures on both the agency and applicants.
In summary, while the document seeks to bolster procedural integrity and allow public feedback, certain complexities and bureaucratic jargon could hinder broader public engagement and understanding. Enhanced clarity and transparency in explaining these regulatory requirements would unduly serve all interested parties.
Issues
• The document mentions a Federal hiring freeze, which could impact the necessity and timing of renewing the information collection, yet it is not clear if this has been fully considered in the decision to proceed with the renewal.
• The document does not provide a breakdown of the estimated increase in burden from 88 hours in 2022 to 144 hours, which could help in understanding the need for this renewal.
• The method for calculating the burden estimate, including considerations for the increase in respondents, is not transparent or detailed, making it difficult to assess the accuracy and validity of these estimates.
• The document references a public law and specific regulations without explaining them in lay terms, which could make it challenging for general public or stakeholders unfamiliar with these terms to fully understand the implications.
• The document might assume readers are familiar with the existing process and regulations (e.g., 12 CFR part 336, subpart B), which may not be the case, potentially limiting the effectiveness of public comments.