Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC is asking people to help figure out ways to make filling out paperwork easier, especially for small businesses, and wants everyone to share their ideas by April 4, 2025, on how to do this better.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments on reducing paperwork burdens related to information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They are particularly interested in ways to lessen the burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC forms mentioned, such as the FCC Forms 472, 473, and 474, involve paperwork for the Universal Service Support Program and will see a revision to address new certification requirements. Comments should be submitted by April 4, 2025, via the www.reginfo.gov website and emailed to Nicole Ongele at the FCC.
Abstract
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might "further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees." The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document invites the public to give their input on minimizing paperwork burdens as part of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) continual efforts, which aligns with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The focus extends to considering how small businesses, especially those with fewer than 25 employees, could face reduced informational burdens. To move forward, the FCC opens the floor to comments on certain forms related to the Universal Service Support Program.
General Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making a call for public comments concerning measures that could lighten the load of paperwork requirements. This initiative takes into account perspectives from both the public and governmental bodies. Comments are particularly invited to help reduce the impact on small businesses with fewer employees. Affected forms include FCC Forms 472, 473, and 474, which are part of the Universal Service Support Program, and these forms will undergo some changes primarily in relation to new certification standards.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several concerns surface when dissecting the document. Initially, no precise criteria are laid out to assess the outcome of proposed changes in reducing paperwork burdens. This is particularly significant for small businesses, the very group the changes are supposed to aid. Moreover, while the document mentions an increase in the burden by 50,865 hours due to revised forms, it lacks clarity on how this increase is justified or deemed efficient. Simplifying the language used throughout could also allow non-expert stakeholders, including small businesses, to better understand the requirements.
Despite an increase in burden hours, the report states there is "No cost" involved. This peculiar assertion would demand an explanation, particularly when the increased burden implies otherwise. Additionally, there is a hefty reliance on statutory references without adequate context, potentially confusing readers unfamiliar with these legislative references. Furthermore, the absence of communication strategies to inform small businesses about their stated responsibilities under updated regulations leaves a notable gap.
Potential Impact on the Public
Broadly, the public could experience both positive and negative impacts. Efforts to reduce paperwork could streamline operations for businesses and public agencies alike, however, increased burden hours and insufficient communication strategies might offset these benefits.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Small businesses represent a key stakeholder group that could see varied consequences. While the larger aim seeks to reduce their burden, uncertainty surrounding the execution and communication of new processes might impede the realization of benefits for these entities. Meanwhile, other stakeholders might struggle with understanding complex regulatory descriptions, which could pose obstacles to compliance and effective participation in programs like Universal Service.
Ultimately, solidifying clear communication, explicit criteria, and comprehensive resources for understanding regulatory changes might align the FCC's initiative toward genuinely relieving paperwork burdens for targeted small business sectors and beyond.
Issues
• The document does not specify any measures or criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed changes in reducing paperwork burdens, particularly for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
• There is a lack of detailed explanation regarding how the increase in the public burden by 50,865 hours for FCC Forms 472, 473, and 474 will achieve the desired outcomes efficiently.
• The language used in the document, particularly in the 'Needs and Uses' section, could be simplified to enhance understanding for a broader audience, including small businesses and non-expert stakeholders.
• There is no mention of potential costs associated with implementing the revised FCC forms, although the total annual cost is stated as 'No cost.' It would be beneficial to clarify why there are no additional costs despite the increase in burden hours.
• The document extensively uses references to acts, statutory authority, and orders without providing a summary or context for readers who may not be familiar with these references.
• The document does not provide specific examples of outreach or communication strategies to ensure small businesses and other stakeholders are aware of their obligations and how to fulfill them under the updated program requirements.