Overview
Title
Intent To Request Extension From OMB of One Current Public Collection of Information: TSA Customer Comment Card
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The TSA wants people to share their thoughts about their airport security experience using special cards, like a big suggestion box. But, they're not super clear on how much time it takes to read these suggestions, how they'll keep the information safe, or how they'll use it to make things better.
Summary AI
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeking public comments on an existing information collection request to extend the use of TSA Customer Comment Cards. These cards, available in both paper and electronic forms, allow passengers to share feedback, report security concerns, or request help at checkpoints. TSA aims to gather public input to ensure the information collection is beneficial, accurate, and efficient. TSA estimates receiving thousands of submissions each year and outlines the time required to complete each form, with total estimated burdens calculated for a three-year period.
Abstract
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites public comment on one currently approved Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0030 abstracted below that we will submit to OMB for an extension in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. This collection allows customers to provide feedback to TSA about their experiences with TSA's processes and procedures, to request information or request assistance at the TSA checkpoint, and to report security threats and vulnerabilities.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register involves the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) request for public comments on its Information Collection Request concerning the TSA Customer Comment Card. This notice is part of the agency's compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, ensuring that the gathering of information from the public is necessary, non-intrusive, and efficient.
General Summary
The TSA is proposing to extend the use of Customer Comment Cards, which passengers can use to share feedback or request assistance at airport checkpoints. The cards exist in both paper and electronic formats, with options for passengers to report security issues, request information, or express compliments or complaints about their experiences. The TSA is collecting public input to ensure that this feedback mechanism serves its intended purpose effectively. The agency also provides estimated figures for expected submissions and time burdens associated with filling out these forms.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues are notable in the document's presentation:
Lack of Detailed Burden Explanation: The document does not break down the calculation for the estimated annual burden of 21,649 hours. Such transparency is critical, as it would better explain how much manpower or time resources are required to process the feedback.
Cost Analysis Transparency: There is no mention of any cost implications linked to processing these comment cards and other submissions. For stakeholders concerned about potential misuse of resources, this omission may raise concerns about the efficiency and financial prudence of the operation.
Feedback Utilization: The document does not clearly outline how TSA plans to use the feedback collected to improve their operations and services. Stakeholders might be interested in understanding what tangible benefits are expected or how this process will lead to improvements in TSA procedures.
Clarity in Submission Process: Instructions like "deposit their cards in the designated drop-boxes" could benefit from more specificity or examples to enhance understanding among the general public, including those unfamiliar with the procedure.
Data Privacy and Security: There is no mention of how TSA will ensure the protection of personal data submitted, particularly when passengers provide contact information. This is a substantial oversight, considering growing public concern about data privacy.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the availability of TSA Customer Comment Cards can enhance the experience at airports by providing a direct channel for feedback and assistance. However, the lack of clear guidelines on how this feedback will lead to tangible improvements might limit engagement or trust in the system's effectiveness.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Passengers: Those who frequently travel via air could have their experiences improved if the TSA properly utilizes the feedback for enhancing services and security procedures. However, concerns about privacy and the usefulness of participating in such a system might deter some from engaging.
TSA Staff: The staff involved in collecting, processing, and responding to these feedback submissions may face increased workloads depending on the volume of comments and the thoroughness required in responding to each submission. Adequate resource allocation and operational planning would be essential to manage this appropriately.
In conclusion, while the TSA's initiative to solicit public feedback is ostensibly beneficial, the document lacks depth in crucial areas like burden justification, cost analysis, feedback application, clarity in procedure, and data security. Addressing these gaps could significantly enhance the system's credibility and effectiveness, ultimately benefiting both the agency and the public.
Issues
• The document does not provide a detailed breakdown or explanation of the expected annual burden of 21,649 hours, which could suggest inadequate transparency in estimating manpower or time resource allocation.
• There is no mention of any cost analysis or financial details regarding the processing of comment cards and other forms, which might raise concerns about potential wasteful spending if not monitored.
• The document does not clarify how feedback from the Customer Comment Card will be utilized effectively to improve TSA processes, making it unclear what tangible outcomes are expected from the feedback collection.
• The language used in describing the submission process for comments and feedback, such as 'deposit their cards in the designated drop-boxes,' could be simplified or specified with examples for better clarity.
• There is no mention of how the data collected from passengers will be protected in terms of privacy and security, which could be a concern for those providing personal contact information.