Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is trying to make it easier for certain people, like veterans, to get jobs by asking them to fill out a form, and they want to know what people think about this idea. They're also making sure people can ask for important papers if they used to work for the government.
Summary AI
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is proposing to extend two information collection activities. The first involves requests for documents from former Federal civilian employees' personnel or medical files. This requires individuals to provide necessary details using specific forms. The second aims to connect veterans and individuals eligible under Schedule A with non-competitive job opportunities within NARA, utilizing an online questionnaire to gather applicant information. Input is invited from the public by June 9, 2025, on these proposed renewals.
Abstract
We are proposing to request an extension from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of two currently approved information collections. The first information collection is used by former Federal civilian employees or other authorized individuals to request information from or copies of documents in Official Personnel Files (OPF) or Employee Medical Files (EMF). The second information collection is used to connect veterans and Schedule A-eligible applicants with an opportunity for noncompetitive employment. Information will be collected from people who are interested in these opportunities to consider them for the positions and match them with possible jobs. The collection includes approval of a form, NARA Employment Interest Questionnaire, NA Form 3102. We invite you to comment on these information collections up for renewal.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
General Summary
The notice from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in the Federal Register proposes a continuation of two specific information collection activities. The first activity involves the collection of information from former Federal employees or their authorized representatives to access documents in their personnel or medical files. The second focuses on facilitating non-competitive employment opportunities within NARA for veterans and individuals eligible under Schedule A, using an online questionnaire. The public is invited to provide feedback on these proposals by June 9, 2025.
Significant Issues or Concerns
This document raises several issues and concerns that may not be immediately clear to all readers due to its technical language and terminology. For instance, terms like "Schedule A-eligible" and "SPPC" (Special Program Placement Coordinator) may require further explanation for those unfamiliar with federal employment processes. Additionally, while multiple forms are referenced, the distinctions between these forms are not thoroughly explained, potentially leading to confusion regarding their specific usage.
The document also presents an incomplete picture of the data privacy and security measures in place to protect the information collected through the employment interest questionnaire. Transparency regarding how personal data is managed, especially when being stored in a "Repository," is critical to address potential privacy concerns.
Moreover, the document provides estimated numbers and times for feedback submissions but lacks detailed supporting information or explanation for these estimates, which might affect their perceived reliability and accuracy.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the document may impact the public by inviting engagement with the notice through comments, potentially influencing how these information collection activities are designed and implemented. However, the invitation for public feedback might seem inadequate if there is no clear understanding of how these comments will affect the final decisions. This raises concerns regarding the transparency and impact of public participation on the process.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For former Federal employees and those seeking records, this notice directly relates to the process of accessing important personal documents. The lack of clear guidance on form distinctions could delay or complicate their requests.
Veterans and Schedule A-eligible individuals stand to benefit from this initiative by having targeted non-competitive employment opportunities, potentially easing economic transitions. However, these benefits hinge on the participants' understanding of and comfort with providing their personal information, which may be a deterrent if privacy concerns are not addressed.
Overall, while the initiative aims to provide accessible job opportunities and essential document retrieval, more clarity, transparency, and focus on data security could enhance trust and efficacy in achieving its objectives.
Issues
• The document includes technical terms and references, such as 'Schedule A-eligible' and 'SPPC' (Special Program Placement Coordinator), which might not be immediately clear to all readers without additional context or definitions.
• The difference between the forms NA Form 13022 and NA Form 13064 is not clearly explained, especially since the form number NA Form 13064 is mentioned but the role of this form is not well-clarified. This could confuse readers about what specific form to use.
• The term 'noncompetitive employment opportunities' is used without clear explanation of what this entails in practical terms for the applicants.
• Details about the handling and privacy of personal data submitted through the NARA Employment Interest Questionnaire are not addressed, which might be a concern for individuals submitting their information.
• The process for how resumes and cover letters are linked to the Repository and how privacy and data security are managed is not specified, potentially leaving room for concerns about data security.
• The estimated times and respondent numbers provided could benefit from further clarification or supporting information to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the estimates.
• There is no specific mention of how feedback from the public will be used to refine or improve the proposed information collections, which could be seen as a lack of transparency regarding the impact of public comments.