Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Extension of a Previously Approved Collection; US Department of Justice Self Reportable Activities
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Justice wants to see if people think it's important for certain workers to tell them what they do when they are near secret stuff, using either a computer or a paper form. They're asking for feedback to make sure it isn't too much work, and they want to hear from people until the end of June 2025.
Summary AI
The Justice Management Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking comments on an information collection request related to self-reporting activities for contractors and other non-federal employees who require access to classified information. This request, submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), aims to extend a previously approved collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection allows these individuals to report their activities through an automated system or PDF forms, depending on their access to DOJ's IT system. Public feedback is encouraged, especially regarding the necessity, accuracy, and burden of the information collection, and will be accepted until June 30, 2025.
Abstract
The Justice Management Division, Department of Justice (DOJ), will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Justice Management Division of the Department of Justice has issued a notice regarding an information collection request to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This request pertains to self-reporting activities by contractors and other non-federal employees who need access to classified information. The proposal seeks to extend an already approved collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The intention is for these individuals to use an automated system named iReport, or PDF fillable forms, to report necessary data. Public comments on this collection are solicited, focusing on its necessity, accuracy, and the burden it imposes, and feedback will be accepted until June 30, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues may be highlighted regarding this notice. One key concern is the lack of explanation for why there is a need to extend the information collection. The document does not provide detailed justification, which could help the public and stakeholders understand its continued necessity. Additionally, there is no discussion on the effectiveness of the iReport system or whether there are any operational issues with this existing platform.
Another issue lies in the complexity of the language used to describe the breakdown of the population required to report, which references Sections 2a, 2b, and further, without providing clear context. A more straightforward explanation could benefit readers who are not familiar with these sections. Furthermore, potential costs associated with maintaining or upgrading the reporting systems, whether automated or in PDF format, are not addressed, potentially leaving stakeholders without a full understanding of the financial implications.
The estimation of the total annual cost burden is mentioned but without a specific figure, creating an incomplete financial picture. Additionally, assumptions made regarding the respondent population and the estimated burden in hours should be supported by justifications to ensure transparency.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
For the general public, the document serves as notification of government accountability measures through self-reporting processes designed to protect national security. However, the lack of detailed justification for this continued need can leave individuals questioning the transparency and efficiency of such measures.
For stakeholders, particularly contractors, and non-federal employees associated with the Department of Justice, the document might have a direct effect. Positively, it ensures that processes for accessing classified information remain consistent and that necessary precautions are in place to safeguard sensitive data. Conversely, any ambiguity in reporting procedures or potential inefficiencies in iReport could create additional administrative burdens for these individuals. Ensuring clarity and efficiency in these systems is crucial for minimizing inconvenience and maintaining trust within the contractor community.
Overall, while the notice aims to maintain crucial security measures, it highlights areas needing further clarity and justification to ensure it effectively serves its purpose without placing undue burden on those required to comply.
Issues
• The document does not explain why there is a need to extend the collection of information; more justification might be necessary to understand its continuing necessity.
• The document does not specify the effectiveness of the iReport system in handling self-reported information or whether there have been any issues with it.
• The language used to describe the population breakdown could be more straightforward; it is not immediately clear what Sections 2a, 2b, etc., refer to without the supplementary context.
• There is no information on the potential costs involved in maintaining or upgrading the automated reporting system or the PDF fillable forms.
• The document mentions a total annual cost burden but does not provide any figure or estimate, which may leave stakeholders without a complete understanding of the financial implications.
• The estimation of the burden in hours and the number of respondents appears to assume a stable population and response rate, but there is no justification provided for these figures.