FR 2025-07713

The Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is looking to continue its collection of information related to strategic management and environmental assessment outreach through a submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This is in line with the requirement for the ATF to update its strategic plan every four years under the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010. The document outlines a significant reduction in both the number of respondents and the overall time burden for this information collection effort.

Document Summary

The DOJ intends to renew its information collection practices that assist in aligning the ATF's strategic goals and objectives by gathering feedback from stakeholders. The revised proposal anticipates a dramatic decrease in the number of respondents, from initially 1,500 to 47, and subsequently adjusting the number to 7, with an overall estimated burden reduced from 450 hours to just 2 hours annually. Public comments on the proposal are invited until June 4, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A notable issue with the document lies in the lack of detailed explanation about what specific data will be collected through this outreach. Interested parties may find it ambiguous what exact information is needed, which could affect the quality and relevance of the feedback received. Additionally, the document's rationale for the reduction in the number of respondents is unclear. The reduction from 1,500 to 47, and further calculated to 7, lacks a thorough explanation, potentially leading to skepticism about sampling errors or exclusion bias.

Moreover, the methodology for calculating respondent burden seems to have changed but is not clearly articulated in terms of its potential impact on data quality. The purpose of revising the form is stated but not elaborated with specific examples or scenarios to truly convey its necessity to the public.

Broad Public Impact

The revised approach to this information collection may lead to more manageable participation from stakeholders due to reduced respondent demands and a streamlined process. However, this could also lead to underrepresentation of perspectives if the smaller pool of respondents is not adequately diversified or representative of broader stakeholder interests.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For the general public, especially those within the federal government or related agencies who are primarily tasked with responding, the revised structure potentially eases the process, requiring less time commitment. On the other hand, this reduction in engagement may negatively impact stakeholders if their views are not sufficiently captured, especially considering the voluntary nature of this participation. Additionally, the lack of clear communication regarding the implications of their involvement might lead to lower participation rates or disengagement.

In conclusion, while the document presents a streamlined approach to information collection, it raises concerns about its execution and relevance due to a lack of clarity and detail in certain areas. Ensuring robust stakeholder engagement and transparency throughout the process will be critical to achieving the desired strategic alignment for the ATF.

The Federal Register notice from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), discusses a proposed information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This document includes specific details about the estimated annual other costs burden, which is notably listed as $0.

Financial References

In examining this document, it becomes immediately evident that there is only one financial figure explicitly stated: the Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden, which is shown as $0. This lack of associated costs indicates that no additional financial resources are anticipated to be allocated for this particular information collection activity.

Financial Context and Identified Issues

The document's financial reference of $0 indirectly relates to concerns about the methodology and substantial reduction in the number of respondents—from 1,500 to 47, and further down to 7 respondents—aimed at collecting feedback from ATF stakeholders. Although these figures address the calculation of respondents' burden, they invite scrutiny regarding the selection process and adequacy in representing a comprehensive stakeholder view.

1. Cost and Methodology Concerns: The absence of associated costs implies that the process might rely heavily on existing resources or methods which are perhaps inadequate to address the broader strategic feedback goal. Furthermore, the drastic reduction in the number of respondents, without detailed financial commitment, could suggest constraints that might affect data quality and comprehensiveness.

2. Quality of Data Collection: The document does not provide detailed insights into potential investments in improving the quality, utility, or clarity of the information collected. This lack of specified financial commitment might be related to another identified issue in the document, where the proposed form revision lacks a transparent explanation, raising concerns about the thoroughness and robustness of the review process in capturing strategic insights effectively.

3. Communication and Participation: The statement that participation is voluntary might hold financial implications regarding the engagement level from potential respondents. The absence of a financial incentive or cost burden could result in lower participation rates, potentially impacting the breadth and depth of the data collected. It's an important point that could use further clarification to understand the financial implications better and the response rate considerations.

In summary, while the $0 cost burden reflects a cost-effective approach, it may also underscore limitations in achieving the intended comprehensive and strategic insights due to constrained resources or incentives for participation. This financial position invites further evaluation to ensure that data collection methods, even if low-cost, effectively meet the strategic needs of the ATF and its stakeholders.