Search Results for keywords:"COVID-19 pandemic"

The Department of Labor is seeking public comments on an Information Collection Request (ICR) related to the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, which is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval. This request is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The public can comment on various aspects of the information collection, including its necessity and how it can be improved. The request also notes that the Bureau of Labor Statistics plans to implement improved methods for estimating data when employer reports are missing, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on data accuracy. The deadline for submitting comments is March 15, 2021.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is inviting the public to comment on a revised data collection initiative related to the "Survivor Sheltering Assessment." This revision aims to streamline information sharing between FEMA and State, Tribal, and territorial governments to improve emergency sheltering efforts, particularly during events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Comments must be submitted by March 26, 2021. FEMA wants to assess if the data collection is necessary, accurate, and not burdensome, while enhancing its quality and usefulness.

The Department of Education announced an opportunity for public agencies and private non-profits to apply for grants to operate Equity Assistance Centers. These centers will provide technical help to schools on developing desegregation plans, ensuring all students have a safe and equitable learning environment, and addressing issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The department plans to fund four centers, one in each geographic region outlined, and encourages applications from entities that have not received similar grants recently. Applying organizations must follow specific guidelines and should aim to improve knowledge, change policies, and enhance the capacity to support equal educational opportunities.

The Department of Education is seeking an emergency review from the Office of Management and Budget for a new information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This is part of the Randolph-Sheppard Financial Relief and Restoration Payments Appropriation, which aims to provide $20 million in financial relief and restoration grants to blind vendors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The public is invited to comment on the information collection process by April 19, 2021, and further instructions on how to submit comments are provided in the notice. If this request is not approved, the Department will be unable to deliver timely financial assistance in accordance with the legislative mandate.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an interim final rule allowing certain businesses in the 8(a) Business Development program to extend their participation by one year due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This extension applies to companies in the program on March 13, 2020, as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and the National Defense Authorization Act 2021. Firms that have left the program since March 13, 2020, can also be readmitted if they notify the SBA and confirm they still meet eligibility criteria. The rule is effective immediately, although the public can comment on the rule until March 15, 2021.

The Department of Commerce is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a non-substantive change to continue the Small Business Pulse Survey. This survey helps collect data on how the COVID-19 pandemic affects small businesses in the United States. The aim is to gather information on changes in business operations, finances, and expectations, as well as disruptions in supply chains. The information will be used to guide the nation’s response to the pandemic, and participation in the survey is voluntary.

The Department of Education is asking the public for comments on a new information collection related to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). This is needed because over 700 institutions have incorrectly used more than $202 million meant for student aid and institutional costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department wants to ensure these funds are returned quickly and properly to prevent any further financial issues. Public comments help assess the necessity and efficiency of this information collection while aiming to reduce the burden on respondents.