Search Results for keywords:"data security"

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is seeking public comments on a proposed survey aimed at military-connected individuals who participate in community arts programs funded by the Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network. This effort is part of NEA's initiative to streamline paperwork and reduce the burden on respondents, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The NEA is particularly interested in feedback about the necessity and utility of the information, the accuracy of their burden estimates, ways to enhance the quality of collected data, and suggestions for minimizing respondent efforts, including the use of advanced technology. Comments can be submitted to the NEA's Research Office via email within 60 days of the notice's publication date.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is updating their system of records, known as "The Revenue Program-Billing and Collections Records-VA" (114VA10D), to comply with the Privacy Act of 1974. These updates include changes to system numbers, locations, purposes, and categories of individuals covered. The VA is also revising rules on how records are stored and used, including the introduction of electronic storage in secure facilities like Amazon Web Services and Cerner Technology Centers, while maintaining safety measures. The VA invites public comments on these changes by February 24, 2021, after which the system will go into effect.

The Department of Commerce is requesting public comments on its information collection activities related to a Foreign National Request Form. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, the department seeks feedback to help reduce the public's reporting burden and assess the impact of its information requirements. Individuals have until May 30, 2025, to submit comments. The collected information will be used to manage access by foreign nationals to Commerce facilities, with the goal of ensuring security and compliance with current guidelines.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is updating an existing system of records, named Federal Advisory Committee/Subgroup Member, Subscriber/Registrant, and Guest Speaker Records. This update includes adding records about guest speakers at advisory committee meetings and changing the system's name. New routine uses for the records have been established, such as sharing limited information about guest speakers’ qualifications and financial interests. The update aims to enhance transparency and ensure compliance with federal advisory committee regulations. Comments on the new and revised policies are invited until January 27, 2025.

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) plans to create a new system called "Surveys for Special Studies of the Civil Service" under the Privacy Act of 1974. This system will collect, store, and use information for developing surveys like the Merit Principles Survey, which assess the health of federal workforce practices such as merit system principles and prohibited personnel practices. These surveys, carried out every few years, seek feedback from federal employees and aim to provide insights for policymakers. The information gathered will be managed and protected under specific regulations, ensuring individuals can access or amend their own records.

The Department of Commerce, through the Census Bureau, is seeking public feedback on its plan to continue the Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) program. This program collects data on the financial status of U.S. corporations, targeting those in manufacturing, mining, and several other sectors. The collected information is crucial for economic analysis and requires the involvement of businesses with significant assets. Comments on the proposed information collection, which aims to minimize the burden on respondents, can be submitted until March 26, 2021.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is seeking approval to conduct a new information collection to gather data on hemp production. This initiative is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and will help inform programs under the 2018 Farm Bill. The survey will target up to 20,000 farmers and ranchers, with an estimated burden of 15 minutes per response. Public comments on this proposed data collection must be submitted by April 26, 2021, to ensure consideration.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating its record system called "Veterans, Dependents of Veterans, and VA Beneficiary Survey Records (43VA008)" as required by the Privacy Act of 1974. The updates include changing the System Manager, revising organizational information, and modifying Routine Uses to comply with VA standards. New security practices have been added, like the Handbook for Secure Connections 6513, and updates to the language for handling data storage and protection have been made. The changes will be effective from February 24, 2021, and aim to ensure better privacy and data security for the records involved.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is planning to implement an information exchange system with Equifax, a payroll data provider. This system aims to improve the administration of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by automatically receiving wage and employment data. This data will help ensure accurate benefit payments and prevent errors or delays. The SSA is seeking comments from the public on the specifics of this proposed system by February 18, 2021.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is modifying a records system called the APHIS Veterinary Services User Fee System to be renamed as the APHIS User Fee System. This system helps track and process fees for services APHIS provides, such as inspections, through a user fee collection method. The modifications will include updating system management details, expanding covered categories, and enhancing security measures. Individuals affected by these changes must submit comments by May 12, 2025.