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The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Retirement Services is inviting comments from the public and other federal agencies on the reinstatement of an expired information collection request known as the Alternative Annuity Election, RI 20-80. This form is for individuals to choose between receiving a reduced annuity plus a lump sum or an unreduced annuity alone. Comments can be submitted until June 16, 2025, through the Federal Rulemaking Portal. The OPM highlights a desire for feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and potential burden of this information collection.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is inviting comments on the application for carriers wishing to join the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Carriers are required to meet specific standards outlined by the statute and regulations to participate. OPM will use the application details, such as information on solvency, healthcare delivery, and quality assurance, to evaluate if a carrier qualifies for the FEHB Program. Comments will be accepted until April 19, 2021.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has released new guidance to help federal departments and agencies comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) during emergencies. This guidance outlines alternative procedures for environmental reviews when emergencies require quick action and involve significant effects that would normally need an environmental impact statement. The document includes steps agencies should take during emergencies, including consulting with CEQ and coordinating with other agencies and governments to ensure public safety and resource protection are prioritized while complying with NEPA requirements.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released a notice inviting public comments on a proposed information collection related to disability retirement applications under the CSRS/FERS system. The collection involves Standard Form 3112, which helps assess eligibility for disability retirement. OPM is particularly interested in feedback about the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements for the information gathering process. Comments are being accepted until March 29, 2021, and can be submitted through mail, email, or fax.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is requesting comments from the public and other federal agencies on renewing an information collection known as the "Bank Appeals Follow-Up Questionnaire." This is part of a broader effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The information gathered will assess the effectiveness of the OCC's appeals process for banks and help improve it. Comments on the need, accuracy, and potential improvements of this information collection are invited, and they must be submitted by April 19, 2021.

The executive order titled "Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation" aims to ensure that every person is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, aligning with the principles of equal protection under the law. It instructs federal agencies to review and revise policies to prevent discrimination as outlined in existing laws like Title VII and Title IX, and to consider overlapping forms of discrimination, such as race or disability. Agencies must develop plans to enforce these policies within 100 days and ensure that the actions taken comply with applicable laws and budgets. The order clarifies that it does not create any new enforceable rights against the United States or its representatives.

The Executive Order designates English as the official language of the United States. It emphasizes the importance of a unified society where everyone can communicate in a common language, while still valuing the multilingual heritage of Americans. The order revokes Executive Order 13166, which aimed to improve access to services for those with limited English proficiency, but allows agencies to continue providing services in other languages if needed. It also mandates the Attorney General to update guidance related to this change, ensuring it aligns with existing laws.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of comments on Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) from other federal agencies, as required by the Clean Air Act. For the week ending February 10, 2025, the EPA received EISs for two projects: the CP2 LNG and CP Express Pipeline Projects in Louisiana, and the Spring Valley Mine Project in Nevada. The public comment period for both projects ends on March 31, 2025. The EPA provides access to its comment letters on EISs through a dedicated website.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking public comments on a proposed new collection of information related to its Apprenticeship Evidence-Building Portfolio. This effort is part of their initiative to reduce paperwork and make data collection more efficient and understandable. The goal is to study various apprenticeship programs funded by the DOL to evaluate their design, implementation, and effectiveness in preparing individuals for jobs in growing industries. Interested parties can submit their comments by April 5, 2021, via email or mail, as specified in the notice.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is inviting comments on a proposed information collection as part of their efforts to lessen paperwork and respondent burden. This survey aims to assess the impact of CARES Act funding on state arts agencies. Feedback is sought particularly on the necessity, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected, as well as ways to minimize the burden of this data collection on respondents. Submissions are due by April 19, 2021.