Notice2023-23808
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; AmeriCorps Application Questions
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
October 30, 2023
Issuing agencies
Corporation for National and Community Service
Abstract
The Corporation for National and Community Service, operating as AmeriCorps, has submitted a public information collection request (ICR) entitled AmeriCorps Application Questions for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 208 (Monday, October 30, 2023)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 208 (Monday, October 30, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74156-74157]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-23808]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the
Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment
Request; AmeriCorps Application Questions
AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service.
ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service, operating
as AmeriCorps, has submitted a public information collection request
(ICR) entitled AmeriCorps Application Questions for review and approval
in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act.
DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the individual and office
listed in the ADDRESSES section by November 29, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of this ICR, with applicable
supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling AmeriCorps,
Sharron Tendai, at 202-606-3904 or by email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#582b2c3d363c3931183b362b763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="720106171c16131b32111c015c151d04">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 74157]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB is particularly interested in
comments which:
<bullet> Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of AmeriCorps,
including whether the information will have practical utility;
<bullet> Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions;
<bullet> Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity
of the information to be collected; and
<bullet> Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Comments
A 60-day Notice requesting public comment was published in the
Federal Register on July 31, 2023 at 49453-49454. This comment period
ended September 29, 2023. No public comments were received from this
Notice. On September 12, 2023, AmeriCorps led a focus group with 9
individuals to discuss the burden of the AmeriCorps Application
Questions. The participants in the focus group were a mix of VISTA
sponsors, and grantees from AmeriCorps Seniors, AmeriCorps State and
National, and Volunteer Initiatives. Participants agreed that
AmeriCorps requests a lot of data in its application but does not
communicate its intentions for the information collected. They further
agreed that AmeriCorps should more clearly communicate to those who
complete this information collection why it requires the level of data
collection it asks for. While the application lists a burden of 6 hours
to complete the application questions, participants agreed the actual
time spent completing the application is significantly longer. For this
reason, we have extended the time burden to 40 hours per applicant.The
application instructions are often circular, referring back to one
another, and applicants have to frequently refer back to them (NOFO,
guidance, application instructions). Participants told AmeriCorps that
navigating these materials in order to complete this information
collection is extremely burdensome and frustrating. Their additional
suggestions for minimizing the burden to the public include: replacing
eGrants, providing a word limit per section rather than a page limit,
and providing clear checklists of ``must-do'' items and criteria to
help guide applicants through the process in a more concrete way. While
many of these changes are not currently possible in eGrants, these
comments will help inform improvements to the forthcoming grants
management system.
Title of Collection: AmeriCorps Application Questions.
OMB Control Number: 3045-0187. Type of Review: Renewal.
Respondents/Affected Public: Organizations, State, Local or Tribal
Governments.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 13,200.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 528,000.
Abstract: The generic application questions are used by applicants
for funding through AmeriCorps competitions. The application is
completed electronically using the Agency's web-based grants management
system or submitted via email. AmeriCorps seeks to renew the current
information collection without revisions. The information collection
will otherwise be used in the same manner as the existing application.
AmeriCorps also seeks to continue using the current application until
the revised application is approved by OMB. The current application is
due to expire on October 30, 2023.
Danielle Melfi,
Chief Program Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-23808 Filed 10-27-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6050-28-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on October 30, 2023.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.