[Federal Register: November 3, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 212)]
[Notices]
[Page 66820]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03no05-24]
[[Page 66820]]
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CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review; Comment
Request
AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service
(hereinafter the ``Corporation'') has submitted a public information
collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995, Public Law 104-13, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of this ICR,
with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling
the Corporation for National and Community Service, Ms. Angela Roberts,
at (202) 606-6822, (aroberts@cns.gov); (TTY/TDD) at (202) 606-5256
between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time, Monday through
Friday.
DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the individual and office
listed in the ADDRESSES section by December 5, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted, identified by the title of the
information collection activity, by either of the following two
methods:
(1) By fax to: (202) 395-6974, Attention: Ms. Katherine Astrich,
OMB Desk Officer for the Corporation for National and Community
Service; and
(2) Electronically by e-mail to:
Katherine_T._Astrich@omb.eop.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB is particularly interested in
comments which:
Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the
Corporation, including whether the information will have practical
utility;
Evaluate the accuracy of the Corporation's estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity
of the information to be collected; and
Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to respond, including the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g.,
permitting electronic submissions of responses.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service.
Title: Senior Corps ``Join Senior Service Now'' Senior Corps web-
based recruitment system.
OMB Number: 3045-0078.
Agency Number: None.
Affected Public: (1) Prospective volunteers age 55 and over and (2)
organizations electing to post opportunities for volunteers age 55 and
over on the system.
Total Respondents: 452,526: 152,526 registered users and 300,000
unregistered users.
Frequency: Annual.
Average Time Per Respondent: 7 minutes for individuals.
25 minutes for organizations posting opportunities.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 30,000.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): None.
Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0.
Description: The Corporation requests approval with no changes to
its existing Web-based recruitment system known as ``JASON.''
Comments: A 60-day public comment Notice, regarding modification of
the Senior Corps Web-based recruitment system was published in the
Federal Register on June 28, 2005. A total of 28 written responses were
received. All of the written responses were submitted by Senior Corps
project directors. Each written response contained numerous separate
comments or statements.
(a) Twenty comments were received about the overall effectiveness
of recruiting volunteers ages 55 and over using the JASON system. Nine
indicated that the system is not effective at all; with five also
commenting that low-income seniors are not computer literate, and six
indicated that the JASON system is effective for recruiting current
seniors as well as volunteers too young for the Senior Corps programs.
The Corporation believes that these comments reflect the demographic
shift underway in our society. In contrast to individuals age 65 and
over, mid to late Baby Boomers and younger Americans are generally
indistinguishable in their use of computers. The Corporation projects
that the JASON system is an investment that will pay off in the near
future, as more computer savvy individuals become eligible for Senior
Corps.
(b) Nine comments were received about the user-friendliness of the
JASON system. Six indicated that the system is easy to use; and three
indicated that using online forms can be confusing. The Corporation
will more prominently post the ``step-by-step'' guides for users on the
site.
(c) Eight comments focused on the Federal cost of the system. Five
comments indicated that the system is too expensive for the return on
investment, and recommended that JASON be discontinued. Two stated that
the cost should be lowered. One comment said that JASON is already cost
effective. The Corporation agrees that the JASON cost going forward
will be reduced to approximately \1/3\ of the original cost per year.
This reduction is due to the inapplicability of start-up costs going
forward.
(d) Three comments said that the time demands of JASON are too
burdensome for the benefits received. The Corporation believes that the
burden is appropriate.
(e) A total of 11 general comments were received that were beyond
the scope of this information collection. Comments included four
instances where seniors who expressed interest in volunteering did not,
in turn, answer the telephone calls or e-mails from project staff
seeking more information. Two comments contained pleas to provide more
Federal funds to grantees for local recruitment campaigns. Three were
general comments about dependence on computers in general.
Dated: October 24, 2005.
Tess Scannell,
Director, Senior Corps.
[FR Doc. 05-21955 Filed 11-2-05; 8:45 am]