Request for Information: Evidence-Building Activities, 71353-71354 [2020-24836]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 217 / Monday, November 9, 2020 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jasper Cooke, Designated Federal Officer, Office of the National Advisory Council, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472–3184, telephone (202) 646–2700, and email FEMA-NAC@ fema.dhs.gov. The NAC website is https://www.fema.gov/national-advisorycouncil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Appendix. The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management. The NAC incorporates input from State, local, territorial, and Tribal governments and the private sector in making recommendations to the FEMA Administrator to be considered and potentially incorporated into FEMA plans and strategies. The NAC includes a cross-section of officials, emergency managers, and emergency response providers from State, local, territorial, and Tribal governments, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations. Agenda: On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, the NAC will hear from participants and discuss expediting disaster assistance. On Wednesday, December 2, 2020, the NAC will hear from participants and discuss creating an equity standard. The full agenda and any related documents for this meeting will be available by Friday, November 27, 2020, by contacting the person listed in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. If you have questions about this notice, please contact Michael Stough, Director, Program Analysis and Evaluation, (202) 447–0518, michael.stough@hq.dhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Request for information. Evidence Act The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act, Pub. L. 115–435) requires each federal agency to develop, as part of the agency strategic plan issued every four years,1 a systematic evidence-building plan (or ‘‘learning agenda’’) to identify and address policy questions relevant to the programs, policies, and regulations of the agency.2 The plan must contain (1) a list of policy-relevant questions for which the agency intends to develop evidence to support policymaking; (2) a list of data the agency intends to collect, use, or acquire to facilitate the use of evidence in policymaking; (3) a list of methods and analytical approaches that may be used to develop evidence to support policymaking; (4) a list of any challenges to developing evidence to support policymaking, including any statutory or other restrictions to accessing relevant data; (5) a description of the steps the agency will take to accomplish items (1) and (2) above; and (6) any other information as required by guidance issued by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).3 In developing the evidencebuilding plan, the agency must consult with stakeholders, including the public, agencies, State and local governments, The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 requires federal agencies to develop evidence-building plans to identify and address questions relevant to Agency policies, programs, regulations, management, and operations. Through this request for 1 The latest such DHS strategic plan covers the years 2020–2024, and preceded implementation of the Evidence Act. See DHS, The DHS Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2020–2024, available at https:// www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_ 0702_plcy_dhs-strategic-plan-fy20-24.pdf (last visited Oct. 26, 2020). 2 See 5 U.S.C. 306, 312. 3 See 5 U.S.C. 312(a). Pete Gaynor, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. 2020–24847 Filed 11–6–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–48–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY [Docket No. DHS–2020–0043] Request for Information: EvidenceBuilding Activities AGENCY: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Information (RFI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks to expand ongoing efforts to identify priority questions that can guide evidence-building activities by soliciting input from the public. DATES: Please send comments on or before December 31, 2020. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments via Docket No. DHS–2020–0043. All comments received, including any personal information provided, may be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov. SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Nov 06, 2020 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71353 and representatives of nongovernmental researchers.4 DHS has commenced development of its evidence-building plan. Consistent with the Evidence Act, DHS now invites comments from the public to inform the development of the Department’s evidence-building plan. DHS invites suggestions in many forms, such as questions to be answered, hypotheses to be tested, or problems to be studied. DHS will analyze information collected from this RFI to continue developing its evidence-building plan. DHS Background With the passage of the Homeland Security Act by Congress in November 2002, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) became a Cabinet-level agency to unite the Nation’s approach to homeland security. DHS combined functions of 22 different agencies with broad responsibilities that collectively prevent attacks, mitigate threats, respond to national emergencies, preserve economic security, and preserve legacy agency functions. DHS is committed to evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of its programs, policies, and regulations. DHS will use its evidence-building plan to coordinate and communicate how evaluation, statistics, research, and analysis will be used to help the Department achieve its mission. Request for Information Through this RFI, DHS is soliciting suggestions from a broad array of stakeholders across public and private sectors that may be familiar with or interested in the work of DHS and wish to volunteer suggestions for studies that could help DHS improve the effectiveness and efficiency of DHS programs, policies and regulations. DHS invites suggestions in many forms— such as questions to be answered, hypotheses to be tested, or problems to be studied—and focused on any area of Department’s work, including policy, 4 See, e.g.., OMB Memorandum M–19–23, Phase 1 Implementation of the Foundations for Evidence Based Policymaking Act of 2018: Learning Agenda, Personnel, and Planning Guidance at 16–17 (July 10, 2019), available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/ wp-content/uploads/2019/07/M-19-23.pdf (last visited Oct. 26, 2020) (‘‘Agencies should gather input in the manner that best meets their needs, most effectively engages their specific stakeholders, and leverages existing activities and/or requirements whenever possible, in accordance with applicable law and policy. Potential models for doing so include: Requests for Information published in the Federal Register, listening sessions with groups of stakeholders, Technical Working Groups, and one-on-one consultations. OMB recognizes that agencies may use different approaches at different points in the process, and that it may not be feasible to engage all stakeholders for all updates to the learning agenda. . . .’’). E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM 09NON1 71354 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 217 / Monday, November 9, 2020 / Notices programs, regulations, management, and operations. Responses to this RFI will inform the Department’s ongoing development of a set of questions that will guide evidence-building activities, such as foundational research, policy analysis, performance measurement, and program evaluation. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as creating or resulting in any obligation on the part of DHS. Michael Stough, Evaluation Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. 2020–24836 Filed 11–6–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–9B–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–HQ–NWRS–2020–N145; FF09R81000; OMB Control Number 1018–New] Agency Information Collection Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agreements With Friends Organizations Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new information collection in use without an OMB control number. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before January 8, 2021. ADDRESSES: Send your comments on the information collection request (ICR) by mail to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB (JAO/ 3W), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803 (mail); or by email to Info_Coll@fws.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number ‘‘1018–Friends’’ in the subject line of your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information about this ICR, contact Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, by email at Info_ Coll@fws.gov, or by telephone at (703) 358–2503. Individuals who are hearing or speech impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 1–800–877–8339 for TTY assistance. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Nov 06, 2020 Jkt 253001 Reduction Act (PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and its implementing regulations at 5 CFR 1320, all information collections require approval under the PRA. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, we invite the public and other Federal agencies to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. We are especially interested in public comment addressing the following: (1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether or not the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) How might the agency 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, e.g., permitting electronic submission of response. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Abstract: The Service enters into agreements and partnerships with nonprofit Friends groups to facilitate and formalize collaboration between the parties in support of mutual goals and objectives as authorized by: PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • The Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a–742j); • The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–ee), as amended; • The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k et seq.), as amended; • The Anadromous Fish Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 757a–757g), as amended; • The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934 (16 U.S.C. 661–667e), as amended; • The National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 742f), as amended; and • The National Fish Hatchery System Volunteer Act of 2006 (16 U.S.C. 760aa), as amended. The Service utilizes a standardized agreement which describes the substantial involvement of both parties in mutually agreed-upon activities and ensures that both parties have a mutual understanding of their respective roles, responsibilities, rights, expectations, and requirements within the partnership. The agreement, preapproved by the Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of the Solicitor, provides the suggested language common to most Service Friends partnerships. The content is based on DOI and Service policies, but the Friends and Service sites/programs may thoughtfully add and delete certain language to meet their varying partnership roles and responsibilities wherever Department and Service policies do not dictate otherwise. We also use a supplemental partnership agreement for use of Service property, which provides additional terms and responsibilities beyond the general terms of the partnership agreement and is required only for those Friends groups that use Service land, facilities, or equipment. The partnership agreement and supplemental agreement are effective for 5 years, with four annual modification options during the 5-year period of performance. Each time the agreement is up for its 5-year renewal, the Refuge or Fish Hatchery Project Leader and the Friends President or Board will meet to review, modify, and sign the agreement as described above. To become effective, the Regional Director (or designee) must review, approve, and sign a new agreement every 5 years. In addition to the partnership agreement and supplemental agreement, and subsequent renewals of the agreements, the Service collects the following information in conjunction with the administration of the Friends Program: E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM 09NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 217 (Monday, November 9, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71353-71354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24836]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Docket No. DHS-2020-0043]


Request for Information: Evidence-Building Activities

AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION: Request for information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 
requires federal agencies to develop evidence-building plans to 
identify and address questions relevant to Agency policies, programs, 
regulations, management, and operations. Through this request for 
Information (RFI), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks to 
expand ongoing efforts to identify priority questions that can guide 
evidence-building activities by soliciting input from the public.

DATES: Please send comments on or before December 31, 2020. Comments 
received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal 
at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting 
comments via Docket No. DHS-2020-0043. All comments received, including 
any personal information provided, may be posted without change to 
https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
notice, please contact Michael Stough, Director, Program Analysis and 
Evaluation, (202) 447-0518, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Evidence Act

    The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 
(Evidence Act, Pub. L. 115-435) requires each federal agency to 
develop, as part of the agency strategic plan issued every four 
years,\1\ a systematic evidence-building plan (or ``learning agenda'') 
to identify and address policy questions relevant to the programs, 
policies, and regulations of the agency.\2\ The plan must contain (1) a 
list of policy-relevant questions for which the agency intends to 
develop evidence to support policymaking; (2) a list of data the agency 
intends to collect, use, or acquire to facilitate the use of evidence 
in policymaking; (3) a list of methods and analytical approaches that 
may be used to develop evidence to support policymaking; (4) a list of 
any challenges to developing evidence to support policymaking, 
including any statutory or other restrictions to accessing relevant 
data; (5) a description of the steps the agency will take to accomplish 
items (1) and (2) above; and (6) any other information as required by 
guidance issued by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB).\3\ In developing the evidence-building plan, the agency must 
consult with stakeholders, including the public, agencies, State and 
local governments, and representatives of non-governmental 
researchers.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The latest such DHS strategic plan covers the years 2020-
2024, and preceded implementation of the Evidence Act. See DHS, The 
DHS Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2020-2024, available at https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0702_plcy_dhs-strategic-plan-fy20-24.pdf (last visited Oct. 26, 2020).
    \2\ See 5 U.S.C. 306, 312.
    \3\ See 5 U.S.C. 312(a).
    \4\ See, e.g.., OMB Memorandum M-19-23, Phase 1 Implementation 
of the Foundations for Evidence Based Policymaking Act of 2018: 
Learning Agenda, Personnel, and Planning Guidance at 16-17 (July 10, 
2019), available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/M-19-23.pdf (last visited Oct. 26, 2020) (``Agencies should 
gather input in the manner that best meets their needs, most 
effectively engages their specific stakeholders, and leverages 
existing activities and/or requirements whenever possible, in 
accordance with applicable law and policy. Potential models for 
doing so include: Requests for Information published in the Federal 
Register, listening sessions with groups of stakeholders, Technical 
Working Groups, and one-on-one consultations. OMB recognizes that 
agencies may use different approaches at different points in the 
process, and that it may not be feasible to engage all stakeholders 
for all updates to the learning agenda. . . .'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DHS has commenced development of its evidence-building plan. 
Consistent with the Evidence Act, DHS now invites comments from the 
public to inform the development of the Department's evidence-building 
plan. DHS invites suggestions in many forms, such as questions to be 
answered, hypotheses to be tested, or problems to be studied. DHS will 
analyze information collected from this RFI to continue developing its 
evidence-building plan.

DHS Background

    With the passage of the Homeland Security Act by Congress in 
November 2002, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) became a 
Cabinet-level agency to unite the Nation's approach to homeland 
security. DHS combined functions of 22 different agencies with broad 
responsibilities that collectively prevent attacks, mitigate threats, 
respond to national emergencies, preserve economic security, and 
preserve legacy agency functions. DHS is committed to evaluating the 
effectiveness and efficiency of its programs, policies, and 
regulations. DHS will use its evidence-building plan to coordinate and 
communicate how evaluation, statistics, research, and analysis will be 
used to help the Department achieve its mission.

Request for Information

    Through this RFI, DHS is soliciting suggestions from a broad array 
of stakeholders across public and private sectors that may be familiar 
with or interested in the work of DHS and wish to volunteer suggestions 
for studies that could help DHS improve the effectiveness and 
efficiency of DHS programs, policies and regulations. DHS invites 
suggestions in many forms--such as questions to be answered, hypotheses 
to be tested, or problems to be studied--and focused on any area of 
Department's work, including policy,

[[Page 71354]]

programs, regulations, management, and operations. Responses to this 
RFI will inform the Department's ongoing development of a set of 
questions that will guide evidence-building activities, such as 
foundational research, policy analysis, performance measurement, and 
program evaluation.
    This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and should 
not be construed as a solicitation or as creating or resulting in any 
obligation on the part of DHS.

Michael Stough,
Evaluation Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2020-24836 Filed 11-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-9B-P
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