Notice of Submission for a New Information Collection Common Form: Personnel Vetting Questionnaire, 12703-12705 [2023-04106]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 39 / Tuesday, February 28, 2023 / Notices
1. The title of the information
collection: Access Authorization.
2. OMB approval number: 3150–0046.
3. Type of submission: Revision.
4. The form number, if applicable:
Not applicable.
5. How often the collection is required
or requested: On occasion.
6. Who will be required or asked to
respond: NRC-regulated facilities and
other organizations requiring access to
NRC-classified information, and NRC
contractors with access to classified
information or who hold a sensitive
position.
7. The estimated number of annual
responses: 534 (456 reporting responses
plus 78 recordkeepers).
8. The estimated number of annual
respondents: 300.
9. The estimated number of hours
needed annually to comply with the
information collection requirement or
request: 226 hours (160 hours reporting
+ 66 hours recordkeeping).
10. Abstract: NRC collects
information on individuals in order to
determine their eligibility for an NRC
access authorization for access to
classified information. NRC-regulated
facilities and other organizations are
required to provide information to the
NRC when requested on the cleared
individual and maintain records to
ensure that only individuals with the
adequate level of protection are
provided access to NRC classified
information and material.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Dated: February 23, 2023.
David C. Cullison,
NRC Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief
Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023–04052 Filed 2–27–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL
MANAGEMENT
Notice of Submission for a New
Information Collection Common Form:
Personnel Vetting Questionnaire
Office of Personnel
Management.
ACTION: 30-Day notice and request for
comments.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES
AGENCY:
The Office of Personnel
Management (OPM) is notifying the
general public and other Federal
agencies that OPM proposes to request
the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) approve a new information
collection request (ICR) titled Personnel
Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ). The
proposed information collection will
SUMMARY:
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Jkt 259001
streamline multiple existing information
collections, as well as the renewal cycle
for them, commensurate with on-going
efforts to improve personnel vetting
processes and the experience of
individuals undergoing personnel
vetting. OPM is proposing to
discontinue the information collections
for OMB control numbers 3206–0261,
3206–0258, and 3206–0005 as these
information collections will become
parts of the new Personnel Vetting
Questionnaire information collection
and assigned a new OMB control
number.
Comments are encouraged and
will be accepted until March 30, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to https://www.reginfo.gov/
public/do/PRAMain. Find this
particular information collection by
selecting ‘‘Currently under Review—
Open for Public Comments’’ or by using
the search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A
copy of this ICR, with applicable
supporting documentation, may be
obtained by email to SuitEAforms@
opm.gov, or by contacting Alexys
Stanley, 202–606–1800, or U.S. Office of
Personnel Management, Suitability
Executive Agent Programs, P.O. Box
699, Slippery Rock, PA 16057.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This notice announces that OPM has
submitted to OMB a request for
approval of a new information request,
Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ)
(OMB No. 3206–XXXX). The
information collection (OMB No. 3206–
XXXX) was previously published in the
Federal Register on November 23, 2022
at 87 FR 71700, allowing for a 60-day
public comment period (‘‘60-day
Notice’’). OPM received approximately
280 comments from 55 commenters in
response to its request for this
collection, which are addressed in the
Supplemental Statement of this ICR
package. The purpose of this notice is to
allow an additional 30 days for public
comments. The Office of Management
and Budget is particularly interested in
comments that:
1. Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of functions
of the agency, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
2. 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 used;
DATES:
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12703
3. Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and
4. 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 submissions
of responses.
Background
On November 23, 2022, OPM
published 87 FR 71700 requesting
comment for the new PVQ information
collection. OPM received 55
submissions (5 of which were duplicate
submissions) containing approximately
280 comments. Multiple comments
were received on the following topics:
• Collection of sex or gender
information
• Collection of information regarding
past use of marijuana
• Consolidation of multiple vetting
questionnaires into the PVQ
• Collection and adjudication of
information regarding mental health
• Collection and adjudication on
foreign contacts and interests
In addition, multiple comments
requested minor edits to the proposed
questions for clarity or to correct
formatting or punctuation. Finally, a
number of comments addressed Federal
policies and fell outside the scope of
comment on the proposed information
collection. All comments received are
addressed in a spreadsheet included as
supporting documentation in the ICR
package.
Comments Regarding Collection of Sex
and Gender Information
Unlike the current investigative
questionnaires, the PVQ will not require
the respondent to indicate ‘‘Male’’ or
‘‘Female,’’ and the PVQ uses gender
inclusive terminology, such as parent
and sibling, rather than terms that are
not gender inclusive, such as mother,
father, sister, brother. Eight of eleven
comments received regarding OPM’s
approach to collection of information
about sex and gender favored the
approach. OPM received three
comments opposing OPM’s proposal to
eliminate the requirement to indicate
‘‘male’’ or ‘‘female.’’ One commenter
was concerned about the impact on data
checks. OPM previously addressed this
potential concern in the 60-day Notice.
Another commenter expressed concern
that the proposed collection does not
require individuals to report transition
as, in their opinion, it ‘‘could be
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 39 / Tuesday, February 28, 2023 / Notices
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES
exploited.’’ Another commenter asserted
that higher rates of depression in the
LGBTQ population are a reason to
exclude them from the candidate pool.
OPM did not make changes to the
proposed collection in response to these
comments. As noted in 60-day Notice
regarding the proposed information
collection, the Federal Government is
actively taking ‘‘steps to mitigate any
barriers in security clearance and
background investigation processes for
LGBTQ+ employees and applicants, in
particular transgender and gender nonconforming and non-binary employees
and applicants,’’ per Executive Order
(E.O.) 14035, Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, and Accessibility in the
Federal Workforce. Further, it is the U.S.
Government’s longstanding position
that a diagnosis of a mental health
condition, in and of itself, is not a
reason to revoke or deny eligibility for
access to classified information or for
holding a sensitive position, suitability
or fitness to obtain or retain Federal or
contract employment, or eligibility for
physical or logical access to federally
controlled facilities or information
systems. An employee-led organization
affiliated with a Federal agency
requested that OPM provide individuals
the option to indicate their pronouns on
the form. In response to this comment,
OPM added the option for respondents
to provide their pronouns if they wish.
OPM added this option in order to
facilitate interaction between
investigators and those undergoing the
personnel vetting process and to prevent
unintentional misgendering.
Collection of Information Regarding
Past Use of Marijuana
Nine comments were received that
expressed support for OPM’s approach
in separating questions regarding
marijuana use from those regarding
other controlled substances and limiting
the timeframe for reporting past use of
marijuana. Of these, six comments
recommended OPM further limit or
eliminate inquiry regarding marijuana
use. Five comments opposed OPM’s
approach. OPM did not change its
approach to the collection of
information regarding use of marijuana
as a result of the comments received. As
OPM explained in the 60-day Notice,
the proposed PVQ takes into account
changes in the legal landscape and
societal norms regarding marijuana use.
OPM concurs with one of the
commenters who fully supported the
new approach and stated: ‘‘The PVQ
should reflect that because most
Americans live in states where
marijuana is legal, they should not be
prevented from serving in the Federal
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18:37 Feb 27, 2023
Jkt 259001
Government. By only asking about
marijuana use in the last 90-days (as
opposed to last 7 years), the PVQ will
greatly expand the pool of candidates
available for Federal employment. [. . .]
OPM has a duty to ensure that the
Federal Government workforce
accurately represents America.’’
Consolidation of Multiple
Questionnaires into the PVQ
As noted in the 60-day Notice, the
PVQ will consolidate the following
ICRs: Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) No. 3206–0261 Questionnaire for
Non-Sensitive Positions (SF 85), OMB
No. 3206–0258 Questionnaire for Public
Trust Positions and Supplemental
Questionnaire for Selected Positions (SF
85P and SF 85P–S), and OMB No. 3206–
0005 Questionnaire for National
Security Positions (SF 86) into one
comprehensive information collection,
consisting of four parts. Individual
respondents will be asked to complete
only the parts that are appropriate to the
risk and sensitivity of their position,
also known as their position
designation, as directed by the Federal
agency requesting their background
investigation consistent with guidance
issued by OPM and the Office of the
Director of National Intelligence as the
Suitability and Credentialing Executive
Agent and the Security Executive Agent,
respectively. OPM received five
comments in support of this approach
and none opposed.
Collection and Adjudication of
Information Regarding Mental Health
OPM received two comments
recommending expansion of the list of
reportable mental health diagnoses. One
commenter questioned why ‘‘major
depressive or anxiety orders’’ are not
included in the PVQ. Another suggested
that individuals with depression should
be investigated to determine the depth
of their condition. OPM did not make
changes to the proposed PVQ as a result
of these comments. As explained in the
60-day Notice, while the intent of
questioning about psychological and
emotional conditions has always been to
surface any concerns regarding the
individual’s judgment or reliability, the
approach has shifted from asking about
all mental health treatment or
counseling to a more tailored set of
questions regarding hospitalization and
specific diagnoses. By following this
approach, the PVQ seeks to reduce
perceived stigma associated with
seeking mental health treatment or
counseling by limiting the scope of
questioning from what was previously
asked on the Questionnaire for National
Security Positions (SF 86) and the
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Sfmt 4703
Supplemental Questionnaire for
Selected Positions (SF 85P–S).
Collection of Information Regarding
Foreign Contacts and Interests
A nonprofit organization encouraged
OPM to re-evaluate the questions
regarding foreign connections and
foreign activities. The organization
indicated that these questions have not
been updated for decades and do not
seem to reflect today’s advances in
information and technological
environment bringing the world closer.
The organization opined the effect is
that individuals end up collecting and
providing information on foreign
relationships which are trivial or
incidental and not adjudicatively
relevant; thus delaying the personnel
vetting process by creating additional
work for the investigative and
adjudicative process. OPM agrees that
with today’s modern advances
individuals have more connections to
foreign nationals. In comparison to prior
personnel vetting questionnaires,
however, the reportable timeframe for
many of the questions within this area
has been reduced, and the PVQ clarifies
the types of associations that must be
reported. For example, in collecting the
respondent’s contacts with foreign
nationals, the instructions limit the
reporting to foreign nationals with
whom they have feelings of affection, a
romantic relationship, are bound by
social, moral, financial, or legal
obligations or with whom they have
shared information about themselves
that, if known, could be used to
influence them to act against the interest
of the U.S. government. The
clarification in this question helps
decrease superfluous reporting of
incidental foreign contacts. In response
to recommendations from several other
commenters, OPM also reduced the
scope of questioning regarding whether
an individual has lived, worked, or
attended school in a foreign country.
Analysis: The following analysis of
the burden associated with this
information collection is specific to
OPM as the agency sponsoring the
common form. Other agencies will be
required to seek expedited approval to
use the common form by submitting
their agency-specific burden analyses to
OMB.
Agency: Office of Personnel
Management.
Title: Personnel Vetting
Questionnaire.
OMB Number: 3206–XXXX.
Frequency: On occasion.
Affected Public: Individuals or
Households.
Number of Respondents: 319.
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 39 / Tuesday, February 28, 2023 / Notices
Estimated Time per Respondent: 140
minutes.
Total Burden Hours: 780 hours.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Stephen Hickman,
Federal Register Liaison.
[FR Doc. 2023–04106 Filed 2–27–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325–66–P
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket Nos. MC2023–113 and CP2023–116]
New Postal Products
Postal Regulatory Commission.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Commission is noticing a
recent Postal Service filing for the
Commission’s consideration concerning
a negotiated service agreement. This
notice informs the public of the filing,
invites public comment, and takes other
administrative steps.
DATES: Comments are due: March 1,
2023.
SUMMARY:
Submit comments
electronically via the Commission’s
Filing Online system at https://
www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit
comments electronically should contact
the person identified in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section by
telephone for advice on filing
alternatives.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at
202–789–6820.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Docketed Proceeding(s)
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES
I. Introduction
The Commission gives notice that the
Postal Service filed request(s) for the
Commission to consider matters related
to negotiated service agreement(s). The
request(s) may propose the addition or
removal of a negotiated service
agreement from the Market Dominant or
the Competitive product list, or the
modification of an existing product
currently appearing on the Market
Dominant or the Competitive product
list.
Section II identifies the docket
number(s) associated with each Postal
Service request, the title of each Postal
Service request, the request’s acceptance
date, and the authority cited by the
Postal Service for each request. For each
request, the Commission appoints an
officer of the Commission to represent
the interests of the general public in the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:37 Feb 27, 2023
Jkt 259001
proceeding, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505
(Public Representative). Section II also
establishes comment deadline(s)
pertaining to each request.
The public portions of the Postal
Service’s request(s) can be accessed via
the Commission’s website (https://
www.prc.gov). Non-public portions of
the Postal Service’s request(s), if any,
can be accessed through compliance
with the requirements of 39 CFR
3011.301.1
The Commission invites comments on
whether the Postal Service’s request(s)
in the captioned docket(s) are consistent
with the policies of title 39. For
request(s) that the Postal Service states
concern Market Dominant product(s),
applicable statutory and regulatory
requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3622, 39
U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3030, and 39
CFR part 3040, subpart B. For request(s)
that the Postal Service states concern
Competitive product(s), applicable
statutory and regulatory requirements
include 39 U.S.C. 3632, 39 U.S.C. 3633,
39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3035, and
39 CFR part 3040, subpart B. Comment
deadline(s) for each request appear in
section II.
II. Docketed Proceeding(s)
1. Docket No(s).: MC2023–113 and
CP2023–116; Filing Title: USPS Request
to Add Priority Mail Express
International, Priority Mail International
& First-Class Package International
Service Contract 14 to Competitive
Product List and Notice of Filing
Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance
Date: February 22, 2023; Filing
Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR
3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR
3035.105; Public Representative:
Jennaca D. Upperman; Comments Due:
March 1, 2023.
This Notice will be published in the
Federal Register.
The Postal Service gives
notice of filing a request with the Postal
Regulatory Commission to add a Priority
Mail Express International, Priority Mail
International & First-Class Package
International Service contract to the list
of Negotiated Service Agreements in the
Competitive Product List in the Mail
Classification Schedule.
SUMMARY:
DATES:
Date of notice: February 28,
2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christopher C. Meyerson, (202) 268–
7820.
The
United States Postal Service® hereby
gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C.
3642 and 3632(b)(3), on February 22,
2023, it filed with the Postal Regulatory
Commission a USPS Request to Add
Priority Mail Express International,
Priority Mail International & First-Class
Package International Service Contract
14 to Competitive Product List.
Documents are available at
www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2023–113
and CP2023–116.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Tram T. Pham,
Attorney, Ethics and Legal Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2023–04077 Filed 2–27–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
[Release No. 34–96965; File No. SR–CBOE–
2022–057]
Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe
Exchange, Inc.; Order Instituting
Proceedings To Determine Whether To
Approve or Disapprove a Proposed
Rule Change To Increase Position
Limits for Options on Apple Inc. Stock
Erica A. Barker,
Secretary.
February 22, 2023.
[FR Doc. 2023–04053 Filed 2–27–23; 8:45 am]
I. Introduction
BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P
POSTAL SERVICE
International Product Change—Priority
Mail Express International, Priority Mail
International & First-Class Package
International Service Agreement
Postal ServiceTM.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
1 See Docket No. RM2018–3, Order Adopting
Final Rules Relating to Non-Public Information,
June 27, 2018, Attachment A at 19–22 (Order No.
4679).
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On November 7, 2022, Cboe
Exchange, Inc. (‘‘Exchange’’ or ‘‘Cboe
Options’’) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (‘‘Commission’’),
pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder,2 a
proposed rule change to amend Cboe
Rules 8.30 and 8.42 to increase the
position and exercise limits for options
on Apple Inc. (‘‘AAPL’’) stock. The
proposed rule change was published for
comment in the Federal Register on
1 15
2 17
E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM
U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
CFR 240.19b–4.
28FEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 39 (Tuesday, February 28, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12703-12705]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04106]
=======================================================================
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OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Notice of Submission for a New Information Collection Common
Form: Personnel Vetting Questionnaire
AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management.
ACTION: 30-Day notice and request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is notifying the
general public and other Federal agencies that OPM proposes to request
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve a new information
collection request (ICR) titled Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ).
The proposed information collection will streamline multiple existing
information collections, as well as the renewal cycle for them,
commensurate with on-going efforts to improve personnel vetting
processes and the experience of individuals undergoing personnel
vetting. OPM is proposing to discontinue the information collections
for OMB control numbers 3206-0261, 3206-0258, and 3206-0005 as these
information collections will become parts of the new Personnel Vetting
Questionnaire information collection and assigned a new OMB control
number.
DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until March 30,
2023.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this
particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under
Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of this ICR, with applicable
supporting documentation, may be obtained by email to
[email protected], or by contacting Alexys Stanley, 202-606-1800, or
U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Suitability Executive Agent
Programs, P.O. Box 699, Slippery Rock, PA 16057.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This notice announces that OPM has submitted to OMB a request for
approval of a new information request, Personnel Vetting Questionnaire
(PVQ) (OMB No. 3206-XXXX). The information collection (OMB No. 3206-
XXXX) was previously published in the Federal Register on November 23,
2022 at 87 FR 71700, allowing for a 60-day public comment period (``60-
day Notice''). OPM received approximately 280 comments from 55
commenters in response to its request for this collection, which are
addressed in the Supplemental Statement of this ICR package. The
purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public
comments. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly
interested in comments that:
1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of functions of the agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility;
2. 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 used;
3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and
4. 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
submissions of responses.
Background
On November 23, 2022, OPM published 87 FR 71700 requesting comment
for the new PVQ information collection. OPM received 55 submissions (5
of which were duplicate submissions) containing approximately 280
comments. Multiple comments were received on the following topics:
Collection of sex or gender information
Collection of information regarding past use of marijuana
Consolidation of multiple vetting questionnaires into the PVQ
Collection and adjudication of information regarding mental
health
Collection and adjudication on foreign contacts and interests
In addition, multiple comments requested minor edits to the
proposed questions for clarity or to correct formatting or punctuation.
Finally, a number of comments addressed Federal policies and fell
outside the scope of comment on the proposed information collection.
All comments received are addressed in a spreadsheet included as
supporting documentation in the ICR package.
Comments Regarding Collection of Sex and Gender Information
Unlike the current investigative questionnaires, the PVQ will not
require the respondent to indicate ``Male'' or ``Female,'' and the PVQ
uses gender inclusive terminology, such as parent and sibling, rather
than terms that are not gender inclusive, such as mother, father,
sister, brother. Eight of eleven comments received regarding OPM's
approach to collection of information about sex and gender favored the
approach. OPM received three comments opposing OPM's proposal to
eliminate the requirement to indicate ``male'' or ``female.'' One
commenter was concerned about the impact on data checks. OPM previously
addressed this potential concern in the 60-day Notice. Another
commenter expressed concern that the proposed collection does not
require individuals to report transition as, in their opinion, it
``could be
[[Page 12704]]
exploited.'' Another commenter asserted that higher rates of depression
in the LGBTQ population are a reason to exclude them from the candidate
pool. OPM did not make changes to the proposed collection in response
to these comments. As noted in 60-day Notice regarding the proposed
information collection, the Federal Government is actively taking
``steps to mitigate any barriers in security clearance and background
investigation processes for LGBTQ+ employees and applicants, in
particular transgender and gender non-conforming and non-binary
employees and applicants,'' per Executive Order (E.O.) 14035,
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal
Workforce. Further, it is the U.S. Government's longstanding position
that a diagnosis of a mental health condition, in and of itself, is not
a reason to revoke or deny eligibility for access to classified
information or for holding a sensitive position, suitability or fitness
to obtain or retain Federal or contract employment, or eligibility for
physical or logical access to federally controlled facilities or
information systems. An employee-led organization affiliated with a
Federal agency requested that OPM provide individuals the option to
indicate their pronouns on the form. In response to this comment, OPM
added the option for respondents to provide their pronouns if they
wish. OPM added this option in order to facilitate interaction between
investigators and those undergoing the personnel vetting process and to
prevent unintentional misgendering.
Collection of Information Regarding Past Use of Marijuana
Nine comments were received that expressed support for OPM's
approach in separating questions regarding marijuana use from those
regarding other controlled substances and limiting the timeframe for
reporting past use of marijuana. Of these, six comments recommended OPM
further limit or eliminate inquiry regarding marijuana use. Five
comments opposed OPM's approach. OPM did not change its approach to the
collection of information regarding use of marijuana as a result of the
comments received. As OPM explained in the 60-day Notice, the proposed
PVQ takes into account changes in the legal landscape and societal
norms regarding marijuana use. OPM concurs with one of the commenters
who fully supported the new approach and stated: ``The PVQ should
reflect that because most Americans live in states where marijuana is
legal, they should not be prevented from serving in the Federal
Government. By only asking about marijuana use in the last 90-days (as
opposed to last 7 years), the PVQ will greatly expand the pool of
candidates available for Federal employment. [. . .] OPM has a duty to
ensure that the Federal Government workforce accurately represents
America.''
Consolidation of Multiple Questionnaires into the PVQ
As noted in the 60-day Notice, the PVQ will consolidate the
following ICRs: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) No. 3206-0261
Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF 85), OMB No. 3206-0258
Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions and Supplemental Questionnaire
for Selected Positions (SF 85P and SF 85P-S), and OMB No. 3206-0005
Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF 86) into one
comprehensive information collection, consisting of four parts.
Individual respondents will be asked to complete only the parts that
are appropriate to the risk and sensitivity of their position, also
known as their position designation, as directed by the Federal agency
requesting their background investigation consistent with guidance
issued by OPM and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
as the Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent and the Security
Executive Agent, respectively. OPM received five comments in support of
this approach and none opposed.
Collection and Adjudication of Information Regarding Mental Health
OPM received two comments recommending expansion of the list of
reportable mental health diagnoses. One commenter questioned why
``major depressive or anxiety orders'' are not included in the PVQ.
Another suggested that individuals with depression should be
investigated to determine the depth of their condition. OPM did not
make changes to the proposed PVQ as a result of these comments. As
explained in the 60-day Notice, while the intent of questioning about
psychological and emotional conditions has always been to surface any
concerns regarding the individual's judgment or reliability, the
approach has shifted from asking about all mental health treatment or
counseling to a more tailored set of questions regarding
hospitalization and specific diagnoses. By following this approach, the
PVQ seeks to reduce perceived stigma associated with seeking mental
health treatment or counseling by limiting the scope of questioning
from what was previously asked on the Questionnaire for National
Security Positions (SF 86) and the Supplemental Questionnaire for
Selected Positions (SF 85P-S).
Collection of Information Regarding Foreign Contacts and Interests
A nonprofit organization encouraged OPM to re-evaluate the
questions regarding foreign connections and foreign activities. The
organization indicated that these questions have not been updated for
decades and do not seem to reflect today's advances in information and
technological environment bringing the world closer. The organization
opined the effect is that individuals end up collecting and providing
information on foreign relationships which are trivial or incidental
and not adjudicatively relevant; thus delaying the personnel vetting
process by creating additional work for the investigative and
adjudicative process. OPM agrees that with today's modern advances
individuals have more connections to foreign nationals. In comparison
to prior personnel vetting questionnaires, however, the reportable
timeframe for many of the questions within this area has been reduced,
and the PVQ clarifies the types of associations that must be reported.
For example, in collecting the respondent's contacts with foreign
nationals, the instructions limit the reporting to foreign nationals
with whom they have feelings of affection, a romantic relationship, are
bound by social, moral, financial, or legal obligations or with whom
they have shared information about themselves that, if known, could be
used to influence them to act against the interest of the U.S.
government. The clarification in this question helps decrease
superfluous reporting of incidental foreign contacts. In response to
recommendations from several other commenters, OPM also reduced the
scope of questioning regarding whether an individual has lived, worked,
or attended school in a foreign country.
Analysis: The following analysis of the burden associated with this
information collection is specific to OPM as the agency sponsoring the
common form. Other agencies will be required to seek expedited approval
to use the common form by submitting their agency-specific burden
analyses to OMB.
Agency: Office of Personnel Management.
Title: Personnel Vetting Questionnaire.
OMB Number: 3206-XXXX.
Frequency: On occasion.
Affected Public: Individuals or Households.
Number of Respondents: 319.
[[Page 12705]]
Estimated Time per Respondent: 140 minutes.
Total Burden Hours: 780 hours.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Stephen Hickman,
Federal Register Liaison.
[FR Doc. 2023-04106 Filed 2-27-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325-66-P
