2025-01447. 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Overseas Vetting Questionnaire

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Department of State

1. [Public Notice 12589]

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to March 24, 2025.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering “Docket Number: DOS-2024-0044” in the Search field. Then click the “Comment Now” button and complete the comment form.
• Email: [e-mail].

Regular Mail: Send written comments to: Attn: Dustin Hanks, DS/SI/PSS, SA-20 10th Fl., 2201 C St. NW, Washington, DC 20522-2210.

You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Dustin Hanks, DS/SI/PSS, SA-20 10th Fl., 2201 C St. NW, Washington, DC 20522-2210, who may be reached on [phone] or at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Overseas Vetting Questionnaire.
• OMB Control Number: None.
• Type of Request: New collection.
• Originating Office: Office of Personnel Security and Suitability, DS/SI/PSS.
• Form Number: DS-7801.
• Respondents: Individuals subject to Department of State background investigations, reinvestigations, and continuous vetting.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 25,000.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 25,000.
• Average Time per Response: 70 minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 29,167 annual hours.
• Frequency: Once per request.
• Obligation to Respond: Voluntary for applicants and required for incumbents.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

The information solicited on this form will be used to conduct background investigations, reinvestigations, and continuous vetting of persons for eligibility for logical access, physical access, credentialing, and fitness to perform work overseas for or on behalf of the U.S. Government as Locally Employed (LE) Staff and locally-hired third party contractors employed overseas at a U.S. Mission. For applicants, this form is to be used only after a conditional offer of employment has been made. This form is not to be used for national security positions.

Methodology

The collection of information will be presented to respondents as an electronically fillable form as well as through a static web page that will produce an electronic form.

Erin Smart,

Senior Coordinator for Security Infrastructure, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Department of State.