99-29454. Race and National Origin Information of Job Applicants

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 217 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 61247]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29454]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary


Race and National Origin Information of Job Applicants

ACTION: Proposed collection; Comment request.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), as part of its 
continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites 
the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity 
to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as 
required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 
U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before January 10, 
2000.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5027, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20230 (or via 
the Internet at [e-mail]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Debby Blackwood, Office of Human Resources Management, 
Office of Programs and Policies, Room 5102, 14th and Constitution 
Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20230, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Department of Commerce is below parity with the relevant 
civilian labor force representation for many of our primary 
occupations. The only method to determine if there are barriers in the 
recruitment and selection process for these occupations is to track 
groups that apply and how they fare through the selection process. 
Without this information, DOC does not have the ability to evaluate the 
effectiveness of its recruitment efforts, or to determine barriers in 
its selection process. There is no other objective way to make these 
determinations, and no source of this information other than from 
applicants.
    The race and national origin (RNO) information of job applicants 
was previously collected by all Federal agencies using OPM Form 1386. 
The form expired several years ago and DOC is seeking to establish a 
replacement form. It will not be a required part of their application 
package. A number of Federal agencies have already recreated this form 
for the same purpose--collecting race, national origin, gender and 
disability information of job applicants.
    The information is not provided to selecting officials and plays no 
part in the selection of individuals. Instead, it is used in summary 
form to determine trends over many selections within a given occupation 
or organizational area. The information is treated in a very 
confidential manner.

II. Method of Collection

    Initially job applicants will complete the form in a paper version 
and submit it with their application. DOC is in the process of 
automating this form. Applicants should have the option of completing 
the form electronically within a year. Those without access to 
automated applicant processing will be able to continue submitting a 
paper version. Job applicants complete the form on a voluntary basis.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals Seeking Employment.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,000.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 5 minutes.
    Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 833.33.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (no capital expenditures 
are required).

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection; (c) ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on respondents, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: November 3, 1999.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-29454 Filed 11-9-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-BS-P