2019-11103. Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Occupational Code Assignment

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting comments concerning a proposed extension for the authority to conduct the information collection request (ICR) titled, “Occupational Code Assignment.” This comment request is part of continuing Departmental efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA).

DATES:

Consideration will be given to all written comments received by July 29, 2019.

ADDRESSES:

A copy of this ICR with applicable supporting documentation; including a description of the likely respondents, proposed frequency of response, and estimated total burden may be obtained free by contacting Lauren Fairley by telephone at [phone] (this is not a toll-free number), TTY/TDD 1-877-889-5627 (this is not a toll-free number), or by email at [e-mail] or by accessing: http://www.onetcenter.org/​ombclearance.html.

Submit written comments about, or requests for a copy of, this ICR by mail or courier to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration—Division of National Programs Tools and Technical Assistance, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, C4526, Washington, DC 20210, by email: [e-mail] or by Fax [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lauren Fairley by telephone at [phone] (this is not a toll-free number) or by email at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The DOL, as part of continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information before submitting them to the OMB for final approval. This program helps to ensure requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements can be properly assessed.

I. Background

The Occupational Code Assignment form (ETA 741) was developed as a public service to the users of the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), in an effort to help them in obtaining occupational codes and titles for jobs that they are unable to locate in O*NET. The O*NET system classifies nearly all jobs in the United States economy. However, new specialties are constantly evolving and emerging. The use of the OCA is voluntary and is provided: (1) As a uniform format to the public and private sector to submit information in order to receive assistance in identifying an occupational code; (2) to assist the O*NET system in identifying potential occupations that may need to be included in future O*NET data collection efforts; and (3) to provide input to a database of alternative (lay) titles to facilitate searches for occupational information in the O*NET websites including O*NET OnLine (http://online.onetcenter.org), My Next Move (www.MyNextMove.gov), My Next Move for Veterans (www.MyNextMove.org/​vets), O*NET Code Connector (www.onetcodeconnector.org), as well as CareerOneStop (www.careeronestop.org).

The OCA process is designed to help the occupational information user relate an occupational specialty or a job title to an occupational code and title within the framework of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) based O*NET system. The O*NET-SOC system consists of a database that organizes the work done by individuals into approximately 1,000 occupational categories. In addition, O*NET occupations have associated data on the importance and level of a range of occupational characteristics and requirements, including Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tasks and Work Activities. Since the O*NET-SOC system is based on the SOC system, identifying an O*NET-SOC code and title also facilitates linkage to national, state, and local occupational employment and wage estimates. Section 308 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act authorizes this information collection.

This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6.

Interested parties are encouraged to provide comments to the contact shown in the ADDRESSES section. Comments must be written to receive consideration, and they will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval of the final ICR. In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB control number 1205-0137.

Submitted comments will also be a matter of public record for this ICR and posted on the internet, without redaction. DOL encourages commenters not to include personally identifiable information, confidential business data, or other sensitive statements/information in any comments.

DOL is particularly interested in comments that:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• 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;
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
• 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 responses).

Agency: DOL-ETA.

Type of Review: Extension without changes.

Title of Collection: Occupational Code Assignment.

Form: ETA 741.

OMB Control Number: 1205-0137.

Affected Public: Federal government, state and local government, business or other for-profit/non-profit institutions, and individuals.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 25.

Frequency: On occasion.

Total Estimated Annual Responses: 25.

Estimated Average Time per Response: 30 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 12.5 hours.

Total Estimated Annual Other Cost Burden: $0.

Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A).

Molly E. Conway,

Acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training.