This effort is
approved in concept through 5/98, however, OMB is unable to approve
the specific instrument, sample methodology, and survey protocol
until feedback is received from the VA, CDC and and the
Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses. In
the future, DoD should consult with VA and CDC and describe the
result of these consultations in the sup porting Statement of OMB
submissions. In addition, DoD failed to address an important issue
raised in May 1997 discussions with DoD on this project. DoD does
not describe how this project will relate to future planned efforts
to research chemical detection and does not explain how this effort
will be linked with other DoD research (such as the Khamisiyah
outreach effort) and VA and CDC studies containing questions on
exposures. Prior to fielding this effort, DoD must address these
concerns and discuss with OMB other issues pertaining to sample
sources, project scope, non- nonresponse and bias, recall bias, and
statistical validity. OMB expects to expeditiously complete its
review of this additional material and to achieve an understanding
of how this effort will support the Administration's broader Gulf
War research agenda.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/1998
05/31/1998
777
0
0
583
0
0
0
0
0
The information collection is
necessary to facilitate the investigation of possible, positive
M256A1 chemical warfare agent detections at different dates and
locations in the Kuwait Theater of Operations. The information
collected will be used to determine which Gulf War units and
veterans may have further information about these incidents,
discover if there were any other observed detections, contribute to
a better understanding of the events during and after the Gulf War,
and encourage enrollment in a DoD or VA clinical program.
Respondents are 777 Persian Gulf War veterans who are
not....
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.