Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, OPM's Information Collection Request to amend its clearance of the SF 86 (OMB #3206-0005) is approved by OMB/OIRA as submitted, through September 30, 2008. OMB notes that the revised question 21 on the SF 86 was circulated widely for interagency review and that several agencies provided comments. To address concerns that some servicemen/women might forgo counseling to help them adjust from combat out of concern about disclosing that information on the SF 86, OMB is clearing OPM's request, consistent with OPM's agreement to consider issues raised by commenting agencies, informed by its implementation of this change. Upon resubmission of the collection for OMB review, OMB will ask that:
(1) OPM provide its analysis and recommendations on interagency concerns, such as clarity of the change, impact on background investigations, reciprocity, suitability, and appropriateness of other options.
(2) OPM have consulted with commenting agencies in reaching its determinations, including those with expertise in mental health issues
In addition, when implementing this change, OPM will clarify for federal agencies that investigators conducting background investigations are not precluded from pursuing information regarding mental health counseling that is discovered during that process.
Previous Terms of Clearance continue to apply.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
09/30/2008
09/30/2008
09/30/2008
276,200
0
276,200
366,200
0
366,200
0
0
0
The forms are used to initiate national security and suitability investigations.
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.