The collection of personal background data on job applicants is for purposes of planning and assessing affirmative employment program initiatives. Under these procedures, applicants and selectees are requested to provide, on a purely voluntary basis, information on their race, ethnic origin, gender, and disability to help ensure Department personnel practices meet the requirements of Federal law.
There is a decrease in the burden because of two factors. One is the use of automated submission of the form has reduced the estimated time to complete the form. Secondly, there have been fewer job applicants for positions advertised, reducing the overall number of forms submitted.
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.