The OPM Form 1203 FX serves as a
collection of information from applicants in a format suitable for
automated processing and creates applicant records in OPM's
automated examining system. OPM is increasing the burden estimate
due to a change in how OPM reports OPM Form 1203-FX completion.
Previously, OPM reported totals only for the completion of the
paper version of the form. OPM now includes completion of the
electronic version of the form in its totals. Also there has been a
substantial increase in the number of applicants for Federal
positions, increasing the number of OPM Form 1203-FX submissions.
Also there has been a substantial increase in the number of
applicants for Federal positions, i.e. military personnel overseas,
independent contractors seeking employement with the Federal
Government, which has increased the number of OPM Form 1203-FX
submissions. The 1203-FX form has not been altered from the
previously approved form except for the contact information in the
Burden Statement for comments regarding the time estimate for
completion of the form.
The 1203-FX is used to collect
qualifications information for a variety of occupations, as well as
the varying levels of experience information of the applicants,
completion time will always vary from year to year based on the
number of questions each posted position requires. The burden
estimate is influenced by the number of occupational questions for
a specific vacancy announcement and the type of questionnaire used
to assess applicants. OPM previously reported that 54,202
respondents per year would complete the paper version of the form.
However; we found that on average 31,389 applicants used the paper
version while an average of 3,484,764 respondents applied using the
electronic version annually. The average completion time is 45
minutes for the 1203-FX; yielding an estimated annual burden of
2,613,573 hours. The electronic version of the 1203-FX was not
previously reported due to a separation of duties and programs
which separately maintained the electronic version and the paper
form submission numbers. The burden estimate has increased due to a
change in how OPM reports OPM Form 1203-FX completion. Previously,
OPM reported totals only for the completion of the paper version of
the form. OPM now includes completion of the electronic version of
the form in its totals. Also there has been a substantial increase
in the number of applicants for Federal positions, i.e. military
personnel overseas, independent contractors seeking employement
with the Federal Government, which has increased the number of OPM
Form 1203-FX submissions. The 1203-FX form has not been altered
from the previously approved form except for the address noted in
the Burden Statement for comments regarding the time estimate for
completion of the form.
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.