This information collection includes data validation for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), and a streamlined quarterly narrative report template to support the 1) reporting, 2) recordkeeping, and 3) program evaluation requirements for the following grant programs: National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWG), H-1B grant programs (started July 1, 2016 or later), National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) youth and adult grant programs, SCSEP, and YouthBuild (YB). This information collection does not increase the burden on grantees.
SCSEP data validation assesses the accuracy of data collected and reported to ETA on program activities and outcomes. The accuracy and reliability of program reports submitted by states and grantees using federal funds are fundamental elements of good public administration, and are necessary tools for maintaining and demonstrating system integrity. The data validation requirement for employment and training programs strengthens the workforce system by ensuring that accurate and reliable information on program activities and outcomes is available. The WIOA Joint Quarterly Narrative Performance Report provides a detailed account of program activities, accomplishments, and progress toward performance outcomes during the quarter. It also provides information on grant challenges and timeline progress, as well as the opportunity to share success stories.
Grantees currently provide quarterly narrative reports through ETA-provided, Web-based management systems that already exist and are currently in use by the grantees, or by email to Federal Project Officers where such systems do not exist. Additionally, the use of standardized narrative reports supports Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) implementation and assists in identifying areas of technical assistance need consistently across the discretionary programs that are reporting on WIOA performance indicators. The use of a consistent narrative template furthers the goals of WIOA around system alignment and consistency of reporting, which helps to improve the quality of performance information that is received by ETA.
There are no program changes from the previously approved SCSEP data validation. For the WIOA Joint Quarterly Narrative Performance Report, this revision reflects the use of a new information collection tool to allow for the necessary collection of information under WIOA. The burden described above reflects the associated hours and costs for the implementation of the new reporting tool. This revised ICR significantly reduces the burden hours for this approval by simplifying the reporting requirements to a narrative report format. 41,420 Total Annual Burden Hours, from 62,174 under the previous ICR which is a reduction of 20,754 hours. More intensive data validation is now being provided through the WIOA performance reporting system, the Workforce Integrated Performance System (WIPS), eliminating the need for the intensive collection previously required under the Workforce Investment Act. This simplified report only requires the reporting of qualitative information on the programsâ efforts, challenges, and outcomes.
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.