The PSTAP Assessment is administered by VA to assess how the TAP training for Transitioning Service members (TSMs) prepares Veterans for civilian life and its effects on long-term Veteran outcomes. This information collection request (ICR) is conducted once per year and is designed as two separate collections which include a Cross-Sectional Survey and a Longitudinal Survey. The survey population for the Cross-Sectional Survey includes all Veterans who meet the criteria at the time of fielding of having separated from the military at six months, one year, and three years prior to the date that surveys. Service members who participated in the Cross-Sectional Survey and voluntarily agreed to participate in the Longitudinal Survey make up the Longitudinal Survey population. VA will use email and mail methods to administer the survey, limiting the burden on respondents. The surveys will be administered to gauge the long-term effectiveness of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) by: (1) examining the relationship between attendance in TAP courses and the use of VA Benefits; (2) analyzing the effect of participation in TAP courses on the long-term outcomes of Veterans in the broad life domains of employment, education, health and social relationships, financial, social connectivity and overall satisfaction and well-being, and; (3) identifying areas of improvement for TAP and the broader transition process to guide training and/or operational activities aimed at enhancing the quality of service provided to transitioning service members, Veterans, their families and caregivers.
The changes in burden are all based on changes in expected respondent populations based on updated response rates and changes in the number of Veterans in each cohort.
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.