New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)
No
Regular
Comment filed on proposed rule
02/01/2024
10/16/2023
OMB files this comment in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.11( c ). This OMB action is not an
approval to conduct or sponsor an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995. This action has no effect on any current approvals. If OMB has assigned this ICR a
new OMB Control Number, the OMB Control Number will not appear in the active inventory.
For future submissions of this information collection, reference the OMB Control Number
provided. DHS should resubmit this request at the final rule stage.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
This proposed information collection request (ICR) relates to three new forms necessary for the efficient operation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationâs (NHTSA) whistleblower program, as established by 49 U.S.C. 30172 (the Whistleblower Act). The Whistleblower Act authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to pay an award to eligible whistleblowers who voluntarily provide original information, if the information provided leads to the successful resolution of a covered action. The three forms are the WB-INFO form, the WB-AWARD form, and the WB-RELEASE form. All of the information collections are collected on an as-needed basis. One of the information collections is completely voluntary and the other two are voluntary, but required to receive a benefit. Under the proposed regulations, a potential whistleblower is required to submit a WB-INFO form and to submit a WB-AWARD form in order to qualify for a whistleblower award. A potential whistleblower may choose to voluntarily submit the WB-RELEASE form.
The proposed WB-INFO form will be used to permit NHTSA and its staff to collect information from potential whistleblowers about themselves, their legal representatives, and their allegations relating to any potential violation of the Safety Act or regulation thereunder. If a potential whistleblower proceeds anonymously, the individual must have a legal representative. That legal representative will retain their clientâs signed WB-INFO form. The WB-AWARD form would permit NHTSA to collect information relating to a claimantâs eligibility for an award. This would allow NHTSAâs Administrator to determine claims for whistleblower awards. The WB-RELEASE form would provide a means for the potential whistleblower to provide consent for NHTSA to disclose information which could reasonably be expected to reveal the identity of the potential whistleblower. Being able to disclose this information may allow NHTSA to open a public investigation or proceed more efficiently with an investigation into the potential whistleblowerâs allegations.
The likely respondents to proposed forms, the WB-INFO, the WB-AWARD, and the WB-RELEASE, are those employees or contractors of motor vehicle manufacturers, part suppliers, and dealerships who wish to provide NHTSA staff with information relating to any potential motor vehicle defect, potential noncompliance, or any violation or alleged violation of any notification or reporting requirement of the Safety Act or regulation thereunder. The anticipated recipients of the proposed WB-INFO, WB-AWARD and WB-RELEASE forms are those individuals at NHTSA who have a need to know the information. This may include attorneys in NHTSAâs Office of the Chief Counsel and staff in NHTSAâs Office of Enforcement.
US Code:
49 USC 30172
Name of Law: the Whistleblower Act
This is the implementation of a new program. NHTSA estimates the burden hours will be 750 hours for the WB-INFO form, 11.25 hours for the WB-RELEASE Form and 20 hours for the WB-AWARD form. The total estimated annual burden hours for this information collection are 781 hours (rounded).
$11,382
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Dylan Voneiff 202 763-8536
Reginfo record details
No
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.
WB-AWARD-Individual with Legal Representative