1293-0009 Supporting_Statement 2025

Jobs for Veterans State Grants Reports

OMB Control Number: 1293-0009

OMB Expiration Date: 6/30/25

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR

JOBS FOR VETERANS STATE GRANTS REPORTS

OMB CONTROL NO. 1293-0009

This Information Collection Request (ICR) seeks a revision to a currently approved collection.

1. Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

The Department of Labor’s (Department) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) administers funds for the multi-year Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) to each state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands on a fiscal year basis. These non-competitive, formula-driven grants are codified under 38 U.S.C.§ 4102A(b)(5):

“Subject to subsection (c) make available for use in each State by grant or contract such funds as may be necessary to support—(A) disabled veterans’ outreach program specialists appointed under section 4103A(a)(1) of this title, (B) local veterans’ employment representatives assigned under section 4104(b) of this title, and (C) the reasonable expenses of such specialists and representatives described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, for training, travel, supplies, and other business expenses…”

VETS provides funds to states in accordance with an allocation formula required by 38 U.S.C. § 4102A (c)(2)(B) and as published in regulation at Title 20, Part 1001, Subpart F of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.). The Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training (ASVET) monitors and supervises the distribution and use of those funds as required by §4102A (b)(6). Additionally, and in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 4107(b), the Secretary reviews performance and provides an annual report to Congress that includes:

• A characterization of the quality and character of priority of services provided to veterans (38 U.S.C. § 4215; 20 C.F.R. §§ 1010.320, 1010.330);

• Efforts to coordinate with the Veterans Administration (in accordance with 38 U.S.C. §§ 4102A(b)(3), 4109); and

• Incentive fund usage (as described in 38 U.S.C. § 4112).

VETS is requesting continued approval for the information collection that streamlines the annual funding request process for grantees, reports the use of grantee funds in sufficient detail to allow interim adjustments that ensure all appropriated funding is expended properly, allows VETS to conduct appropriate oversight and monitoring of grant activities, and provides data needed for VETS’ Annual Report to Congress.

The forms and reports collect required programmatic and financial data from States requesting and obligating grant funds. The continued use of standardized formats for collecting this information helps to ensure that requested data is provided in a uniform way, reporting burdens are minimized, the impact of collection requirements on respondents are properly assessed, collection instruments are clearly understood by respondents, and the information is easily consolidated for use by the Department.

The legislative and/or regulatory justification for each information collection is as follows:

1. Manager’s Report on Services to Veterans: 38 U.S.C. § 4104(e) requires a report on employment and training services provided to veterans and eligible persons by each local employment service delivery point or area. This narrative report is provided to the State Director for Veterans' Employment and Training (DVET) each federal fiscal quarter. It addresses:

   1. Outreach efforts to employers and other organizations to promote the hiring of veterans and other eligible persons;

   2. Veterans and other eligible persons enrolled in case management (receiving intensive services) from staff assigned to the local office;

   3. Outreach efforts to locate and serve veterans and other eligible persons with barriers to employment; and

   4. Compliance with Priority of Service requirements established at 38 U.S.C. § 4215 and 20 C.F.R., Part 1010.

2. VETS-401 JVSG Budget Information Summary: In accordance with 2 C.F.R, applicants for non-construction program grants must submit certain detailed budget forecast information, as specified by the awarding agency. The awarding agency uses the information provided for the award and general management of the grant. VETS currently uses the single-page VETS 401, which provides VETS all the budget information needed to accommodate the JVSG program and its five component activities by cost category and cash needs by quarter.

3. VETS-402 JVSG Expenditure Detail Report (EDR): Financial reports ensure that the recipient adheres to the budget approved by the awarding agency. VETS collects and compiles the EDR information to effectively monitor the use of JVSG funds in accordance with the regulations at 29 C.F.R. § 97.41(a)(3). JVSG recipients use the EDR to detail total expenditures by activity to supplement the quarterly SF-425 Federal Financial Report (FFR), which is used to report total grant spending and draw down of funds. The EDR effectively crosswalks to both the FFR and the JVSG Budget Information Summary (VETS-401) to ensure recipients obligate awarded funding in accordance with their approved budget plan.

Because 38 U.S.C. § 4102A(b)(5) stipulates that JVSG funds are made available to support disabled veterans’ outreach program (DVOP) specialists, local veterans’ employment representatives (LVER), and consolidated DVOP/LVER (CDOL) positions, VETS requires recipients report the amounts expended for salaries and benefits (the primary costs for staff) and number of Funded Positions for each activity on the EDR.

4. VETS-403 JVSG Technical Performance Narrative (TPN): 2 C.F.R. § 200.329 requires grant recipients to report a comparison of actual accomplishments to their established objectives, performance trend analysis, and other information at intervals established by the awarding agency. 38 U.S.C. § 4102A(b)(6) requires VETS to monitor and supervise the use of funds provided to each recipient. The TPN guides recipients to report only on those elements that VETS needs for appropriate oversight.

5. VETS-404 Incentive Award Report (IAR): As a condition for the receipt of funds per 38 USC 4102A(c)(2)(A)(i)(III), recipients must establish an annual performance incentive award program. Recipients report on their incentive award program implementation, including the type and amount of awards issued and the name and title of the individual or office who received the award.

6. VETS-501 JVSG Staffing Directory: Recipients use the VETS-501 to provide information that allows VETS to ensure they have complied with several staffing requirements. The form was designed to streamline the requirement for certain staffing information and to minimize the reporting burden on grant applicants. The VETS-501 form:

   1. Satisfies an assurance required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and implemented at 34 C.F.R. §§ 85.605 and 85.610, by providing the locations where grant-funded staff will be assigned;

   2. Includes the name and assignment information for all grant-funded staff to ensure the grantee is in compliance with 38 U.S.C. § 4102A(c)(8)(A), which requires each employee hired by the State to perform the duties of JVSG-funded staff position to satisfactorily complete training, authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 4109, and provided by the National Veterans’ Employment and Training Institute (NVTI) authorized during the 18-month period that begins on the date on which the employee is so assigned; and

   3. Provides information on positions filled by non-veterans to ensure the proper justification is provided, as mandated by 38 U.S.C. § 4102A(c)(5)(B), which requires grant recipients notify VETS of and provide rationale for each non-veteran employed as a DVOP, LVER, or CODL staff for more than six months.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.

The information collections described in 1 above are a continued collection of information required under the JVSG program. State agencies that receive formula funding under the JVSG submit all forms. Except for the narrative Manager’s Report on Services to Veterans, all of the information is provided on the forms submitted for approval. The forms and instructions are made available to the state agencies electronically through the VETS website, and requirements are transmitted via Veterans’ Program Letters (VPLs), which are VETS’ policy guidance. All forms are used to collect and aggregate staffing, services, or financial expenditure information, as described in the paragraphs below.

States use the VETS-401 and VETS-501 to request formula funding available through the JVSG. As part of a request for formula funding, VETS uses the information on these forms to make informed grant award decisions.

The VETS-401 allows states to enter projected grant-funded expenses for all activities by cost category and for each quarter. VETS uses this information to administer interim adjustments, such as distributing limited Continuing Resolution funds appropriately, and to ensure states are planning to expend appropriated funding properly. VETS also uses this information to report to Congress annually the amounts that states allocate to each activity, the percentage of the grant states plan to spend on salaries and benefits compared to administrative and overhead expenses, and the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions the state certifies can be fully supported by the grant. Because the planned budget is closely aligned with the layout on the other JVSG forms, the information is also used to compare the budget with actual expenditures on a quarterly basis.

On the VETS-402, state agencies report detailed expenditures by quarter, activity, and cost category (salaries, benefits, and other). VETS uses this data to ensure states are obligating grant funds in accordance with their approved budget, track the number of FTE staff paid by the grant, and monitor quarterly spending by relevant cost-category and activity. VETS also uses the information to make timely and informed decisions regarding the distribution of stopgap funding.

State agencies use the VETS-403 to provide periodic narrative progress updates and analysis regarding their expenditures, staffing, and performance outcomes. VETS uses these reports to monitor the states’ use of funds to staff DVOP, LVER, and CODL positions; track turnover; identify new hires requiring training; and ensure such staff are appropriately distributed across the states to fulfill their purposes as effectively and productively as possible.

Recipients use the VETS-404 IAR to report on their incentive award program implementation, including the amount and type of award issued and the name and title of the individual or office who received the award. VETS uses this information to ensure the recipient adhered to their approved incentive award plan. This information was previously reported as an attachment to the VETS-403 TPN, but is being separated into its own form per recipients’ request.

Individual service delivery points or service delivery areas within the states use the Manager’s Report on Services to Veterans to assure VETS that the approved state plan is being followed at the local level. VETS uses it as a monitoring tool to evaluate services provided and outcomes that result from those activities, and to identify opportunities to provide technical assistance.

The VETS-501 contains the addresses of all locations at which JVSG-funded staff operate, staff names, activities, whether they are assigned to the grant full- or half-time, the date of assignment, and the date they completed required training. VETS uses the information on this form to ensure staff are trained within 18 months of hire (as required by statute), monitor vacancies, identify locations to conduct onsite monitoring visits, identify any positions filled by non-veterans, and ensure the state is appropriately assigning staff across the state to provide individualized career services to veterans with employment barriers.

All the information collections, past and proposed revisions, have been or will be used to report staff utilization rates, use of funding, and results to Congress annually.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also, describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.

The Manager’s Report on Services to Veterans is not a form. All other information collections are forms made available to grantees through the VETS website. Manager’s Report on Services to Veterans is completed in narrative form electronically using the grant recipient’s preferred format (usually Microsoft Word) and submitted via email.

The VETS-401 is completed as an online form in the grant modification system (GrantSolutions) with any budget-related grant modification. This method allows for automatic inclusion of the approved budget into the award package, supports validation checks to ensure the entries are accurate, and avoids version control issues.

The VETS-402 EDR is a Microsoft Excel workbook. It is updated and submitted via email on a quarterly basis. VETS is working toward incorporating this form into a new system currently in development, the VETS Grantee Reporting System (VGRS). Electronic submission is projected to go live in 2027.

The VETS-403 TPN is a fillable PDF document. Once completed, it is submitted via email. VETS is working toward incorporating this form into VGRS. Electronic submission is projected to go live in 2027.

The VETS-404 IAR is a Microsoft Excel workbook that is submitted via email once per year. VETS is working toward incorporating this form into VGRS. Electronic submission is projected to go live in 2028.

The VETS-501 is a Microsoft Excel worksheet. Once completed, recipients upload it as an attachment to GrantSolutions with any staffing-related grant modification. VETS is considering incorporating this form into VGRS after it goes live in 2027.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item A.2 above.

The continued information collection modifies current formats to eliminate both duplication and the collection of redundant information. The forms standardize and streamline the methods of collection and ensure that only necessary information is captured and reported in a uniform manner, so that similar data can be easily collected, aggregated, and compared from quarter to quarter and from state to state. A search of the published application forms and federal reports indicates that these forms and reports do not duplicate any similar information already available.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

This information collection does not impact small businesses or other small entities.

6. Describe the consequence to federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

The VETS-401 JVSG Budget Information Summary and VETS-501 JVSG Staffing Directory are completed annually and as-needed if the recipient requests a grant modification that pertains to their budget and/or staffing, respectively.

The Manager’s Report on Services to Veterans, VETS-402 JVSG EDR, and VETS-403 JVSG TPN are required on a quarterly basis.

The VETS-404 IAR is completed annually and submitted with the fourth quarter report.

Without these collections, VETS could not report on the activities and outcomes associated with the funding provided by Congress to provide services to veterans as codified under 38 U.S.C. § 4102A(b)(5) and 38 U.S.C. § 4102A(c)(2)(B). Further, without these collections the Secretary of Labor would not have the information needed to report to Congress in accordance with 38 U.S.C. §4107(b).

Without these forms, VETS would also be unable to meet its fiduciary and programmatic oversight obligations. The annual collections establish the recipient’s approved plan, and the quarterly collections provide periodic progress updates as required by 2 C.F.R. § 200.

The forms also provide a framework to assist grant recipients as they submit required planning and progress information. They prevent recipients from supplying extraneous information and expending more time and resources on reporting than VETS requires.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

• requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

• requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

• requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

• requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;

• in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

• requiring the use of statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

• that includes a pledge of confidentially that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

• requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentially to the extent permitted by law.

VETS does not anticipate any special circumstances that would necessitate any of the above-listed requirements.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years -- even if the collection-of-information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

The Department published a Federal Register notice on November 14, 2024 (89 FR 90054), notifying the public of its intent to pursue this information collection (OMB Number 1293-0009). The Department received seven responses to the notice on a variety of subjects and replied directly to commenters to ensure we understood all suggestions and to provide technical assistance if appropriate. The comments and our replies are summarized below.

Estimated burden hours

Five commenters provided their burden hour estimates for completing the various information collections. Most of these were increases. We responded that we would average the estimates and consider updating them. Below is a summary of comments and decisions:

• VETS-401: The previous approved burden estimate was 1.5 hours per submission. Five commenters stated that the form takes the following amounts of time: 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 1.5 hours, 4 hours, and 10 hours. We are increasing the burden per response from 1.5 to 2 hours. Recipients who struggle with this one-page form may contact their federal point of contact for technical assistance.

• VETS-402 EDR: The previous approved burden estimate was 2 hours per submission. Five commenters stated that the form takes the following amounts of time: 1.75 hours, 2 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, and 15 hours. We do not consider 15 hours to be a reasonable estimate based on the form requirements and are maintaining the current burden hour estimate per response of 2 hours per submission.

• VETS-403 TPN: The previous approved burden estimate was 2 hours per submission. Five commenters stated that the form takes the following amounts of time: 6 hours, 7 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, and 4 hours. We do not consider the higher estimates to be reasonable; in addition, one component of this form was previously a stand-alone incentive award report which has now been moved to a separate form. For these reasons, we are maintaining the current burden hour per response estimate of 2 hours per submission. Recipients who struggle with responses may contact their federal POC for technical assistance.

• VETS-404 IAR: This is a new form, and we estimate it should take an average of one hour to complete. Four commenters agreed with one hour, and another requested that we raise the estimate to two hours because it is new and will take users time to become familiar with it. We agree with the other four commenters that one hour is an appropriate amount of time to complete this form.

• VETS-501: The previous approved burden estimate was 1.5 hours per submission. Five commenters stated that the form takes the following amounts of time: 4 hours, 1.5 hours, 1.5 hours, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, and 2.5 hours. We are increasing the burden hour per response from 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Managers Reports: The previous approved burden estimate was 1.75 hours per response and 51 responses per year. One commenter stated that they complete the report 32 times per year and that it takes 3 hours per response; another commenter stated that they complete the report four times per year and that it takes 3.75 hours per response. After adding these comments to those previously collected, we are decreasing the number of collections per recipient per year from 51 to 44, and increasing the burden per response from 1.75 to 2 hours.

The updated estimates are reflected later in this Statement and, if approved, will be used for each of the forms.

Method of submission

One commenter requested that VETS develop a system for online submission of all forms instead of submission via email attachment.

We explained that the VETS-401 is already submitted via an online form in GrantSolutions and that VETS is developing a system for quarterly reporting via online forms. We anticipate that the system will go live, supporting most of the remaining forms, beginning in Fiscal Year 2027.

Formatting suggestions

One commenter suggested changes to conditional formatting in two fields in the VETS-501 and that the number of blank rows be reduced to make it easier to navigate.

We replied that we would implement the conditional formatting suggestions but could not reduce the number of blank rows due to some recipients needing many more rows due to having a large number of staff funded by the grant. However, we advised the commenter that they could use a column filter to hide blank rows to ease in navigation.

Request for corrections

One commenter pointed out an error on the VETS-402 EDR.

We replied to advise the commenter to use the newest version of the VETS-402 EDR. The newest version includes a fix for the error and was approved by OMB as part of a nonsubstantive change request on May 3, 2024.

In addition to the required information collection activities, VETS shared draft versions of the forms with grant recipients, who are the primary respondents of these forms, and held a one-hour “working session” with them to ask for their input on the new VETS-404 form and hear any other ideas or suggestions for any of the forms. The session results (which we will implement as requested by the attendees) are summarized below:

• VETS-404 platform. The majority of attendees preferred for this form to be in Microsoft Excel in order to take advantage of its automatic calculation ability.

• VETS-404 format. Most attendees requested three separate tables: one for individual awards, one for office awards, and one for other incentive non-cash awards that are charged to the base allocation.

• VETS-404 with an EDR crosswalk. Attendees requested a field where they could enter the total amount of reported incentive award outlays and obligations from the VETS-402 EDR so that the VETS-404 IAR could calculate the difference between the two amounts, if any. Attendees felt that this calculation could help prevent conflicts between the two reports.

• Add fields to the TPN to account for eligible non-veteran participants. The TPN asks for an analysis of services provided to non-veteran participants. However, some nonveterans are eligible for those services. Attendees asked for fields in this question where they can enter the number of eligible non-veteran individuals who received services under the grant.

We have implemented all of these requests and believe they will make the forms easier for recipients to use.

Finally, VETS consulted federal and contracted staff within the agency to request input on various proposed changes to the forms before, during, and after the open comment period. Together, we explored ways to streamline reporting, remove unnecessary questions, and clarify messaging on the forms and instructions to be consistent with JVSG guidance.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

VETS did not provide any payments or gifts to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

VETS did not provide any assurance of confidentiality to respondents.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

No questions of this nature are included in any component described in this information collection request.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:
    
    Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. General, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.
    
    If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form.
    
    Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 13.

For all collections, VETS used previously-approved burden hours as a starting point, and adjusted these as described in Item 8 above based on actual users’ comments during the 60-day comment period.

Affected Public: JVSG Applicants/Recipients (54), an agency within each recipient state or territory.

Table 12-1. Estimated Annualized Respondent Cost and Hour Burden

Activity	No. of Respondents	No. of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate1	Total Burden Cost
VETS-401 Budget	54	1	54	2	108	$61.37	$6,628
VETS-402 EDR	54	62	324	2	648	$61.37	$39,768
VETS-403 TPN	54	4	216	2	432	$61.37	$26,512
VETS-404 IAR	54	1	54	1	54	$61.37	$3,314
VETS-501 Staffing	54	1	54	2	108	$61.37	$6,628
Manager’s Report3	54	44	2,376	2	4,752	$61.37	$291,630
Unduplicated Total	54*	57	3,078		6,102		$374,480

*=not cumulative

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14).

• The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of service component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

• If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

• Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

Respondents will not need to purchase any equipment or special software to respond to this information collection request. As these data collection requirements apply to state formula grant recipients, administrative resources are provided as part of the grant to offset staff costs associated with reporting and systems modifications. There is no additional cost to respondents.

14. Provide estimates of the annualized cost to the Federal Government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 into a single table.

The cost to the federal government involves staff review and analysis of the information submitted by recipients. VETS estimates that it takes GS-13 step 5 staff earning $57.23 per hour⁴ an average of one hour per response to review and process each of the five forms (excluding the Managers Reports). The recipients submitting 702 non-Managers Reports responses per year would thus produce an annual burden of 702 hours at a burden cost of $40,175 for the Federal Government

VETS estimates that it takes those staff one half-hour per Managers Report to review. The recipients submitting 2,376 Managers Reports per year would produce an annual burden of 1,188 hours at a burden cost of $67,989 for the Federal Government.

Therefore, the total annual federal review cost is $108,164 ($40,175 + $67,989).

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.

The total burden hours for this ICR increased from 6,062 to 6,426. This increase is primarily due to increasing the agency estimated response time on three of the collections which in turn slightly increased estimated burden hours.

VETS also has added a VETS-404 IAR form to replace a formerly stand-alone requirement that was included in the VETS-402 TPN.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulations, and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

The Department does not publish the results of this information collection.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

The Department does not seek an exception to the requirement to display the expiration date on this information collection.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

The Department is not requesting an exception to any of the certification requirements for this information collection. This request complies with 5 C.F.R. § 1320.9.

2. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

There are no statistical methods in this collection.

1 Hourly rate is based on the Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics’ quarterly economic analysis series titled “Employer Costs for Employee Compensation.” The $61.37 figure was derived from Table 3 titled, “Employer costs per hour worked for employee compensation and costs as a percent of total compensation: State and local government workers, by major occupational and industry group,” dated June 2024.

2 The VETS-402 EDR is a workbook updated on a quarterly basis until all funds are expended or the period of performance has ended. On average, grantees need six quarters to expend each year’s funding.

3 Manager’s Reports are submitted by many respondents and require a time commitment that is determined largely by grantees’ discretion. Values on this row reflect actual estimates rather than VETS requirements.

4 Source: Pay & Leave : Salaries & Wages - OPM.gov. Rest of US salary is used because the GS-13 staff conducting this work are located in every state.

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