Priority of Service (POS) issue

Priority of Service (POS) issue A message sent on Friday, August 15, provided initial information about the NPRM on Priority of Service.  We learned today that the pdf version of the NPRM can be accessed on-line at:  http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-18869.pdf As indicated in the message sent on Friday, this message follows-up by providing additional information about the Information Collection Request (ICR) that accompanies the NPRM.  In conjunction with the publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register, the ICR was submitted to OMB on Friday, August 15, and was simultaneously made available for public inspection at OMB’s Reginfo.gov web site. The "main link" for accessing the ICR is:  http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=200805-1205-001  At that page, it is possible to click on different check-boxes to view various pre-programmed summaries of the ICR.  The key content of the ICR is stored at two additional links accessible at that page.  The first link that appears below the check-boxes is titled "View Information Collection (IC) List" and the second link is titled "View Supporting Statement."  The content accessible at those two links is summarized below.     1. "View Information Collection List" – http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAICList?ref_nbr=200805-1205-001  At this page it is possible to access the two "information collections" that are submitted for OMB approval.  To access both documents included in these information collections, it is only necessary to click on the first link titled "Priority of Service Data Collection – Covered Entrants" – http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewIC?ref_nbr=200805-1205-001&icID=186167  At that page, there are two documents that can be accessed by clicking on the document names that appear below the column heading titled "Instrument File:" 

• "Quarterly Report Fields 8 15 08.doc" – That document presents the format for the reporting fields to be included in aggregate quarterly reporting by the six programs that are expected to collect and report data on covered entrants (Wagner-Peyser, WIA Adult, WIA Dislocated Worker, National Emergency Grants, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and Senior Community Service Employment Program).

• "Individual Record Data Elements 8 15 08.doc" – That document identifies the data elements to be collected by the six programs identified above in order to establish individual data records for covered entrants.  The Labor Exchange Reporting System that currently supports Wagner-Peyser reporting does not include the capability to compile and submit individual data records.  Therefore, if the priority of service reporting requirements take effect prior to the implementation of the Workforce Investment Streamlined Reporting System (WISPR), for covered entrants who first access Wagner-Peyser funded resources (such as One-Stop Career Centers) as their "point of entry," the individual data records will be compiled and submitted under the WIA reporting system.  On the other hand, if the priority of service reporting requirements take effect on or after the effective date of WISPR, the capability required to compile and submit individual data records for those who first access the workforce system through Wagner-Peyser resources will be in place under that system.

2. "View Supporting Statement" – http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewDocument?ref_nbr=200805-1205-001  At this page it is possible to access a total of four documents that are related to the ICR: 

• "Supp State POS ICR (Final) 8-14-08" – This document is the Supporting Statement that explains and justifies the planned data collection and reporting requirements for priority of service.

• "Fact Sheet – POS – (Final) 8-14-08" – This document includes the same Fact Sheet that was attached to the message sent on Friday regarding publication of the NPRM.

• "Note to Reviewer – 8-15-08" – This document explains some technicalities related to the ICR.  That information typically would be of greatest interest to the OMB reviewer responsible for review and approval of the ICR.

• "Sample Data-Coll Form 8-15-08" – This document provides an example of how the required information could be obtained for covered entrants whose "point of entry" is at a physical location, such as a One-Stop Career Center.  The ICR does not require the format or sequence of this document.  However, the document does illustrate how eligibility for priority of service could be determined and how the demographic characteristics required for EEO purposes could be collected.

We are sending the links above rather than attaching the files for two reasons.  First, workforce professionals with State Workforce Agencies, as well as other stakeholders within the public workforce system, are likely to rely on the RegInfo.gov web site in order to access this information.  If so, it may help for you to share with them a common point of reference.  Second, we wanted to avoid overloading a large number of inboxes with such a large message.  However, if you have any trouble accessing the documents described above at RegInfo.gov, please reply to this message with a copy to Ed Davin ([email protected]) and include the message "Please send files."  In response to that request, we will send you a message that includes as attachments all the files described in this message. If you have any questions or comments about the NPRM or the ICR, please do not hesitate to contact Ed Davin, or upon her return to the office, Pamela Langley ([email protected]) (after September 15).