The Paperwork Reduction Act requires CIOs to review information collections to certify that standards are met and to minimize the burden, but after looking at 12 case studies in four agencies, GAO said these reviews were seldom rigorous.
At the four agencies, GAO determined that CIOs certified collections proposed by program offices despite missing or inadequate support — support which is required under the PRA.
GAO said a lack of management attention and weaknesses in OMB guidance were among the numerous factors contributing to these problems.
It recommended that agencies strengthen support provided for these certifications and that OMB update guidance to clarify and emphasize that requirement, something the four agencies reported they have started to do.
However, the IRS and the Environmental Protection Agency have put in place alternative processes focused on reducing paperwork, and these two agencies have devoted significant resources to targeted burden reduction efforts that involve extensive outreach to stakeholders, according to GAO.
GAO suggested that Congress consider mandating pilot projects to reproduce some of the IRS and EPA approaches.
