Air Force Seeks Public Input on Critical Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Cable Right-of-Way Information Collection Extension

On July 29, 2026, the Department of the Air Force, under the Department of Defense, issued a notice in the Federal Register inviting public comment on its proposal to extend an existing information collection. This initiative is critical for the ongoing operational readiness and security of the nation's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) infrastructure. The notice, issued in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, opens a 60-day window for stakeholders to review and offer feedback on the "Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Hardened Intersite Cable Right-of-Way Landowner Questionnaire," designated as AF Form 3951.

Context of the Hardened Intersite Cable System (HICS)

The Hardened Intersite Cable System (HICS) represents a vital component of the nation's strategic defense, providing essential command and control capabilities for its ICBMs. These subterranean cables traverse private and public lands, requiring continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure their integrity against various threats, both natural and man-made. The Air Force's ability to maintain an uninterrupted ICBM command and control capability directly relies on the protection and upkeep of this expansive network.

The Purpose of AF Form 3951

The AF Form 3951 questionnaire is designed to gather critical, localized information from landowners and tenants whose properties lie within the right-of-way of the HICS. This includes updated contact information, as well as data on property conditions such as soil erosion, planned construction or building projects, and local evacuation plans. Such details are indispensable for the Air Force to anticipate potential issues that could adversely affect the HICS, such as excavation work that might damage cables, or environmental changes that could compromise their protective measures. The information also enables the Air Force to efficiently notify affected parties when preventative or corrective maintenance on the HICS becomes necessary.

Compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) mandates federal agencies to seek public comment before extending or initiating information collections. This legislative requirement ensures that federal agencies justify the necessity of collecting information, minimize the burden on the public, and enhance the quality and utility of the data collected. For this specific collection, the Air Force estimates that 2,834 respondents, comprising businesses, other for-profit entities, individuals, and households, will each spend approximately 15 minutes completing the questionnaire, totaling 709 annual burden hours. The PRA framework encourages transparency and public participation in federal data gathering processes.

Opportunities for Public Engagement

The notice explicitly invites comments on several key aspects: the practical utility and necessity of the information collection, the accuracy of the Air Force's burden estimate, potential methods to improve the quality and clarity of the collected information, and strategies to minimize the burden on respondents, including through technological advancements. Interested parties have until September 28, 2026, to submit their feedback via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov or through postal mail to the Department of Defense. This public comment period is a crucial mechanism for ensuring accountability and efficiency in government operations that impact the public.

Balancing National Security and Public Burden

The proposed extension of this information collection highlights the delicate balance federal agencies must strike between fulfilling their national security mandates and minimizing the administrative burden on the public. While the maintenance of a robust ICBM command and control system is paramount for national defense, the Air Force is also obligated to ensure that its data collection practices are as efficient, clear, and least intrusive as possible. The "close contact public relations program" mentioned in the notice underscores an attempt to foster cooperation and understanding with the affected landowners and tenants, recognizing their role in safeguarding this critical infrastructure. The public comment period provides an opportunity to evaluate whether this balance is being effectively achieved.