USDA's APHIS Proposes Revision and Extension of Volunteer Service Agreements Information Collection Seeking Public Comment

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA has formally requested public comment on a proposed revision and extension of approval for its information collection instruments related to volunteer service agreements and associated time and attendance records. This notice published in the Federal Register on July 28 2026 signals APHIS's commitment to regularly review and update its administrative processes ensuring compliance with federal mandates and operational efficiency. The agency invites interested parties to provide feedback on these critical forms by September 28 2026 a step crucial for the continued functioning and oversight of USDA volunteer programs nationwide.

Background of Federal Volunteer Programs

Federal agencies including the USDA frequently leverage the dedication of volunteers to enhance their mission-critical activities. The legal foundation for USDA's volunteer initiatives stems from Section 1526 of the Food and Agricultural Act of 1981 codified at 7 U.S.C. 2272. This statute empowers the Secretary of Agriculture to establish programs utilizing volunteers. Complementing this legislative authority Departmental Regulation No. 4230-001 titled Volunteer Programs provides the overarching guidelines that all USDA agencies must follow when accepting volunteer services. These regulations also stipulate that individual agencies must publish their specific guidelines for volunteer engagement. Furthermore the Office of Personnel Management OPM plays a key role through its regulations found in 5 CFR part 308 which authorize federal agencies to create educationally related volunteer assignments particularly for students in non-pay status. These frameworks ensure that volunteer contributions are properly managed and aligned with federal objectives.

The Information Collection Process

To effectively manage its volunteer workforce the Marketing and Regulatory Programs MRP mission area within USDA relies on several information collection activities. These collections are vital for MRP program officials administrative personnel and USDA Human Resources offices to determine a prospective volunteer's eligibility and suitability. The agency uses three distinct forms for this purpose. Two forms collect personal data citizenship or immigration status and student status if applicable with one tailored for student volunteers and another for non-student volunteers. The third form specifically documents the actual volunteer service including the dates the service was rendered the location where the duties were performed and the total amount of time the volunteer dedicated. This structured approach ensures that APHIS maintains accurate records and complies with OPM requirements for documenting volunteer service.

Regulatory Compliance and Burden Reduction

The current request for revision and extension of approval is made in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 PRA. The PRA mandates that federal agencies minimize the reporting burden on the public and ensure that collected information has practical utility. APHIS is specifically asking the Office of Management and Budget OMB to approve its continued use of these information collection activities for an additional three years under OMB Control Number 0579-0477. Notably APHIS has proactively amended this information collection to decrease the number of respondents responses and total burden hours. This reduction reflects the agency's continuous effort to streamline administrative processes and reduce unnecessary burdens on those participating in or overseeing volunteer programs while still fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The estimated annual burden on respondents is now 79 hours spread across an estimated 106 responses from 44 respondents.

Opportunity for Public Input

The Federal Register notice serves as a formal invitation for the public and affected agencies to submit comments on the proposed information collection. APHIS has outlined four specific areas for feedback. First the agency seeks input on whether the collection of information is truly necessary for the proper performance of its functions including its practical utility. Second it asks for evaluations of the accuracy of its estimated burden particularly the methodology and assumptions used. Third APHIS aims to enhance the quality utility and clarity of the information being collected. Finally the agency is soliciting suggestions on how to minimize the burden on respondents perhaps through the expanded use of automated electronic mechanical or other collection technologies such as electronic submission options. This transparent process allows for public participation in shaping federal administrative practices.

Potential Implications and Forward Trajectory

The efficient management of federal volunteer programs carries significant implications for both government operations and public engagement. Effective information collection ensures accountability legal compliance and the appropriate allocation of human resources to vital agricultural and plant health initiatives. The ongoing review process through the Paperwork Reduction Act mechanism highlights the dynamic nature of federal administration adapting to optimize resource utilization and public interaction. Public comments received will directly influence the final form and scope of these volunteer service information collections impacting how individuals engage with APHIS and similar USDA programs. The outcome will inform future administrative practices and could set precedents for how other federal agencies manage their volunteer workforces balancing oversight with accessibility and ease of participation.