OSC Seeks Comments on ADR Program Information Collection Extension

Detected March 15th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is seeking public comments on extending an approved information collection for its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program. OSC has revised its survey approach to a single post-session survey to assess program effectiveness. Comments are due by August 25, 2025.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has issued a notice requesting public comments on an extension of its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program's information collection, currently approved under OMB Control Number 3255-0008. The agency has revised its survey methodology, moving from a two-part survey to a single survey administered immediately after mediation sessions conclude. This change aims to improve efficiency and gather feedback on program effectiveness from participants, who include federal employees, agency representatives, and legal counsel.

Regulated entities, specifically government agencies whose employees participate in OSC's ADR process, should review the proposed changes and submit comments by August 25, 2025. The OSC is seeking input on the necessity, accuracy, utility, and clarity of the proposed information collection, as well as ways to minimize respondent burden. While participation in the survey is voluntary and anonymous, the feedback is crucial for the OSC to evaluate and enhance its ADR services. This notice initiates a separate review process for a proposed revision to the collection, which will be submitted to OMB after the comment period closes.

What to do next

Submit comments on the proposed information collection extension by August 25, 2025.
Review the revised survey approach for the OSC ADR Program.

Source document (simplified)

Content

ACTION:

Notice of request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is
seeking public comment on an extension of a currently approved information collection activity for its Alternative Dispute
Resolution (ADR) Program, approved under OMB Control Number 3255-0008. OSC has revised its survey approach and now administers
a single survey to mediation participants immediately following the conclusion of their ADR session. This updated format replaces
the prior two-part survey process (initial and follow-up). The survey is used to assess program effectiveness, gather participant
feedback, and identify areas for improvement. Participation is voluntary and responses are submitted anonymously.

DATES:

Written comments must be received on or before August 25, 2025.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Mail: Barbara Wheeler Jones, U.S. Office of Special Counsel, 1730 M Street NW, Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036.

• Email: frliaison@osc.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nicole Courtney, Records and Information Manager, at (202) 804-7000 or via email at frliaison@osc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OSC's ADR Survey is administered electronically to individuals who participate in the agency's voluntary mediation program
for prohibited personnel practice complaints. To improve efficiency and enhance response quality, OSC now issues a single
consolidated survey immediately after the mediation concludes. The information collected will help OSC evaluate the overall
success of its ADR process and improve service delivery. Participation remains voluntary and anonymous.

• Title of Collection: OSC Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program Survey.

• OMB Control Number: 3255-0008.

• Type of Review: An amendment of a currently approved information collection. OSC has submitted an extension request to OMB for this collection
(Control No. 3255-0008), which is currently under review. This notice initiates a separate review process for a proposed revision
to that collection, which will be submitted to OMB following the conclusion of the public comment period.

• Affected Public: Individuals who participate in OSC's ADR process (e.g., federal employees, agency representatives, legal counsel).

• Estimated Number of Respondents: 80 annually.

• Estimated Time per Response: 35 minutes.

• Total Estimated Annual Burden: Approximately 46.64.

Abstract: The ADR Program at OSC provides a confidential and informal process to resolve prohibited personnel practice complaints through
mediation and facilitated discussions. To assess participant satisfaction, OSC administers a short, singular survey following
each mediation session. This revised format replaces the former two-survey model. Responses are used to evaluate the effectiveness
of the ADR process, identify trends, and inform program enhancements. The survey is

  voluntary and responses are kept anonymous.

Request for Comments: OSC invites written comments on:

Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility;
The accuracy of OSC's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;
Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology.

All comments received will be included in the public record. Comments will be summarized and/or included in the request for
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.

Dated: April 4, 2025. Barbara Wheeler Jones, Chief, Case Review Division, U.S. Office of Special Counsel. [FR Doc. 2025-11663 Filed 6-24-25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7405-01-P