83_FR_9593 83 FR 9549 - Value Engineering (VE)

83 FR 9549 - Value Engineering (VE)

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
Office of Federal Procurement Policy

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 44 (March 6, 2018)

Page Range9549-9550
FR Document2018-04445

In accordance with OMB Memorandum M-17-26 ``Reducing Burden for Federal Agencies by Rescinding and Modifying OMB Memoranda,'' the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is proposing to amend OMB Circular A-131, Value Engineering, to reduce the reporting burden on Federal agencies. Value Engineering is an effective technique for cutting waste and inefficiency--helping Federal agencies reduce acquisition costs, improve performance, enhance quality, and foster innovation. The proposal would eliminate the requirement for agencies to report annually to OMB and instead encourage agencies to share best practices, case studies and other information on the Acquisition Gateway (https:// hallways.cap.gsa.gov/login-information) that can facilitate better understanding and use of this management tool within the Executive Branch.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9549-9550]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04445]


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OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

Office of Federal Procurement Policy


Value Engineering (VE)

AGENCY: Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB).

ACTION: Proposed revision to Office of Management and Budget Circular 
No. A-131, ``Value Engineering''.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with OMB Memorandum M-17-26 ``Reducing Burden 
for Federal Agencies by Rescinding and Modifying OMB Memoranda,'' the 
Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) within the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) is proposing to amend OMB Circular A-131, 
Value Engineering, to reduce the reporting burden on Federal agencies. 
Value Engineering is an effective technique for cutting waste and 
inefficiency--helping Federal agencies reduce acquisition costs, 
improve performance, enhance quality, and foster innovation. The 
proposal would eliminate the requirement for agencies to report 
annually to OMB and instead encourage agencies to share best practices, 
case studies and other information on the Acquisition Gateway (https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/login-information) that can facilitate better 
understanding and use of this management tool within the Executive 
Branch.

DATES: Interested parties should submit comments within 30 days of this 
notice.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted through http://www.regulations.gov.

[[Page 9550]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Wade, OFPP, jwade@omb.eop.gov.

Background

    Value Engineering (VE) is a management technique that is used to 
analyze activities and identify alternative processes for completing 
the activities at a lower cost. Industry first developed VE during 
World War II as a means of continuing production despite shortages of 
critical materials. The Federal Government subsequently adopted VE as a 
mechanism to improve efficiency. Policies adding the use of VE are set 
forth in OMB Circular A-131 at https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/circulars/A131/a131-122013.pdf.
    Use of VE supports the Administration's efforts to emphasize 
critical thinking and analysis instead of compliance activity and 
documentation. Although several Federal agencies have reported life-
cycle savings in a broad range of acquisition programs, including 
defense, transportation, and construction projects, overall usage of VE 
by federal agencies has been limited. OFPP believes agency workforce 
awareness and consideration of VE can be improved by redirecting agency 
resources away from compliance reporting and towards information 
sharing with other agencies on use of the tool through the Acquisition 
Gateway (https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/login-information). The Gateway 
provides federal buyers with a forum for improving government 
acquisition. The Acquisition Innovation Hub within the Gateway 
facilitates information sharing with tools and resources for 
acquisition professionals and other stakeholders. These actions are 
called for by OMB Memorandum M-17-26, ``Reducing Burden for Federal 
Agencies by Rescinding and Modifying OMB Memoranda.'' Memorandum M-17-
26 was designed to eliminate inefficiencies created by past OMB 
direction and improve the efficiency of government operations.
    Accordingly, OFPP proposes the following changes to Circular A-131, 
as revised in December 2013:

    1. Replace section 8, entitled ``Reports to OMB'' with the 
following new section 8: Information Sharing. Agencies are 
encouraged to share best practices, case studies and other 
information about their experience using VE on the Acquisition 
Gateway (https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/login-information). The 
Gateway connects federal buyers with resources and tools to improve 
acquisition throughout the government. The Acquisition Innovation 
Hub within the Gateway facilitates information sharing between 
acquisition professionals and other stakeholders. Sharing 
information on the Hub can help build greater awareness of VE and 
accelerate the pace of innovation and other benefits that can come 
from the use of this management tool.
    2. Make the following conforming changes:
    a. Delete paragraph f. from section 7, which refers to 
reporting.
    b. Delete the Attachment to the Circular, which provides a 
format for reporting to OMB.

    For a copy of OMB Circular A-131, go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/ files/omb/circulars/A131/a131-122013.pdf.
    Although public comment is not required in the development of these 
changes, OMB welcomes input on the proposed amendments to the Circular 
described above and will consider feedback prior to finalizing changes 
to the Circular.

Lesley A. Field,
Deputy Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-04445 Filed 3-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3110-01-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2018 / Notices 9549 The site visits to a selection of respondents will be selected based on the information will have practical approximately eight States are intended survey responses as well as suggestions utility; to allow a deeper understanding of why from NASWA regarding employers with • evaluate the accuracy of the particular measures were selected, particularly strong experience engaging agency’s estimate of the burden of the progress in implementing performance with the workforce system. ICR to survey and fieldwork measures, and related challenges. This respondents, including the validity of fieldwork will include semi-structured II. Desired Focus of Comments the study approach and assumptions interviews and focus groups. The States Currently, DOL is soliciting comments used; will be selected based on the results of • enhance the quality, utility, and concerning the above data collection for the survey and other study knowledge, clarity of the information to be the analysis of employer performance to include a mix of locations in terms collected; and measurement approaches. DOL is of geographic region, performance • minimize the burden of the particularly interested in comments that measures being used, and status of information collection on respondents, implementation. Semi-structured do the following: including the use of appropriate interviews with a selection of • Evaluate whether the proposed automated, electronic, mechanical, or approximately eight employers are collection of information is necessary other technological collection intended to more fully explore issues of for the proper performance of the techniques or other forms of information interest that emerge from the employer functions of the agency related to technology (e.g., permitting electronic survey responses. Employer interview employer services, including whether submission of responses). TABLE 1—ESTIMATED TIME BURDEN Average Total Annual Number of burden per Annual Information collection activity number of number of responses per response burden hours respondents respondents respondent (hours) Survey—State WIOA Administrator ..................................... a 43 14 1 0.75 11 Survey—Employer ............................................................... b 474 158 1 0.33 53 Site Visit Protocol—State Administrator .............................. 32 11 1 0.75 8 Site Visit Protocol—Local Administrator .............................. 8 3 1 0.75 2 Site Visit Protocol—State and Local Workforce Develop- ment Board Staff and Members ....................................... 32 11 1 0.75 8 Site Visit Protocol—State and Local Staff Collecting Per- formance Data .................................................................. 16 5 1 0.75 4 Site Visit Protocol—American Job Center Staff .................. c 40 13 1 1 13 Interview—Employer ............................................................ 8 3 1 0.75 2 Total .............................................................................. 653 218 ........................ ........................ 101 a Based on an 80 percent response rate. b Based on a 50 percent response rate. c One focus group of five per site visit. III. Current Actions Dated: February 27, 2018. Procurement Policy (OFPP) within the Molly Irwin, Office of Management and Budget At this time, the Department of Labor Chief Evaluation Officer, U.S. Department of (OMB) is proposing to amend OMB is requesting clearance for data Labor. Circular A–131, Value Engineering, to collection via online surveys and [FR Doc. 2018–04546 Filed 3–5–18; 8:45 am] reduce the reporting burden on Federal fieldwork for the analysis of employer BILLING CODE 4510–HX–P agencies. Value Engineering is an performance measurement approaches. effective technique for cutting waste and Type of review: New ICR inefficiency—helping Federal agencies reduce acquisition costs, improve OMB Control Number: 1290–0NEW OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND performance, enhance quality, and Affected Public: Individuals working BUDGET foster innovation. The proposal would on state and local workforce eliminate the requirement for agencies Office of Federal Procurement Policy development programs, Workforce to report annually to OMB and instead Development Boards, and American Job Value Engineering (VE) encourage agencies to share best Centers selected for surveys and practices, case studies and other fieldwork; HR department AGENCY: Office of Federal Procurement information on the Acquisition Gateway representatives of businesses selected Policy (OFPP), Office of Management (https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/login- for surveys and interviews. and Budget (OMB). information) that can facilitate better ACTION: Proposed revision to Office of understanding and use of this Comments submitted in response to sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Management and Budget Circular No. management tool within the Executive this request will be summarized and/or A–131, ‘‘Value Engineering’’. Branch. included in the request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) SUMMARY: In accordance with OMB DATES:Interested parties should submit approval; they will also become a matter Memorandum M–17–26 ‘‘Reducing comments within 30 days of this notice. of public record. Burden for Federal Agencies by ADDRESSES: Comments may be Rescinding and Modifying OMB submitted through http:// Memoranda,’’ the Office of Federal www.regulations.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:39 Mar 05, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06MRN1.SGM 06MRN1

9550 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2018 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: stakeholders. Sharing information on the Hub individual listed in the FOR FURTHER James Wade, OFPP, jwade@ can help build greater awareness of VE and INFORMATION CONTACT section of this omb.eop.gov. accelerate the pace of innovation and other document. benefits that can come from the use of this • NRC’s Agencywide Documents Background management tool. 2. Make the following conforming changes: Access and Management System Value Engineering (VE) is a (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly- a. Delete paragraph f. from section 7, which management technique that is used to refers to reporting. available documents online in the analyze activities and identify b. Delete the Attachment to the Circular, ADAMS Public Documents collection at alternative processes for completing the which provides a format for reporting to http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/ activities at a lower cost. Industry first OMB. adams.html. To begin the search, select developed VE during World War II as a ‘‘ADAMS Public Documents’’ and then means of continuing production despite For a copy of OMB Circular A–131, go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/ select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS shortages of critical materials. The Search.’’ For problems with ADAMS, Federal Government subsequently whitehouse.gov/ files/omb/circulars/ A131/a131-122013.pdf. please contact the NRC’s Public adopted VE as a mechanism to improve Document Room (PDR) reference staff at efficiency. Policies adding the use of VE Although public comment is not required in the development of these 1–800–397–4209, 301–415–4737, or by are set forth in OMB Circular A–131 at email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/ changes, OMB welcomes input on the proposed amendments to the Circular ADAMS accession number for each whitehouse.gov/files/omb/circulars/ document referenced (if it is available in A131/a131-122013.pdf. described above and will consider feedback prior to finalizing changes to ADAMS) is provided the first time that Use of VE supports the it is mentioned in this document. In Administration’s efforts to emphasize the Circular. addition, for the convenience of the critical thinking and analysis instead of Lesley A. Field, reader, the ADAMS accession numbers compliance activity and documentation. Deputy Administrator for Federal are provided in a table in the Although several Federal agencies have Procurement Policy. ‘‘Availability of Documents’’ section of reported life-cycle savings in a broad [FR Doc. 2018–04445 Filed 3–5–18; 8:45 am] this document. range of acquisition programs, including BILLING CODE 3110–01–P • NRC’s PDR: You may examine and defense, transportation, and purchase copies of public documents at construction projects, overall usage of the NRC’s PDR, Room O1–F21, One VE by federal agencies has been limited. NUCLEAR REGULATORY White Flint North, 11555 Rockville OFPP believes agency workforce COMMISSION Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. awareness and consideration of VE can be improved by redirecting agency [Docket Nos. 50–334 and 50–412; NRC– FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: resources away from compliance 2018–0041] Tanya E. Hood, Office of Nuclear reporting and towards information Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear sharing with other agencies on use of FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Regulatory Commission, Washington, the tool through the Acquisition Company; Beaver Valley Power DC 20555–0001; telephone: 301–415– Gateway (https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/ Station; Unit Nos. 1 and 2; Use of 1387, email: Tanya.Hood@nrc.gov. login-information). The Gateway Optimized ZIRLOTM Fuel Rod Cladding SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: provides federal buyers with a forum for AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory I. Background improving government acquisition. The Commission. Acquisition Innovation Hub within the The FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating ACTION: Exemption; issuance. Company (FENOC) is the holder of Gateway facilitates information sharing with tools and resources for acquisition SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Renewed Facility Operating License professionals and other stakeholders. Commission (NRC) is issuing an Nos. 50–334 and 50–412, which These actions are called for by OMB exemption in response to an April 9, authorize operation of Beaver Valley. Memorandum M–17–26, ‘‘Reducing 2017, request from FirstEnergy Nuclear The licenses provide, among other Burden for Federal Agencies by Operating Company (FENOC), in order things, that the facilities are subject to Rescinding and Modifying OMB to use Optimized ZIRLOTM fuel rod all rules, regulations, and orders of the Memoranda.’’ Memorandum M–17–26 cladding at the Beaver Valley Power NRC now or hereafter in effect. The was designed to eliminate inefficiencies Station, Unit Nos. 1 and 2 (Beaver facilities consist of pressurized-water created by past OMB direction and Valley). reactors located in Shippingport improve the efficiency of government Borough on the Ohio River in Beaver operations. DATES: The exemption was issued on County, Pennsylvania. The ZIRLO® Accordingly, OFPP proposes the March 6, 2018. corrosion model was based on a model following changes to Circular A–131, as ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID originally developed for zircaloy-4 revised in December 2013: NRC–2018–0041 when contacting the cladding. As utilities moved to 1. Replace section 8, entitled ‘‘Reports to NRC about the availability of increased fuel thermal duty associated OMB’’ with the following new section 8: information regarding this document. with higher peaking factors, uprated Information Sharing. Agencies are You may obtain publicly-available core power, and longer cycle lengths, encouraged to share best practices, case information related to this document cladding corrosion has become one of using any of the following methods: sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES studies and other information about their the important factors in assessing the experience using VE on the Acquisition • Federal Rulemaking website: Go to potential for increased fuel thermal Gateway (https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/login- http://www.regulations.gov and search duty. information). The Gateway connects federal for Docket ID NRC–2018–0041. Address buyers with resources and tools to improve II. Request/Action acquisition throughout the government. The questions about NRC dockets to Jennifer Acquisition Innovation Hub within the Borges; telephone: 301–287–9127; Pursuant to title 10 of the Code of Gateway facilitates information sharing email: Jennifer.Borges@nrc.gov. For Federal Regulations (10 CFR) section between acquisition professionals and other technical questions, contact the 50.12, ‘‘Specific exemptions,’’ the VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:39 Mar 05, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06MRN1.SGM 06MRN1


Document Created: 2018-11-01 08:48:41
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 08:48:41
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionProposed revision to Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-131, ``Value Engineering''.
DatesInterested parties should submit comments within 30 days of this notice.
ContactJames Wade, OFPP, [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 9549 
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