SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The OMB is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of CNCS, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions;
• Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
• Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

A 60-day Notice requesting public comment was published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2026, at 91 FR 43364. The comment period ended September 14, 2026. Three comments were received in response to that notice. One comment asked whether candidates are provided an opportunity to dispute inaccurate court records, clarify probation terms, or appeal a supervisor's negative Part C recommendation before being formally disqualified from AmeriCorps VISTA service. No change to the information collection is needed to address this comment because when the candidate receives their background check results directly from “Checkr”, they can dispute a finding through that system if they believe information on their background check is inaccurate, incomplete, or belongs to someone else. Additionally, the CHAF form provides a mechanism for candidates to address any discrepancies and provide clarification, encouraging dialogue between the candidate and Partner organization to engage in a transparent interactive process in which any discrepancies can be discussed, documented and elevated to VISTA if necessary. Another comment expressed concern that the form requires local non-profit or municipal site supervisors who are not trained in criminal record evaluations to justify acceptance or rejection based on a candidate's criminal history. In fact, the form does not require local site supervisors to make legal determinations regarding a candidate's criminal history. The criminal history information has already been processed through the criminal system. Site supervisors provide site-specific information and a recommendation concerning whether a candidate is suitable for service at that particular site; they do not make the final determination regarding the candidate's eligibility or suitability for VISTA service. AmeriCorps VISTA retains final decision-making authority consistent with the applicable statutory and program requirements as outlined in the Domestic Volunteer Service Act (DVSA), the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended. The third comment expressed concern regarding exposure of sensitive information to local host sites. AmeriCorps VISTA partners are required to comply with AmeriCorps and applicable federal regulations governing the handling of sensitive information.

Title of Collection: AmeriCorps VISTA Criminal History Acknowledgment Form.

OMB Control Number: 3045-NEW.

Type of Review: New.

Respondents/Affected Public: Businesses and Organizations, State, Local or Tribal Governments; Individuals and Households.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 240.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 120.

Abstract: The AmeriCorps VISTA Criminal History Acknowledgment Form (CHAF) is part of a new process that increases sponsor autonomy in AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer (member) selection and standardizes data collection for more efficient workflow and prompt adjudication of criminal history issues. The CHAF must be completed by VISTA sponsors when a candidate for VISTA service either fails to report their criminal history on their application or is noted to have a criminal history involving certain violent or serious offenses. In the latter case, a VISTA candidate reports the offense, its date, the final court judgment, and the legal status of each offense in Part A of the CHAF. In Part B, they accept the AmeriCorps VISTA conditions for serving with a criminal history special consideration.

On Part C of the form, the VISTA sponsor or site supervisor provides a recommendation to accept or reject the candidate based on the disclosed criminal history. They must include an explanation of why they consider the candidate to be (or not be) a good fit for their program in light of the disclosed criminal history and, if they recommend acceptance, what measures they will have in place to support a successful service term for the candidate and appropriate supervision.

Part D is a personal narrative that applicants who have noted a criminal history involving violence must complete.