Statement of Determination

STATEMENT OF DETERMINATION

Police, Fire, Private-Sector Organizations and Colleges/Universities Interviews

1. In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.13, the senior official, or designee, of the Department of Defense has determined that this collection of information is needed prior to the expiration of the time periods under 5 CFR 1320, and that it is essential to the mission of the agency. The agency cannot reasonably follow the normal clearance procedures under 5 CFR 1320 due to the immediate need to collect information as part of the Department of Defense Comprehensive Review Working Group’s (CRWG) study of issues associated with a repeal of the law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The Secretary of Defense assigned the CRWG to study what impact, if any, repeal would have on military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting, retention, and family readiness. As part of its efforts, CRWG has requested that RAND update its report on “Sexual Orientation and U.S. Military Personnel Policy: Options and Assessment.” This report will help inform CRWG’s efforts and be included in the report submitted to the Secretary of Defense on December 1^st.

2. The Department of Defense Comprehensive Review Working Group’s (CRWG) is submitting the subject requirement for emergency review and approval. This emergency submission is necessary because the collection of information by RAND to update their report on sexual orientation in the military is needed prior to the completion and submission of the CRWG’s report to the Secretary of Defense. RAND’s report will also help inform the CRWG with regard to its recommendations the Secretary. RAND’s report, therefore, must be finished by mid-September 2010. As it requires the collection of data from numerous different sources in a range of locations throughout the country and world and, it is necessary to begin data collection procedures as early as possible in June, 2010. If RAND’s interviews are not approved under an emergency process, it will impede the CRWG’s ability to fulfill its tasking by the Secretary of Defense to study the impact of repeal on military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting, retention, and family readiness.

3. The information that is requested is the minimum necessary to comply with applicable laws, Executive Orders, regulations, and prudent business practices.