Justification for Nonsubstantive Changes

Justification for No Material/NonSubstantive Change

The Peace Corps proposes to make changes to the Peace Corps Interview Rating Tool, OMB Control Number: 0420-0555, Expiration Date: 1/31/2018. The changes present no material and no substantive changes. They serve to clarify and align existing questions with the new Volunteer recruitment and selection process. There will be a reduction in burden cost and burden hours as a result of the change. The changes are nonsubstantive and, as a result, do not require approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

The Peace Corps Act, in 22 U.S.C. 2504(a), gives the Peace Corps the authority to set the terms and conditions for enrollment of individuals as Peace Corps Volunteers. Further description of those terms and conditions, in 22 CFR Part 305, include the need for particular skills, experience, medical condition, and other characteristics.

The Peace Corps Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection (VRS) is responsible for evaluating individuals who apply to serve in the Peace Corps. VRS uses the interview rating tool to further assess the applicant to determine whether an individual has the proper qualifications to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

In July 2014, the Peace Corps implemented significant reforms to the Volunteer placement and assessment process which included allowing applicants to express where they would like to go and what they would like to do in the Peace Corps.  As a result of this change and other refinements/enhancements to our assessment process, the Peace Corps performed a thorough review of our interview rating tool questions and made updates in order to align them to the new process.