HIGHLIGHTS
- Agency rulemaking proceedings can receive thousands of comments.
- Abt’s CommentCounts™ tool helps organize, understand, and respond to comments.
- Agencies are using the CommentCounts™ tool successfully.
The Challenge
Federal laws often do not specify every detail of how agencies should implement them. Agencies must use the rulemaking process to do so and seek public comments on the rules. They also seek public comments for other policy and rule changes. Some attract thousands or even millions of comments. Some are unique. Others are duplicates. Some address many issues at once. Agencies must read, analyze, and address all comments quickly to inform final action.
The Approach
To help clients manage this process, Abt Global developed CommentCounts™. It is a web-based tool that enables agencies to manage any number of comments and respond meaningfully and systematically. Our tool creates an easy way to organize, understand, and respond when time, transparency, and insight matter.
CommentCounts™ handles all types of documents, links comments with associated responses, tracks progress, integrates communication tools for collaboration, and offers robust search and reporting functions.
The Results
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, among others, use CommentCounts™. Learn more at the CommentCounts™ website and via the related fact sheet.