Enter Uncle Sam's Contests: Commerce Reviews Prize Entry Forms
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Commerce wants to keep collecting info from people who enter their fun challenges and prize contests on Challenge.gov. They’re asking for your thoughts by March 23, 2026, to make sure the process stays easy and quick. This helps them run contests smoothly without making you fill out too many forms or waste time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
DOC Continues Challenge.gov Data Collection
The Department of Commerce will continue collecting personal and demographic information (first and last name, email, city, state, and when applicable other demographic details) from people and organizations who enter challenges and prize competitions posted on Challenge.gov. The program expects about 1,100 respondents, each taking about 10–30 minutes, for an estimated 800 total annual burden hours; participation is voluntary and estimated cost to the public is nominal.
Parental Consent Required for Minors
Applicants under age 18 who enter Department of Commerce challenges may be required to provide parental consent; students under 18 must have a parent's signature on a parental consent form provided by the DOC in order to qualify for the contest.
Entrants May Have to Disclose Software and Data Use
For certain challenges, DOC may collect information about types of data sets used, types of software tools used in solutions, and information regarding uses of proprietary software (such as licenses or use agreements). This applies to private-sector and other non-government participants in Challenge.gov competitions.
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