[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 10 (Friday, January 15, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2682-2684]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-931]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate Without Revision
an Information Collection
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to
request reinstatement of this collection. In accordance with the
requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), we are providing an opportunity for public
comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment,
NSF will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance
of this collection for no longer than 3 years.
DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by March 16,
1999 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date
will be considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and
requests for copies of the proposed information collection request
should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA
22230, or by e-mail to splimpto@nsf.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 306-1125 x 2017;
or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf
[[Page 2683]]
(TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-
877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through
Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title of Collection: National Science Foundation Science Honor
Awards.
OMB Approval Number: 3145-0035.
Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate an
information collection for three years.
Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers several
honorary awards, among them the President's National Medal of Science,
the Alan T. Waterman Award, the NSB Vannevar Bush Award, and the NSB
Public Service Award.
Use of the Information: The Foundation has the following honor
award programs:
President's National Medal of Science. Statutory authority
for the President's National Medal of Science is contained in 42 U.S.C.
1881 (P.L. 86-209), which established the award and stated that ``(t)he
President shall * * * award the Medal on the recommendations received
from the National Academy of Sciences or on the basis of such other
information and evidence as * * * appropriate.''
Subsequently, Executive Order 10961 specified procedures for the
Award by establishing a National Medal of Science Committee which would
``receive recommendations made by any other nationally representative
scientific or engineering organization.'' On the basis of these
recommendations, the Committee was directed to select its candidates
and to forward its recommendations to the President.
In 1962, to comply with these directives, the Committee initiated a
solicitation form letter to invite these nominations. In 1979, the
Committee initiated a nomination form as an attachment to the
solicitation letter. A slightly modified version of the nomination form
was used in 1980. The Committee agreed that such a form standardized
the nomination format, benefiting the nominator, making the Committee's
review process more efficient and permitted better staff work in a
shorter period of time. Form NSF-1122 will be used to further
standardize the nomination procedures, thus continuing to allow for
more effective committee review, and permitting better staff work in a
shorter period of time.
The Committee has established the following guidelines for
selection of candidates:
1. The total impact of an individual's work on the present state of
physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and
behavioral sciences is to be the principal criterion.
2. Achievements of an unusually significant nature in relation to
the potential effects of such achievements on the development of
scientific thought.
3. Unusually distinguished service in the general advancement of
science and engineering, when accompanied by substantial contributions
to the content of science at some time.
4. Recognition by peers within the scientific community.
5. Contributions to innovation and industry.
6. Influence on education through publications, students, etc.
7. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has applied for
citizenship.
Nominations remain active for a period of four years, including the
year of nomination. After that time, candidates must be renominated
with a new nomination package for them to be considered by the
Committee.
Nomination forms should be typewritten, single-spaced using a font
no smaller than 12 characters per inch. Renominations may be submitted
via an updated nomination form.
Alan T. Waterman Award. Congress established the Alan T.
Waterman Award in August 1975 (42 U.S.C. 1881a (P.L. 94-86) and
authorized NSF to ``establish the Alan T. Waterman Award for research
or advanced study in any of the sciences or engineering'' to mark the
25th anniversary of the National Science Foundation and to honor its
first Director. The annual award recognizes an outstanding young
researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by NSF. In
addition to a medal, the awardee receives a grant of $500,000 over a
three-year period for scientific research or advanced study in the
mathematical, physical, medical, biological, engineering, social, or
other sciences at the institution of the recipient's choice.
The Alan T. Waterman Award Committee was established by NSF to
comply with the directive contained in P.L. 94-86. The Committee
solicits nominations from members of the National Academy of Sciences,
National Academy of Engineering, scientific and technical
organizations, and any other source, public or private, as appropriate.
In 1976, the Committee initiated a form letter to solicit these
nominations. In 1980, a nomination form was used which standardized the
nomination procedures, allowed for more effective Committee review, and
permitted better staff work in a short period of time. On the basis of
its review, the Committee forwards its recommendations to the Director,
NSF, and the National Science Board (NSB).
Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be
35 years of age or younger or not more than five years beyond receipt
of the Ph.D. degree by December 31 of the year in which they are
nominated. Candidates should have demonstrated exceptional individual
achievements in scientific or engineering research of sufficient
quality to place them at the forefront of their peers. Criteria include
originality, innovation, and significant impact on the field.
Vannevar Bush Award. The NSB established the Vannevar Bush
Award in 1980 to honor Dr. Bush's unique contributions to public
service. The annual award recognizes an individual who, through public
service activities in science and technology, has made an outstanding
``contribution toward the welfare of mankind and the Nation.''
The Vannevar Bush Award Committee is periodically established by
the NSB to solicit nominations from selected scientific engineering and
educational societies. Candidates must be a senior stateperson who is
an American citizen and who meets two or more of the following
criteria:
1. Who has distinguished him/herself through public service
activities in science and technology.
2. Who has pioneered the exploration, charting and settlement of
new frontiers in science, technology, education and public service.
3. Whose leadership and creativity have inspired others to
distinguished careers in science and technology.
4. Who has contributed to the welfare of the Nation and mankind
through activities in science and technology.
5. Whose leadership and creativity have helped mold the history of
advancements in the Nation's science, technology, and education.
Nomination submissions should be in letter format, accompanied by a
complete biography and a brief citation summarizing the nominee's
scientific or technological contributions to our national welfare in
promotion of the progress of science. Nominations remain active for
three years, including the year of nomination.
Public Service Award. The NSB established the Public
Service Award in November 1996. This annual award recognizes people and
organizations who have increased the public understanding of science or
engineering. The award may be given to an individual and to a group
(company,
[[Page 2684]]
corporation, or organization), but not to members of the U.S.
Government.
Eligibility includes any individual or group (company, corporation
or organization) that has increased the public understanding of science
or engineering. Members of the U.S. Government are not eligible for
consideration.
Candidates for the individual and group (company, corporation or
organization) award must have made contributions to public service in
areas other than research, and should meet one or more of the following
criteria:
1. Increased the public's understanding of the processes of science
and engineering through scientific discovery, innovation and its
communication to the public.
2. Encouraged others to help raise the public understanding of
science and technology.
3. Promoted the engagement of scientists and engineers in public
outreach and scientific literacy.
4. Contributed to the development of broad science and engineering
policy and its support.
5. Influenced and encouraged the next generation of scientist and
engineers.
6. Achieved broad recognition outside the nominee's area of
specialization.
7. Fostered awareness of science and technology among broad
segments of the population.
Nomination Procedures
1. Prepare a summary of the nominee's activities as they relate to
the selection criteria. Include the nominator's name, address and
telephone number, and the name, address, and telephone number of the
nominee, as well as the nominee's vita, if appropriate (no more than
three pages).
2. The selection committee recommends the most outstanding
candidate(s) for each category to the NSB, which approves the awardees.
3. Nominations remain active for a period of three years, including
the year of nomination. After that time, candidates must be renominated
for them to be considered by the selection committee.
4. Nominations should be mailed or faxed to the NSB Public Service
Award Advisory Committee. Electronic mail does not protect
confidentiality and should not be used for this purpose. Facsimile
copies should be followed up by the original, signed document in order
for the nomination to be reviewed by the selection committee.
Estimate of Burden: These are annual award programs with
application deadlines varying according to the program. Public burden
also may vary according to program; however, it is estimated that each
submission is averaged to be 8 hours per respondent for each program.
If the nominator is thoroughly familiar with the scientific background
of the nominee, time spent to complete the nomination may be
considerably reduced.
Respondents: Individuals, businesses or other for-profit
organizations, universities, non-profit institutions, and Federal and
State governments.
Estimated Number of Responses per Award: 137 responses, broken down
as follows: For the President's National Medal of Science, 45; for the
Alan T. Waterman Award, 60; for the Vannevar Bush Award, 12; for the
Public Service Award, 20.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,242 hours, broken
down by 450 hours for the President's National Medal of Science (10
hours per 45 respondents); 600 hours for the Alan T. Waterman Award (10
hours per 60 respondents); 72 hours for the Vannevar Bush Award (6
hours per 12 respondents); and 120 hours for the Public Service Award
(6 hours per 20 respondents).
Frequency of Responses: Annually.
Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of
the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on
respondents, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology.
Dated: January 11, 1999.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-931 Filed 1-14-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-U
