02-1145. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

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; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Written comments should be received by March 18, 2002 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date would 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 [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne Plimpton on [phone] or send email to [e-mail]. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (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: The Cross Site Analysis of the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) Program.

OMB Control No.: 3145-0182.

EXPIRATION DATE OF APPROVAL: May 31, 2002.

Abstract: This document has been prepared to support the clearance of data collection instruments to be used in the evaluation of the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) Program. This site-based interview component is a part of a mixed method implementation and impact study and is comprised of on-site interviews of PIs, trainees, key faculty, and administrative personnel for all IGERT projects in their third year of funding (approximately 20 sites per year). It complements and verifies data from the previously cleared IGERT Distance Monitoring System (a Web-based survey completed annually by the project Principal Investigators, funded trainees, and non-funded associate students). While the Web-based survey provides prescribed and consistent data across all IGERT sites, site visits allow the collection of site-specific, in-depth information that answers questions raised by the Web-based collection and extends its scope. The two approaches inform and enrich each other to provide the clearest and most complete portrait possible of the evaluated program. Data are needed by NSF for program monitoring and to support program analysis, impact assessment, and evaluation activities.

Expected Respondents: Interview respondents at each IGERT project will include: the Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigators, Faculty associated with the project or advisors to trainees, Funded Trainees, Non-Funded Associates, and University Administrators.

Burden on the Public: Burden for respondents varies according to role, from 30 minutes to three hours. A total of 34 hours and 30 minutes interview time is projected for the estimated 44 respondents at each site. Over the average of 20 sites each year, this amounts to 880 respondents and a total of 690 hours. Burden to the public is limited because all respondents are limited to those associated with IGERT projects in their third year of implementation.

Dated: January 11, 2002.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

NSF Reports Clearance Officer.