05-1677. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Submission for OMB Review: comment request.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the following information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearaqnce under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 69 FR 62304, and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of Managaement and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725-17th Street, NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send an e-mail to [e-mail]. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 703-292-7556.

NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Human Resources Management (HRM), as part of its Workforce Planning efforts, is continuing to reengineer its business processes. Part of this reengineering effort is devoted to making the application and referral process for both internal and external applicants easier to use, more efficient and timely. Applicants apply on-line using a Web-based résumé, which prompts them to provide pertinent personal data necessary to apply for a position.

Use of the Information: The information is used by NSF to provide applicants with the ability to apply electronically for NSF positions and receive notification as to their qualifications, application dispensation and to request to be notified of future vacancies for which they may qualify.

In order to apply for vacancies, applicants are encouraged to submit certain data in order to receive consideration. Users only need access to the Internet for this system to work. This information is used to determine which applicants are best qualified for a position, based on applicant responses to a series of job related “yes/no” or “multiple choice” questions. The resume portion requires applicants to provide the same information they would provide were they submitting a paper OF-612. The obvious benefit being that the applicant may do so online, 24 hours a day/seven days a week and receive electronic notification about the status of their application or information on other vacancies for which they may qualify. Staff members of the Division of Human Resource Management and the selecting official(s) for specific positions for which applicants apply are the only ones privy to the applicant data. The most significant data is not the applicant personal data such as address or phone number but rather their description of their work experience and their corresponding responses to those questions, which determine their overall rating, ranking, and referral to the selecting official.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 45 minutes to create the on line resume and potentially less than 45 minutes to apply for jobs on-line.

There is no financial burden on the applicant, infact this relieves much of the burden the former paper-intensive process puts on applicants.

Respondents: Individuals. 7971 applicants applied for NSF vacancies between October 2003 and September 2004.

Average Number of Applicants: Approximately 42 responses per job opening for vacancy announcements between October 2003 and September 2004.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: Approximately 45 minutes per respondent total time is all that is needed to complete the on-line application, for a total of 5,978.25 hours annually.

Frequency of Responses: Applicants need only complete the resume one time, and they may use that resume to apply as often as they wish for any NSF job opening.

Dated: January 25, 2005.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.