01-28424. 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 January 14, 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 National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Traineeship Program's Follow Up Study.

OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.

Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to carry out a new information collection.

1. Abstract

This document has been prepared to support the clearance of data collection instruments to be used in the follow up study of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Graduate Research Traineeship (GRT) Program. GRT supported graduate students in peer-review selected institutions to achieve a doctorate (PhD) in critical or emerging areas of science, mathematics, and engineering. The study addresses the following questions: What positions do graduates obtain following completion of the doctorate? What academic awards or private/public sector attainments do graduates receive? What impacts do traineeships have on the sponsoring institution, faculty, and colleagues? How do GRT trainees who stopped their pursuit of a PhD characterize their GRT experience? Is there a relationship between the average time of GRT funding support for a trainee and the average number of years requir4ed for completing a PhD? Despite not completing the doctorate, did former GRT recipients find the traineeships?

The data to address these questions will be gathered via two survey instruments. The first instrument is an Institutional Impact Survey that GRT project Principal Investigators (PI) will complete 2 years after their final year of funding. The second instrument is an individual survey that all trainees who have received doctorates or withdrawn from the GRT program will be asked to complete.

2. Expected Respondents

The expected respondents are the Principal Investigators and GRT funding recipients (trainees) from GRT projects funded by NSF since 1993.

3. Burden on the Public

The total annual burden hours for this collection are 290 for a maximum of 373 respondents, assuming an 80-100% response rate. The average annual reporting burden is one hour or less per respondent. The burden on the public is limited because the study is limited to GRT project participant and no other individuals.

Dated: November 7, 2001.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

NSF Reports Clearance Officer.