02-32768. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is inviting the general public or other Federal agencies to comment on this proposed continuing information collection. The National Science Foundation (NSF) will publish periodic summaries of the proposed projects.

COMMENTS:

Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Foundation, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Foundation's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by February 25, 2003 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone [phone]; or send e-mail 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: 2003 National Survey of Recent College Graduates.

OMB Approval Number: 3145-0077.

Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2004.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend an information collection for three years.

1. Abstract

The National Survey of Recent College Graduates (NSRCG) has been conducted biennially since 1974. The 2003 NSRCG will consist of a sample of individuals who have completed bachelor's and master's degrees in science and engineering from U.S. institutions. The purpose of this study is to provide national estimates on the new entrants in the science and engineering workforce and to provide estimates on the characteristics of recent bachelor's and master's graduates with science and engineering degrees. The study is one of three components of the Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT), which produces national estimates of the size and characteristics of the nation's science and engineering population.

The National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as subsequently amended, includes a statutory charge to “* * * provide a central clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data on scientific and engineering resources, and to provide a source of information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal Government.” The NSRCG is designed to comply with these mandates by providing information on the supply and utilization of the nation's recent bachelor's and master's level scientists and engineers. Collected data will be used to produce estimates of the characteristics of these individuals. They will also provide necessary input into the SESTAT labor force data system, which produces national estimates of the size and characteristics of the country's science and engineering population. The Foundation uses this information to prepare congressionally mandated reports such as Women, Minorities and Persons with Disability in Science and Engineering and Science and Engineering Indicators. NSF publishes statistics from the survey in many reports, but primarily in the biennial series, Characteristics of Recent Science and Engineering Graduates in the United States. A public release file of collected data, designed to protect respondent confidentiality, also is expected to be made available to researchers on CD-ROM and on the World Wide Web.

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. of Princeton, New Jersey will conduct the study for NSF. Data are obtained by mail questionnaire, computer assisted telephone interviews and web survey beginning October 2003. The survey will be collected in conformance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the individual's response to the survey is voluntary. NSF will insure that all information collected will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for research or statistical purposes, analyzing data, and preparing scientific reports and articles.

2. Expected Respondents

A statistical sample of approximately 18,000 bachelor's and master's degree recipients in science, engineering, and health will be contacted in 2003. A total response rate in 2001 was 80%.

3. Estimate of Burden

The amount of time to complete the questionnaire may vary depending on an individual's circumstances; however, on average it will take approximately 25 minutes to complete the survey. We estimate that the total annual burden will be 7,500 hours during the year.

Dated: December 23, 2002.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.