2012-12283. Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Establish an Information Collection for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and Request for Comments.

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 (Pub. L. 104-13), we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action plan for information collection.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by July 23, 2012 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

For Additional Information or Comments: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone [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, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including federal holidays). You also may obtain a copy of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting Requirements for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

OMB Number: 3145-NEW.

Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an information collection.

Abstract

Proposed Project: The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce in the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master`s and doctoral degrees in fields within NSF's mission. The GRFP provides three years of support, to be used during a five-year fellowship period, for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research.

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program uses several sources of information in assessing and documenting program performance and impact. These sources include reports from program evaluation, the GRFP Committee of Visitors, and data compiled from the applications. In addition, GRFP Fellows submit annual activity reports to NSF.

The GRFP Completion report is proposed as a new component of the annual reporting submitted by each GRFP institution to NSF. The Completion Report and the existing Program Expense Report will comprise the GRFP Annual Report. GRFP institutions will certify the current status of all GRFP Fellows at the institution. The current status will be reported as either In Progress, Graduated, Transferred, or Withdrawn. For Graduate Fellows with Graduated status, the graduation date is a required reporting element. Collection of this information will allow the program to obtain information on the current status of Fellows, the number and/or percentage of Graduate Fellowship recipients who complete a science or engineering graduate degree, and an estimate of time to degree completion. The report must be certified and submitted by the institution's designated Financial Official (FO) annually.

Use of the Information: The completion report data will provide the GRFP with accurate Fellow information regarding their completion of their graduate programs. The data will be used by NSF in its assessment of the impact of its investments in the GRFP, and will inform its program management.

Estimate of Burden: Overall average time will be 15 minutes per Fellow (6886 Fellows) for a total of 1722 hours for all institutions with Fellows. An estimate for institutions with 12 or fewer Fellows will be 1 hour, institutions with 12-48 fellows will be 4 hours, and institutions over 48 Fellows will be 10 hours.

Respondents: Academic institutions with GRFP Fellows.

Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One from each of the 228 current GRFP institutions.

Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance and function of the National Science Foundation, including whether the information shall be useful; (b) the accuracy of NSF's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the utility and clarity of the information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond and (e) the usefulness of the data to institutions.

Dated: May 16, 2012.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.