06-4799. 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 clearance 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 71 FR 10997, and one comment was received. NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of Management 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; or (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 7th Street, NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Catherine Hines, Acting Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send 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 703-292-4414.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Catherine Hines at [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.

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 2 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:

Comment: On March 3, 2006, we published in the Federal Register (71 FR 10997) a 60-day notice of our intent to request reinstatement of this information collection authority from OMB. In that notice, we solicited public comments for 60 days ending May 2, 2006. One comment came from B. Sachau of Florham Park, NJ, via e-mail on March 9, 2006, in response to an email request received March 3, 2006, for a hard-copy publication for this program, “Report on Evaluation of the National Science Foundation's Informal Science Education Program.” Ms. Sachau commented on the “heavy spending” for this program but had no specific suggestions for altering the data collection plans.

Response: NSF believes that because the comment does not contain suggestions for altering the collection of information for which NSF is seeking OMB approval, NSF is proceeding with the clearance request.

Title of Collection: Informal Science Education (ISE) Management Information System.

OMB Control No.: 3145-0158.

1. Abstract

This document has been prepared to support the clearance of a Management Information System for the Informal Science Education (ISE) program. The goals for the program are to encourage and support projects that (1) engage the interest of children and adults in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in daily life so that they develop capabilities; scientific and technological literacy, mathematical competence, problem-solving skills, and the desire to learn; (2) bring together individuals and organizations from the informal and formal education communities, as well as from the private and public sectors, to strengthen STEM education in all settings; and (3) develop and implement innovative strategies that 170 support the development of a socially responsible and informed public, and demonstrate promise of increasing participation of all citizens in STEM.

The ISE Management Information System will be comprised of three web-based surveys, an initial survey that obtains background information about the ISE project, an annual survey, and a final survey. The survey that obtains background information would be completed soon 4 after project grants are awarded (i.e, within 45 days), the annual would be completed at the end of each program year, and the final would be completed soon after the ISE grant period has ended (i.e., within 45 days). Through the use of these three surveys, the system will collect data from each ISE-funded project about the project, its grant recipient and partner organizations, participants, activities, deliverables, and impacts. Information from the system will be used by ISE program officers to evaluate the collective impact of the ISE portfolio of funded projects, to monitor project-related activities and projects' progress over time, and to obtain information that can 171 inform the design of future ISE projects.

2. Expected Respondents

The expected respondents are principal investigators of any ISE projects that have been funded since 2004.

3. Burden on the Public

During the first year of data collection, the current year's awardees will be asked to report background data. In addition, in only the first year, awardees from the prior two years will be asked to report baseline data and to submit one annual report. The average annual reporting burden for the baseline and final reports is approximately 40 hours, and the reporting burden for the annual report is approximately 24 hours. The total elements will be 4,560 burden hours for an average number of 150 respondents per year. The burden on the public is negligible because the collection is limited to project participants that have received funding from the ISE program.

Dated: May 18, 2006

Catherine J. Hines,

Acting Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.