02-11536. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Submission for OMB review; Comment request

SUMMARY:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 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 and other Federal agencies to comment on this proposed continuing information collection. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 67 FR 2248 and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice.

DATES:

Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received by OMB within 30 days of publication in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of NSF, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of NSF'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 of 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 e-mail to [e-mail]. Copies of the submission may be obtained by calling [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, NSF Reports Clearance Officer at [phone] or send e-mail to [e-mail].

An agency 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:

Title of Collection: The Cross Site Analysis of the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) Program.

OMB Control No.: 3145-0182.

Abstract: This document has been prepared to support the clearance of data collection instruments to be used in the evaluation of the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) Program. This site-based interview component is a part of a mixed method implementation and impact study and is comprised of on-site interviews of PIs, trainees, key faculty, and administrative personnel for all IGERT projects in their third year of funding (approximately 20 sites per year). It complements and verifies data from the previously cleared IGERT Distance Monitoring System (a Web-based survey completed annually by the project Principal Investigators, funded trainees, and non-funded associate students). While the Web-based survey provides prescribed and consistent data across all IGERT sites, site visits allow the collection of site-specific, in-depth information that answers questions raised by the Web-based collection and extends its scope. The two approaches inform and enrich each other to provide the clearest and most complete portrait possible of the evaluated program. Data are needed by NSF for program monitoring and to support program analysis, impact assessment, and evaluation activities.

Expected Respondents: Interview respondents at each IGERT project will include: The Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigators, Faculty associated with the project or advisors to trainees, Funded Trainees, Non-Funded Associates, and University Administrators.

Burden on the Public: Burden for respondents varies according to role, from 30 minutes to three hours. A total of 34 hours and 30 minutes interview time is projected for the estimated 44 respondents at each site. Over the average of 20 sites each year, this amounts to 880 respondents and a total of 690 hours. Burden to the public is limited because all respondents are limited to those associated with IGERT projects in their third year of implementation.

Dated: May 3, 2002.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.