2018-12622. Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Extend a Current Information Collection

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request renewal of the National Survey of College Graduates (OMB Control Number 3145-0141). In accordance with the requirements 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 that OMB approve clearance of this collection for three years.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by August 13, 2018 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Contact Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Ave., Suite W18253, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; 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 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the NSF, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the NSF'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, 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 those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Title of Collection: 2019 National Survey of College Graduates.

OMB Approval Number: 3145-0141.

Expiration Date of Approval: February 29, 2020

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

Abstract: The National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG) has been conducted biennially since the 1970s. The 2019 NSCG sample will be selected from the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2017 NSCG. By selecting sample from these two sources, the 2019 NSCG will provide coverage of the college graduate population residing in the United States. The purpose of the NSCG, a longitudinal survey, is to collect data that will be used to provide national estimates on the science and engineering workforce and changes in their employment, education, and demographic characteristics.

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 NSCG is designed to comply with these mandates by providing information on the supply and utilization of the nation's scientists and engineers.

The U.S. Census Bureau, as the agency responsible for the ACS, will serve as the NSCG data collection contractor for NSF. The survey data collection will begin in February 2019 using web and mail questionnaires. Nonrespondents to the web or mail questionnaire will be followed up by computer-assisted telephone interviewing. The individual's response to the survey is voluntary. The survey will be conducted in conformance with Census Bureau statistical quality standards and, as such, the NSCG data will be afforded protection under the applicable Census Bureau confidentiality statutes.

Use of the Information: The NSF uses the information from the NSCG to prepare congressionally mandated reports such as Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering and Science and Engineering Indicators. A public release file of collected data, designed to protect respondent confidentiality, will be made available to researchers on the internet.

Expected Respondents: A statistical sample of approximately 130,000 individuals will be contacted in 2019. NSF expects the response rate to be 70 to 80 percent.

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 30 minutes to complete the survey. NSF estimates that the total annual burden will be no more than 52,000 hours (=130,000 individuals × 80% response × 30 minutes) during the 2019 survey cycle.

Dated: June 7, 2018.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.