2016-17874. 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 requirement of 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. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this collection for three years.

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.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by September 26, 2016, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

For Additional Information or Comments: Contact Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, 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).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: 2017 National Survey of College Graduates.

OMB Approval Number: 3145-0141.

Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2018.

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 2017 NSCG sample will be selected from the 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2015 NSCG. By selecting sample from these two sources, the 2017 NSCG will provide coverage of the college graduate population residing in the United States. The purpose of this 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 in the past, will conduct the NSCG for NSF. The survey data collection will begin in February 2017 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 statues.

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 118,000 individuals will be contacted in 2017. 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 47,200 hours (= 118,000 respondents × 80% response × 30 minutes) during the 2017 survey cycle.

Dated: July 25, 2016.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.