2011-27764. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Title: Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Client Impact Survey.

OMB Control Number: 0693-0021.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Request: Regular submission.

Burden Hours: 2,500.

Number of Respondents: 10,000.

Average Hours per Response: 15 Minutes.

Needs and Uses: The objective of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) is to enhance productivity, technological performance, and strengthen the global competitiveness of small- and medium- sized U.S.-based manufacturing firms. Through this client impact survey, the MEP will collect data necessary for program accountability; analysis and research into the effectiveness of the MEP program; reports to stakeholders; Government Performance and Results Act requirements; continuous improvement efforts; knowledge sharing across the MEP system; and identification of best practices. Collection of this data is needed in order to comply with the MEP charter, as mandated by Congress.

The survey will be revised to reflect NIST's “Next Generation Strategy.” This new strategy focuses on growth and innovation for manufacturers. The information will inform management and stakeholders of the strategy's effectiveness.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.

Frequency: Annually.

Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain benefits.

OMB Desk Officer: Jasmeet Seehra, [phone].

Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, [phone], Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at [e-mail]).

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to, Jasmeet Seehra, OMB Desk Officer, FAX Number [phone], or [e-mail].

Dated: October 21, 2011.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.