[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 191 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53104-53105]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26375]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request Title of Collection: 1999 National Survey of Recent 
College Graduates (OMB Control No. 3145-0077).

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction act of 1994, 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 information collection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or for a copy 
of the collection instrument and instructions contact Ms. Mary Lou 
Higgs, Acting Clearance Officer, via surface mail: National Science 
Foundation, ATTN: NSF Reports Clearance Officer, Suite 295, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230; telephone (703) 306-2063; e-mail 
[email protected]; or FAX (703) 306-0201.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

1. Abstract

    The National Survey of Recent College Graduates (NSRCG) has been 
conducted biennially since 1993. In the 1998 NSRCG, cross sectional 
sample) a sample of persons who have graduated with a bachelor's or 
master's degree in science and engineering between July 1, 1996 and 
June 30, 1998 will be contacted. The 1999 NSRCG will also follow up on 
a sample of earlier degree recipients from the 1993-1996 graduating 
classes (longitudinal sample) and collect data on their careers and 
education. The purpose of this longitudinal study is to provide 
national estimates on the science and engineering workforce and changes 
in employment, education and demographic characteristics. The study is 
one of three components of the Scientists and Engineers Statistical 
Data System (SESTAT), which produces national estimates of the size and 
characteristics of the nation's science and engineering population.
    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 science and engineering resources, and to provide a source of 
information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal 
Government.'' the NSRCG is designed to comply with these mandates by 
providing information on the supply and utilization of the nation's 
scientists and engineers. The NSF uses this information to prepare 
congressionally mandated reports such as Science and Engineering 
Indicators and Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering. A 
public release file of collected data, edited to protect respondent 
confidentiality, will be made available to researchers on CD-ROM and on 
the World Wide Web.
    Westat, Inc. has served as NSF contractor conducting this survey in 
the previous two cycles and will conduct the study for NSF in the 1999 
survey cycle. Computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) will 
begin in May, 1999 and questionnaires will be mailed to those that 
cannot be reached or are unwilling to cooperate on the telepone. 
Nonrespondents will also be sent the mail questionnaire. The survey 
will be collected in conformance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the 
individuals response to the survey is voluntary.

2. Expected Respondents

    We will contact by CATI and mail a statistical sample of 
approximately 13,500 graduates in the 1999 NSRCG cross sectional sample 
and 15,000 in the NSRCG longitudinal sample for a total sample of 
28,500. We expect a response rate of 85 percent in the 1999 cross 
sectional sample yielding 11,475 responses and a 90 percent response 
rate in the 1999 longitudinal sample yielding 13,500 responses. Total 
number of respondents is estimated at 24,975.

3. Burden on the Public

    The amount of time to complete the questionnaire may vary depending 
on an individuals circumstances; however, on average it will take 
approximately 30 minutes to complete the survey. We estimate that the 
total annual burden will be 12,487 hours during the year.

Comments Requested

    Dates: Send written comments to NSF on or before December 1, 1998.
    Addresses: Submit written comments to Ms. Mary Lou Higgs, Acting 
Clearance Officer, through surface mail

[[Page 53105]]

at: National Science Foundation, ATTN: NSF Reports Clearance Officer, 
Suite 295, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230; through e-mail 
to [email protected]; or via FAX (703) 306-0201.

Special Areas for Review

    NSF request special review and comments in the following areas:
    (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the Foundation, including 
whether the information will have practical utility;
    (b) The accuracy of the Foundation'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; and
    (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond.

    Dated: September 28, 1998.
Mary Lou Higgs,
Acting NSF Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 98-26375 Filed 10-1-98; 8:45 am]
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