[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 10 (Friday, January 15, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2682-2684]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-931]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate Without Revision 
an Information Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request reinstatement of this collection. In accordance with the 
requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), we are providing an 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 no longer than 3 years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by March 16, 
1999 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and 
requests for copies of the proposed information collection request 
should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, 
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA 
22230, or by e-mail to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports 
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, 
Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 306-1125 x 2017; 
or send email to [email protected]. Individuals who use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf

[[Page 2683]]

(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:
    Title of Collection: National Science Foundation Science Honor 
Awards.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0035.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate an 
information collection for three years.
    Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers several 
honorary awards, among them the President's National Medal of Science, 
the Alan T. Waterman Award, the NSB Vannevar Bush Award, and the NSB 
Public Service Award.
    Use of the Information: The Foundation has the following honor 
award programs:
     President's National Medal of Science. Statutory authority 
for the President's National Medal of Science is contained in 42 U.S.C. 
1881 (P.L. 86-209), which established the award and stated that ``(t)he 
President shall * * * award the Medal on the recommendations received 
from the National Academy of Sciences or on the basis of such other 
information and evidence as * * * appropriate.''
    Subsequently, Executive Order 10961 specified procedures for the 
Award by establishing a National Medal of Science Committee which would 
``receive recommendations made by any other nationally representative 
scientific or engineering organization.'' On the basis of these 
recommendations, the Committee was directed to select its candidates 
and to forward its recommendations to the President.
    In 1962, to comply with these directives, the Committee initiated a 
solicitation form letter to invite these nominations. In 1979, the 
Committee initiated a nomination form as an attachment to the 
solicitation letter. A slightly modified version of the nomination form 
was used in 1980. The Committee agreed that such a form standardized 
the nomination format, benefiting the nominator, making the Committee's 
review process more efficient and permitted better staff work in a 
shorter period of time. Form NSF-1122 will be used to further 
standardize the nomination procedures, thus continuing to allow for 
more effective committee review, and permitting better staff work in a 
shorter period of time.
    The Committee has established the following guidelines for 
selection of candidates:
    1. The total impact of an individual's work on the present state of 
physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and 
behavioral sciences is to be the principal criterion.
    2. Achievements of an unusually significant nature in relation to 
the potential effects of such achievements on the development of 
scientific thought.
    3. Unusually distinguished service in the general advancement of 
science and engineering, when accompanied by substantial contributions 
to the content of science at some time.
    4. Recognition by peers within the scientific community.
    5. Contributions to innovation and industry.
    6. Influence on education through publications, students, etc.
    7. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has applied for 
citizenship.
    Nominations remain active for a period of four years, including the 
year of nomination. After that time, candidates must be renominated 
with a new nomination package for them to be considered by the 
Committee.
    Nomination forms should be typewritten, single-spaced using a font 
no smaller than 12 characters per inch. Renominations may be submitted 
via an updated nomination form.
     Alan T. Waterman Award. Congress established the Alan T. 
Waterman Award in August 1975 (42 U.S.C. 1881a (P.L. 94-86) and 
authorized NSF to ``establish the Alan T. Waterman Award for research 
or advanced study in any of the sciences or engineering'' to mark the 
25th anniversary of the National Science Foundation and to honor its 
first Director. The annual award recognizes an outstanding young 
researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by NSF. In 
addition to a medal, the awardee receives a grant of $500,000 over a 
three-year period for scientific research or advanced study in the 
mathematical, physical, medical, biological, engineering, social, or 
other sciences at the institution of the recipient's choice.
    The Alan T. Waterman Award Committee was established by NSF to 
comply with the directive contained in P.L. 94-86. The Committee 
solicits nominations from members of the National Academy of Sciences, 
National Academy of Engineering, scientific and technical 
organizations, and any other source, public or private, as appropriate.
    In 1976, the Committee initiated a form letter to solicit these 
nominations. In 1980, a nomination form was used which standardized the 
nomination procedures, allowed for more effective Committee review, and 
permitted better staff work in a short period of time. On the basis of 
its review, the Committee forwards its recommendations to the Director, 
NSF, and the National Science Board (NSB).
    Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be 
35 years of age or younger or not more than five years beyond receipt 
of the Ph.D. degree by December 31 of the year in which they are 
nominated. Candidates should have demonstrated exceptional individual 
achievements in scientific or engineering research of sufficient 
quality to place them at the forefront of their peers. Criteria include 
originality, innovation, and significant impact on the field.
     Vannevar Bush Award. The NSB established the Vannevar Bush 
Award in 1980 to honor Dr. Bush's unique contributions to public 
service. The annual award recognizes an individual who, through public 
service activities in science and technology, has made an outstanding 
``contribution toward the welfare of mankind and the Nation.''
    The Vannevar Bush Award Committee is periodically established by 
the NSB to solicit nominations from selected scientific engineering and 
educational societies. Candidates must be a senior stateperson who is 
an American citizen and who meets two or more of the following 
criteria:
    1. Who has distinguished him/herself through public service 
activities in science and technology.
    2. Who has pioneered the exploration, charting and settlement of 
new frontiers in science, technology, education and public service.
    3. Whose leadership and creativity have inspired others to 
distinguished careers in science and technology.
    4. Who has contributed to the welfare of the Nation and mankind 
through activities in science and technology.
    5. Whose leadership and creativity have helped mold the history of 
advancements in the Nation's science, technology, and education.
    Nomination submissions should be in letter format, accompanied by a 
complete biography and a brief citation summarizing the nominee's 
scientific or technological contributions to our national welfare in 
promotion of the progress of science. Nominations remain active for 
three years, including the year of nomination.
     Public Service Award. The NSB established the Public 
Service Award in November 1996. This annual award recognizes people and 
organizations who have increased the public understanding of science or 
engineering. The award may be given to an individual and to a group 
(company,

[[Page 2684]]

corporation, or organization), but not to members of the U.S. 
Government.
    Eligibility includes any individual or group (company, corporation 
or organization) that has increased the public understanding of science 
or engineering. Members of the U.S. Government are not eligible for 
consideration.
    Candidates for the individual and group (company, corporation or 
organization) award must have made contributions to public service in 
areas other than research, and should meet one or more of the following 
criteria:
    1. Increased the public's understanding of the processes of science 
and engineering through scientific discovery, innovation and its 
communication to the public.
    2. Encouraged others to help raise the public understanding of 
science and technology.
    3. Promoted the engagement of scientists and engineers in public 
outreach and scientific literacy.
    4. Contributed to the development of broad science and engineering 
policy and its support.
    5. Influenced and encouraged the next generation of scientist and 
engineers.
    6. Achieved broad recognition outside the nominee's area of 
specialization.
    7. Fostered awareness of science and technology among broad 
segments of the population.

Nomination Procedures

    1. Prepare a summary of the nominee's activities as they relate to 
the selection criteria. Include the nominator's name, address and 
telephone number, and the name, address, and telephone number of the 
nominee, as well as the nominee's vita, if appropriate (no more than 
three pages).
    2. The selection committee recommends the most outstanding 
candidate(s) for each category to the NSB, which approves the awardees.
    3. Nominations remain active for a period of three years, including 
the year of nomination. After that time, candidates must be renominated 
for them to be considered by the selection committee.
    4. Nominations should be mailed or faxed to the NSB Public Service 
Award Advisory Committee. Electronic mail does not protect 
confidentiality and should not be used for this purpose. Facsimile 
copies should be followed up by the original, signed document in order 
for the nomination to be reviewed by the selection committee.
    Estimate of Burden: These are annual award programs with 
application deadlines varying according to the program. Public burden 
also may vary according to program; however, it is estimated that each 
submission is averaged to be 8 hours per respondent for each program. 
If the nominator is thoroughly familiar with the scientific background 
of the nominee, time spent to complete the nomination may be 
considerably reduced.
    Respondents: Individuals, businesses or other for-profit 
organizations, universities, non-profit institutions, and Federal and 
State governments.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Award: 137 responses, broken down 
as follows: For the President's National Medal of Science, 45; for the 
Alan T. Waterman Award, 60; for the Vannevar Bush Award, 12; for the 
Public Service Award, 20.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,242 hours, broken 
down by 450 hours for the President's National Medal of Science (10 
hours per 45 respondents); 600 hours for the Alan T. Waterman Award (10 
hours per 60 respondents); 72 hours for the Vannevar Bush Award (6 
hours per 12 respondents); and 120 hours for the Public Service Award 
(6 hours per 20 respondents).
    Frequency of Responses: Annually.
    Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall 
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of 
the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on 
respondents, including through the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.

    Dated: January 11, 1999.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-931 Filed 1-14-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-U