[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 171 (Tuesday, September 4, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46292-46293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-22148]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Carry Out a New Information 
Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request clearance 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 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 November 5, 
2001 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, 
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone 703-292-
7556; or send email to [email protected]. 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. You also may obtain a copy 
of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: ``eRecruitment'' System.
    OMB Number: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to carry out a new 
information collection.

Abstract

    National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Human Resources 
(HRM), as part of its Workforce Planning efforts, is reengineering its 
business processes. Part of this reengineering effort is devoted to 
making the application and referral process for both internal and 
external applicants easier to use, more efficient and timely. 
Applicants will apply on-line using a web-based resume, which will 
prompt them to provide pertinent personal data necessary to apply for a 
position.

Proposed Project

Use of the Information

    The information will be used by NSF to provide applicants with the 
ability to apply electronically for NSF positions and receive 
notification as to their qualifications, application dispensation and 
to request to be notified of future vacancies for which they may 
qualify.
    In order to apply for vacancies, applicants will be required to 
submit certain data in order to receive consideration. Users only need 
access to the Internet for this system to work. This information will 
be used to determine which applicants are best qualified for a 
position, based on applicant responses to a series of job related 
``yes/no'' or ``multiple choice'' questions. The resume portion 
requires applicants to provide the same information they would provide 
were they were submitting a paper OF-612. The obvious benefit being 
that the applicant may do so on-line, 24 hours a day/seven days a week 
and receive electronic notification about the status of their 
application or information on other vacancies for which they may 
qualify. Staff members of the Human Resource Division and the selecting 
official(s) for specific positions for which applicants apply are the 
only ones privy to the applicant data. The most significant data is not 
the applicant personal data such as address or phone number but rather 
their description of their work experience and their corresponding 
responses to those questions, which determine their overall rating, 
ranking, and referral to the selecting official.

Estimate of Burden

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average less than 30 to 45 minutes to create the on line 
resume and

[[Page 46293]]

potentially less than 10 to 15 minutes to apply for jobs on-line.
    There is no financial burden on the applicant, in fact this should 
relieve much of the burden the current paper-intensive process puts on 
applicants.

Respondents

    Individuals. Approximately 4800 applicants apply for NSF vacancies 
a year. This number could potentially double based on evidence from 
other agencies that use electronic recruitment systems; the estimated 
number of responses is 6500.

Estimated Number of Responses

    Approximately 25 responses per job opening.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents

    Approximately 45 minutes per respondent total time is all that will 
be needed to complete the on-line application, for a total of 4,875 
hours annually.

Frequency of Responses

    Applicants need only complete the resume one time, and they may use 
that resume to apply as often as they wish for any NSF job opening.

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; 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, electronic, mechanical, or 
other technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

    Dated: August 29, 2001.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-22148 Filed 8-31-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M