[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 14, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 57115]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-28484]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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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, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. 
After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the 
submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer 
than 3 years.
    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 respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by January 14, 2002 to be 
assured of consideration. Comments received after that date would be 
considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and 
requests of 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: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 or 
send e-mail 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: Survey of Colleges, Universities Providing 
Graduate Degrees and Specializations in Evaluation, and Providers of 
Professional Development Offerings.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Aprpoval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to carry out a new 
information collection.

1. Abstract

    This document has been prepared to support the clearance of data 
collection instruments to be used in the Surveys of Colleges and 
Universities Providing Graduate Degrees and Specializations in 
Evaluation, and Providers of Evaluation Professional Development 
Offerings. A major problem that NSF faces is the lace of qualified 
evaluators to serve as resources to NSF-funded projects. Therefore, the 
Evaluation Program has set as part of its mission the building of 
capacity in the field of evaluation. NSF's efforts will serve both to 
guarantee that there will be adequate numbers of trained evaluators to 
meet NSF's needs and to aid in creating a solid knowledge base for this 
relatively new professional field. Fundamental to both of these 
purposes is the collection of data on current capacity in the 
evaluation field to conduct training. This includes both formal 
education that leads to the granting of degrees, and informal education 
that fosters the acquisition of specific knowledge and skills through 
short courses, workshops, or Internet offerings. The approach 
encompasses two surveys. One is of university and college-based formal 
evaluation training programs leading to a major or minor course of 
graduate degree studies; the other is of professional training 
activities in evaluation that are regularly provided and may result in 
continuing education certificates.

2. Expected Respondents

    The expected respondents are twofold. Those responding to the 
college and university degree programs will be those institutions that 
offer formal degree or specialization programs in the field of 
evaluation. Those receiving the second type of survey will be 
institutions, companies and organizations that provide regular, short-
term, intensive training programs, such as institutes and short courses 
for both current and novice evaluators.

3. Burden on the Public

    The total elements for these two collections are 32 burden hours 
for a maximum of 120 participants annually, assuming an 80-100% 
response rate. The average annual reporting burden is under 20 minutes 
per respondent. The burden on the public is negligible, as the survey 
is limited to colleges, universities and other entities that provide 
degrees, areas of specialization, and professional development in the 
field of evaluation.

    Dated: November 7, 2001.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
NSF Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-28484 Filed 11-13-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M