[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 42 (Friday, March 3, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 10997]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2004]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Reinstatement 
of Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation is announcing plans to request 
reinstatement of an annual Web-based collection for the Informal 
Science Education (ISE) Program. 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: Comments are invited on (a) Whether the proposed 
collection on 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 on respondents, including through 
the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by May 2, 2006, 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 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: 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: Informal Science Education (ISE) Management 
Information System.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-0158.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

1. Abstract

    This document has been prepared to support the clearance of a 
Management Information System for the Informal Science Education (ISE) 
program. The goals for the program are to encourage and support 
projects that (1) engage the interest of children and adults in 
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in daily life 
so that they develop capabilities; scientific and technological 
literacy, mathematical competence, problem-solving skills, and the 
desire to learn; (2) bring together individuals and organizations from 
the informal and formal education communities, as well as from the 
private and public sectors, to strengthen STEM education in all 
settings; and (3) develop and implement innovative strategies that 
support the development of a socially responsible and informed public, 
and demonstrate promise of increasing participation of all citizens in 
STEM.
    The ISE Management Information System will be comprised of three 
Web-based surveys, an initial survey that obtains background 
information about the ISE project, an annual survey, and a final 
survey. The survey that obtains background information would be 
completed soon after project grants are awarded (i.e., within 45 days), 
the annual would be completed at the end of each program year, and the 
final would be completed soon after the ISE grant period has ended 
(i.e., within 45 days). Through the use of these three surveys, the 
system will collect data from each ISE-funded project about the 
project, its grant recipient and partner organizations, participants, 
activities, deliverables, and impacts. Information from the system will 
be used by ISE program officers to evaluate the collective impact of 
the ISE portfolio of funded projects, to monitor project-related 
activities and projects' progress over time, and to obtain information 
that can inform the design of future ISE projects.

2. Expected Respondents

    The expected respondents are principal investigators of any ISE 
projects that have been funded since 2004.

3. Burden on the Public

    During the first year of data collection, the current year's 
awardees will be asked to report background data. In addition, in only 
the first year, awardees from the prior two years will be asked to 
report baseline data and to submit one annual report. The average 
annual reporting burden for the baseline and final reports is 
approximately 40 hours, and the reporting burden for the annual report 
is approximately 24 hours. The total elements will be 4,560 burden 
hours for an average number of 150 respondents per year. The burden on 
the public is negligible because the collection is limited to project 
participants that have received funding from the ISE program.

    Dated: February 28, 2006.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 06-2004 Filed 3-2-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M