[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29989-29990]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-4799]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the 
following information collection requirement to OMB for review and 
clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. 
This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published 
in the Federal Register at 71 FR 10997, and one comment was received. 
NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the 
publication of this second notice. Comments regarding (a) whether the 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the agency, including whether the information will 
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of 
burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information 
to be collected; or (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 should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science 
Foundation, 725 7th Street, NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and 
to Catherine Hines, Acting Reports Clearance Officer, National Science 
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 
or send e-mail to [email protected]. Comments regarding these information 
collections are best assured of having their full effect if received 
within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be 
obtained by calling 703-292-4414.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Hines at (703) 292-4414 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.
    NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless 
the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control 
number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to 
the collection of 2 information that such persons are not required to 
respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Comment: On March 3, 2006, we published in the Federal Register (71 
FR 10997) a 60-day notice of our intent to request reinstatement of 
this information collection authority from OMB. In that notice, we 
solicited public comments for 60 days ending May 2, 2006. One comment 
came from B. Sachau of Florham Park, NJ, via e-mail on March 9, 2006, 
in response to an email request received March 3, 2006, for a hard-copy 
publication for this program, ``Report on Evaluation of the National 
Science Foundation's Informal Science Education Program.'' Ms. Sachau 
commented on the ``heavy spending'' for this program but had no 
specific suggestions for altering the data collection plans.
    Response: NSF believes that because the comment does not contain 
suggestions for altering the collection of information for which NSF is 
seeking OMB approval, NSF is proceeding with the clearance request.
    Title of Collection: Informal Science Education (ISE) Management 
Information System.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-0158.

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 170 
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 4 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 171 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.


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    Dated: May 18, 2006
Catherine J. Hines,
Acting Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 06-4799 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M