[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 12, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53712-53713]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-15025]


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

MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection

AGENCY: Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Merit Systems Board is requesting approval from the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to conduct employee surveys for a 
period of three years from the approval date. Before submitting the 
Information Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for review and approval, 
MSPB is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the information 
collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).
    In this regard, we are soliciting comments on the public reporting 
burden. The reporting burden for the

[[Page 53713]]

collection of information on this form is estimated to average 30 
minutes per respondent, including time for reviewing instructions and 
completing the survey. In addition, the MSPB invites comments on (1) 
whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of MSPB's functions, including whether the 
information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of MSPB's 
estimate of burden of the proposed collection of information, including 
the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on respondents, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques, when appropriate, and other forms of information 
technology.

DATES: According to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.10, MSPB 
plans to submit an ICR to OMB for review and approval following the 60 
day comment period. Comments must be received on or before November 9, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments via any of the following methods:
    E-mail: [email protected]. Include ``Employee Surveys'' in the 
subject line of the message.
    Fax: (202) 653-7211.
    Mail: Cynthia Ferentinos, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, Room 
511, 1615 M St., NW., Washington, DC 20419.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on the survey 
questions, contact Cynthia Ferentinos by phone on 202-653-6772, ext. 
1334, by FAX on 202-653-7211, or by e-mail at 
[email protected]. You may contact Ms. Ferentinos V/TDD at 1-
800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed Project

''Career Advancement Survey of Federal Employees''

    As part of its purpose, MSPB is responsible for conducting studies 
of the Federal civil service to ensure that all Federal government 
agencies follow merit systems practices and avoid prohibited personnel 
practices. To support this research agenda, MSPB periodically conducts 
surveys of samples of Federal employees. To obtain insight into the 
current perspectives, MSPB requests approval to conduct additional 
surveys over the next three years.
    The content of these surveys will focus on the career progression 
strategies utilized by Federal employees. In particular, we will 
examine if advancement techniques vary between groups of employees and 
evaluate the outcomes associated with each approach. We also plan to 
identify perceptions held by employees regarding discrimination and 
strategies that may have been used to overcome this potential barrier. 
In addition to the primary survey which is designed to cover all 
employees, we may also design a limited number of more narrowly focused 
surveys, which address issues unique to subpopulations of Federal 
employees (e.g., people with disabilities).
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and record keeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.5 
hours per respondent.
    Respondents/Affected Entities: Participants are selected via 
stratified random sampling to facilitate a representative sample of 
Federal employees.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 46,000.
    Frequency of Response: Once.
    Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 23,000.

    Dated: September 11, 2006.
Bentley M. Roberts, Jr.,
Clerk of the Board.
[FR Doc. E6-15025 Filed 9-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7401-01-P