[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 46 (Friday, March 7, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12471-12472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4485]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection; Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part of its continuing effort to reduce 
paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation (NSF) 
is inviting the general public or other Federal agencies to comment on 
this proposed continuing information collection. The National Science 
Foundation (NSF) will publish periodic summaries of the proposed 
projects.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Foundation, including whether the information will 
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Foundation's estimate 
of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by May 6, 2008, 
to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be 
considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports 
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, 
Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send 
e-mail to

[[Page 12472]]

[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: 2008 National Survey of College Graduates.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0141.
    Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 2009.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend an information 
collection for three years.

1. Abstract

    The National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG), formerly called 
the National Survey of Natural and Social Scientists and Engineers, has 
been conducted biennially since the 1970's. The 2008 NSCG will consist 
of a sample of 2006 NSCG respondents under age 76 with at least one 
bachelor's, master's degree, or foreign doctorate in science, 
engineering or health field, and/or work in science and engineering or 
related occupations. The purpose of this longitudinal panel study is to 
provide national estimates on the science and engineering workforce and 
changes in employment, education and demographic characteristics. The 
study is one of three components of the Scientists and Engineers 
Statistical Data System (SESTAT), which produces national estimates of 
the size and characteristics of the nation's science and engineering 
population.
    The National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as subsequently 
amended, includes a statutory charge to ``* * * provide a central 
clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data 
on scientific and engineering resources, and to provide a source of 
information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal 
Government.'' The NSCG is designed to comply with these mandates by 
providing information on the supply and utilization of the nation's 
scientists and engineers. Collected data will be used to produce 
estimates of the characteristics of these individuals. They will also 
provide necessary input into the SESTAT labor force data system, which 
produces national estimates of the size and characteristics of the 
country's science and engineering population.
    The Foundation uses this information to prepare congressionally 
mandated reports such as Women, Minorities and Persons with 
Disabilities in Science and Engineering and Science and Engineering 
Indicators. A public release file of the SESTAT data (which includes 
the NSCG data) designed to protect respondent confidentiality will be 
made available to researchers on CD-ROM and on the World Wide Web.
    The Bureau of the Census, as in the past, will conduct the study 
for NSF. Data will be obtained by mail questionnaire and computer-
assisted telephone interviews beginning in October 2008. The survey 
will be collected in conformance with the Confidential Information 
Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002, and the individual's 
response to the survey is voluntary. NSF and Bureau of the Census will 
insure that all information collected will be kept strictly 
confidential and will be used only for statistical purposes.

2. Expected Respondents

    A statistical sample of approximately 60,000 persons, identified as 
having at least a bachelor's degree and having a degree and/or 
occupation in science, engineering, or health, will be contacted.

3. Burden on the Public

    The amount of time to complete the questionnaire may vary depending 
on an individual's circumstances; however, on average it will take 
approximately 25 minutes to complete the survey. NSF estimates that the 
total annual burden will be 25,000 hours during the 2008 survey cycle.

    Dated: March 4, 2008.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
 [FR Doc. E8-4485 Filed 3-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P