[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 96 (Friday, May 16, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 28532]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-10937]


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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, Pub. L. 104-13. 
This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published 
in the Federal Register at 73 FR 12470, and no substantial comments 
were 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; (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 17th 
Street, NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. 
Plimpton, 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 may be obtained by 
calling 703-292-7556.
    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 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:
    Title of Collection: 2008 Survey of Doctorate Recipients.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0020.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend an information 
collection for three years.

1. Abstract

    The Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) has been conducted 
biennially since the 1970s. The 2008 SDR will consist of a sample of 
individuals under age 76 who have earned a science, engineering or 
health doctorate from a U.S. university. The purpose of this 
longitudinal study is to provide national estimates on the doctoral 
science, engineering and health workforce and changes in employment, 
education and demographic characteristics of that workforce. 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 workforce.
    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 SDR is designed to comply with these mandates by 
providing information on the supply and utilization of the nation's 
doctoral 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 data system, which 
produces national estimates of the size and characteristics of the 
country's science and engineering personnel. 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 collected 
data, designed to protect respondent confidentiality, will be made 
available to researchers on CD-ROM and on the World Wide Web.
    The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of 
Chicago will conduct the study for NSF. Data collection will begin in 
October 2008 by mail, Web survey and computer-assisted telephone 
interview. The survey will be collected in conformance with the 
Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 
2002 and Privacy Act of 1974. The individual's response to the survey 
is voluntary. NSF will insure that all information collected will be 
kept strictly confidential and will be used only for research or 
statistical purposes.

2. Expected Respondents

    A statistical sample of approximately 42,600 persons, identified as 
having a doctorate in a science, engineering or health field from a 
U.S. university will be contacted. The total response rate in 2006 was 
79%.

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. Assuming an 80% 
response rate, NSF estimates that the total burden for the 2008 SDR 
will be 15,200 hours.

    Dated: May 12, 2008.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
 [FR Doc. E8-10937 Filed 5-15-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P