[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 141 (Friday, July 24, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36779-36780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-17678]


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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 74 FR 24043, 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. The full submission may be found at: 
http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

[[Page 36780]]

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 17th Street, NW., Room 10235, 
Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne 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(s) may be obtained by calling 703-292-7556.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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].
    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: 
    Comment: On May 22, 2009, we published in the Federal Register (74 
FR 24043) 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 July 21, 2009. One comment 
came from B. Sachau of Florham Park, NJ, via e-mail on May 22, 2009, 
who objected to this information collection.
    Response: (Some background on the program to clarify the survey 
request is provided.) The Alliances for Broadening Participation in 
STEM (ABP) includes three programs: the Louis Stokes Alliances for 
Minority Participation (LSAMP) program; the Bridge to the Doctorate 
(LSAMP-BD) Activity; and the Alliances for Graduate Education and the 
Professoriate (AGEP) program.
    This portfolio of programs seeks to increase the number of students 
successfully completing quality degree programs in science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics (STEM). Particular emphasis is placed on 
transforming STEM education through innovative academic strategies and 
experiences in support of groups that historically have been 
underrepresented in STEM disciplines: African-Americans, Alaskan 
Natives, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Pacific 
Islanders.
    Managed synergistically, the ABP cluster enables seamless 
transitions from the STEM baccalaureate to attainment of the doctorate 
and entry to the STEM professoriate. ABP support begins at the 
baccalaureate level through the LSAMP program. LSAMP emphasizes 
development of broad based regional and national alliances of academic 
institutions, school districts, State and local governments, and the 
private sector to increase the diversity and quality of the STEM 
workforce. Eligible LSAMP undergraduate students may receive continued 
support for up to two additional years of STEM graduate study through 
the Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) Activity. The Bridge to the Doctorate 
provides significant financial support for matriculating candidates in 
STEM graduate programs at eligible alliance sites.
    Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) 
furthers the graduate education of underrepresented STEM students 
through the doctorate level, preparing them for fulfilling 
opportunities and productive careers as STEM faculty and research 
professionals. AGEP also supports the transformation of institutional 
culture to attract and retain STEM doctoral students into the 
professorate. Further information may be found via the AGEP Web page: 
http://www.agep.us/index.asp#maincontent.
    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: National Evaluation of the Alliances for 
Graduate Education and the Professoriate Faculty and Student Surveys.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.
    Abstract: The Division of Human Resource Development (EHR/HRD) of 
the National Science Foundation has requested impact information on the 
Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Program. 
Funded by NSF, the AGEP Program has funded 28 alliances of colleges and 
universities to promote the participation of underrepresented minority 
groups in PhD programs in the fields of science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The ultimate goal of the program 
is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in these 
fields who enter the professoriate. NSF now seeks follow-up information 
on program participants--that is, students and faculty-- to determine 
what impact the program has had on graduate students' decisions to 
enroll in and graduate from STEM doctoral programs and enter the 
professoriate. NSF proposes a one-time on-line survey of STEM graduate 
students currently enrolled in STEM doctoral programs and faculty 
members at universities taking part in AGEP.
    Estimate of Burden: The Foundation estimates that, on average, 30 
minutes per respondent will be required to complete the surveys, for a 
total of 8,250 hours for all respondents. Respondents from the 104 
institutions that received NSF AGEP support will be asked to complete 
this survey once.
    Respondents: STEM faculty at AGEP institutions and STEM graduate 
students at AGEP institutions.
    Estimate total number of responses: 16,500.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 8,250 hours.

    Dated: July 21, 2009.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer,
    National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. E9-17678 Filed 7-23-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P