[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 223 (Friday, November 20, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 60300]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-27928]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, 
Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request clearance for this collection. In accordance with the 
requirement of Section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. 
After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the 
submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer 
than three years.
    Comments are invited on (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information on respondents, including 
through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information of respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by January 19, 2010, to be 
assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be 
considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: 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 Boulevard, Room 295, 
Arlington, VA 22230, or by e-mail to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: Quantitative Evaluation of the ADVANCE 
Program.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Abstract: The ADVANCE Program was established by the National 
Science Foundation in 2001 to address the underrepresentation and 
inadequate advancement of women on STEM (Science, Technology, 
Engineering, and Mathematics) faculties at postsecondary institutions. 
The evaluation being conducted by Westat focuses on the outcomes of two 
ADVANCE program components: (a) The first two (2001 and 2003) cohorts 
of Institutional Transformation (IT) awardees, and (b) both (2002 and 
2004) cohorts of individuals receiving ADVANCE Fellows awards. The 
study will rely on a thorough review of project documents and relevant 
literature; a survey (facilitated online via WebEx) and an outcome 
indicator data form (distributed and completed electronically) for the 
19 IT awardee institutions; and, a mail survey, with telephone followup 
as needed, of all 59 former Fellows. In addition, the study will use 
data from the 2001 and 2008 administrations of the Survey of Doctorate 
Recipients (SDR) for comparison purposes.
    The evaluation of the IT component has two primary goals: to 
compare selected gender equity outcomes for STEM faculty at the 19 IT 
Cohorts 1 and 2 institutions and at other similar U.S. four-year 
colleges and universities that have not subsequently received ADVANCE 
IT awards, and to develop innovative institutional-level measures of 
changes in gender equity climate and practices that can be applied to 
evaluating the outcomes of the IT award. The primary goal of the 
Fellows evaluation is to compare the career trajectories of ADVANCE 
Fellows with those of similar individuals who were not awarded these 
fellowships.
    Respondents: Faculty and staff at institutions of higher education 
and individuals holding doctoral degrees in STEM fields awarded an NSF 
ADVANCE Fellowship.
    Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 139.
    Burden on the Public: 1859 hours.

    Dated: November 17, 2009.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. E9-27928 Filed 11-19-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P