[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 14, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48553-48554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19847]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Establish an Information 
Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 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 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 October 15, 
2012, 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 
email 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, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 
days a week, 365 days a year (including federal holidays).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: Engineering Research Center's Diversity 
Climate Survey.
    OMB Number: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an 
information collection.
    Abstract:
    Proposed Project: We would like to use Survey Monkey to administer 
a diversity climate survey to the 17, active NSF Engineering Research 
Centers. This survey will have a mix of rating and open-ended 
questions. Our goal is to gain an understanding of the climate of 
diversity within the ERCs.
    Need and Use of Information Collection: The NSF ERCs were 
established in 1985 with one of the goals being the development of a 
diverse, globally competitive engineering workforce. The ERCs provide 
information regarding diversity in the Centers through 10-year 
diversity strategic plans and annual reporting that includes 
demographic data. However, beyond the numbers, NSF does not have a good 
understanding of the culture for diversity inside these centers and how 
it impacts faculty, students and their success. This information will 
enable NSF to have an unprecedented perspective of ERC diversity 
culture. From this knowledge, a benchmark for progress towards creating 
a path of equity in engineering for women, and especially for racial/
ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities can be established 
starting with the culture of the centers. Also, with a better 
understanding of the diversity efforts and diversity culture within the 
ERCs, the information will enable us to assess, refine, and improve 
diversity efforts. We

[[Page 48554]]

want the ERCs to be inclusive environments for all. This diversity 
climate survey will enable us to evaluate how close we are to that 
goal.
    Estimate of the Burden: This survey will have 20 respondents (1 
representative from each current center plus 3 new centers that will be 
established by the time of survey). The survey should take no more than 
30 minutes to complete. This yields a burden time of 600 minutes or 10 
hours.
    Respondents: Individuals; not-for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Responses per survey: One.

    Dated: August 8, 2012.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2012-19847 Filed 8-13-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P