Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Submission for OMB review; comment request.

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. 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 H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send e-mail to splimpto@nsf.gov. Comments regarding this information collection 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.

Title: Survey of Doctoral Recipients.

OMB Control Number: 3145-0020.

Summary of Collection: The Bureau of the Census will conduct this study again for NSF in 2001. The Bureau conducted the 1999 survey. National Research Council (NRC) conducted the survey from 1973 through 1995, and the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) conducted the 1997 survey. Questionnaires will be mailed in April 16, 2001 and nonrespondents to the mail questionnaire will receive computer assisted telephone interviewing. The survey will be collected in conformance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the individual's response to the survey is voluntary. The first Federal Register notice for this survey was 65 FR 55056, published September 12, 2000, and no comments were received.

Need and Use of the Information: The purpose of this longitudinal study is to provide national estimates of the doctorate level science and engineering workforce and changes in employment, education and demographic characteristics. The study is one of the three components of the Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT). NSF uses this information to prepare Congressionally mandated reports such as Science and Engineering Indicators and Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering. A public release file of collected data, edited to protect respondent confidentiality, will be made available to researchers on CD-ROM and on the World Wide Web.

Description of Respondents: Individuals.

Number of Respondents: 34,000.

Frequency of Responses: Biennial reporting.

Total Burden Hours: 14,167.