Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

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.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by November 27, 2000 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For further information or for a copy of the collection instrument and instructions contact Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton, NSF Reports Clearance Officer, via surface mail: National Science Foundation, ATTN: NSF Reports Clearance Officer, Suite 295, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230 or e-mail: splimpto@nsf.gov. 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: 2001 National Survey of Recent College Graduates.

OMB Control No.: 3145-0077.

Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 2002.

1. Abstract

The National Survey of Recent College Graduates (NSRCG) has been conducted biennially since 1974. For the 2001 cycle, a sample of individuals who have recently earned bachelor's and master's degrees in science and engineering from U.S. institutions will be surveyed. The purpose of the study is to provide national estimates describing the relationship between education and employment for bachelor's and master's recipients in science and engineering. 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 population.

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 National Survey of Recent College Graduates is designed to comply with these mandates by providing information on the supply and utilization of scientists and engineers at the bachelor's and master's degree level. Collected data will be used to produce estimates of the characteristics of these individuals. They will also provide necessary input into the SESTAT labor force data system, which produces national estimates of the size and characteristics of the country's science and engineering population. The Foundation uses this information to prepare congressionally mandated reports such as Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering and Science and Engineering Indicators. A public release file of collected data, designed to protect respondent confidentiality, is expected to be made available to researchers on CD-ROM and on the World Wide Web.

The Survey will be primarily conducted using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI). Questionnaires will be mailed only to those individuals who are unwilling to provide information over the telephone but willing to complete a mail questionnaire. CATI interviewing will begin in April 2001 and is estimated to end in December 2001. The survey will be collected in conformance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and 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, analyzing data, and preparing scientific reports and articles.

2. Expected Respondents

We will sample approximately 27,500 graduates with bachelor's and master's degrees in science and engineering from U.S. academic institutions

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 30 minutes to complete the survey. We estimate that the total annual burden will be 13,750 hours during the year.

Special Areas for Review: NSF request special review and comments in the following areas:

(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.