Notice of Information Collection

AGENCY:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); Notice: (16-067).

ACTION:

Notice of information collection.

SUMMARY:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES:

All comments should be submitted within 30 calendar days from the date of this publication.

ADDRESSES:

Interested persons are invited to submit written comments regarding the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 7th Street NW., Washington, DC 20543. Attention: Desk Officer for NASA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Frances Teel, NASA Clearance Officer, NASA Headquarters, 300 E Street SW., JF000, Washington, DC 20546, Frances.C.Teel@nasa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This collection of information supports the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, to create opportunities to improve processes associated with the evaluation and selection of individuals to participate in the NASA Astronaut Candidate Selection Program. The NASA Astronaut Selection Office (ASO) located at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas is responsible for selecting astronauts for the various United States Space Exploration programs. In evaluating an applicant for the Astronaut Candidate Program, it is important that the ASO have the benefit of qualitative and quantitative information and recommendations from persons who have been directly associated with the applicant over the course of their career.

This information will be used by the NASA ASO and Human Resources (HR) personnel, during the candidate selection process (approx. 2 year duration), to gain insight into the candidates' work ethic and professionalism as demonstrated in previous related employment activities. Respondents may include the astronaut candidate's previous employer(s)/direct-reporting manager, as well as co-workers and other references provided by the candidate.

II. Method of Collection

Electronic and optionally by paper.

III. Data

Title: NASA Astronaut Candidate Selection (ASCAN) Qualifications Inquiry.

OMB Number: 2700-0156.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved information collection.

Affected Public: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 20 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 667.

Estimated Total Annual Cost: $50,905.00.

IV. Request for Comments

Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of NASA, including whether the information collected has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of NASA's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection. They will also become a matter of public record.