Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Extend a Current Information Collection

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this collection for three years.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by December 27, 2004 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone 703-292-7556; or send e-mail to 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. You also may obtain a copy of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: “eRecruitment” System.

OMB Number: 3145-0184.

Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 2005.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend a current information collection for three years.

Abstract: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Human Resource Management (HRM), as part of its Workforce Planning efforts, is continuing to reengineer its business processes. Part of this reengineering effort is devoted to making the application and referral process for both internal and external applicants easier to use, more efficient and timely. Applicants apply on-line using a Web-based resume, which prompts them to provide pertinent personal data necessary to apply for a position.

Use of the Information: The information is used by NSF to provide applicants with the ability to apply electronically for NSF positions and receive notification as to their qualifications, application dispensation and to request to be notified of future vacancies for which they may qualify.

In order to apply for vacancies, applicants are encouraged to submit certain data in order to receive consideration. Users only need access to the Internet for this system to work. This information is used to determine which applicants are best qualified for a position, based on applicant responses to a series of job related “yes/no” or “multiple choice” questions. The resume portion requires applicants to provide the same information they would provide were they submitting a paper OF-612. The obvious benefit being that the applicant may do so on-line, 24 hours a day/seven days a week and receive electronic notification about the status of their application or information on other vacancies for which they may qualify. Staff members of the Division of Human Resource Management and the selecting official(s) for specific positions for which applicants apply are the only ones privy to the applicant data. The most significant data is not the applicant personal data such as address or phone number but rather their description of their work experience and their corresponding responses to those questions, which determine their overall rating, ranking, and referral to the selecting official.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated average 45 minutes to create the on line resume and potentially less than 45 minutes to apply for jobs on-line.

There is no financial burden on the applicant, in fact this relieves much of the burden the former paper-intensive process puts on applicants.

Respondents: Individuals. 7971 applicants applied for NSF vacancies between October 2003 and September 2004.

Average Number of Applicants: Approximately 42 responses per job opening for vacancy announcements between October 2003 and September 2004.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: Approximately 45 minutes per respondent total time is all that is needed to complete the on-line application, for a total of 5,978.25 hours annually.

Frequency of Responses: Applicants need only complete the resume one time, and they may use that resume to apply as often as they wish for any NSF job opening.

Comments

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 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.