Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request, 8619-8620 [06-1517]

Download as PDF sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 33 / Friday, February 17, 2006 / Notices established at NSF under OMB 3145– 0058. A third source is U.S. Department of Education’s public use files on student achievement and school systems’ demographic characteristics. The fourth source for data is the proposed evaluation’s original data collection activities. In particular and principally a series of site visits will be conducted during 2006, 2007, and 2008. The evaluation plan selects a random sample of sites to be the subject of the 2006 and 2007 site visits. In this manner, data and lessons derived from the earlier site visits can be the basis for generalizing to the entire MSP Program portfolio during 2006 and 2007. By 2008, with the entire census of study projects covered, such a sampling logic will no longer be relevant. The initial random sample will be stratified so that every grant site visit occurs before the grant expires. The evaluation’s overall framework consists of several substudies each focusing on a different, but essential part of the MSP grantees’ work (e.g., partnerships, the role of disciplinary faculty, student achievement). The relevant evaluation design under these conditions might be considered a metaanalytic rather than a singular design— e.g., providing a rationale for the selection of substudies as well as some guidance for conducting the substudies. Consultations have occurred with a team of external experts on the research design during the evaluation’s design phase and will continue to take place throughout the evaluation. The team of external experts represents the nation’s leading researchers and scholars on methodology and content in the field of evaluation and representatives are from top-tier university schools of education and departments of mathematics or science; and education advocacy group; and an education research council. The data collection instruments include face-to-face interviews, such as focus groups, and telephone or electronic surveys. An interview protocol based on the evaluation framework will be administered during the site visits. Expected respondents at site visits are Principal Investigators, coPrincipal Investigators, administrators, teams of external experts, and other stakeholders who participated in MSP. There are no costs to respondents other than the time involved in the interview or survey process. Information from the evaluation’s data collections and analysis will be used to improve the NSF’s program processes and outcomes. It will enable NSF to prepare and publish reports, and to respond to requests from Committees of Visitors, Congress, and the Office of VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:51 Feb 16, 2006 Jkt 208001 Management and Budget, particularly as related to the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and the Program Effectiveness Rating Tool (PART). The primary evaluation questions include but are not limited to: (1) How has the MSP Program effected or influenced the expertise, numbers, and diversity of the mathematics and science teaching force, K–12 student achievement in mathematics and science, and other presumed program outcomes? (2) What factors or attributes have accelerated or constrained progress in the MSP Program’s achievements? and (3) How have institutions of higher education (IHEs) disciplinary faculty (mathematics, science, and engineering) participated in the MSP Program, and what has been their role in the Program’s achievements? Respondents: Individuals and not-forprofit institutions. Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 450. Burden on the Public: 950 hours. Dated: February 14, 2006. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 06–1516 Filed 2–16–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request National Science Foundation. Submission for OMB review; comment request. AGENCY: ACTION: 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. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 70 FR 75227, and one comment was received. NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8619 information to be collected; (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 these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comment: On December 19, 2005, we published in the Federal Register (70 FR 75227) a 60-day notice of our intent to request renewal of this information collection authority from OMB. In that notice, we solicited public comments for 60 days ending February 17, 2006. One comment was received in response to the public notice. The comment came from B. Sachau of Florham Park, NJ, via e-mail on December 19, 2005. Ms. Sachau objected to the information collection but had no specific suggestions for altering the data collection plans other than to discontinue them entirely. Response: NSF believes that because the comment does not pertain to the collection of information on the required forms for which NSF is seeking OMB approval, NSF is proceeding with the clearance request. Title of Collection: Academic Research and Development Survey Expenditures at Universities and Colleges, FY 2006 through FY 2008; OMB Control Number 3145–0100. Proposed Renewal Project: Separately budgeted current fund expenditures on research and development in the sciences and engineering performed by universities and colleges and federally E:\FR\FM\17FEN1.SGM 17FEN1 8620 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 33 / Friday, February 17, 2006 / Notices funded research and development centers—A web survey, the Survey of Scientific and Engineering Expenditures at Universities and Colleges, originated in fiscal year (FY) 1954 and has been conducted annually since FY 1972. The survey is the academic expenditure component of the NSF statistical program that seeks to provide a ‘‘central clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data on the availability of, and the current and projected need for, scientific and technical resources in the United States, and to provide a source of information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal government,’’ as mandated in the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. Use of the Information: The proposed project will continue the current survey cycle for three years. The Academic R&D Survey will be a census of the full population of an expected 656 institutions (619 universities of colleges plus 37 federally funded research and development centers—FFRDCs) for academic years FY 2006 through FY 2008. These institutions account for over 95 percent of the Nation’s academic R&D funds. The survey has provided continuity of statistics on R&D expenditures by source of funds and by science & engineering (S&E) field, with separate data requested on current fund expenditures for research equipment by S&E field. Further breakdowns are collected on passed through funds to subrecipients by field of science and engineering from specific Federal Government agency sources. Information on R&D for non-S&E fields Doctorategranting burden hours Total number of institutions FY FY FY FY 1999 2000 2001 2002 480 700 625 625 .................................................................................................... .................................................................................................... .................................................................................................... .................................................................................................... Dated: February 14, 2006. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 06–1517 Filed 2–16–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M interested parties at the Permit Office, address below. Comments should be addressed to Permit Office, Room 755, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Notice of Permit Applications Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95–541) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: National Science Foundation. Notice of Permit Applications Received under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, Pub. Law 95– 541. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to publish notice of permit applications received to conduct activities regulated under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. NSF has published regulations under the Antarctic Conservation Act at Title 45 Part 670 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This is the required notice of permit applications received. DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit written data, comments, or views with respect to this permit application by March 20, 2006. This application may be inspected by Masters-granting burden hours Bachelors degree burden hours FFRDC’s burden hours 13.0 12.0 11.9 14.9 7.5 10.5 9.0 12.2 9.4 9.2 12.1 4.5 20.8 21.0 30.2 28.7 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AGENCY: is also requested. Data are published in NSF’s annual publication series Academic Science and Engineering R&D Expenditures and are available electronically on the World Wide Web. The survey is a fully automated web data collection effort and is handled primarily by the administrators at the Institutional Research Offices. To minimize burden, institutions are provided with an abundance of guidance and help menus on the web, in addition to printing and responding via paper copy if necessary. Each record is preloaded with the institutions 2 previous year’s data and a complete program for editing and trend checking. Response to this voluntary survey in FY 2004 was 94.0 percent. Burden estimates are as follows.1 Nadene G. Kennedy at the above address or (703) 292–7405. The National Science Foundation, as directed by the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95–541), as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996, has developed regulations for the establishment of a permit system for various activities in Antarctica and designation of certain animals and certain geographic areas requiring special protection. The regulations establish such a permit system to designate Antarctic Specially Protected Areas. The applications received are as follows: Applicant: Jose L. Sericano (Permit Application No. 2006–027), Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG), Texas A&M University, 833 Graham Road, College Station, TX 77845. Activity for Which Permit is Requested: Take, Enter an Antarctic Specially Protected Area, and Import into the United States. The applicant proposes to collect abandoned eggs and tissue samples from salvaged penguins and seabirds for his doctoral research project involving the Environmental Management of the Admiralty Bay, KGI: Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Sewage Pollution, and Persistent Organic Pollutants. This project is a collaborative project between the Texas A&M University and the Brazilian National Science Foundation. The applicant proposes to enter the Admiralty Bay Antarctic Specially Protected Area to collect his samples. The samples will be kept frozen and finally destroyed at the university. Location: Admiralty Bay Antarctic Specially Protected Area, King George Island. Dates: February 1, 2006 to February 1, 2009. Nadene G. Kennedy, Permit Officer, Office of Polar Programs. [FR Doc. 06–1496 Filed 2–16–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M 1 Average burden hours for institutions responding to burden item. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:51 Feb 16, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\17FEN1.SGM 17FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8619-8620]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1517]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


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. 
This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published 
in the Federal Register at 70 FR 75227, and one comment was received. 
NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the 
publication of this second notice. 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; (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 these information collections 
are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days 
of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Comment: On December 19, 2005, we published in the Federal Register 
(70 FR 75227) a 60-day notice of our intent to request renewal of this 
information collection authority from OMB. In that notice, we solicited 
public comments for 60 days ending February 17, 2006. One comment was 
received in response to the public notice. The comment came from B. 
Sachau of Florham Park, NJ, via e-mail on December 19, 2005. Ms. Sachau 
objected to the information collection but had no specific suggestions 
for altering the data collection plans other than to discontinue them 
entirely.
    Response: NSF believes that because the comment does not pertain to 
the collection of information on the required forms for which NSF is 
seeking OMB approval, NSF is proceeding with the clearance request.
    Title of Collection: Academic Research and Development Survey 
Expenditures at Universities and Colleges, FY 2006 through FY 2008; OMB 
Control Number 3145-0100.
    Proposed Renewal Project: Separately budgeted current fund 
expenditures on research and development in the sciences and 
engineering performed by universities and colleges and federally

[[Page 8620]]

funded research and development centers--A web survey, the Survey of 
Scientific and Engineering Expenditures at Universities and Colleges, 
originated in fiscal year (FY) 1954 and has been conducted annually 
since FY 1972. The survey is the academic expenditure component of the 
NSF statistical program that seeks to provide a ``central clearinghouse 
for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data on the 
availability of, and the current and projected need for, scientific and 
technical resources in the United States, and to provide a source of 
information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal 
government,'' as mandated in the National Science Foundation Act of 
1950.
    Use of the Information: The proposed project will continue the 
current survey cycle for three years. The Academic R&D Survey will be a 
census of the full population of an expected 656 institutions (619 
universities of colleges plus 37 federally funded research and 
development centers--FFRDCs) for academic years FY 2006 through FY 
2008. These institutions account for over 95 percent of the Nation's 
academic R&D funds. The survey has provided continuity of statistics on 
R&D expenditures by source of funds and by science & engineering (S&E) 
field, with separate data requested on current fund expenditures for 
research equipment by S&E field. Further breakdowns are collected on 
passed through funds to subrecipients by field of science and 
engineering from specific Federal Government agency sources. 
Information on R&D for non-S&E fields is also requested. Data are 
published in NSF's annual publication series Academic Science and 
Engineering R&D Expenditures and are available electronically on the 
World Wide Web.
    The survey is a fully automated web data collection effort and is 
handled primarily by the administrators at the Institutional Research 
Offices. To minimize burden, institutions are provided with an 
abundance of guidance and help menus on the web, in addition to 
printing and responding via paper copy if necessary. Each record is 
preloaded with the institutions 2 previous year's data and a complete 
program for editing and trend checking. Response to this voluntary 
survey in FY 2004 was 94.0 percent. Burden estimates are as follows.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Average burden hours for institutions responding to burden 
item.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Doctorate-       Masters-        Bachelors
          Total number of institutions               granting        granting      degree burden  FFRDC's burden
                                                   burden hours    burden hours        hours           hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 1999 480.....................................            20.8            13.0             7.5             9.4
FY 2000 700.....................................            21.0            12.0            10.5             9.2
FY 2001 625.....................................            30.2            11.9             9.0            12.1
FY 2002 625.....................................            28.7            14.9            12.2             4.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Dated: February 14, 2006.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 06-1517 Filed 2-16-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M
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