Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Generic Survey Clearance for the Directorate of Education and Human Resources (EHR), 48692-48694 [07-4141]

Download as PDF 48692 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 164 / Friday, August 24, 2007 / Notices yshivers on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act which prohibits assistance to governments supporting international terrorism and Section 507 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR. 5. Sudan is subject to numerous restrictions, including but not limited to Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act which prohibits assistance to governments supporting international terrorism, Section 512 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR, and section 620(q) of the Foreign Assistance Act, both of which prohibit assistance to countries in default in payment to the U.S. in certain circumstances, section 508 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR, which prohibits assistance to a country whose duly elected head of government being deposed by military coup or decree, and section 569 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR. 6. Syria is subject to numerous restrictions, including but not limited to 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act which prohibits assistance to governments supporting international terrorism, sections 507 and 512 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR, and section 620(q) of the Foreign Assistance Act which prohibit assistance to countries in default in payment to the U.S. in certain circumstances. 7. Uzbekistan’s central government is subject to section 586 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR, which requires that funds appropriated for assistance to the central government of Uzbekistan may be made available only if the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Congress that the government is making substantial and continuing progress in meeting its commitments under a framework agreement with the United States. 8. Zimbabwe is subject to section 620(q) of the Foreign Assistance Act and section 512 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR, which prohibit assistance to countries in default in payment to the United States in certain circumstances. Prohibited Countries: Lower Middle Income Category 1. Republika Srpska, which is part of the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is subject to section 561 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR, which prohibits assistance to any country, entity, or municipality whose competent authorities have failed, as determined by the Secretary of State, to take necessary and significant VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:35 Aug 23, 2007 Jkt 211001 steps to implement its international legal obligations with respect to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. 2. China is not eligible to receive economic assistance from the United States, absent special authority, because of concerns relative to China’s record on human rights. 3. The Fiji Islands are subject to section 508 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR, which prohibits assistance to the government of a country whose duly elected government is deposed by military coup or decree. 4. Iran is subject to numerous restrictions, including but not limited to Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act which prohibits assistance to governments supporting international terrorism and section 507 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR. 5. Thailand is subject to section 508 of the FY 2006 FOAA, as carried forward by the FY 2007 CR, which prohibits assistance to the government of a country whose duly elected government is deposed by military coup or decree. Countries identified above as candidate countries, as well as countries that would be considered candidate countries but for the applicability of legal provisions that prohibit U.S. economic assistance, may be the subject of future statutory restrictions or determinations, or changed country circumstances, that affect their legal eligibility for assistance under Part I of the Foreign Assistance Act by reason of application of Foreign Assistance Act or any other provision of law for FY 2008. MCC will include any required updates on such statutory eligibility that affect countries’ identification as candidate countries for FY 2008, at such time as it publishes the Notices required by sections 608(b) and 608(d) of the Act or at other appropriate times. Any such updates with regard to the legal eligibility or ineligibility of particular countries identified in this report will not affect the date on which the Board is authorized to determine eligible countries from among candidate countries which, in accordance with section 608(a) of the Act, shall be no sooner than 90 days from the date of publication of this report. Dated: August 20, 2007. Henry Pitney, Acting General Counsel, Millennium Challenge Corporation. [FR Doc. E7–16723 Filed 8–23–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9211–03–P PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Generic Survey Clearance for the Directorate of Education and Human Resources (EHR) National Science Foundation. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request renewed clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years. 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 respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written comments should be received by October 23, 2007 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and requests for copies of the proposed information collection request should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA 22030, or by e-mail to splimpto@nsf.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection: EHR Generic Clearance. OMB Approval Number: 3145–0136. E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 yshivers on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 164 / Friday, August 24, 2007 / Notices Expiration Date of Approval: January 31, 2008. Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) requests renewal of program accountability and communication data collections (e.g., surveys, face-to-face and telephone interviews, observations, and focus groups) that describe and track the impact of NSF funding that focuses on the Nation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and STEM workforce. NSF funds grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to colleges, universities, and other eligible institutions, and provides graduate research fellowships to individuals in all parts of the United States and internationally. The Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), a unit within NSF, promotes rigor and vitality within the Nation’s STEM education enterprise to further the development of the 21st century’s STEM workforce and public scientific literacy. EHR does this through diverse projects and programs that support research, extension, outreach, and hands-on activities service STEM learning and research at all institutional (e.g., pre-school through postdoctoral) levels in formal and informal settings; and individuals of all ages (birth and beyond). EHR also focuses on broadening participation in STEM learning and careers among United STates citizens, permanent residents and nationals, particularly those individuals traditionally underemployed in the STEM research workforce, including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities. At the request of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) an EHR Generic Clearance was established in 1995 to integrate management, monitoring and evaluation information pertaining to the NSF’s Education and Training (E&T) portfolio in response to the Government Performance and Results Acts (GPRA) of 1993. Under this generic survey clearance (OMB 3145– 0136), data from the NSF administrative databases are incorporated with findings gathered through initiative-, divisional, and program-specific data collections. The scope of the EHR Generic Clearance primarily covers descriptive information gathered from education and training projects that are funded by NSF. Most programs subject to EHR Generic data collection are funded by the EHR Directorate, but some are funded in whole or in part by disciplinary directorates or multi-disciplinary or cross-cutting programs. Since 2001 in accordance with OMB’s Terms of Clearance, NSF primarily uses the data VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:35 Aug 23, 2007 Jkt 211001 from the EHR Generic Clearance for program planning, management and audit purposes to respond to queries from the Congress, the public, NSF’s external merit reviewers who serve as advisors, including Committees of Visitors, and the NSF’s Office of the Inspector General. OMB has limited the collection to three categories of descriptive data: (1) Staff and project participants (data that are also necessary to determine individual-level treatment and control groups for future third-party study); (2) project implementation characteristics (also necessary for future use to identify well-matched comparison groups) and (3) project outputs (necessary to measure baseline for pre- and postNSF-funding-level impacts). Use of the Information: This information is required for effective administration, communication, program and project monitoring and evaluation, and for measuring attainment of NSF’s program, project and strategic goals, as required by the President’s Management agenda as represented by the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART); the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109–171) which established the Academic Competitiveness (ACC), and the NSF’s Strategic Plan. The Foundation’s FY 2006–2011 Strategic Plan describes four strategic outcome goals of Discovery, Learning, Research Infrastructure, and Stewardship. NSF’s complete strategic plan may be found at: https:// www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ. jsp?ods_key=nsf0648. The work of the multi-agency ACC employed a methodological framework to determine STEM education program effectiveness. The ACC was chaired by the Department of Education and other agencies that participated included the NSF and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The ACC suggested cross-agency STEM education goals and metrics and developed a framework or ‘‘Hierarchy of Study Designs’’ under three scientific categories: (1) Experimental (often called randomized controlled trails— RCT) (2) quasi-experimental (such as well-matched comparison group studies) and (3) other (such as pre and post-test and multiple methodologies). Further details on the participating agencies and the ACC’s recommendations are available at: https://www.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/ competitiveness/acc-matchscience/ index.html. Since the EHR Generic Clearance research is primarily used for PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48693 accountability purposes, including responding from queries from Committees of Visitors and other scientific experts, a census rather than sampling design typically is necessary. At the individual project level funding can be adjusted based on individual project’s responses to some of the surveys. Some data collected under the EHR Clearance serve as baseline data for separate research and evaluation studies. The EHR Generic Clearance may be used to clear data collections for other ACC agencies, such as NASA. In February 2007 NASA and NSF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate efforts promoting STEM education, the participation of individuals underrepresented in STEM, and evaluation of STEM education projects and programs in formal and informal settings. Additional information on the NSF–NASA MOU can be found at: https://education. nasa.gov/divisions /higher/overview/ F_One_Giant_Step_STEM _Education.html. In order to conduct program or portfolio level evaluations, however, both experimental and quasiexperimental evaluation research studies on STEM education interventions require researchers to identify individual-level and organization or project-level control and treatment groups or comparison groups. NSF-funded contract or grantee researchers and evaluators in part may identify control, comparison, or treatment groups for NSF’s E&T portfolio using some of the descriptive data gathered through OMB 3145–0136 to conduct well-designed, rigorous research and portfolio evaluation studies. In accordance with the 2001 and 2005 OMB terms of clearance, NSF requests separate stand-alone clearance (and separately announces for comment in the Federal Register any program or portfolio research or evaluation. Two examples of third-party evaluations that used EHR OMB 3145–0136 data to inform study design are: OMB 3145– 0190 (Expired: 5/2005) Evaluation of NSF’s Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program conducted by the Urban Institute and OMB No. 3145–0182 (Expired 7/2005) Evaluation of the Initial Impacts of the Integrative Graduate Education Research and Traineeship (IGERT) program conducted by Abt Associates. For more information on these and other NSF-funded evaluations, please see the NSF’s FY 2006 Full Performance and Accountability Report: Appendix 4 B: Table of External Evaluations at: https:// E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 48694 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 164 / Friday, August 24, 2007 / Notices www.nsf.gov/pubs/2007/nsf0701/pdf/ 19.pdf. Respondents: Individuals or households, not-for-profit institutions, business or other for profit, and Federal, State, local or tribal government. Number of Respondents: 27,000. Burden of the Public: The total estimate for this collection is 60,000 annual burden hours. This figure is based on the previous 3 years of collecting information under this clearance and anticipated collections. The average annual reporting burden is between .5 and 50 hours per ‘‘respondent’’ depending on whether a respondent is a direct participant who is self-reporting or representing a project and reporting on behalf of many project participants. Dated: August 20, 2007. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 07–4141 Filed 8–23–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 50–0219–LR, ASLBP No. 06– 844–01–LR] Atomic Safety and Licensing Board; In the Matter of: Amergen Energy Company, LLC (License Renewal for Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station) August 20, 2007. Before Administrative Judges: E. Roy Hawkens, Chairman; Dr. Paul B. Abramson; Dr. Anthony J. Baratta yshivers on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Notice of Hearing (Application for 20year License Renewal) This proceeding concerns the July 22, 2005 application by AmerGen Energy Company, LLC (‘‘AmerGen’’) to renew its operating license for the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station (‘‘Oyster Creek’’) for twenty years beyond the current expiration date of April 9, 2009. In response to the September 15, 2005 Notice of Opportunity for Hearing (70 Fed. Reg. 54,585 (Sept. 15, 2005)), two Requests for Hearing and Petitions to Intervene were filed on November 14, 2005. One Petition was filed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection [hereinafter referred to as New Jersey], and the other Petition was filed by the Nuclear Information and Resource Service, Jersey Shore Nuclear Watch, Inc., Grandmothers, Mothers and More for Energy Safety, New Jersey Public Interest Research Group, New Jersey Sierra Club, and New Jersey VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:35 Aug 23, 2007 Jkt 211001 Environmental Federation [hereinafter referred to collectively as Citizens]. On December 9, 2005, this Atomic Safety and Licensing Board was established to preside over the proceeding. On February 27, 2006, this Board issued a Memorandum and Order in which we (LBP–06–07, 63 NRC 188 (2006)): (1) Denied New Jersey’s Request for Hearing and Petition to Intervene; 1 and (2) granted Citizens’ Request for Hearing and Petition to Intervene. We concluded that Citizens’ contention was admissible to the extent it challenged AmerGen’s aging management program for measuring corrosion in the sand bed region of the drywell liner (id. at 217). Subsequently, on June 6, 2006, this Board issued a Memorandum and Order in which we concluded that Citizens’ contention, as admitted by the Board, was a contention of omission that had been cured as a result of newly docketed commitments by AmerGen to perform periodic ultrasonic testing (‘‘UT’’) measurements in the sand bed region of the drywell liner throughout the period of extended operation (LBP–06–16, 63 NRC 737 (2006)). Instead of dismissing the proceeding, the Board gave Citizens the opportunity to file a new contention raising one or more specific substantive challenges to AmerGen’s new periodic UT program for the sand bed region (id. at 744). On June 23, Citizens submitted a Petition to file new contentions, and on October 10, this Board admitted one of the newly proffered contentions; specifically, Citizens’ assertion that AmerGen’s scheduled UT monitoring frequency in the sand bed region of the drywell shell during the renewal period is insufficient to maintain an adequate safety margin (LBP–06–22, 64 NRC 229, 240–44 (2006)). This Atomic Safety and Licensing Board hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 10 CFR Part 2, Subpart L, it will convene an evidentiary hearing to receive testimony and exhibits concerning whether the frequency of AmerGen’s proposed UT monitoring program for the sand bed region of the drywell shell is sufficient to maintain adequate safety margins during the period of extended operation. A. Date, Time, and Location of Evidentiary Hearing The evidentiary hearing in this proceeding, which will be open to the 1 Although New Jersey established standing, the Board concluded that it failed to proffer an admissible contention. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission sustained the Board’s ruling. CLI–07– 08, 65 NRC 124 (2007); CLI–06–24, 64 NRC 111 (2006). PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 public,2 will begin on Monday, September 24, 2007 at 9 a.m., and will continue day-to-day, ending no later than Wednesday, September 26 at 12 p.m., at the location specified below: Ocean County Administration Building, Room 119, 101 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08754. B. Submitting Written Limited Appearance Statements Any person not a party to the proceeding, including persons who are affiliated with or represented by a party, may submit to the Board at any time a written limited appearance statement setting forth his or her position on matters of concern relating to this proceeding. See 10 CFR 2.315(a). Although these statements do not constitute testimony or evidence in the proceeding, they nonetheless may assist the Board and/or the parties in their consideration of the issues. Such statements should be submitted to: Mail: Office of the Secretary, Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001, Fax: (301) 415–1101 (verification (301) 415–1966). E-mail: hearingdocket@nrc.gov. In addition, using the same method of service, a copy of the written statement must be sent to the Chairman of this Licensing Board as follows: Mail: Administrative Judge E. Roy Hawkens, c/o: Debra Wolf, Esq., Law Clerk, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel, Mail Stop T–3 F23, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001. Fax: (301) 415–5599 (verification (301) 415–6094). E-mail: daw1@nrc.gov. C. Availability of Documentary Information Regarding the Proceeding Documents relating to this proceeding are available for public inspection at the Commission’s Public Document Room (PDR), located at One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike (first floor), Rockville, Maryland, or electronically from the publicly available records component of NRC’s document system 2 Members of the public who plan to attend the evidentiary hearing are advised that security measures may be employed at the entrance to the facility, including searches of hand-carried items such as briefcases, backpacks, packages, etc. In addition, signs, banners, posters and displays will be prohibited because they are disruptive to the conduct of the adjudicatory process. See Procedures for Providing Security Support for NRC Public Meetings/Hearings, 66 Fed. Reg. 31,719 (June 12, 2001). In the event that a party deems it necessary to discuss protected information at the hearing, that portion of the hearing will be closed to the public. See 10 CFR 2.390(a)(4). E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 164 (Friday, August 24, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48692-48694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-4141]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; 
Generic Survey Clearance for the Directorate of Education and Human 
Resources (EHR)

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request renewed clearance of this collection. In accordance with the 
requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. 
After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the 
submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer 
than 3 years.
    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 respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by October 23, 2007 to be 
assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be 
considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and 
requests for copies of the proposed information collection request 
should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, 
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA 
22030, or by e-mail to splimpto@nsf.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: EHR Generic Clearance.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0136.

[[Page 48693]]

    Expiration Date of Approval: January 31, 2008.
    Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) requests renewal of 
program accountability and communication data collections (e.g., 
surveys, face-to-face and telephone interviews, observations, and focus 
groups) that describe and track the impact of NSF funding that focuses 
on the Nation's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) 
education and STEM workforce. NSF funds grants, contracts, and 
cooperative agreements to colleges, universities, and other eligible 
institutions, and provides graduate research fellowships to individuals 
in all parts of the United States and internationally.
    The Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), a unit 
within NSF, promotes rigor and vitality within the Nation's STEM 
education enterprise to further the development of the 21st century's 
STEM workforce and public scientific literacy. EHR does this through 
diverse projects and programs that support research, extension, 
outreach, and hands-on activities service STEM learning and research at 
all institutional (e.g., pre-school through postdoctoral) levels in 
formal and informal settings; and individuals of all ages (birth and 
beyond). EHR also focuses on broadening participation in STEM learning 
and careers among United STates citizens, permanent residents and 
nationals, particularly those individuals traditionally underemployed 
in the STEM research workforce, including but not limited to women, 
persons with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities.
    At the request of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) an EHR 
Generic Clearance was established in 1995 to integrate management, 
monitoring and evaluation information pertaining to the NSF's Education 
and Training (E&T) portfolio in response to the Government Performance 
and Results Acts (GPRA) of 1993. Under this generic survey clearance 
(OMB 3145-0136), data from the NSF administrative databases are 
incorporated with findings gathered through initiative-, divisional-, 
and program-specific data collections. The scope of the EHR Generic 
Clearance primarily covers descriptive information gathered from 
education and training projects that are funded by NSF. Most programs 
subject to EHR Generic data collection are funded by the EHR 
Directorate, but some are funded in whole or in part by disciplinary 
directorates or multi-disciplinary or cross-cutting programs. Since 
2001 in accordance with OMB's Terms of Clearance, NSF primarily uses 
the data from the EHR Generic Clearance for program planning, 
management and audit purposes to respond to queries from the Congress, 
the public, NSF's external merit reviewers who serve as advisors, 
including Committees of Visitors, and the NSF's Office of the Inspector 
General.
    OMB has limited the collection to three categories of descriptive 
data: (1) Staff and project participants (data that are also necessary 
to determine individual-level treatment and control groups for future 
third-party study); (2) project implementation characteristics (also 
necessary for future use to identify well-matched comparison groups) 
and (3) project outputs (necessary to measure baseline for pre- and 
post- NSF-funding-level impacts).
    Use of the Information: This information is required for effective 
administration, communication, program and project monitoring and 
evaluation, and for measuring attainment of NSF's program, project and 
strategic goals, as required by the President's Management agenda as 
represented by the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Program 
Assessment Rating Tool (PART); the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Pub. 
L. 109-171) which established the Academic Competitiveness (ACC), and 
the NSF's Strategic Plan. The Foundation's FY 2006-2011 Strategic Plan 
describes four strategic outcome goals of Discovery, Learning, Research 
Infrastructure, and Stewardship. NSF's complete strategic plan may be 
found at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods--
key=nsf0648.
    The work of the multi-agency ACC employed a methodological 
framework to determine STEM education program effectiveness. The ACC 
was chaired by the Department of Education and other agencies that 
participated included the NSF and the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration (NASA). The ACC suggested cross-agency STEM education 
goals and metrics and developed a framework or ``Hierarchy of Study 
Designs'' under three scientific categories: (1) Experimental (often 
called randomized controlled trails--RCT) (2) quasi-experimental (such 
as well-matched comparison group studies) and (3) other (such as pre 
and post-test and multiple methodologies). Further details on the 
participating agencies and the ACC's recommendations are available at: 
https://www.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/competitiveness/acc-matchscience/
index.html.
    Since the EHR Generic Clearance research is primarily used for 
accountability purposes, including responding from queries from 
Committees of Visitors and other scientific experts, a census rather 
than sampling design typically is necessary. At the individual project 
level funding can be adjusted based on individual project's responses 
to some of the surveys. Some data collected under the EHR Clearance 
serve as baseline data for separate research and evaluation studies. 
The EHR Generic Clearance may be used to clear data collections for 
other ACC agencies, such as NASA. In February 2007 NASA and NSF signed 
a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate efforts promoting 
STEM education, the participation of individuals underrepresented in 
STEM, and evaluation of STEM education projects and programs in formal 
and informal settings. Additional information on the NSF-NASA MOU can 
be found at: https://education.nasa.gov/divisions/higher/overview/F_
One_Giant_Step_STEM_Education.html.
    In order to conduct program or portfolio level evaluations, 
however, both experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation research 
studies on STEM education interventions require researchers to identify 
individual-level and organization or project-level control and 
treatment groups or comparison groups. NSF-funded contract or grantee 
researchers and evaluators in part may identify control, comparison, or 
treatment groups for NSF's E&T portfolio using some of the descriptive 
data gathered through OMB 3145-0136 to conduct well-designed, rigorous 
research and portfolio evaluation studies.
    In accordance with the 2001 and 2005 OMB terms of clearance, NSF 
requests separate stand-alone clearance (and separately announces for 
comment in the Federal Register any program or portfolio research or 
evaluation. Two examples of third-party evaluations that used EHR OMB 
3145-0136 data to inform study design are: OMB 3145-0190 (Expired: 5/
2005) Evaluation of NSF's Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority 
Participation (LSAMP) program conducted by the Urban Institute and OMB 
No. 3145-0182 (Expired 7/2005) Evaluation of the Initial Impacts of the 
Integrative Graduate Education Research and Traineeship (IGERT) program 
conducted by Abt Associates. For more information on these and other 
NSF-funded evaluations, please see the NSF's FY 2006 Full Performance 
and Accountability Report: Appendix 4 B: Table of External Evaluations 
at: https://

[[Page 48694]]

www.nsf.gov/pubs/2007/nsf0701/pdf/19.pdf.
    Respondents: Individuals or households, not-for-profit 
institutions, business or other for profit, and Federal, State, local 
or tribal government.
    Number of Respondents: 27,000.
    Burden of the Public: The total estimate for this collection is 
60,000 annual burden hours. This figure is based on the previous 3 
years of collecting information under this clearance and anticipated 
collections. The average annual reporting burden is between .5 and 50 
hours per ``respondent'' depending on whether a respondent is a direct 
participant who is self-reporting or representing a project and 
reporting on behalf of many project participants.

    Dated: August 20, 2007.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 07-4141 Filed 8-23-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M
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