National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application, 11717-11718 [E9-5984]

Download as PDF 11717 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 52 / Thursday, March 19, 2009 / Notices should be directed to Kitty M. Simonds, (808) 522–8220 (voice) or (808) 522– 8226 (fax), at least five days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: March 16, 2009 Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–5938 Filed 3–18–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Patent and Trademark Office National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request. SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), 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 this new information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104– 13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before May 18, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • E-mail: Susan.Fawcett@uspto.gov. Include ‘‘0651–0060 collection comment’’ in the subject line of the message. • Fax: 571–273–0112, marked to the attention of Susan K. Fawcett. • Mail: Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Customer Information Services Group, Public Information Services Division, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313–1450. • Federal Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to the attention of Jennifer Lo, Program Manager, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313– 1450; by telephone at 571–272–7640; or by e-mail at nmti@uspto.gov with ‘‘Paperwork’’ in the subject line. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The National Medal of Technology is the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States to America’s leading innovators. Established by an Act of Congress in 1980, the Medal of Technology was first awarded in 1985. The Medal is given annually to individuals, teams, and/or companies/divisions for their outstanding contributions to the Nation’s economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technology products, processes and concepts, technological innovation, and development of the Nation’s technological manpower. The purpose of the National Medal of Technology is to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America’s competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and to recognize those who have made substantial contributions to strengthening the Nation’s technological workforce. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the Medal also seeks to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee, a distinguished, independent committee appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, reviews and evaluates the merit of all candidates nominated through an open, competitive solicitation process. The committee makes its recommendations for Medal candidates to the Secretary of Commerce, who in turn makes recommendations to the President for final selection. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureates are announced by the White House and the Department of Commerce once the Medalists are notified of their selection. The public uses the National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application to recognize through II. Method of Collection The nomination application and instructions can be downloaded from the USPTO Web site. Nomination files should be submitted by electronic mail. Alternatively, letters of recommendation may be sent by electronic mail, fax or overnight delivery. III. Data OMB Number: 0651–0060. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Affected Public: Primarily business or other for-profit organizations; not-forprofit institutions; individuals or households. Estimated Number of Respondents: 26 responses per year. Estimated Time per Response: The USPTO estimates that it will take approximately 40 hours to gather the necessary information, prepare the nomination form, write the recommendations, and submit the request for the nomination to the USPTO. This collection contains one form. Estimated Total Annual Respondent Burden Hours: 1,040 hours per year. Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost Burden: $36,067. The USPTO is calculating an estimated respondent hourly rate through an estimate of earnings obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008–09 edition. The USPTO estimates that half of the submissions will be filed by public relations specialists and half by research engineers. The USPTO estimates that it will cost public relations specialists $23.68 per hour and research engineers $45.68 per hour, for an average hourly rate of $34.68. Considering these factors, the USPTO estimates $36,067 per year for labor costs associated with respondents. Estimated time for response Item sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES nomination an individual’s or company’s extraordinary leadership and innovation in technological achievement. The application must be accompanied by six letters of recommendation or support from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the cited achievement(s). Estimated annual responses Estimated annual burden hours National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Form ............................................... 40 hours 26 1,040 Total ...................................................................................................................................... ........................ 26 1,040 VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:17 Mar 18, 2009 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1 11718 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 52 / Thursday, March 19, 2009 / Notices Estimated Total Annual (Non-hour) Respondent Cost Burden: $0. There are no capital start-up, operation, maintenance or recordkeeping costs associated with this information collection, and there are no filing fees. Although it is possible for the public to submit the nominations through regular or express mail, to date no submissions have been received in this manner. The majority of recent submissions have been through electronic mail. The USPTO, therefore, is not calculating an estimate of postage costs associated with this information collection. IV. Request for 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 (including hours and cost) 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 respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: March 12, 2009. Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, USPTO, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Customer Information Services Group, Public Information Services Division. [FR Doc. E9–5984 Filed 3–18–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–16–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE United States Patent and Trademark Office [PTO–C–2009–0009] sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Public Advisory Committees AGENCY: United States Patent and Trademark Office. ACTION: Notice and request for nominations for Public Advisory Committees. SUMMARY: On November 29, 1999, the President signed into law the Patent and Trademark Office Efficiency Act (the ‘‘Act’’), Public Law 106–113, which, VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:17 Mar 18, 2009 Jkt 217001 among other things, established two Public Advisory Committees to review the policies, goals, performance, budget and user fees of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with respect to patents, in the case of the Patent Public Advisory Committee, and with respect to trademarks, in the case of the Trademark Public Advisory Committee, and to advise the Director on these matters (now codified at 35 U.S.C. 5). Due to the expiration of current members’ terms, the USPTO is requesting nominations for three (3) members to the Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) and two (2) members to the Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC) for terms of three years that begin from date of appointment. DATES: Nominations must be postmarked or electronically transmitted on or before May 15, 2009. ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to submit nominations should send the nominee’s ´ resume to Chief of Staff, Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, Post Office Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313–1450; by electronic mail to: PPACnominations@uspto.gov for the Patent Public Advisory Committee or TPACnominations@uspto.gov for the Trademark Patent Public Advisory Committee; by facsimile transmission marked to the Chief of Staff’s attention at (571) 273–0464, or by mail marked to the Chief of Staff’s attention and addressed to the Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, Post Office, Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313–1450. Self-nominations are perfectly acceptable. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eleanor K. Meltzer, Chief of Staff, by facsimile transmission marked to her attention at (571) 273–0464, by mail marked to her attention and addressed to the Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, Post Office Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313–1450, or by telephone at: (571) 272–7660. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Advisory Committees’ duties include: • Advising the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO on matters relating to policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees of the USPTO relating to patents and trademarks, respectively; and • Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year: (1) Preparing an annual report on matters listed above; (2) transmitting a report to the Secretary of PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Commerce, the President, and the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and (3) publishing the report in the Official Gazette of the USPTO. Members of the Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of Commerce for three (3)-year terms. Advisory Committees The Public Advisory Committees are each composed of nine (9) voting members who are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce (the ‘‘Secretary’’). The Public Advisory Committee members must be United States citizens and represent the interests of diverse users of the USPTO, both large and small entity applicants in proportion to the number of such applications filed. The Committees must include members who have ‘‘substantial backgrounds and achievement in finance, management, labor relations, science, technology, and office automation.’’ 35 U.S.C. 5(b)(3). In the case of the Patent Public Advisory Committee, at least twenty-five (25) percent of the members must represent ‘‘small business concerns, independent inventors, and nonprofit organizations,’’ and at least one member must represent the independent inventor community. 35 U.S.C. 5(b)(2). Each of the Public Advisory Committees includes three (3) non-voting members representing each of the labor organizations recognized by the USPTO. Procedures and Guidelines of the Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees Each newly appointed member of the Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees will serve for a term of three years from date of appointment. As required by the Act, members of the Patent and Trademark Public Advisory Committees receive compensation for each day they attend meetings or are engaged in the business of that Advisory Committee. The rate of compensation is the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, United States Code. While away from their home or regular place of business, members are allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by Section 5703 of title 5, United States Code. The USPTO provides the necessary administrative support, including technical assistance, for the Committees. E:\FR\FM\19MRN1.SGM 19MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 52 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11717-11718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-5984]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Patent and Trademark Office


National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination 
Application

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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

SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), 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 this new information collection, as required 
by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before May 18, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     E-mail: Susan.Fawcett@uspto.gov. Include ``0651-0060 
collection comment'' in the subject line of the message.
     Fax: 571-273-0112, marked to the attention of Susan K. 
Fawcett.
     Mail: Susan K. Fawcett, Records Officer, Office of the 
Chief Information Officer, Customer Information Services Group, Public 
Information Services Division, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. 
Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
     Federal Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 
should be directed to the attention of Jennifer Lo, Program Manager, 
United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, 
VA 22313-1450; by telephone at 571-272-7640; or by e-mail at 
nmti@uspto.gov with ``Paperwork'' in the subject line.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The National Medal of Technology is the highest honor awarded by 
the President of the United States to America's leading innovators. 
Established by an Act of Congress in 1980, the Medal of Technology was 
first awarded in 1985. The Medal is given annually to individuals, 
teams, and/or companies/divisions for their outstanding contributions 
to the Nation's economic, environmental and social well-being through 
the development and commercialization of technology products, processes 
and concepts, technological innovation, and development of the Nation's 
technological manpower.
    The purpose of the National Medal of Technology is to recognize 
those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness, 
standard of living, and quality of life through technological 
innovation, and to recognize those who have made substantial 
contributions to strengthening the Nation's technological workforce. By 
highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the 
Medal also seeks to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare 
for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of 
global technology and economic leadership.
    The National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination 
Evaluation Committee, a distinguished, independent committee appointed 
by the Secretary of Commerce, reviews and evaluates the merit of all 
candidates nominated through an open, competitive solicitation process. 
The committee makes its recommendations for Medal candidates to the 
Secretary of Commerce, who in turn makes recommendations to the 
President for final selection. The National Medal of Technology and 
Innovation Laureates are announced by the White House and the 
Department of Commerce once the Medalists are notified of their 
selection.
    The public uses the National Medal of Technology and Innovation 
Nomination Application to recognize through nomination an individual's 
or company's extraordinary leadership and innovation in technological 
achievement. The application must be accompanied by six letters of 
recommendation or support from individuals who have firsthand knowledge 
of the cited achievement(s).

II. Method of Collection

    The nomination application and instructions can be downloaded from 
the USPTO Web site. Nomination files should be submitted by electronic 
mail. Alternatively, letters of recommendation may be sent by 
electronic mail, fax or overnight delivery.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0651-0060.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Primarily business or other for-profit 
organizations; not-for-profit institutions; individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 26 responses per year.
    Estimated Time per Response: The USPTO estimates that it will take 
approximately 40 hours to gather the necessary information, prepare the 
nomination form, write the recommendations, and submit the request for 
the nomination to the USPTO. This collection contains one form.
    Estimated Total Annual Respondent Burden Hours: 1,040 hours per 
year.
    Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost Burden: $36,067. The USPTO 
is calculating an estimated respondent hourly rate through an estimate 
of earnings obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational 
Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 edition. The USPTO estimates that half of the 
submissions will be filed by public relations specialists and half by 
research engineers. The USPTO estimates that it will cost public 
relations specialists $23.68 per hour and research engineers $45.68 per 
hour, for an average hourly rate of $34.68. Considering these factors, 
the USPTO estimates $36,067 per year for labor costs associated with 
respondents.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Estimated       Estimated
                              Item                                Estimated time      annual       annual burden
                                                                   for response      responses         hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Form.....        40 hours              26           1,040
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................................  ..............              26           1,040
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[END TABLE]
[[Page 11718]]

    Estimated Total Annual (Non-hour) Respondent Cost Burden: $0. There 
are no capital start-up, operation, maintenance or recordkeeping costs 
associated with this information collection, and there are no filing 
fees.
    Although it is possible for the public to submit the nominations 
through regular or express mail, to date no submissions have been 
received in this manner. The majority of recent submissions have been 
through electronic mail. The USPTO, therefore, is not calculating an 
estimate of postage costs associated with this information collection.

IV. Request for 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 
(including hours and cost) 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 respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized or 
included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they will also become a matter of public record.

    Dated: March 12, 2009.
Susan K. Fawcett,
Records Officer, USPTO, Office of the Chief Information Officer, 
Customer Information Services Group, Public Information Services 
Division.
 [FR Doc. E9-5984 Filed 3-18-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-16-P
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