Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate With Revision an Information Collection, 32196-32197 [E9-15916]

Download as PDF 32196 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 128 / Tuesday, July 7, 2009 / Notices negotiated between NIC and the successful applicant. Funds may only be used for the activities that are linked to the desired outcome of the project. This project will be a collaborative venture with the NIC Research and Evaluation Division. Eligibility of Applicants: An eligible applicant is any state or general unit of local government, private agency, educational institution, organization, individual or team with expertise in the described areas. Applicants must have demonstrated ability to implement a project of this size and scope. Review Considerations: Applications received under this announcement will be subject to the NIC Review Process. The criteria for the evaluation of each application will be as follows: Programmatic (40%) Are all of the six project goals and adequately discussed? Is there a clear statement of how each project goal will be accomplished, to include: Major tasks that will lead to achieving the goal; the strategies to be employed; required staffing; and other required resources. Are there any innovative approaches, techniques, or design aspects proposed that will enhance the project? Organizational (35%) Does the proposed project staff possess the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to design and complete the tasks? Does the applicant agency, institution, organization, individual or team have the organization capacity to achieve the six project goals? Are the proposed project management and staffing plans realistic and sufficient to complete the project within the nine month time frame? Project Management/Administration (25%) Does the applicant identify reasonable objectives, milestones, and measures to track progress? If consultants and/or partnerships are proposed, is there a reasonable justification for their inclusion in the project, and a clear structure to insure effective coordination? Is the proposed budget realistic, provide sufficient cost detail/ narrative, and represent good value relative to the anticipated results? Note: NIC will NOT award a cooperative agreement to an applicant who does not have a Dun and Bradstreet Database Universal Number (DUNS) and is not registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). A DUNS number can be received at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1–800– 333–0505 (if you are a sole proprietor, VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:45 Jul 06, 2009 Jkt 217001 you would dial 1–866–705–5711 and select option 1). Registration in the CCR can be done online at the CCR Web site: https:// www.ccr.gov. A CCR Handbook and worksheet can also be reviewed at the Web site. Number of Awards: One. NIC Opportunity Number: 09PEI28. This number should appear as a reference line in the cover letter, where indicated on Standard Form 424, and outside of the envelope in which the application is sent. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 16.602. Executive Order 12372: This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372. Morris L. Thigpen, Director, National Institute of Corrections. [FR Doc. E9–15883 Filed 7–6–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–36–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate With Revision an Information Collection National Science Foundation. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance for 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 three 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 of respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written comments should be received by September 8, 2009, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 Boulevard, Room 295, Arlington, VA 22230, or by e-mail to splimpton@nsf.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292–7556 or send e-mail to splimpton@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: Evaluation of the National Science Foundation’s Math and Science Partnership (MSP) Program. OMB Control No.: 3145–0200. Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 2009. Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) requests a three-year clearance for an evaluation of the Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program. The MSP program is a research and development (R&D) effort funded by the NSF to integrate the work of higher education, especially disciplinary faculty in math, sciences, and engineering, with that of K–12 communities in order to strengthen and reform math and science education. The program is authorized under the NSF Authorization Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107– 368), December 19, 2002 (to authorize appropriations for FY 2003–07 and ‘‘for other purposes’’). MSP is among 11 programs specifically authorized by the legislation (Sec. 11 authorizes a 12th program, the Centers for Research on Mathematics and Science Learning and Education Improvement). The NSF’s MSP program portfolio consists of about 80 awards or projects (e.g., design grants, standard or continuing grants or cooperative agreements) that initially were funded between 2002 and 2004. The type of awards subject to study and data collection, however, include only the comprehensive MSPs, targeted MSPs and teacher institute partnerships, or a universe of approximately 65 discrete projects. The evaluation’s data collection and analysis activities will be conducted by COSMOS Corporation, Bethesda, MD, in partnership with Brown University via a contract administered by the NSF’s Division of Research, Evaluation and Communication (REC). This evaluation involves both quantitative and qualitative data, collected from multiple E:\FR\FM\07JYN1.SGM 07JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 128 / Tuesday, July 7, 2009 / Notices sources using multiple methods, including secondary analyses of projectrelated materials such as existing databases (MSP Management Information System—OMB 3145–0199), annual reports, Web sites, and relevant policy and methodological documents and original data collection through one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders conducted during site visits. For the MSP Management Information System, the contract team will analyze these data using quantitative statistical models. A second data source consists of annual project reports and other reports submitted by the MSP grantees to the NSF in accordance with Federal research project reporting requirements 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 2006–2011. 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 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; an 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. VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:45 Jul 06, 2009 Jkt 217001 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 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 Total Respondents: 216. Total Burden on the Public: 456 hours. Dated: July 1, 2009. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. E9–15916 Filed 7–6–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD Sunshine Act Meeting Agenda 9:30 a.m., July 14, 2009. NTSB Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20594. STATUS: The one item is open to the public. MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: 8126 Railroad Accident Report—Collision Between Two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Green Line Trains, Newton, Massachusetts, May 28, 2008. NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Telephone: (202) 314–6100. The press and public may enter the NTSB Conference Center one hour prior to the meeting for set up and seating. TIME AND DATE: PLACE: PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32197 Individuals requesting specific accommodations should contact Rochelle Hall at (202) 314–6305 by Friday, July 10, 2009. The public may view the meeting via a live or archived webcast by accessing a link under ‘‘News & Events’’ on the NTSB home page at https:// www.ntsb.gov. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Candi Bing, (202) 314–6403. Dated: Thursday, July 2, 2009. Candi R. Bing, Alternate Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. E9–16046 Filed 7–2–09; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 7533–01–P NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC–2009–0280] Final Regulatory Guide: Issuance, Availability AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Notice of Issuance and Availability of Regulatory Guide, RG 5.74. SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission) is issuing a new guide in the agency’s ‘‘Regulatory Guide’’ series. This series was developed to describe and make available to the public information such as methods that are acceptable to the NRC staff for implementing specific parts of the agency’s regulations, techniques that the staff uses in evaluating specific problems or postulated accidents, and data that the staff needs in its review of applications for permits and licenses. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bonnie Schnetzler, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001, telephone: (301) 415– 7883 or e-mail to Bonnie.Schnetzler@nrc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Introduction The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission) is issuing a new guide in the agency’s ‘‘Regulatory Guide’’ series. This series was developed to describe and make available to the public information such as methods that are acceptable to the NRC staff for implementing specific parts of the agency’s regulations, techniques that the staff uses in evaluating specific problems or postulated accidents, and data that the E:\FR\FM\07JYN1.SGM 07JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 7, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32196-32197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-15916]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate With Revision an 
Information Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request clearance for 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 three 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 of respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by September 8, 2009, 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 Boulevard, Room 295, 
Arlington, VA 22230, or by e-mail to splimpton@nsf.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 or 
send e-mail to splimpton@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: Evaluation of the National Science 
Foundation's Math and Science Partnership (MSP) Program.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-0200.
    Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 2009.
    Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) requests a three-
year clearance for an evaluation of the Math and Science Partnership 
(MSP) program. The MSP program is a research and development (R&D) 
effort funded by the NSF to integrate the work of higher education, 
especially disciplinary faculty in math, sciences, and engineering, 
with that of K-12 communities in order to strengthen and reform math 
and science education. The program is authorized under the NSF 
Authorization Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-368), December 19, 2002 (to 
authorize appropriations for FY 2003-07 and ``for other purposes''). 
MSP is among 11 programs specifically authorized by the legislation 
(Sec. 11 authorizes a 12th program, the Centers for Research on 
Mathematics and Science Learning and Education Improvement).
    The NSF's MSP program portfolio consists of about 80 awards or 
projects (e.g., design grants, standard or continuing grants or 
cooperative agreements) that initially were funded between 2002 and 
2004. The type of awards subject to study and data collection, however, 
include only the comprehensive MSPs, targeted MSPs and teacher 
institute partnerships, or a universe of approximately 65 discrete 
projects.
    The evaluation's data collection and analysis activities will be 
conducted by COSMOS Corporation, Bethesda, MD, in partnership with 
Brown University via a contract administered by the NSF's Division of 
Research, Evaluation and Communication (REC). This evaluation involves 
both quantitative and qualitative data, collected from multiple

[[Page 32197]]

sources using multiple methods, including secondary analyses of 
project-related materials such as existing databases (MSP Management 
Information System--OMB 3145-0199), annual reports, Web sites, and 
relevant policy and methodological documents and original data 
collection through one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders 
conducted during site visits. For the MSP Management Information 
System, the contract team will analyze these data using quantitative 
statistical models. A second data source consists of annual project 
reports and other reports submitted by the MSP grantees to the NSF in 
accordance with Federal research project reporting requirements 
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 2006-2011.
    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 meta-analytic rather than 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; an 
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, co-Principal 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 
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-for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Total Respondents: 216.
    Total Burden on the Public: 456 hours.

    Dated: July 1, 2009.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. E9-15916 Filed 7-6-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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