Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renew an Information Collection, 20244-20247 [2014-08105]
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20244
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 70 / Friday, April 11, 2014 / Notices
Dated: April 8, 2014.
Stefanie K. Davis,
Assistant General Counsel.
meeting, which will be held on Capitol
Hill, will feature introductory remarks
from members of Congress, discussion
of the outcome of the five themed
sessions, a series of short presentations
on the latest technological advances in
marine mammal science, and a public
comment session.
[FR Doc. 2014–08140 Filed 4–10–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7050–01–P
MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION
CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Sunshine Act Notice
The Marine Mammal
Commission and its Committee of
Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals
will meet on Tuesday, 6 May 2013, from
9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7
May 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.;
Thursday, 8 May 2013, from 9:30 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. The Commission and the
Committee also will meet in executive
session on Monday, 5 May 2013, from
2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: Tuesday and Wednesday, 6 and
7 May: Fellowship Hall, Mt. Vernon
Place United Methodist Church, 900
Massachusetts Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20001. Thursday, 8 May: Capitol
Hill Visitor’s Center, located
underground on the east side of the
Capitol, at the East Front plaza of the
U.S. Capitol, First Street and East
Capitol Street NE., Washington, DC,
20001.
STATUS: The executive session will be
closed to the public in accordance with
the provisions of the Government in the
Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b) and
applicable regulations. The session will
be limited to discussions of internal
agency practices, personnel, and the
budget of the Commission. All other
portions of the meeting will be open to
the public. Public participation will be
allowed as time permits and as
determined to be desirable by the
Chairman.
MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: The
Commission and Committee will meet
in public session to discuss a broad
range of marine mammal science and
conservation policy issues, with a
particular focus on partnerships and
prioritization in order to address
growing challenges in ensuring healthy
marine mammal populations and the
ecosystems in which they live. An
opening session will feature the leaders
of the major federal agencies engaged in
marine mammal science and
conservation. Five themed sessions will
reflect the Objectives in the
Commission’s Strategic Plan for 2015–
19: The Changing Arctic; Offshore
Energy Development; Marine Mammal
Health and Stranding; Impacts on
Marine Mammals from Fishing; and
Recovery of Marine Mammal Stocks:
Next Steps. The third day of the
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TIME AND DATE:
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Michael L. Gosliner, General Counsel,
Marine Mammal Commission, 4340
East-West Highway, Room 700,
Bethesda, MD 20814; (301) 504–0087;
email: mgosliner@mmc.gov.
Dated: 9 April 2014.
Rebecca J. Lent,
Executive Director.
[FR Doc. 2014–08358 Filed 4–9–14; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 6820–31–P
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To
Renew an Information Collection
National Science Foundation.
Notice and Request for
Comments.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The National Science
Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans
to request renewal of this collection. In
accordance with the requirement of
Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13),
we are providing an opportunity for
public comment on this action. After
obtaining and considering public
comment, NSF will prepare the
submission requesting that OMB
approve clearance of this collection for
no longer than 3 years.
DATES: Written comments on this notice
must be received by June 10, 2014 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., Suite
1265, Arlington, VA 22230, or by email
to splimpto@nsf.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports
Clearance Officer, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230;
telephone 703–292–7556; or send email
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, which is accessible 24
SUMMARY:
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hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a
year (including Federal holidays).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title Of Collection: National Science
Foundation-Managed Honorary Awards.
OMB Approval Number: 3145–0035.
Expiration Date of Approval: August
31, 2014.
Type of Request: Intent to seek
approval to renew an information
collection for three years.
Abstract: The National Science
Foundation (NSF) administers several
honorary awards, among them the
President’s National Medal of Science,
the Alan T. Waterman Award, the
National Science Board (NSB) Vannevar
Bush Award, the NSB Public Service
Award, the Presidential Awards for
Excellence in Science, Mathematics and
Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)
program, and the Presidential Awards
for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science Teaching (PAEMST) program.
In 2003, to comply with E-government
requirements, the nomination processes
were converted to electronic submission
through the National Science
Foundation’s (NSF) FastLane system or
via other electronic systems as
described in the individual nomination
process. Individuals can now prepare
nominations and references through
www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/. Firsttime users must register on the Fastlane
Web site using the link found in the
upper right-hand corner above the ‘‘Log
In’’ box before accessing any of the
honorary award categories. The
nominations for PAESMEM also may be
submitted via www.grants.gov.
Nominations and applications are
submitted on the PAEMST portal at
www.PAEMST.org.
Use of the Information: The
Foundation has the following honorary
award programs:
• President’s National Medal of
Science. Statutory authority for the
President’s National Medal of Science is
contained in 42 U.S.C. 1881 (Pub. L. 86–
209), which established the award and
stated that ‘‘(t)he President shall . . .
award the Medal on the
recommendations received from the
National Academy of Sciences or on the
basis of such other information and
evidence as . . . appropriate.’’
Subsequently, Executive Order 10961
specified procedures for the Award by
establishing a National Medal of Science
Committee which would ‘‘receive
recommendations made by any other
nationally representative scientific or
engineering organization.’’ On the basis
of these recommendations, the
Committee was directed to select its
candidates and to forward its
recommendations to the President.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 70 / Friday, April 11, 2014 / Notices
In 1962, to comply with these
directives, the Committee initiated a
solicitation form letter to invite these
nominations. In 1979, the Committee
initiated a nomination form as an
attachment to the solicitation letter. A
slightly modified version of the
nomination form was used in 1980.
The Committee has established the
following considerations for selection of
candidates:
a. The impact of an individual’s body
of work on the current state of his or her
field of science or engineering;
b. Whether the individual’s
achievements are of an unusually
significant nature in relation to the
potential effects on the development of
thought in his or her field of science or
engineering;
c. Whether the nominee has
demonstrated unusually distinguished
service in the general advancement of
science and/or engineering for the
Nation, especially when accompanied
by substantial contributions to the
content of science;
d. The recognition of the nominee by
peers within his or her community, and
whether s/he is recognized for
substantial impact in fields in addition
to his/her discipline;
e. If the nominee has made
contributions to innovation and
industry;
f. Whether the nominee has
demonstrated sustained influence on
education through publications,
teaching activities, outreach, mentoring,
etc., and;
g. Whether the nominee’s
contributions have created significant
positive impact for the Nation.
In 2003, the Committee changed the
active period of eligibility to three years,
including the year of nomination. After
that time, candidates must be
renominated with a new nomination
package for them to be considered by
the Committee.
Narratives are now restricted to three
pages of text, as stipulated in the
guidelines at: https://
www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/
medalHome.do.
• Alan T. Waterman Award. Congress
established the Alan T. Waterman
Award in August 1975 (42 U.S.C. 1881a
(Pub. L. 94–86) and authorized NSF to
‘‘establish the Alan T. Waterman Award
for research or advanced study in any of
the sciences or engineering’’ to mark the
25th anniversary of the National Science
Foundation and to honor its first
Director. The annual award recognizes
an outstanding young researcher in any
field of science or engineering
supported by NSF. In addition to a
medal, the awardee receives a grant of
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$1,000,000 over a five-year period for
scientific research or advanced study in
the mathematical, physical, medical,
biological, engineering, social, or other
sciences at the institution of the
recipient’s choice.
The Alan T. Waterman Award
Committee was established by NSF to
comply with the directive contained in
Public Law 94–86. The Committee
solicits nominations from members of
the National Academy of Sciences,
National Academy of Engineering,
scientific and technical organizations,
and any other source, public or private,
as appropriate.
In 1976, the Committee initiated a
form letter to solicit these nominations.
In 1980, a nomination form was used
which standardized the nomination
procedures, allowed for more effective
Committee review, and permitted better
staff work in a short period of time. On
the basis of its review, the Committee
forwards its recommendation to the
Director, NSF, and the National Science
Board (NSB).
Candidates must be U.S. citizens or
permanent residents and must be 35
years of age or younger or not more than
seven years beyond receipt of the Ph.D.
degree by December 31 of the year in
which they are nominated. Candidates
should have demonstrated exceptional
individual achievements in scientific or
engineering research of sufficient
quality to place them at the forefront of
their peers. Criteria include originality,
innovation, and significant impact on
the field.
• Vannevar Bush Award. The NSB
established the Vannevar Bush Award
in 1980 to honor Dr. Bush’s unique
contributions to public service. The
award recognizes an individual who,
through public service activities in
science and technology, has made an
outstanding ‘‘contribution toward the
welfare of mankind and the Nation.’’
The NSB ad hoc Committee on
Honorary Awards annually solicits
nominations from science, engineering
and educational societies. A candidate
must be a senior stateperson who is an
American citizen and meets two or more
of the following criteria:
1. Distinguished himself/herself
through public service activities in
science and technology.
2. Pioneered the exploration, charting,
and settlement of new frontiers in
science, technology, education, and
public service.
3. Demonstrated leadership and
creativity that have inspired others to
distinguished careers in science and
technology.
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4. Contributed to the welfare of the
Nation and mankind through activities
in science and technology.
5. Demonstrated leadership and
creativity that have helped mold the
history of advancements in the Nation’s
science, technology, and education.
Nominations must include a narrative
description about the nominee, a
curriculum vitae (without publications),
and a brief citation summarizing the
nominee’s scientific or technological
contributions to our national welfare in
promotion of the progress of science.
Nominations must also include two
reference letters, submitted separate
from the nomination through
www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/
Nominations remain active for three
years, including the year of nomination.
After that time, candidates must be
renominated with a new nomination for
them to be considered by the selection
committee.
• NSB Public Service Award. The
NSB Public Service Award Committee
was established in November 1996. This
annual award recognizes people and
organizations that have increased the
public understanding of science or
engineering. The award is given to an
individual and to a group (company,
corporation, or organization), but not to
members of the U.S. Government.
Eligibility includes any individual or
group (company, corporation, or
organization) that has increased the
public understanding of science or
engineering. Members of the U.S.
Government are not eligible for
consideration.
Candidates for the individual and
group (company, corporation, or
organization) award must have made
contributions to public service in areas
other than research, and should meet
one or more of the following criteria:
1. Increased the public’s
understanding of the processes of
science and engineering through
scientific discovery, innovation and its
communication to the public.
2. Encouraged others to help raise the
public understanding of science and
technology.
3. Promoted the engagement of
scientists and engineers in public
outreach and scientific literacy.
4. Contributed to the development of
broad science and engineering policy
and its support.
5. Influenced and encouraged the next
generation of scientists+ and engineers.
6. Achieved broad recognition outside
the nominee’s area of specialization.
7. Fostered awareness of science and
technology among broad segments of the
population.
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Nominations must include a summary
of the candidate’s activities as they
relate to the selection criteria; the
nominator’s name, address and
telephone number; the name, address,
and telephone number of the nominee;
and the candidate’s vita, if appropriate
(no more than three pages).
The selection committee recommends
the most outstanding candidate(s) for
each category to the NSB, which
approves the awardees.
Nominations remain active for a
period of three years, including the year
of nomination. After that time,
candidates must be renominated with a
new nomination for them to be
considered by the selection committee.
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in
Science, Mathematics and Engineering
Mentoring (PAESMEM) Program
In 1996, the White House, through the
National Science and Technology
Council (NSTC) and the Office of
Science and Technology Policy (OSTP),
established the Presidential Awards for
Excellence in Science, Mathematics and
Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)
program. The program, administered on
behalf of the White House by the
National Science Foundation, seeks to
identify outstanding mentoring efforts
or programs designed to enhance the
participation of groups (women,
minorities and persons with disabilities
as well as groups from low
socioeconomic regions)
underrepresented in science,
mathematics and engineering. The
awardees will serve as exemplars to
their colleagues and will be leaders in
the national effort to more fully develop
the Nation’s human resources in
science, mathematics and engineering.
This award is managed at NSF by the
Directorate for Education and Human
Resources (EHR).
The award will be made to U.S.
citizens or U.S. permanent residents
based on the following: (1) An
individual who has demonstrated
outstanding and sustained mentoring
and effective guidance to a significant
number of early career STEM
professionals, students at the K–12,
undergraduate, or graduate education
level or (2) to an organization that,
through its programming, has enabled a
substantial number of students
underrepresented in science,
mathematics and engineering to
successfully pursue and complete the
relevant degree programs as well as
mentoring of early career STEM
professionals. Nominees must have
served in a mentoring role for at least
five years. Nominations are reviewed for
impact, significance of the mentoring
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activity and quality of the mentoring
activity. Nominations for organizational
awards must demonstrate rigorous
evaluation and/or assessment during the
five-year period of the mentoring
activity.
at the 7th through 12th grade level in a
public or private school.
• Not have received the national
PAEMST award in any prior
competition or category.
Award Ceremony
The awardees are hosted for two days
in Washington, DC, for celebratory
activities. Recipients of the PAESMEM
award receive a monetary award in the
amount of $10,000 from NSF and a
commemorative Presidential certificate.
If scheduling permits, the President
meets with the mentors for a photo
opportunity at the White House. The
Director of OSTP and the Director of
NSF present the awards to the mentors
at an awards ceremony.
• Applicants complete a 12-page
written document on five dimensions of
outstanding teaching (content
knowledge, pedagogy, assessment,
leadership and professional
development) and submit a video of one
class. Three letters of reference
including one from a school official are
required, along with a resume or
biographical sketch.
• The applicant has a 7-month period
(October to May) to complete
applications and submit them for state
review. The nomination period is from
October to April.
• Presidential Award for Excellence in
Mathematics and Science Teaching
The Presidential Award for
Excellence in Mathematics and Science
Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest
recognition that a kindergarten through
12th-grade mathematics or science
teacher may receive for outstanding
teaching in the United States. Enacted
by Congress in 1983, this program
authorizes the President to bestow 108
awards, assuming there are qualified
applicants. In even-numbered years,
nominations are accepted for
elementary teachers (grades K–6); in
odd-numbered years, secondary
teachers (grades 7–12) are nominated.
This award is managed at NSF by the
Directorate for Education and Human
Resources (EHR).
Nomination Criteria
A teacher may be nominated by a
principal, another teacher, students,
members of the community, or the
general public. Self-nominations are
allowed. Awardees must be either U.S.
Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents. A
Nominee must meet the following
criteria to apply:
• Be highly qualified as deemed by
their states, districts, or schools;
• Teach in one of the 50 States, the
District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the
four U.S. territories, including the
Department of Defense Schools
(DoDEA).
• Hold a degree or appropriate
credentials in the category for which
they are applying.
• Be a full-time employee of the
school or school district.
• Have at least 5 years of mathematics
or science teaching (including computer
science) experience prior to application.
• Teach mathematics or science at the
kindergarten through 6th grade level or
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Application Process
Review of Nominations
• State coordinators convene state
selection committees of prominent
mathematicians, scientists, mathematics
and science educators, and past
awardees to select up to five
mathematics and five science finalists
for recognition at the state level and for
submission to NSF. To ensure
consistency, state selection committees
review their applications using the same
criteria and scoring information that
was approved by OSTP.
• NSF (EHR) convenes a National
Selection Committee of prominent
mathematicians, scientists, mathematics
and science educators, and past
awardees that review the application
packets of the state finalists and make
recommendations to NSF. NSF reviews
these recommendations and
recommends one awardee in both
mathematics and science for all eligible
jurisdictions, when possible, to OSTP.
Alternatively, NSF may recommend two
awardees from a discipline in a
jurisdiction, when warranted.
Award Ceremony
The awardees are hosted for 3–4 days
in Washington, DC, for a variety of
professional development sessions and
celebratory activities. Each awardee
receives a citation signed by the
President and $10,000 from NSF. If
scheduling permits, the President meets
the teachers for a photo opportunity at
the White House. The Director of OSTP
and the Director of NSF present the
citations to the teachers at an awards
ceremony. Awardees also have the
opportunity to meet their congressional
representatives and education
representatives from other federal
agencies.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 70 / Friday, April 11, 2014 / Notices
Estimate of Burden: These are annual
award programs with application
deadlines varying according to the
program. Public burden also may vary
according to program; however, across
all the programs, it is estimated that
each submission will average 19 hours
per respondent. If the nominator is
thoroughly familiar with the
disciplinary background of the nominee,
time spent to complete the nomination
may be considerably reduced.
Respondents: Individuals, businesses
or other for-profit organizations,
universities, non-profit institutions, and
Federal and State governments.
Estimated Number of Responses per
Award: 1782 responses, broken down as
follows: For the President’s National
Medal of Science, 80; for the Alan T.
Waterman Award, 70; for the Vannevar
Bush Award, 12; for the Public Service
Award, 20; for the PAESMEM, 200; and
1400 for the PAEMST.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: 41,080 hours, broken
down by 1,600 hours for the President’s
National Medal of Science (20 hours per
80 respondents); 1,400 hours for the
Alan T. Waterman Award (20 hours per
70 respondents); 180 hours for the
Vannevar Bush Award (15 hours per 12
respondents); 300 hours for the Public
Service Award (15 hours per 20
respondents); 4,000 hours for the
PAESMEM (20 hours per 200
respondents); and 33,600 hours for the
PAEMST (24 hours per 1400
respondents).
Frequency of Responses: Annually.
Comments: Comments are invited on
(a) whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Agency, including whether the
information shall have practical utility;
(b) the accuracy of the Agency’s
estimate of the burden of the proposed
collection of information; (c) ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity
of the information on respondents,
including through the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology; or (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.
Dated: April 7, 2014.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2014–08105 Filed 4–10–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Advisory Committee for Education and
Human Resources; Notice of Meeting
In accordance with the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
463, as amended), the National Science
Foundation announces the following
meeting:
Name: Advisory Committee for Education
and Human Resources (#1119).
Date/Time: April 30, 2014; 8:30 a.m.–6:00
p.m. May 1, 2014; 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Place: NSF Headquarters, Room 1235, 4201
Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230.
Operated assisted teleconference is
available for this meeting. Call 888–324–9561
with password 1189785 and you will be
connected to the audio portion of the
meeting.
To attend the meeting in person, all
visitors must contact the Directorate for
Education and Human Resources (ehr_ac@
nsf.gov) at least 24 hours prior to the
teleconference to arrange for a visitor’s badge.
All visitors must report to the NSF visitor
desk located in the lobby at the 9th and N.
Stuart Streets entrance on the day of the
teleconference to receive a visitor’s badge.
Meeting materials and minutes will also be
available on the EHR Advisory Committee
Web site at https://www.nsf.gov/ehr/
advisory.jsp.
Type of Meeting: Open, Teleconference.
Contact Person: Teresa Caravelli, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Arlington, VA 22230; (703) 292–8600,
tcaravel@nsf.gov.
Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice
with respect to the Foundation’s science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) education and human resources
programming.
Agenda
Wednesday, April 30, 2014 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Remarks by the Committee Chair and
NSF Assistant Director for Education and
Human Resources (EHR).
• Re-Imagining an EHR for the Future.
• Panel Discussion on Partnerships and
Networks.
• Panel Discussion on Beyond the
‘‘Pipeline’’ Metaphor.
• New Business from NSF Advisory
Committees and Directorates.
• Panel Discussion with Outgoing
Committee Members.
• Synthesis of the Day.
Thursday, May 1, 2014 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Panel Discussion on NSF’s Role in the
National Dialogue on Standards, Instruction,
and Indicators.
• Remarks by Director, NSF; Dr. France
Cordova.
• Plenary Panel: STEM Workforce
Development: labor market demand for
STEM competencies, long-term occupational
projections, and industrial productivity.
• Adjournment.
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Dated: April 8, 2014.
Suzanne Plimpton,
Acting Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2014–08138 Filed 4–10–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL
Agency Information Collection
Activities, Request for Comment
Office of Special Counsel.
First Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. Chapter 35), and implementing
regulations at 5 CFR part 1320, the U.S.
Office of Special Counsel (OSC), plans
to request approval from the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for use
of three previously approved
information collections consisting of
three complaint forms. These
collections are listed below. The current
OMB approval for Forms OSC–11, OSC–
12, OSC–13 expired on 2/28/14. We are
submitting all three forms for renewal,
based on the actual date of expiration.
We are currently collecting
requirements for future modifications to
these forms; however, currently there
are no changes being submitted with
this request for renewal of the use of
these forms. Current and former Federal
employees, employee representatives,
other Federal agencies, state and local
government employees, and the general
public are invited to comment on this
information collection for the first time.
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of OSC functions, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(b) the accuracy of OSC’s estimate of the
burden of the proposed collections 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.
DATES: Comments should be received by
June 10, 2014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl
Kammann, Director of Finance, at the
address shown above; by facsimile at
(202) 254–3711.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OSC is an
independent agency responsible for,
among other things, (1) investigation of
allegations of prohibited personnel
practices defined by law at 5 U.S.C.
2302(b), protection of whistleblowers,
SUMMARY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 70 (Friday, April 11, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20244-20247]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-08105]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renew an Information
Collection
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice and Request for Comments.
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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to
request renewal of this collection. In accordance with the requirement
of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub.
L. 104-13), we are providing an opportunity for public comment on this
action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will
prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this
collection for no longer than 3 years.
DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by June 10,
2014 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., Suite 1265, Arlington,
VA 22230, or by email to splimpto@nsf.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone 703-292-7556; or send
email 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, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, 365 days a year (including Federal holidays).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title Of Collection: National Science Foundation-Managed Honorary
Awards.
OMB Approval Number: 3145-0035.
Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 2014.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information
collection for three years.
Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers several
honorary awards, among them the President's National Medal of Science,
the Alan T. Waterman Award, the National Science Board (NSB) Vannevar
Bush Award, the NSB Public Service Award, the Presidential Awards for
Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)
program, and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science Teaching (PAEMST) program.
In 2003, to comply with E-government requirements, the nomination
processes were converted to electronic submission through the National
Science Foundation's (NSF) FastLane system or via other electronic
systems as described in the individual nomination process. Individuals
can now prepare nominations and references through
www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/. First-time users must register on the
Fastlane Web site using the link found in the upper right-hand corner
above the ``Log In'' box before accessing any of the honorary award
categories. The nominations for PAESMEM also may be submitted via
www.grants.gov. Nominations and applications are submitted on the
PAEMST portal at www.PAEMST.org.
Use of the Information: The Foundation has the following honorary
award programs:
President's National Medal of Science. Statutory authority
for the President's National Medal of Science is contained in 42 U.S.C.
1881 (Pub. L. 86-209), which established the award and stated that
``(t)he President shall . . . award the Medal on the recommendations
received from the National Academy of Sciences or on the basis of such
other information and evidence as . . . appropriate.''
Subsequently, Executive Order 10961 specified procedures for the
Award by establishing a National Medal of Science Committee which would
``receive recommendations made by any other nationally representative
scientific or engineering organization.'' On the basis of these
recommendations, the Committee was directed to select its candidates
and to forward its recommendations to the President.
[[Page 20245]]
In 1962, to comply with these directives, the Committee initiated a
solicitation form letter to invite these nominations. In 1979, the
Committee initiated a nomination form as an attachment to the
solicitation letter. A slightly modified version of the nomination form
was used in 1980.
The Committee has established the following considerations for
selection of candidates:
a. The impact of an individual's body of work on the current state
of his or her field of science or engineering;
b. Whether the individual's achievements are of an unusually
significant nature in relation to the potential effects on the
development of thought in his or her field of science or engineering;
c. Whether the nominee has demonstrated unusually distinguished
service in the general advancement of science and/or engineering for
the Nation, especially when accompanied by substantial contributions to
the content of science;
d. The recognition of the nominee by peers within his or her
community, and whether s/he is recognized for substantial impact in
fields in addition to his/her discipline;
e. If the nominee has made contributions to innovation and
industry;
f. Whether the nominee has demonstrated sustained influence on
education through publications, teaching activities, outreach,
mentoring, etc., and;
g. Whether the nominee's contributions have created significant
positive impact for the Nation.
In 2003, the Committee changed the active period of eligibility to
three years, including the year of nomination. After that time,
candidates must be renominated with a new nomination package for them
to be considered by the Committee.
Narratives are now restricted to three pages of text, as stipulated
in the guidelines at: https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/medalHome.do.
Alan T. Waterman Award. Congress established the Alan T.
Waterman Award in August 1975 (42 U.S.C. 1881a (Pub. L. 94-86) and
authorized NSF to ``establish the Alan T. Waterman Award for research
or advanced study in any of the sciences or engineering'' to mark the
25th anniversary of the National Science Foundation and to honor its
first Director. The annual award recognizes an outstanding young
researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by NSF. In
addition to a medal, the awardee receives a grant of $1,000,000 over a
five-year period for scientific research or advanced study in the
mathematical, physical, medical, biological, engineering, social, or
other sciences at the institution of the recipient's choice.
The Alan T. Waterman Award Committee was established by NSF to
comply with the directive contained in Public Law 94-86. The Committee
solicits nominations from members of the National Academy of Sciences,
National Academy of Engineering, scientific and technical
organizations, and any other source, public or private, as appropriate.
In 1976, the Committee initiated a form letter to solicit these
nominations. In 1980, a nomination form was used which standardized the
nomination procedures, allowed for more effective Committee review, and
permitted better staff work in a short period of time. On the basis of
its review, the Committee forwards its recommendation to the Director,
NSF, and the National Science Board (NSB).
Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be
35 years of age or younger or not more than seven years beyond receipt
of the Ph.D. degree by December 31 of the year in which they are
nominated. Candidates should have demonstrated exceptional individual
achievements in scientific or engineering research of sufficient
quality to place them at the forefront of their peers. Criteria include
originality, innovation, and significant impact on the field.
Vannevar Bush Award. The NSB established the Vannevar Bush
Award in 1980 to honor Dr. Bush's unique contributions to public
service. The award recognizes an individual who, through public service
activities in science and technology, has made an outstanding
``contribution toward the welfare of mankind and the Nation.''
The NSB ad hoc Committee on Honorary Awards annually solicits
nominations from science, engineering and educational societies. A
candidate must be a senior stateperson who is an American citizen and
meets two or more of the following criteria:
1. Distinguished himself/herself through public service activities
in science and technology.
2. Pioneered the exploration, charting, and settlement of new
frontiers in science, technology, education, and public service.
3. Demonstrated leadership and creativity that have inspired others
to distinguished careers in science and technology.
4. Contributed to the welfare of the Nation and mankind through
activities in science and technology.
5. Demonstrated leadership and creativity that have helped mold the
history of advancements in the Nation's science, technology, and
education.
Nominations must include a narrative description about the nominee,
a curriculum vitae (without publications), and a brief citation
summarizing the nominee's scientific or technological contributions to
our national welfare in promotion of the progress of science.
Nominations must also include two reference letters, submitted separate
from the nomination through www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/ Nominations
remain active for three years, including the year of nomination. After
that time, candidates must be renominated with a new nomination for
them to be considered by the selection committee.
NSB Public Service Award. The NSB Public Service Award
Committee was established in November 1996. This annual award
recognizes people and organizations that have increased the public
understanding of science or engineering. The award is given to an
individual and to a group (company, corporation, or organization), but
not to members of the U.S. Government.
Eligibility includes any individual or group (company, corporation,
or organization) that has increased the public understanding of science
or engineering. Members of the U.S. Government are not eligible for
consideration.
Candidates for the individual and group (company, corporation, or
organization) award must have made contributions to public service in
areas other than research, and should meet one or more of the following
criteria:
1. Increased the public's understanding of the processes of science
and engineering through scientific discovery, innovation and its
communication to the public.
2. Encouraged others to help raise the public understanding of
science and technology.
3. Promoted the engagement of scientists and engineers in public
outreach and scientific literacy.
4. Contributed to the development of broad science and engineering
policy and its support.
5. Influenced and encouraged the next generation of scientists+ and
engineers.
6. Achieved broad recognition outside the nominee's area of
specialization.
7. Fostered awareness of science and technology among broad
segments of the population.
[[Page 20246]]
Nominations must include a summary of the candidate's activities as
they relate to the selection criteria; the nominator's name, address
and telephone number; the name, address, and telephone number of the
nominee; and the candidate's vita, if appropriate (no more than three
pages).
The selection committee recommends the most outstanding
candidate(s) for each category to the NSB, which approves the awardees.
Nominations remain active for a period of three years, including
the year of nomination. After that time, candidates must be renominated
with a new nomination for them to be considered by the selection
committee.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and
Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) Program
In 1996, the White House, through the National Science and
Technology Council (NSTC) and the Office of Science and Technology
Policy (OSTP), established the Presidential Awards for Excellence in
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) program. The
program, administered on behalf of the White House by the National
Science Foundation, seeks to identify outstanding mentoring efforts or
programs designed to enhance the participation of groups (women,
minorities and persons with disabilities as well as groups from low
socioeconomic regions) underrepresented in science, mathematics and
engineering. The awardees will serve as exemplars to their colleagues
and will be leaders in the national effort to more fully develop the
Nation's human resources in science, mathematics and engineering. This
award is managed at NSF by the Directorate for Education and Human
Resources (EHR).
The award will be made to U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents
based on the following: (1) An individual who has demonstrated
outstanding and sustained mentoring and effective guidance to a
significant number of early career STEM professionals, students at the
K-12, undergraduate, or graduate education level or (2) to an
organization that, through its programming, has enabled a substantial
number of students underrepresented in science, mathematics and
engineering to successfully pursue and complete the relevant degree
programs as well as mentoring of early career STEM professionals.
Nominees must have served in a mentoring role for at least five years.
Nominations are reviewed for impact, significance of the mentoring
activity and quality of the mentoring activity. Nominations for
organizational awards must demonstrate rigorous evaluation and/or
assessment during the five-year period of the mentoring activity.
Award Ceremony
The awardees are hosted for two days in Washington, DC, for
celebratory activities. Recipients of the PAESMEM award receive a
monetary award in the amount of $10,000 from NSF and a commemorative
Presidential certificate. If scheduling permits, the President meets
with the mentors for a photo opportunity at the White House. The
Director of OSTP and the Director of NSF present the awards to the
mentors at an awards ceremony.
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science
Teaching
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science
Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten
through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for
outstanding teaching in the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1983,
this program authorizes the President to bestow 108 awards, assuming
there are qualified applicants. In even-numbered years, nominations are
accepted for elementary teachers (grades K-6); in odd-numbered years,
secondary teachers (grades 7-12) are nominated. This award is managed
at NSF by the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR).
Nomination Criteria
A teacher may be nominated by a principal, another teacher,
students, members of the community, or the general public. Self-
nominations are allowed. Awardees must be either U.S. Citizens or U.S.
Permanent Residents. A Nominee must meet the following criteria to
apply:
Be highly qualified as deemed by their states, districts,
or schools;
Teach in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia,
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the four U.S. territories,
including the Department of Defense Schools (DoDEA).
Hold a degree or appropriate credentials in the category
for which they are applying.
Be a full-time employee of the school or school district.
Have at least 5 years of mathematics or science teaching
(including computer science) experience prior to application.
Teach mathematics or science at the kindergarten through
6th grade level or at the 7th through 12th grade level in a public or
private school.
Not have received the national PAEMST award in any prior
competition or category.
Application Process
Applicants complete a 12-page written document on five
dimensions of outstanding teaching (content knowledge, pedagogy,
assessment, leadership and professional development) and submit a video
of one class. Three letters of reference including one from a school
official are required, along with a resume or biographical sketch.
The applicant has a 7-month period (October to May) to
complete applications and submit them for state review. The nomination
period is from October to April.
Review of Nominations
State coordinators convene state selection committees of
prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics and science
educators, and past awardees to select up to five mathematics and five
science finalists for recognition at the state level and for submission
to NSF. To ensure consistency, state selection committees review their
applications using the same criteria and scoring information that was
approved by OSTP.
NSF (EHR) convenes a National Selection Committee of
prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics and science
educators, and past awardees that review the application packets of the
state finalists and make recommendations to NSF. NSF reviews these
recommendations and recommends one awardee in both mathematics and
science for all eligible jurisdictions, when possible, to OSTP.
Alternatively, NSF may recommend two awardees from a discipline in a
jurisdiction, when warranted.
Award Ceremony
The awardees are hosted for 3-4 days in Washington, DC, for a
variety of professional development sessions and celebratory
activities. Each awardee receives a citation signed by the President
and $10,000 from NSF. If scheduling permits, the President meets the
teachers for a photo opportunity at the White House. The Director of
OSTP and the Director of NSF present the citations to the teachers at
an awards ceremony. Awardees also have the opportunity to meet their
congressional representatives and education representatives from other
federal agencies.
[[Page 20247]]
Estimate of Burden: These are annual award programs with
application deadlines varying according to the program. Public burden
also may vary according to program; however, across all the programs,
it is estimated that each submission will average 19 hours per
respondent. If the nominator is thoroughly familiar with the
disciplinary background of the nominee, time spent to complete the
nomination may be considerably reduced.
Respondents: Individuals, businesses or other for-profit
organizations, universities, non-profit institutions, and Federal and
State governments.
Estimated Number of Responses per Award: 1782 responses, broken
down as follows: For the President's National Medal of Science, 80; for
the Alan T. Waterman Award, 70; for the Vannevar Bush Award, 12; for
the Public Service Award, 20; for the PAESMEM, 200; and 1400 for the
PAEMST.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 41,080 hours, broken
down by 1,600 hours for the President's National Medal of Science (20
hours per 80 respondents); 1,400 hours for the Alan T. Waterman Award
(20 hours per 70 respondents); 180 hours for the Vannevar Bush Award
(15 hours per 12 respondents); 300 hours for the Public Service Award
(15 hours per 20 respondents); 4,000 hours for the PAESMEM (20 hours
per 200 respondents); and 33,600 hours for the PAEMST (24 hours per
1400 respondents).
Frequency of Responses: Annually.
Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of
the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on
respondents, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology; or (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.
Dated: April 7, 2014.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2014-08105 Filed 4-10-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P