Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request, 46465-46468 [2014-18728]

Agencies

• NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 153 (Friday, August 8, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46465-46468]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18728]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request.

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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation 
(NSF) is inviting the general public and other Federal agencies to 
comment on this proposed continuing information collection. This is the 
second notice for public comment; the first was published in the 
Federal Register at 79 FR 20244 and no comments were received. NSF is 
forwarding the proposed submission to the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this 
second notice. The full submission may be found at: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

DATES: Comments regarding these information collections are best 
assured of having their full effect if received by OMB within 30 days 
of publication in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding (a) whether the collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
NSF, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) 
the accuracy of NSF's estimate of burden including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; 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 should be addressed to: Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for 
National Science Foundation, 725--17th Street NW., Room 10235, 
Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance 
Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 
1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. 
Copies of the submission may be obtained by calling (703) 292-7556.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, NSF Reports 
Clearance Officer at (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).
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title of Collection: National Science Foundation Science Honorary 
Awards

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    OMB Control No.: 3145-0035.
    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.
    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

[[Page 46467]]

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.
    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

[[Page 46468]]

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.
    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: August 4, 2014.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2014-18728 Filed 8-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P