[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 46 (Friday, March 7, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12471-12472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4485]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection; Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 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 or other Federal agencies to comment on
this proposed continuing information collection. The National Science
Foundation (NSF) will publish periodic summaries of the proposed
projects.
Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the Foundation, including whether the information will
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Foundation's estimate
of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by May 6, 2008,
to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be
considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send
e-mail to
[[Page 12472]]
[email protected]. 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: 2008 National Survey of College Graduates.
OMB Approval Number: 3145-0141.
Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 2009.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend an information
collection for three years.
1. Abstract
The National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG), formerly called
the National Survey of Natural and Social Scientists and Engineers, has
been conducted biennially since the 1970's. The 2008 NSCG will consist
of a sample of 2006 NSCG respondents under age 76 with at least one
bachelor's, master's degree, or foreign doctorate in science,
engineering or health field, and/or work in science and engineering or
related occupations. The purpose of this longitudinal panel study is to
provide national estimates on the science and engineering workforce and
changes in employment, education and demographic characteristics. The
study is one of three components of the Scientists and Engineers
Statistical Data System (SESTAT), which produces national estimates of
the size and characteristics of the nation's science and engineering
population.
The National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as subsequently
amended, includes a statutory charge to ``* * * provide a central
clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data
on scientific and engineering resources, and to provide a source of
information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal
Government.'' The NSCG is designed to comply with these mandates by
providing information on the supply and utilization of the nation's
scientists and engineers. Collected data will be used to produce
estimates of the characteristics of these individuals. They will also
provide necessary input into the SESTAT labor force data system, which
produces national estimates of the size and characteristics of the
country's science and engineering population.
The Foundation uses this information to prepare congressionally
mandated reports such as Women, Minorities and Persons with
Disabilities in Science and Engineering and Science and Engineering
Indicators. A public release file of the SESTAT data (which includes
the NSCG data) designed to protect respondent confidentiality will be
made available to researchers on CD-ROM and on the World Wide Web.
The Bureau of the Census, as in the past, will conduct the study
for NSF. Data will be obtained by mail questionnaire and computer-
assisted telephone interviews beginning in October 2008. The survey
will be collected in conformance with the Confidential Information
Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002, and the individual's
response to the survey is voluntary. NSF and Bureau of the Census will
insure that all information collected will be kept strictly
confidential and will be used only for statistical purposes.
2. Expected Respondents
A statistical sample of approximately 60,000 persons, identified as
having at least a bachelor's degree and having a degree and/or
occupation in science, engineering, or health, will be contacted.
3. Burden on the Public
The amount of time to complete the questionnaire may vary depending
on an individual's circumstances; however, on average it will take
approximately 25 minutes to complete the survey. NSF estimates that the
total annual burden will be 25,000 hours during the 2008 survey cycle.
Dated: March 4, 2008.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. E8-4485 Filed 3-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P