[Federal Register: November 14, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 220)]
[Notices]
[Page 57115]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14no01-105]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to
request clearance of 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 3 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 on respondents, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
DATES: Written comments should be received by January 14, 2002 to be
assured of consideration. Comments received after that date would be
considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and
requests of copies of the proposed information collection request
should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA
22230, or by e-mail to spplimpto@nsf.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 or
send e-mail 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 between 8 a.m. and 8
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title of Collection: Survey of Colleges, Universities Providing
Graduate Degrees and Specializations in Evaluation, and Providers of
Professional Development Offerings.
OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.
Expiration Date of Aprpoval: Not applicable.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to carry out a new
information collection.
1. Abstract
This document has been prepared to support the clearance of data
collection instruments to be used in the Surveys of Colleges and
Universities Providing Graduate Degrees and Specializations in
Evaluation, and Providers of Evaluation Professional Development
Offerings. A major problem that NSF faces is the lace of qualified
evaluators to serve as resources to NSF-funded projects. Therefore, the
Evaluation Program has set as part of its mission the building of
capacity in the field of evaluation. NSF's efforts will serve both to
guarantee that there will be adequate numbers of trained evaluators to
meet NSF's needs and to aid in creating a solid knowledge base for this
relatively new professional field. Fundamental to both of these
purposes is the collection of data on current capacity in the
evaluation field to conduct training. This includes both formal
education that leads to the granting of degrees, and informal education
that fosters the acquisition of specific knowledge and skills through
short courses, workshops, or Internet offerings. The approach
encompasses two surveys. One is of university and college-based formal
evaluation training programs leading to a major or minor course of
graduate degree studies; the other is of professional training
activities in evaluation that are regularly provided and may result in
continuing education certificates.
2. Expected Respondents
The expected respondents are twofold. Those responding to the
college and university degree programs will be those institutions that
offer formal degree or specialization programs in the field of
evaluation. Those receiving the second type of survey will be
institutions, companies and organizations that provide regular, short-
term, intensive training programs, such as institutes and short courses
for both current and novice evaluators.
3. Burden on the Public
The total elements for these two collections are 32 burden hours
for a maximum of 120 participants annually, assuming an 80-100%
response rate. The average annual reporting burden is under 20 minutes
per respondent. The burden on the public is negligible, as the survey
is limited to colleges, universities and other entities that provide
degrees, areas of specialization, and professional development in the
field of evaluation.
Dated: November 7, 2001.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
NSF Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-28484 Filed 11-13-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M