[Federal Register: March 3, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 42)]
[Notices]               
[Page 10996-10997]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03mr06-95]                         

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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 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 May 2, 2006, 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 Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities Undergraduate Program.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-New.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded a program, 
called Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate 
Program (HBCU-UP), designed to help institutions strengthen the quality 
of their undergraduate STEM programs. The Urban Institute is conducting 
an evaluation of the HBCU-UP program. Using a mixed-methods approach, 
UI researchers will conduct an evaluation

[[Page 10997]]

over three years to study the effectiveness of the program. The 
evaluation will include both process and summative components. The 
process component will document how different models within the Program 
are being implemented, thus helping evaluators to link strategies to 
outcomes, identify crucial components of different models, and 
contribute to the construction of general theories to guide future 
initiatives to increase the diversity of the STEM workforce. The 
summative component of the evaluation will focus on the extent to which 
the Program has produced outcomes that meet stated goals for students, 
faculty and institutions. The process evaluation will rely mainly on 
qualitative data collected during case study site visits and 
interviews; the summative evaluation will rely primarily on data 
collected through a survey of graduates.
    Respondents: Graduates of undergraduate programs in STEM at 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities awarded an HBCU-UP grant 
from NSF.
    Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 5,000 (total).
    Burden on the Public: 1,250 hours.

    Dated: February 27, 2006.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 06-1955 Filed 3-2-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7555-01-M