81 FR 35805 - Notice of Intent To Request New Information Collection
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 107 (June 3, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 107 (June 3, 2016)
| Page Range | 35805-35806 | |
| FR Document | 2016-13081 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 107 (Friday, June 3, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 35805-35806] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-13081] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Notice of Intent To Request New Information Collection AGENCY: National Science Foundation. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request renewal of the Early Career Doctorates Survey (OMB Control Number 3145-0235). 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 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 three years. Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the NSF, 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 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 appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by August 2, 2016, to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address below. For Additional Information or Comments: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, the NSF Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send email to [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, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including Federal holidays). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection: Early Career Doctorates Survey. OMB Approval Number: 3145-0235. Expiration Date: June 30, 2017. Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend an information collection for three years. Abstract: Established within the NSF by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 Sec. 505, codified in the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) serves as a central Federal clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, analysis, and dissemination of objective data on science, engineering, technology, and research and development for use by practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and the public. The Early Career Doctorates Survey (ECDS) will become part of an integrated survey system that meets the human resources statistics part of this mission. The Early Career Doctorates Project was established to gather in- depth information about early career doctorates (ECDs), including postdoctoral researchers (postdocs). Early career doctorates are critical to the success of the U.S. scientific enterprise and will influence U.S. and global scientific markets for years to come. Despite their importance, current surveys of this population are limited, and extant workforce studies are insufficient for all doctorates who contribute to the U.S. economy. The NSF's Survey of Earned Doctorates and the Survey of Doctorate Recipients are limited to individuals who received research doctorates from U.S. academic institutions, thereby excluding individuals who earned professional doctorates and those who earned doctorates from institutions outside the United States but are currently employed in the United States. The NSF's Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering (GSS) provides aggregate level data for all postdocs and nonfaculty researchers regardless of where they earned the degree. However, the GSS is limited to science, engineering, and selected health (SEH) fields in U.S. academic institutions and their related research facilities and is collected at the program rather than the individual level. Through its multi-year Postdoc Data Project, NCSES determined the need for and the feasibility of gathering information about postdocs working in the United States. However, efforts to reliably identify and gather information about postdocs proved difficult due to substantial variation in how institutions characterize postdoc appointments. As a result, NCSES expanded the target population to include all individuals who earned their first doctorate within the past 10-years. Expanding the population to doctoral degree holders ensures a larger, more consistent and reliable target population. Unique in scope, the key goals of the ECD Project are:To broaden the scope and depth of national statistics on the ECD population both U.S. degreed and non-U.S. degreed, across employment sectors and fields of discipline To collect nationally representative data from ECDs that can be used by funding agencies, policy makers, and other researchers to better understand the labor market and work experiences of recent doctorate recipients To gather the diverse definitions for ECDs to allow for analysis within and across employment sectors The current focus of the ECD Project is to conduct a survey of ECDs working in three areas of employment: U.S. academic institutions in the GSS, Federally Funded Research and [[Page 35806]] Development Centers, and the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Programs. NCSES, under full clearance (OMB #3145-0235), has conducted a pilot survey with data collection period spanning July 2014 to March 2015. The Pilot ECDS data will be released in 2016. Beginning in November 2016, NSF will request lists of ECDs from approximately 390 institutions nationwide, and sample 24,000 individuals from these lists. Sample members will be invited to participate in a 40-minute web-based questionnaire. The survey topics cover: Educational achievement, professional activities, employer demographics, professional and personal life balance, mentoring, training and research opportunities, and career paths and plans. Participation in the survey is voluntary. The survey will be collected in conformance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA). The NSF will ensure that all individually identifiable information collected will be kept strictly confidential and will be used for research or statistical purposes. Use of the Information: The NSF will publish statistics from the survey in several reports, including the National Science Board's Science and Engineering Indicators and NCSES's Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering. These reports will be made available electronically on the NSF Web site. Restricted- use and public use data files will also be developed, and will be made available to interested researchers from government, professional associations, and other organizations. Restricted-use data may be obtained under a license agreement. Expected Respondents: There are four groups who contribute to the estimated total burden hours of the ECDS data collection. Three groups assist in the development of an accurate list of ECDs: Institutional high authority (HA), communication coordinator (CC), and list coordinator (LC). The fourth group is the individual early career doctorate (ECD). At the first stage of sampling, the ECDS will select 390 institutions. At each institution, a high authority (HA) will authorize the institution's participation in the study, designate a list coordinator (LC) and a communication coordinator (CC), and provide a letter of support for the survey. The primary responsibility of the LC is to prepare a list of ECD working at the institution. The LC will provide a list of all ECD, that is, individuals working at their institution who earned their first doctorate or doctorate-equivalent degree within the past 10 years, including postdocs, nonfaculty researchers, tenured or tenure-track faculty members. The primary responsibility of the CC is to coordinate all communications at the institution. In the second stage, the HA, with the help of the CC, will notify the sampled individuals of their selection and NSF will survey these individuals. Estimate of Burden: In the Pilot ECDS, HAs required 30 minutes on average to complete their tasks while CCs required 90 minutes on average to complete their tasks. We estimate a maximum total burden of 195 hours for HAs and 585 hours for CCs across both stages of data collection. LCs in participating institutions required an average of 8 hours to fulfill their duties during the Pilot ECDS. We estimate the maximum total LC burden to be 3,120 hours during stage 1. NCSES estimates that respondents will take 40 minutes on average to complete the questionnaire based on the time to completion data from the Pilot ECDS. We estimate the maximum total ECD burden to be 16,000 hours. Taking into account all four groups (HA, CC, LC, and ECD), we estimate the maximum total respondent burden to be 19,900 hours. The below table shows the estimated burden by stage and respondent type. ECDS Estimated Burden by Stage and Respondent Type ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Respondent type Sample members Minutes per total burden respondent hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stage 1: Frame Creation: High Authority (HA)......................................... 390 20 130 Communication Coordinator (CC).............................. 390 60 390 List Coordinator (LC)....................................... 390 480 3,120 ----------------------------------------------- Subtotal................................................ .............. .............. 3,640 Stage 2: Individual Survey: High Authority (HA)......................................... 390 10 65 Communication Coordinator (CC).............................. 390 30 195 Early Career Doctorate (ECD)................................ 24,000 40 16,000 ----------------------------------------------- Subtotal................................................ .............. .............. 16,260 ----------------------------------------------- Total \1\........................................... - - 19,900 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ This is an initial estimated burden hours which is based on preliminary sample design. NCSES anticipates the final burden hours to be at or below this initial estimate. Dated: May 27, 2016. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 2016-13081 Filed 6-2-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555-01-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 107 / Friday, June 3, 2016 / Notices 35805
• Evaluate whether the proposed Comments: Comments are invited on: postdoctoral researchers (postdocs).
collection of information is necessary (a) Whether the proposed collection of Early career doctorates are critical to the
for the proper performance of the information is necessary for the proper success of the U.S. scientific enterprise
functions of the agency, including performance of the functions of the and will influence U.S. and global
whether the information will have NSF, including whether the information scientific markets for years to come.
practical utility; shall have practical utility; (b) the Despite their importance, current
• Evaluate the accuracy of the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the surveys of this population are limited,
agency’s estimate of the burden of the burden of the proposed collection of and extant workforce studies are
proposed collection of information, information; (c) ways to enhance the insufficient for all doctorates who
including the validity of the quality, utility, and clarity of the contribute to the U.S. economy. The
methodology and assumptions used; information to be collected; and (d) NSF’s Survey of Earned Doctorates and
• Enhance the quality, utility, and ways to minimize the burden of the the Survey of Doctorate Recipients are
clarity of the information to be collection of information on those who limited to individuals who received
collected; and are to respond, including through the research doctorates from U.S. academic
• Minimize the burden of the use of appropriate automated, institutions, thereby excluding
collection of information on those who electronic, mechanical, or other individuals who earned professional
are to respond, including through the technological collection techniques or doctorates and those who earned
use of appropriate automated, other forms of information technology. doctorates from institutions outside the
electronic, mechanical, or other DATES: Written comments on this notice United States but are currently
technological collection techniques or must be received by August 2, 2016, to employed in the United States. The
other forms of information technology, be assured consideration. Comments NSF’s Survey of Graduate Students and
e.g., permitting electronic submission of received after that date will be Postdoctorates in Science and
responses. considered to the extent practicable. Engineering (GSS) provides aggregate
Agency: DOL–OSHA. Send comments to address below. level data for all postdocs and
Title of Collection: Standard on 4,4’- For Additional Information or nonfaculty researchers regardless of
Methylenedianiline for General Comments: Contact Suzanne H. where they earned the degree. However,
Industry. Plimpton, the NSF Reports Clearance the GSS is limited to science,
OMB Control Number: 1218–0184. Officer, National Science Foundation, engineering, and selected health (SEH)
Affected Public: Private Sector— 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, fields in U.S. academic institutions and
businesses or other for-profits. Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone their related research facilities and is
Total Estimated Number of (703) 292–7556; or send email to collected at the program rather than the
Respondents: 10. individual level.
splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who use
Total Estimated Number of Through its multi-year Postdoc Data
a telecommunications device for the
Responses: 574. Project, NCSES determined the need for
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal and the feasibility of gathering
Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–
334 hours. information about postdocs working in
800–877–8339, which is accessible 24 the United States. However, efforts to
Total Estimated Annual Other Costs hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a
Burden: $24,180. reliably identify and gather information
year (including Federal holidays). about postdocs proved difficult due to
Dated: May 27, 2016. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: substantial variation in how institutions
Michel Smyth, Title of Collection: Early Career characterize postdoc appointments. As a
Departmental Clearance Officer. Doctorates Survey. result, NCSES expanded the target
[FR Doc. 2016–13109 Filed 6–2–16; 8:45 am] OMB Approval Number: 3145–0235. population to include all individuals
BILLING CODE 4510–26–P
Expiration Date: June 30, 2017. who earned their first doctorate within
Type of Request: Intent to seek the past 10-years. Expanding the
approval to extend an information population to doctoral degree holders
collection for three years. ensures a larger, more consistent and
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Abstract: Established within the NSF reliable target population. Unique in
Notice of Intent To Request New by the America COMPETES scope, the key goals of the ECD Project
Information Collection Reauthorization Act of 2010 § 505, are:
codified in the National Science • To broaden the scope and depth of
National Science Foundation.
AGENCY: Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, national statistics on the ECD
Notice and request for
ACTION: the National Center for Science and population both U.S. degreed and non-
comments. Engineering Statistics (NCSES) serves as U.S. degreed, across employment
a central Federal clearinghouse for the sectors and fields of discipline
SUMMARY: The National Science collection, interpretation, analysis, and • To collect nationally representative
Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans dissemination of objective data on data from ECDs that can be used by
to request renewal of the Early Career science, engineering, technology, and funding agencies, policy makers, and
Doctorates Survey (OMB Control research and development for use by other researchers to better understand
Number 3145–0235). In accordance with practitioners, researchers, policymakers, the labor market and work experiences
the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) and the public. The Early Career of recent doctorate recipients
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Doctorates Survey (ECDS) will become • To gather the diverse definitions for
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
(Pub. L. 104–13), we are providing part of an integrated survey system that ECDs to allow for analysis within and
opportunity for public comment on this meets the human resources statistics across employment sectors
action. After obtaining and considering part of this mission. The current focus of the ECD Project
public comment, NSF will prepare the The Early Career Doctorates Project is to conduct a survey of ECDs working
submission requesting that OMB was established to gather in-depth in three areas of employment: U.S.
approve clearance of this collection for information about early career academic institutions in the GSS,
three years. doctorates (ECDs), including Federally Funded Research and
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![35806 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 107 / Friday, June 3, 2016 / Notices
Development Centers, and the National Engineering Indicators and NCSES’s doctorate-equivalent degree within the
Institutes of Health Intramural Research Women, Minorities, and Persons with past 10 years, including postdocs,
Programs. NCSES, under full clearance Disabilities in Science and Engineering. nonfaculty researchers, tenured or
(OMB #3145–0235), has conducted a These reports will be made available tenure-track faculty members. The
pilot survey with data collection period electronically on the NSF Web site. primary responsibility of the CC is to
spanning July 2014 to March 2015. The Restricted-use and public use data files coordinate all communications at the
Pilot ECDS data will be released in will also be developed, and will be institution. In the second stage, the HA,
2016. made available to interested researchers with the help of the CC, will notify the
Beginning in November 2016, NSF from government, professional sampled individuals of their selection
will request lists of ECDs from associations, and other organizations. and NSF will survey these individuals.
approximately 390 institutions Restricted-use data may be obtained Estimate of Burden: In the Pilot ECDS,
nationwide, and sample 24,000 under a license agreement. HAs required 30 minutes on average to
individuals from these lists. Sample Expected Respondents: There are four complete their tasks while CCs required
members will be invited to participate groups who contribute to the estimated 90 minutes on average to complete their
in a 40-minute web-based questionnaire. total burden hours of the ECDS data tasks. We estimate a maximum total
The survey topics cover: Educational collection. Three groups assist in the burden of 195 hours for HAs and 585
achievement, professional activities, development of an accurate list of ECDs: hours for CCs across both stages of data
employer demographics, professional Institutional high authority (HA), collection. LCs in participating
and personal life balance, mentoring, communication coordinator (CC), and institutions required an average of 8
training and research opportunities, and list coordinator (LC). The fourth group hours to fulfill their duties during the
career paths and plans. Participation in is the individual early career doctorate Pilot ECDS. We estimate the maximum
the survey is voluntary. (ECD). At the first stage of sampling, the total LC burden to be 3,120 hours during
The survey will be collected in ECDS will select 390 institutions. At stage 1. NCSES estimates that
conformance with the Privacy Act of each institution, a high authority (HA) respondents will take 40 minutes on
1974 and the Confidential Information will authorize the institution’s average to complete the questionnaire
Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act participation in the study, designate a based on the time to completion data
(CIPSEA). The NSF will ensure that all list coordinator (LC) and a from the Pilot ECDS. We estimate the
individually identifiable information communication coordinator (CC), and maximum total ECD burden to be 16,000
collected will be kept strictly provide a letter of support for the hours.
confidential and will be used for survey. The primary responsibility of Taking into account all four groups
research or statistical purposes. the LC is to prepare a list of ECD (HA, CC, LC, and ECD), we estimate the
Use of the Information: The NSF will working at the institution. The LC will maximum total respondent burden to be
publish statistics from the survey in provide a list of all ECD, that is, 19,900 hours. The below table shows
several reports, including the National individuals working at their institution the estimated burden by stage and
Science Board’s Science and who earned their first doctorate or respondent type.
ECDS ESTIMATED BURDEN BY STAGE AND RESPONDENT TYPE
Sample Minutes per Estimated total
Respondent type members respondent burden hours
Stage 1: Frame Creation:
High Authority (HA) .............................................................................................................. 390 20 130
Communication Coordinator (CC) ........................................................................................ 390 60 390
List Coordinator (LC) ............................................................................................................ 390 480 3,120
Subtotal ......................................................................................................................... ........................ ........................ 3,640
Stage 2: Individual Survey:
High Authority (HA) .............................................................................................................. 390 10 65
Communication Coordinator (CC) ........................................................................................ 390 30 195
Early Career Doctorate (ECD) ............................................................................................. 24,000 40 16,000
Subtotal ......................................................................................................................... ........................ ........................ 16,260
Total 1 ..................................................................................................................... – – 19,900
1 This
is an initial estimated burden hours which is based on preliminary sample design. NCSES anticipates the final burden hours to be at or
below this initial estimate.
Dated: May 27, 2016. POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION Services 3 negotiated service agreement.
Suzanne H. Plimpton, This notice informs the public of the
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science [Docket No. CP2016–186; Order No. 3332] filing, invites public comment, and
Foundation. takes other administrative steps.
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[FR Doc. 2016–13081 Filed 6–2–16; 8:45 am]
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Document Created: 2018-02-08 07:29:45
Document Modified: 2018-02-08 07:29:45
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice and request for comments. | |
| Dates | Written comments on this notice must be received by August 2, 2016, to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 35805 |
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