Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information collection request titled CDC Fellowship Programs Assessments for data collections associated with quality improvement of CDC fellowship programs to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. CDC previously published a “Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations” notice on September 25, 2019 to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC received two non-substantive comments related to the previous notice. This notice serves to allow an additional 30 days for public and affected agency comments.

CDC will accept all comments for this proposed information collection project. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that:

(a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d) 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 ( printed page 5668) technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses; and

(e) Assess information collection costs.

To request additional information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call (404) 639-7570 or send an email to omb@cdc.gov. Direct written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Provide written comments within 30 days of notice publication.

Proposed Project

Data Collection for CDC Fellowship Programs (OMB Control No. 0920-1163, Exp. 2/29/2020)—Extension—Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development (DSEPD), Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

CDC's mission is to protect America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. To ensure a competent, sustainable, and empowered public health workforce prepared to meet these challenges, CDC plays a key role in developing, implementing, and managing a number of fellowship programs. A fellowship is defined as a training or work experience lasting at least one month and consisting of primarily experiential ( i.e., on-the-job) learning, in which the trainee has a designated mentor or supervisor. CDC fellowships are intended to develop public health professionals, enhance the public health workforce, and strengthen collaborations with partners in public health and healthcare organizations, academia, and other stakeholders in governmental and non-governmental organizations. Assessing fellowship activities is essential to ensure that the public health workforce is equipped to promote and protect the public's health.

CDC requests a three-year extension of a generic clearance to collect data about its fellowship programs, as they relate to public health workforce development. Data collections will allow for ongoing, collaborative, and actionable communications between CDC fellowship programs and stakeholders ( e.g., fellows, supervisors/mentors, alumni). These collections might include short surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Intended use of the resulting information is to

• inform planning, implementation, and continuous quality improvement of fellowship activities and services;
• improve efficiencies in the delivery of fellowship activities and services; and
• determine to what extent fellowship activities and services are achieving established goals.

Collection and use of information about CDC fellowship activities will help ensure effective, efficient, and satisfying experiences among fellowship program participants and stakeholders.

CDC estimates that annually, a given fellowship program will conduct one query each with one of the three respondent groups: Fellowship applicants or fellows; mentors, supervisors, or employers; and alumni. The total annualized burden hours of 2,957 was determined as depicted in the following table.

OMB approval is requested for three years. There are no costs to respondents other than their time.