Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

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.

DATES:

Written comments (see below for details) on this notice must be received by January 17, 2003 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to the address below.

Comments: 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 to 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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For further information or for a copy of the collection instruments and instructions contact Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, via surface mail: National Science Foundation, ATTN: NSF Reports Clearance Officer, Suite 295, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230; telephone (703) 292-7556; e-mail splimpto@nsf.gov; or FAX (703) 292-9188.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: 2003 National Survey of College Graduates.

OMB Approval Number: 3145-0141.

Expiration Date of Approval: April 30, 2001.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate 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 1970s. The 2003 NSCG will consist of a sample of individuals under the age 76 with at least a bachelor's degree as of April 1, 2000, the day of Census 2000. The 2003 NSCG will be the baseline survey for NSCG surveys for the rest of the decade. The purpose of this longitudinal 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 collected 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. Questionnaires will be mailed in October 2003 and nonrespondents to the mail questionnaire will be followed by computer-assisted interviewing. The survey will be collected in conformance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the individual's response to the survey is voluntary. NSF will insure that all information collected will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for research or statistical puposes, analyzing data, and preparing scientific reports and articles.

2. Expected Respondents: A sample of approximately 180,000 persons identified as having at least a bachelor's degree will receive the mail questionnaire. The sample will be selected according to generally accepted probability sampling procedures.

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 75,000 hours during the year.