Agency information collection activities: Submission for OMB review; comment request,

[Federal Register: July 7, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 129)]

[Notices]

[Page 36719-36720]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr07jy99-120]

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Extend and Revise a Current Information Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Submission for OMB Review; comment request.

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the following information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 64 FR 2682 (January 15, 1999), and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice. Comments regarding: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methology and assumptions used; (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 should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725--17th Street, N.W. Room 10235, Washington, D.C. 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission may be obtained by calling 703-306-1125 X2017.

NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Title of Collection: National Science Foundation Science Honor Awards.

OMB Control Number: 3145-0035.

Summary of Collection: The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers several honorary awards, among them the President's National Medal of Science, the Alan T. Waterman Award, the NSF Vannevar Bush Award, and the NSB Public Service Award.

Use of the Information: The Foundation has the following honor award programs:

‹bullet› President's National Medal of Science. Statutory authority for the President's National Medal of Science is contained in 42 U.S.C. 1881 (Pub. L. 86-209), which established the award and stated that ``(t)he President shall * * * award the Medal on the recommendations received from the National Academy of Sciences or on the basis of such other information and evidence as * * * appropriate.''

Subsequently, Executive Order 10961 specified procedures for the Award by establishing a National Medal of Science Committee which would ``receive recommendations made by any other nationally representative scientific or engineering organization.'' On the basis of those recommendations, the Committee was directed to select its candidates and to forward its recommendations to the President.

In 1962, to comply with these directives, the Committee initiated a solicitation form letter to invite these nominations. In 1979, the Committee initiated a nomination form as an attachment to the solicitation letter. A slightly modified version of the nomination form was used in 1980. The Committee agreed that such a form standardized the nomination format, benefiting the nominator, making the Committee's review process more efficient and permitted better staff work in a shorter period of time. Form NSF-1122 will be used to further standardize the nomination procedures, thus continuing to allow for more effective committee review, and permitting better staff work in a shorter period of time.

The Committee has established the following guidelines for selection of candidates:

1. The total impact of an individual's work on the present state of physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and behavioral sciences is to be the principal criterion.

2. Achievements of an unusually significant nature in relation to the potential effects of such achievements on the development of scientific thought.

3. Unusually distinguished service in the general advancement of science and engineering, when accompanied by substantial contributions to the content of science at some time.

4. Recognition by peers within the scientific community.

5. Contributions to innovation and industry.

6. Influence on education through publications, students, etc.

7. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has applied for citizenship.

   Nominations remain active for a period of four years, including the year of nomination. After that time, candidates must be renominated with a new nomination package for them to be considered by the Committee.

   Nomination forms should be typewritten, single-spaced using a font no smaller than 12 characters per inch. Renominations may be submitted via an updated nomination form.

   ‹bullet› Alan T. Waterman Award. Congress established the Alan T. Waterman Award in August 1975 (42 U.S.C. 1881a (Pub. L. 94-86) and authorized NSF to ``establish the Alan T. Waterman Award for research or advanced study in any of the sciences or engineering'' to mark the 25th anniversary of the National Science Foundation and to our honor its first

   [[Page 36720]]

   Director. The annual award recognizes an outstanding young researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by NSF. In addition to a medal, the awardee receives a grant of $500,000 over a three-year period for scientific research or advanced study in the mathematical, physical, medical, biological, engineering, social, or other sciences at the institution of the recipient's choice.

   The Alan T. Waterman Award Committee was established by NSF to comply with the directive contained in Pub. L. 94-86. The Committee solicits nominations from members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, scientific and technical organizations, and any other source, public or private, as appropriate.

   In 1976, the Committee initiated a form latter to solicit these nominations. In 1980, a nomination form (NSF 1123) was used which standardized the nomination procedures, allowed for more effective Committee review, and permitted better staff work in a short period of time. On the basis of its review, the Committee forwards its recommendations to the Director, NSF, and the National Science Board (NSB). HSF Form 1124 is used for this purpose.

   Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be 35 years of age or younger or not more then five years beyond receipt of the PhD. degree by December 31 of the year in which they are nominated. Candidates should have demonstrated exceptional individual achievements in scientific or engineering research of sufficient quality to place them at the forefront of their peers. Criteria include originality, innovation, and significant impact on the field.

   ‹bullet› Vannevar Bush Award. The NSB established the Vannevar Bush Award in 1980 to honor the Dr. Bush's unique contributions to public service. The annual award recognizes an individual who, through public service activities in science and technology, has made an outstanding ``contribution toward the welfare of mankind and the Nation.''

   The Vannevar Bush Award Committee is periodically established by the NSB to solicit nominations from selected scientific engineering educational societies. Candidates must be a senior stateperson who is an American citizen and who meets two or more of the following criteria.

1. Who has distinguished him/herself through public service activities in science and technology.

2. Who has pioneered the exploration, charting and settlement of new frontiers in science, technology, education and public service.

3. Whose leadership and creativity have inspired others to distinguished careers in science and technology.

4. Who has contributed to the welfare of the Nation and mankind through activities in science and technology.

5. Whose leadership and creativity have helped mold the history of advancements in the Nation's science, technology, and education.

   Nomination submissions should be in letter format, accompanied by a complete biography and a brief citation summarizing the nominee's scientific or technological contributions to our national welfare in promotion of the progress of science. Nominations remain active for three years, including the year of nomination.

   ‹bullet› Public Service Award. The NSB established the Public Service Award in November 1996. This annual award recognizes people and organizations who have increased the public understanding of science or engineering. The award may be given to an individual and to a group (company, corporation, or organization), but not to members of the U.S. Government.

   Eligibility includes any individual or group (company, corporation or organization) that has increased the public understanding of science or engineering. Members of the U.S. Government are not eligible for consideration.

   Candidates for the individual and group (company, corporation or organization) award must have made contributions to public service in areas other than research, and should meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Increased the public's understanding of the processes of science and engineering through scientific discovery, innovation and its communication to the public.

2. Encouraged others to help raise the public understanding of science and technology.

3. Promoted the engagement of scientists and engineers in public outreach and scientific literacy.

4. Contributed to the development of broad science and engineering policy and its support.

5. Influenced and encouraged the next generation of scientist and engineers.

6. Achieved broad recognition outside the nominee's area of specialization.

7. Fostered awareness of science and technology among broad segments of the population.

   Nomination Procedures

1. Prepare a summary of the nominee's activities as they relate to the selection criteria. Include the nominator's name, address and telephone number, and the name, address, and telephone number, and the name, address, and telephone number of the nominee, as well as the nominee's vita, if appropriate (no more than three pages).

2. The selection committee recommends the most outstanding candidate(s) for each category to the NSB, which approves the awardees.

3. Nominations remain active for a period of three years, including the year of nomination. After that time, candidates must be renominated for them to be considered by the selection committee.

4. Nominations should be mailed or faxed to the NSB Public Service Award Advisory Committee. Electronic mail does not protect confidentiality and should not be used for this purpose. Facsimile copies should be followed up by the original, signed document in order for the nomination to be reviewed by the selection committee.

   Respondents: Individuals, businesses or other for-profit organizations, universities, non-profit institutions, and Federal and State governments.

   Estimated Number of Responses per Award. 137 responses, broken down as follows: For the President's National Medal of Science, 45; for the Alan T. Waterman Award, 60; for the Vannevar Bush Award, 12; for the Public Service Award, 20.

   Estimate of Burden: These are annual award programs with application deadlines varying according to the program. Public burden also may vary according to program; however, it is estimated that each submission is averaged to be 8 hours per respondent for each program. If the nominator is thoroughly familiar with the scientific background of the nominee, time spent to complete the nomination may be considerably reduced.

   Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,242 hours, broken down by 450 hours for the President's National Medal of Science (10 hours per 45 respondents); 600 hours for the Alan T. Waterman Award (10 hours per 60 respondents); 72 hours for the Vannevar Bush Award (6 hours per 12 respondents); and 120 hours for the Public Service Award (6 hours per 20 respondents).

   Frequency of Responses: Annually.

   Dated: July 1, 1999. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer.

   [FR Doc. 99-17183Filed7-6-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 7555-01-M