The Supporting Statement_new05 (2)

The Supporting Statement

Introduction: The Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP) collects information from students applying for federal grants to pursue transportation-related education and research. This is a new clearance request.

Part A. Justification.

1. Circumstances that make collection of information necessary:

The DDETFP is currently authorized by Public Law 109-59, section 5204, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Collection of information is necessary in order to competitively award fellowships to students pursuing degrees and research in transportation-related fields. The DDETFP supports DOT’s Organizational Excellence Goal by helping to advance workforce development and prepare highly qualified individuals from diverse groups and individuals with disabilities for careers in transportation.

2. How, by whom, and for what purpose is the information used:

Students applying for fellowships complete applications and submit to the Federal Highway Administration. The information is used by federal program staff and contractors with direct responsibility for administering the DDETFP. The information is used to evaluate and select students for fellowships, notify students of the status of their applications, and prepare the necessary paperwork to award the fellowships. The information is also used for program analysis and program evaluation purposes to ensure the program is meeting its legislative intent and DOT’s workforce development goals and objectives.

3. Extent of automated information collection:

The goal is to make the applications available via the grants.gov website to reduce the burden of paperwork. This electronic filing option soon allow for 100% submission.

4. Efforts to identify duplication:

Due to the nature of the DDETFP, similar information is not available.

5. Efforts to minimize the burden on small businesses:

N/A

6. Impact of less frequent collection of information:

Congressional funding for the DDETFP is provided per fiscal year, and, therefore, the fellowships are awarded annually. Less frequent collection of information will impact the award of fellowships and the expenditure of authorized program funds.

7. Special circumstances:

Students choosing not to submit electronically via grants.gov are asked to submit an original and five copies that are provided to the selection panel members for evaluation.

8. Compliance with 5 CFR 1320.8:

Federal Register, February 12, 2007, Page 10,811. Volume 72 number 46. Docket number FHWA 2007-27487. No comments were received.

9. Payments or gifts to respondents:

None.

10. Assurance of confidentiality:

The protection of confidentiality is a priority for DOT/FHWA, and privacy/confidentiality management is an integral part of the DDETFP. The privacy management policy is built upon a methodology designed to ensure that staff have the information, tools, and technology necessary to manage privacy effectively and employ the highest level of fair information collection processes. Regular monitoring of compliance with privacy/confidentiality policies, practices, and procedures are required.

11. Justification for collection of sensitive information:

The DDETFP does not involve the collection of sensitive information.

12. Estimate of burden hours for information requested:

Approximately 200 students submit applications annually for the DDETFP. The estimated burden to complete the application is three hours for an annual burden hour total of 600 hours. It is estimated that the labor burden for this collection is $3,600.

13. Estimate of total annual costs to respondents:

There is no additional cost beyond the labor cost outlined in question # 12.

14. Estimate of cost to the Federal government:

Total cost to the federal government is $7,950. This is two contractors for 150 hours each.

15. Explanation of program changes or adjustments:

This is a new collection.

16. Publication of results of data collection:

The results of this collection will not be published.

17. Approval for not displaying the expiration date of OMB approval:

FHWA is not requested approval for not displaying the expiration date.

18. Exceptions to certification statement:

N/A