NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SCIENCE HONOR AWARDS
SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION
Justification
Circumstances making the collection of information necessary.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers several honorary awards, among them the President's National Medal of Science, the Alan T. Waterman Award, the National Science Board (NSB) Vannevar Bush Award, and the NSB Public Service Award. The President's National Medal of Science, the Alan T. Waterman Award, and the Vannevar Bush Award were maintained collectively under their own information collection number, 3145-0035, until 1987. At that time, they were absorbed into the NSF Grant Proposal Guide, 3145-0058. Since that time, the NSB Public Service Award was added to the category, and thus, in order to reestablish its unique place in the Foundation, the collection was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval, for renewal, without change to the forms or procedures used to evaluate nominees for the following science honor awards in 1999.
President's National Medal of Science. Statutory authority for the President's National Medal of Science is contained in 42 U.S.C. 1881 (P.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” (attached). More information about the President's National Medal of Science Award (established in 1959) can be found at the following Web-site: http://www.nsf.gov/od/nms/medal.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/nms/medal.htm
Alan T. Waterman Award. Congress established the Alan T. Waterman Award in August 1975 (42 U.S.C. 1881a (P.L. 94-86)) (attached) 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 honor its first 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. More information about the Alan T. Waterman Award can be found at the following Web-site: http://www.nsf.gov/od/waterman/waterman.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/waterman/waterman.htm
Vannevar Bush Award. The NSB established the Vannevar Bush Award in 1980 to honor 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.” More information about the Vannevar Bush Award can be found at the following Web-site: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/bush.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/bush/bush.htm
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. More information about the Public Service Award can be found at the following Web-site: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/public.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/public/public.htm
How and By Whom the Information will be Used. Each award has its own set of criteria and nomination procedures, as described below.
President’s National Medal of Science. Executive Order 10961 specified procedures for the award by establishing a President’s National Medal of Science Committee which would receive recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences and “. . . similar recommendations made by any other nationally representative scientific or engineering organization.” On the basis of these recommendations, the Committee was directed to select is candidates and 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 (included with the attached nomination package) was 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. Since 2003, the nominations have been received primarily through the FastLane system. The FastLane system gathers the information requested in form NSF-1122 and allows for the faster review of nominations in addition to more confidentiality and less paper waste.
The following guidelines have been established for selection of candidates:
Principal criterion: the total impact of an individual's work on the current state of physical, biological, mathematical, engineering or social and behavioral sciences.
Achievements of an unusually significant nature in relation to the potential effects on the development of scientific thought.
Unusually distinguished service in the general advancement of science and engineering, especially when accompanied by substantial contributions to the content of science. Recognition by peers within the scientific community.
Contributions to innovation and industry.
Influence on education through publications, teaching activities, outreach, mentoring, etc.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has applied for citizenship.
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 (included with the attached nomination package) 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 following guidelines have been established for selection of candidates:
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.
Achievements of an unusually significant nature in relation to the potential effects of such achievements on the development of scientific thought.
Unusually distinguished service in the general advancement of science and engineering, when accompanied by substantial contributions to the content of science at some time.
Recognition by peers within the scientific community.
Contributions to innovation and industry.
Influence on education through publications, students, etc.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has applied for citizenship.
Nominations remain active for a period of fourthree 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.
Alan T. Waterman Award. The Alan T. Waterman Award Committee was established by NSF to comply with the directive contained in P.L. 94-86. The Committee solicits nominations from members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, academia, university presidents, college deans, scientific and technical organizations, and any other source, public or private, as appropriate.
In 1976, the Committee initiated a form letter to solicit these nominations. In 1980, a nomination form (NSF 1123) and reference form (NSF 1124) were used which standardized the nomination procedures, allowed for more effective Committee review, and permitted better staff work in a short period of time. Both forms are included in the attached nomination package. Since 2003, the nominations have been received primarily through the FastLane system. The FastLane system gathers the information requested in forms NSF-1123 and NSF-1124 and allows for the faster review of nominations in addition to more confidentiality and less paper waste. On the basis of its review, the Committee forwards its recommendations to the Director, NSF.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be 35 years of age or younger or not more than seven years beyond receipt of the Ph.D. 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.
Vannevar Bush Award. The Vannevar Bush Award Committee is annually established by the NSB to solicit nominations from selected scientific engineering and educational societies, among others. Candidates must be a senior stateperson who is an American citizen and who meets two or more of the following criteria:
Who has distinguished him/herself through public service activities in science and technology.
Who has pioneered the exploration, charting and settlement of new frontiers in science, technology, education and public service.
Whose leadership and creativity have inspired others to distinguished careers in science and technology.
Who has contributed to the welfare of the Nation and mankind through activities in science and technology.
Whose leadership and creativity have helped mold the history of advancements in the Nation’s science, technology, and education.
Nomination submissions must be in letter format, accompanied by at least two letters of support, a biography or CV, 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.
Public Service Award. 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:
Increased the public’s understanding of the processes of science and engineering through scientific discovery, innovation and its communication to the public.
Encouraged others to help raise the public understanding of science and technology.
Promoted the engagement of scientists and engineers in public outreach and scientific literacy.
Contributed to the development of broad science and engineering policy and its support.
Influenced and encouraged the next generation of scientist and engineers.
Achieved broad recognition outside the nominee’s area of specialization.
Fostered awareness of science and technology among broad segments of the population.
Nomination procedures:
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 of the nominee, as well as the nominee’s vita, if appropriate (no more than three pages).
The selection committee recommends the most outstanding candidate(s) for each category to the NSB, which approves the awardees.
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.
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.
Consideration of the Use of Information Technology.
FastLane is being used for all of the National Science Foundation’s Honor Awards, as this promotes a secure method of electronic transaction. To date, nearly all of the nominations for all of the awards were submitted via FastLane. Nominators and supporters of nominations are given the option of submitting through FastLane or via regular mail.
Efforts to Identify Duplication.
These awards are unique to NSF and are not duplicated elsewhere.
Efforts to Minimize Burden on Small Entities.
Small entities are not affected by this information collection.
Consequences if Data Collection is Not Conducted.
NSF collects this data to evaluate candidates for the highest science honors bestowed by a public agency. As noted in A.1. above, two of these awards were legislatively enacted, and two were created by the NSB, which is comprised of Presidential appointees, to recognize significant contributions to science. This data is collected in this format to provide as equitable an opportunity as possible for nominees and nominators to highlight scientific achievements.
Circumstances Requiring Deviation from Guidelines of 5 CFR 1320.
There are no deviations to 5 CFR 1320.
Federal Register Announcement and Other Consultations Outside the Agency.
The first notice was published in the Federal Register on March 1, 2005February 15, 2008 (703 FR 99818907) (attached) and no comments were received.
Payments to Respondents.
Not applicable.
Confidentiality.
Respondents are assured that their responses are confidential, both in the solicitation and on the required forms. The President's Medal of Science, the Alan T. Waterman Award, the Vannevar Bush Award, and the Public Service Award include statements about the Privacy Act.
Sensitive Questions.
No questions of a sensitive nature are asked.
Response Burden Hours.
These are annual award programs with application deadlines varying according to the program. Public burden also may vary according to the program; however, it is estimated that each submission is averaged to be 10 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.
Respondents include individuals, business or other for-profit organizations, universities, non-profit institutions, and Federal and State governments.
Estimated Annual Burden:
Award |
Estimated. No.umber of Responses |
Est.imated Annual Burden Hours per Response |
Total Estimated Annual Burden Hours |
President’s National Medal of Science |
55 |
20 |
1100 |
Alan T. Waterman Award |
50 |
20 |
1000 |
Vannevar Bush Award |
12 |
15 |
180 |
Public Service Award |
20 |
15 |
300 |
Totals |
137 |
70 |
2,580 |
Burden Cost to Respondents.
Not applicable.
Annualized Cost to the Federal Government.
The estimated, annualized cost of $452,400 is broken down as follows:
1 full-time = $140,000 (NMS and Waterman)
12 reviewers at $1600 per reviewer (includes travel and accommodations for one day) = $19,200
12 reviewers at $1600 per reviewer (includes travel and accommodations for one day) = $19,200
Technical support and costs associated with the review of submitted applications is estimated to be $50,000
The 2007 costs are as follows:
FastLane (NSB honorary awards) $103,000
Data Center Hosting of NSBO systems $9,000
Total $112,000
The estimated, annualized cost of $118,600 is broken down as follows:
1 full-time = $82,000
1 1/3 time (GS-7) = $13,000
Reasons for any Program Changes (Items 13 or 14).
The change in burden hours is due to a more accurate estimate of time needed to complete the nomination process.
Publication of Information.
Not applicable.
Display of Expiration Date for OMB Approval.
Permission is requested to not display the expiration date for OMB approval because it is anticipated that the forms used (NSF 1122, NSF 1123, and NSF 1124) will not change and this will keep the costs associated with printing them lower.Not applicable.
Any Exceptions to the Certification Statement.
There are no exceptions to the Certification Statement.
Part B: Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
Not Applicable
AttachmentsSupplemental Documents:
42 U.S.C. 1881 (P.L. 86-209) (President’s National Medal of Science)
42 U.S.C. 1881a (P.L. 94-86) (Alan T. Waterman Award)
Nomination packages
Nomination announcement and FastLane page for the President’s National Medal of Science (includes NSF 1122)
Nomination announcement and FastLane page for the Alan T. Waterman Award (includes NSF 1123 and NSF 1124)
Nomination announcement and FastLane page for the Vannevar Bush Award
FastLane page for the Public Service Award
First Federal Register notice – March 1, 2005 (70 FR 9981)
Second Federal Register notice – May 26, 2005 (70 FR 30494)
42 U.S.C. 1881
Sec. 1881. - Award of National Medal of Science
(a) Recommendations
The President shall from time to time award the medal, on the basis of recommendations received from the National Academy of Sciences or on the basis of such other information and evidence as he deems appropriate, to individuals who in his judgment are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, behavioral or social sciences.
(b) Number
Not more than twenty individuals may be awarded the medal in any one calendar year.
(c) Citizenship
An individual may not be awarded the medal unless at the time such award is made he -
(1) is a citizen or other national of the United States; or
(2) is an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who
(A) has filed an application for petition for naturalization in the manner prescribed by section 1445(b) of title 8 and
(B) is not permanently ineligible to become a citizen of the United States.
(d) Ceremonies
The presentation of the award shall be made by the President with such ceremonies as he may deem proper, including attendance by appropriate Members of Congress
42 U.S.C. 1881a
Sec. 1881a. - Alan T. Waterman Award
(a) Establishment; amounts; terms
The National Science Foundation is authorized to establish the Alan T. Waterman Award for research or advanced study in the mathematical, physical, medical, biological, engineering, behavioral, social, or other sciences. The award authorized by this section shall consist of a suitable medal and a grant to support further research or study by the recipient. The National Science Board will periodically establish the amounts and terms of such grants under this section.
(b) Purpose
Awards under this section shall be made to recognize and encourage the work of younger scientists whose capabilities and accomplishments show exceptional promise of significant future achievement.
(c) Number
No more than one award shall be made under this section in any one fiscal year
1 The Vannevar Bush award is reviewed during a National Science Board meeting as an agenda item and is not considered a separate cost for these purposes. The Public Service Award is reviewed via teleconferencing, and therefore does not incur any travel costs.
2 The Vannevar Bush award is reviewed during a National Science Board meeting as an agenda item and is not considered a separate cost for these purposes. The Public Service Award is reviewed via teleconferencing, and therefore does not incur any travel costs.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SCIENCE HONOR AWARDS |
| Author | Suzanne Plimpton |
| Last Modified By | nsfuser |
| File Modified | 2008-04-22 |
| File Created | 2008-04-22 |