This collection allows the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program, obtain specific information from clients served by the program. The information is used to evaluate the program's strengths and weaknesses in order to plan for improvements in the program's effectiveness and efficiency.
This is program change increase of respondents/responses, from 8,000 to 10,000, and burden hours, from 1,067 to 1,433, as a result of the new strategies and related revised survey. The time per response increased from 8 minutes to 15 minutes.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.