In conjunction with the Vanguard Study and its Recruitment Substudy component, the NCS has conducted preliminary and proof-of-concept assessments of study recruitment, retention, and questionnaire items through smaller-scale formative research projects approved through OMB Generic Clearance (#0925-0590; Expiration Date: 9/30/2014). This clearance mechanism allowed preliminary, proof-of-concept evaluation of innovative recruitment and retention materials and approaches, as well as questionnaire items, needed to address the complexity of the NCS design in an efficient manner prior to further testing with a larger group of participants in the Vanguard Study, if warranted. Moreover, this clearance mechanism allows the NCS to receive crucial feedback regarding questionnaire items and recruitment and retention materials from providers, community representatives, and other stakeholders before these materials or approaches are presented to potential or actual NCS Vanguard participants.
The NCS would continue to benefit from the burden and cost efficiencies generated by additional types of formative research projects that could be reviewed through the generic clearance mechanism. With this submission, the NCS seeks approval from OMB to conduct formative research featuring neuro-developmental and psychosocial measures.
The results of formative research related to the collection of neuro-developmental and psycho-social measures will inform the feasibility, acceptability, and cost of NCS Vanguard and Main Study collection procedures and tools used to assess language, behavior, and neurodevelopment, psychosocial stress, and health literacy in a manner that minimizes public information collection burden compared to burden anticipated if these projects were incorporated directly into either the NCS Vanguard or Main Study.
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.