Justification for Nonmaterial/Nonsubstantive Change

JUSTIFICATION FOR NONMATERIAL/NONSUBSTANTIVE CHANGE
United States Patent and Trademark Office
National Medal of Technology and Innovation
OMB CONTROL NUMBER 0651-0060
(February 2013)

Background
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation is the highest honor awarded by the
President of the United States to America’s leading innovators. Established by an Act of
Congress in 1980, the Medal of Technology was first awarded in 1985. The Medal is awarded
annually to individuals, teams (up to four individuals), and companies or divisions of companies
for their outstanding contributions to the Nation’s economic, environmental and social well-being
through the development and commercialization of technology products, processes and
concepts, technological innovation, and development of the Nation’s technological manpower.
The purpose of the National Medal of Technology is to recognize those who have made lasting
contributions to America’s competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through
technological innovation, and to recognize those who have made substantial contributions to
strengthening the Nation’s technological workforce. By highlighting the national importance of
technological innovation, the Medal also seeks to inspire future generations of Americans to
prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology
and economic leadership.
The public uses the National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application to
recognize through nomination an individual’s or company’s extraordinary leadership and
innovation in technological achievement. The application must be accompanied by six letters of
recommendation or support from individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the cited
achievement(s).

Summary of Changes
No new information is being collected, and there are no adjustments to the burden.
The USPTO is proposing to update the collection instrument, which is a nomination form, as
follows:
 Change the title of the form to reflect the current year (2013) nominations.
 Add language to indicate a deadline for recommendations; letters of recommendation
must arrive by April 1, 2013.

Changes in Burden
This proposed change covers an existing requirement that is currently approved under 06510060 and will not result in a substantive change in burden to the public.