The NCCWSC has the responsibility to manage DOI CSCs that are co-located at cooperating organizations at non-USGS facilities. The DOI CSCs include USGS staff that report to a national USGS office. The NCCWSC works in close partnership with the climate change science and natural and cultural resource management communities to understand high priority science needs and to develop science information tools that can help resource managers develop strategies for responding to climate change. This program provides funding for researchers through cooperative agreements that involve climate change science as a major component.
Eight DOI CSCs have been established, with the last three started up in Fiscal Year 2012. The DOI CSCs and Host partnerships have been established on a 5-year renewable basis.
The initial information collection activity was performed to identify the preferred locations / institutional partners for Climate Science Centers. This was a full and open competition announced on Grants.gov. Based on this information, CSC host institutions have been identified and have entered cooperative agreements with USGS. At present, information collection activities focus on annual performance and financial reports, required under the cooperative agreements. This information is used to conduct an annual performance evaluation of each CSC's progress in meeting the goals of the agreement.
There were no program changes. The reduction in burden hours reflects the removal of respondents submitting applications. Because the CSCs have been established, applications will not be necessary until it is time to renew the partnerships in approximately three years.
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.
Published 30 Day FRN 1028-0096.pdf
Department of the Interior Regional Climate Science Centers (Private)