The data collected in this survey will
enable NSF to partially fulfill the Congressional mandate to serve
as a clearing house for information on the scientific and technical
population of the U.S. This information allows for policy and
planning activities by officials of government, private industry
and academic institutions.
US Code:
42 USC 1861 et seq. Name of Law: National Science Foundation
Act of 1950
There were two main changes in
the NSCG between the 2013 and 2015 survey cycles that impact
burden. First, the sample size for the 2015 NSCG (135,000 cases) is
slightly less than the 2013 NSCG sample size (144,000 cases). The
main explanation for this difference is a smaller young graduate
oversample will be selected in the 2015 NSCG compared to what was
selected in the 2013 NSCG. The second change that impacted burden
was a change in the length of the questionnaire. For the 2015 NSCG
survey cycle, the NSCG questionnaire was revised to include
questions on certifications and licenses. The addition of the
certifications and licenses questions increased the estimated
survey completion time from 25 to 30 minutes. In addition to these
changes, the inclusion of past nonrespondents into the eligible
sample created the need to reduce the expected response rate for
returning sample cases. When these factors are considered, there
was a slight increase in the burden hours estimate between the 2013
and 2015 NSCG survey cycles.
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.