The National Endowment for the Humanities is seeking a general clearance authority to develop grantee survey instruments for its grant programs. The NEH regularly monitors its grants, relying primarily on data obtained in performance reports. These data do not, however, provide as full an assessment of program outcomes as required by the Government Performance and Results Act. In many instances, outcomes are not readily observable during the one- to three-year grant period. The clearance to collect data from grantees and project participants after the close of the formal reporting period (ninety days after the grant ending date) is essential to the NEH's ability to assess its programs systematically and to measure progress in achieving the goals articulated in the agency's strategic plan.
US Code:
20 USC 951
Name of Law: National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 (P.L. 89-209)
NEH estimates that it will receive more responses (1160 compared with 600), but that each survey will take less time to complete. As a result, the time burden is estimated to decrease from 600 to 580 hours.
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.