The DoD Science, Mathematics and
Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program, is part of
the National Defense Education Program. SMART is fully funded by
the DoD and is designed to increase the number of new civilian
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) entrants
to the DoD. Additionally, the SMART Program develops and retains
current DoD civilian STEM employees that are critical to the
national security functions of the Department of Defense and are
needed in the Department of Defense workforce. SMART awards
scholarships, ranging from 1.5 to 5 years, to undergraduate and
graduate level students pursuing a degree in one of 21 technical
disciplines. Upon graduation, scholars fulfill a service commitment
with the DoD facility that nominated the scholar for an award (the
sponsoring facility, or SF).
US Code:
10
USC 2192a Name of Law: Science, Mathematics and Research for
Transformation (SMART) Defense Education Program
US Code: 5 USC
3304 Name of Law: Competitive service examinations
The number of respondents has
decreased from 4,300 to 2,800. At the previous approval, the number
of respondents was improperly estimated and did not reflect that
respondents may complete some or all the forms.The time and cost
burden have increased. The SMART program office has reevaluated the
estimated time to complete the forms and estimated wages of
respondents. Since the last OMB review in 2016, the estimated
burden hours have increased from 30,200 to 129,225. The cost burden
has increased from $218,950.00 to $$936,881.25.
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.