NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and
Research (OER) is the only federal organization dedicated to ocean
exploration. By using unique capabilities in terms of personnel,
technology, infrastructure, and exploration missions, OER is
reducing unknowns in deep-ocean areas and providing high-value
environmental intelligence needed by NOAA and the nation to address
both current and emerging science and management needs. The four
forms used to collect information are as follows: 1) Sailing
Contact Information, 2) Okeanos Explorer Participation Assessment,
3) EX Collaboration Tools Feedback, 4) Citizen Scientist. These are
voluntary forms that either ascertain perpective participation or
follow up with participants to understand better practices with the
practical execution of telepresence enabled ocean exploration. The
main forms are annual, but the Sailing Contact form is used for
individual cruises (~8/year).
The number of respondents for
the Okeanos Explorer Participation Assessment was reduced by 600
based on actual sailing contacts. Two new forms were added,
increasing the number of overall respondents by 1000, the number of
responses by 2000, and the burden hours by 334. The response time
for all forms was reduced from 15 minutes to 10 minutes to more
accurately reflect the burden, resulting in a decrease of 316
burden 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.