Supporting Statement A
Cooperative Research Units Program Survey
OMB Control Number 1028-NEW
Terms of Clearance: None
Justification
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program (CRU) establishes a relationship among the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), a host university, and state natural resource agencies. The CRU’s mission is to provide education and technical assistance through graduate research in order to address the information needs of its Cooperators. It has been lauded as a crucial program providing science-based natural resource management information to wildlife professionals, landowners, and the public. However, while the program’s mission has remained largely unchanged since the program’s inception, over 80 years ago, the issues facing fish and wildlife conservation have changed as have the methods, tools, and analyses needed to address such concerns. The CRU seeks to remain relevant to its Cooperators by being adaptive and responsive to their shifting information needs. Collection of information from Cooperators will allow us to better understand the Cooperators’ values and challenges facing the program and address ways to ensure the program remains beneficial to Cooperators and the public. Inquires will focus on important Cooperator issues, identify knowledge and service gaps, and address efficiency, effectiveness, improvement, and learning.
This Information Collection is essential for satisfying the requirements of a Research Work Order Agreement between the University of Maine and the USGS with the intention of providing a network analysis and tools to CRU Cooperators to better administer the program. Additionally, periodic evaluations of CRU-Cooperator collaborations are compulsory requirements of the Cooperative Agreements as authorized by the Cooperative Research Units Act (16 U.S.C. 753a-753b).
2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection. Be specific. If this collection is a form or a questionnaire, every question needs to be justified.
Information collection will be done by a PhD student at the University of Maine, along with Eastern Regional Supervisor of the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program, and, the Unit Leader of the Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Conservation Biology at the University of Maine. Collection will be conducted through network analysis surveys to gain further insight into the structure and operation of the CRU and its cooperators. Specifically, the information will be used to 1) develop a network analysis of the individual Units and Cooperators to describe the structure and composition of relationships (represented by types and abundance of connections) within the CRU; 2) develop a program level network analysis to explore trends across the program; and 3) develop a dynamic network analysis that simulates realized and potential changes in the CRU-Cooperator networks to examine evolutions and adaptations of relationships over time. This analysis will seek to identify the strengths and vulnerabilities of the program overall and within individual Unit networks. Findings will summarize the analyses in a computer-based Organizational Analysis Tool with a user interface that provides data visualizations, as well as in summary reports for meeting participants and participating Cooperative Research Units, and in peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Question # |
Question |
CON.1 |
Please indicate your consent to complete this survey below.
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In survey text:
ABOUT THE COOPERATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNITS PROGRAM
Established in 1935 to meet the need for trained professionals in the growing field of wildlife management, the program currently consists of 41 Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units located on university campuses in 39 States and supports 119 research scientist positions when fully funded.
The threefold mission of the CRU program is to:
Conduct scientific research for the management of fish, wildlife, and other natural resources;
Provide technical assistance to natural resource managers in the application of scientific information to natural resource policy and management; and
Train future natural resource professionals.
Each unit is a unique partnership among the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a host university, one or more state agencies, and the Wildlife Management Institute. They are called Coop Units because each cooperator plays a role in the staffing, funding, and directing of the units.
Together, the CRU program comprises a vast network of people and organizations linked by shared conservation, education, and research goals. You have received this survey because you are a part of this network. Knowing about your role and relationships within the network will help us assess the efficiency, impact, and needs of the program.
Question # |
Question |
INT.1 and INT.2 are designed to gather information about the respondents’ current employment, level of leadership, and responsibilities within their organization. These questions are important for assessing and contextualizing the universe of respondents and attributing responses to different leadership strata. |
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INT.1 |
First, help us get to know you and the work you do. How many years have you been in your current role, organization, and the natural resources field in general? (Matrix-style table with options: <1, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 10-19, 20-29, and >30)
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INT.2 |
What best describes the level of supervisory responsibility you hold in your organization? The levels of management in this question are based on The Essentials of Management (DuBrin, 2009).
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INT.3 – INT.6 are designed to gather information about how frequently decision-making falls to different management levels within the respondent’s organization. Here, “research” has been divided into four sections (i.e., identification of need, planning, funding, and execution). These questions are important for identifying the amount of agency regarding research decisions that CRU Cooperators may hold. |
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INT.3 |
In your organization how often are the following personnel responsible for identifying knowledge gaps which may be in need of research? (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always)
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INT.4 |
How often are the following personnel responsible for planning research projects? (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always)
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INT.5 |
How often are the following personnel responsible for allocating funding to support research projects? (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always)
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INT.6 |
How often are the following personnel responsible for managing the execution of research projects? (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always)
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INT.7 and INT.8 are designed to gather information about the respondent’s past work history and the flow of human capital from one organization to another. This is important for gauging trends in the sources of employment within the network and to gauge prior knowledge of the CRU program. |
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INT.7 |
Not including your current position, which other natural resource-based sectors/organizations have you worked in? Select all that apply.
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INT.8 |
As a student were you affiliated with a Cooperative Research Unit in any capacity? Select all that apply.
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INT.9 |
How familiar are you with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program? (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Not at all familiar, 2=Slightly familiar, 3=Moderately familiar, 4=Very familiar, 5=Extremely familiar) |
INT.10 |
Are you a federal employee of the U.S. Geological Survey's Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program (i.e., unit scientist, headquarters personnel, etc.)?
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This section will be available to self-identified CRU employees only.
Question # |
Question |
OA.CRU.1 and OA.CRU.2 are designed to identify the home Coop Unit of the CRU scientist. |
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OA.CRU.1 |
Which best describes your position with the CRU?
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OA.CRU.2 |
Which Coop Unit do you consider your home Unit? (Drop down list of 41 Coop Units and headquarters) |
OA.CRU.3 – OA.CRU.13 are designed to determine how respondents perceive their relationships with official and unofficial cooperator groups and to identify strengths and challenges within their Coop Unit. These data will be linked to information from the CRU-Cooperator network analysis to determine trends and mismatches in perceptions. |
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OA.CRU.3 |
In general, how do you characterize the relationships between your Coop Unit and the OFFICIAL Cooperator groups? If you do not interact with a Cooperator, please select "Not applicable." (Slider from “One of the worst” to “One of the best” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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OA.CRU.4 |
From your perspective, how effective is your Coop Unit at meeting the needs of your OFFICIAL Cooperators? If you do not interact with a Cooperator, please select "Not applicable." (Slider from “Not effective at all” to “Extremely effective” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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OA.CRU.5 |
How often do you MEET IN PERSON with personnel from your OFFICIAL Cooperator groups? If you do not meet with a Cooperator in person, please select "Not applicable." (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Once a year, 2=Several times a year, 3=Every 1-2 months, 4=Every 1-2 weeks, 5=Several times a week, 99=Not applicable)
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OA.CRU.6 |
How often do you MEET VIA PHONE OR VIDEOCONFERENCE with personnel from your OFFICIAL Cooperator groups? If you do not meet with a Cooperator in this way, please select "Not applicable." (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Once a year, 2=Several times a year, 3=Every 1-2 months, 4=Every 1-2 weeks, 5=Several times a week, 99=Not applicable)
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OA.CRU.7 |
In general, how do you characterize the relationships between your Coop Unit and the UNOFFICIAL cooperators? Please list any other categories that were not included. If you do not interact with a cooperator, please select "Not applicable." (Slider from “One of the worst” to “One of the best” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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OA.CRU.8 |
In general, how effective is your Coop Unit at meeting the needs of your UNOFFICIAL cooperators? Please list any other categories that were not included. If you do not interact with a cooperator, please select "Not applicable." (Slider from “One of the worst” to “One of the best” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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OA.CRU.9 |
How often do you MEET IN PERSON with personnel from your UNOFFICIAL Cooperator groups? If you do not meet with a Cooperator in person, please select "Not applicable." (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Once a year, 2=Several times a year, 3=Every 1-2 months, 4=Every 1-2 weeks, 5=Several times a week, 99=Not applicable)
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OA.CRU.10 |
How often do you MEET VIA PHONE OR VIDEOCONFERENCE with personnel from your UNOFFICIAL Cooperator groups? If you do not meet with a Cooperator in this way, please select "Not applicable." (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Once a year, 2=Several times a year, 3=Every 1-2 months, 4=Every 1-2 weeks, 5=Several times a week, 99=Not applicable)
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OA.CRU.11 |
What do you consider the biggest strengths of your Coop Unit? In other words, what is your Coop Unit doing well? (fill in) |
OA.CRU.12 |
What do you consider the biggest challenges for your Coop Unit? In other words, what would you like to see your Coop Unit doing better on? (fill in) |
OA.CRU.13 |
What do you consider the biggest obstacles preventing your Coop Unit from achieving your goals relative to the previous question? (fill in) |
This section will be available to non-CRU employees only.
In survey text: The following section is based on the objectives of the CRU which are outlined in the Cooperative Agreements for each Coop Unit. The agreements outline the purpose, objectives, and responsibilities of the partners.
Please reflect on your experiences with the CRU in the past several years. On average, please rank how effective you feel the program is at meeting its objectives.
Question # |
Question |
EMO.1 – EMO.6 address objectives which are outlined in the CRU Cooperative Agreements. This section is meant to be taken by all cooperators and CRU members to determine trends in meeting the objectives and possible mismatches in expectations and perception among cooperators. |
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EMO.1 |
Providing technical and professional education in the fields of natural resource sciences? (Slider from “Not effective at all” to “Extremely effective” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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EMO.2 |
Making information (i.e., facts, methods, literature, and findings) available to the following? (Slider from “Not effective at all” to “Extremely effective” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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EMO.3 |
Disseminating research findings in the following ways? (Slider from “Not effective at all” to “Extremely effective” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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EMO.4 |
Conducting research into the ecology, biology and management of fish, wildlife, and other renewable natural resources? (Slider from “Not effective at all” to “Extremely effective” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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EMO.5 |
Addressing information needs of the cooperators? (Slider from “Not effective at all” to “Extremely effective” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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EMO.6 |
Meeting research expectations at different spatial scales? (Slider from “Not effective at all” to “Extremely effective” with a “Not applicable” choice)
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EMO.7 – EMO.10 are meant to be answered by Cooperators of the CRU program and will not be shown to CRU personnel. They are designed to gage collaboration likelihood and the perceived value of CRU outputs. This information is important for identifying inconsistencies among user groups, gaps in how well the CRU fulfills its mission, and opportunities for improvement. |
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EMO.7 |
Please indicate how likely you are to collaborate with a CRU scientist in the next two years? (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Very unlikely, 2=Unlikely, 3=Neither, 4=Likely, 5=Very likely, 98=Do not know) |
EMO.8 |
What is your main reason for this response? (short answer) |
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Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements. (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Neither, 4=Agree, 5=Strongly agree, 98=Do not know)
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Questions in this section are specifically intended to be used to build a CRU-Cooperator network using Social Network Analysis to draw inferences about how relationships drive outcomes. With this analysis it is necessary to know who the network actors are (i.e., the Cooperators) and the relationships between them (i.e., research planning, funding, and execution). Results will be used to examine the relationship structure of the CRU program at different management levels (e.g., federal, state, and unit management) as well as among cooperators (e.g., USFWS, USGS, WMI, universities, and state agencies; Eisenberg & Swanson, 1996; Cummings & Kiesler, 2005). This is the longest section in the survey because respondents are asked to self-identify the people with whom they form research collaborations (up to five per organization).
In survey text: In this section we would like to know more about how you address research needs within your own organization. We consider research to be investigations into the ecology, biology and management of fish, wildlife, and other renewable natural resources. We are specifically interested in who you enter research collaborations with, in terms of research planning, funding, and execution. Please answer these questions from the perspective of your current role and responsibilities.
Question # |
Question |
RCN.1 gauges the respondent’s preference for addressing research needs internally or externally. RCN.2 is meant to filter the respondent to particular questions in the network survey depending on their answers. |
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RCN.1 |
When you identify research needs in your organization, how do you typically address those needs? (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Do not prefer, 2=Prefer slightly, 3=Prefer a moderate amount, 4=Prefer a lot, 5=Prefer a great deal, 99=Not applicable)
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RCN.2 |
When you collaborate (internally or externally), how often do you seek research collaborations with people from the following broad groups? If a choice is not available to you, please choose “Not applicable.” (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable)
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RCN.3 |
If you indicated you would never collaborate with someone from the CRU, please provide a brief summary of why you chose your response. (short answer) |
The following questions are designed to capture information about research collaborations in terms of planning, funding, and execution. The inclusion of these questions will be reliant on how respondents answer RCN.2, self-reported collaborations with the CRU (RCN.4a-d), state agencies (RCN.5a-e), universities (RCN.6a-e), USFWS (RCN.7a-d), USGS (RCN.8), and the WMI (RCN.9a-d). |
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RCN.4a |
You indicated that you collaborate with personnel from the CRU to meet your research needs. The following list includes CRU scientists and CRU headquarter personnel. Please select the people you collaborate with. If a person is not listed, please select other. (Drop down list of unit and headquarters personnel with multiple selections possible) |
RCN.4b |
How often do you collaborate in planning research with the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.4a: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.4c |
How often do you collaborate in funding research with the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.4a: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.4d |
How often do you collaborate in executing research with from the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.4a: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.5a |
You indicated that you collaborate with personnel from state agencies to meet your research needs. The following list includes state natural resources agencies. Please select all agencies you collaborate with. If an agency is not listed, please select “Other.” (Drop down list of state agencies with multiple selections possible) |
RCN.5b |
How often do you seek research collaborations with people from the agencies you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.4a; Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.5c |
In the past several years, which state agency personnel have you worked with to fulfil your research needs? Please list them below (up to 5) and indicate how often you collaborate in planning research with them. (Fill in options; Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.5d |
How often do you collaborate in funding research with the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.5c: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.5e |
How often do you collaborate in executing research with from the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.5c: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.6a |
You indicated that you collaborate with personnel from universities to meet your research needs. The following list includes universities which host Cooperative Research Units. Please select all universities you collaborate with. If a university is not listed, please select “Other.” (Drop down list of universities with multiple selections possible) |
RCN.6b |
How often do you seek research collaborations with the people from the universities you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.4a; Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.6c |
In the past several years, which university personnel have you worked with to fulfil your research needs? Please list them below (up to 5) and indicate how often you collaborate in planning research with them. (Fill in options; Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.6d |
How often do you collaborate in funding research with the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.6c: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.6e |
How often do you collaborate in executing research with from the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.6c: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.7a |
You indicated that you collaborate with personnel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to meet your research needs. Please indicate how often you seek research collaborations with people from the following offices? If collaborations with an office are not relevant to your work, please select "Not applicable." (Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable)
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RCN.7b |
In the past several years, which U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel have you worked with to fulfil your research needs? Please list them below (up to 5) and indicate how often you collaborate in planning research with them. (Fill in options; Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.7c |
How often do you collaborate in funding research with the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.7b: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.7d |
How often do you collaborate in executing research with from the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.7b: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.8 |
You indicated that you collaborate with personnel from the U.S. Geological Survey to meet your research needs. Please indicate how often you seek research collaborations with people from the following programs or centers? If collaborations with an office are not relevant to your work, please select "Not applicable." (Fill in options; Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable)
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RCN.9a |
You indicated that you collaborate with personnel from the Wildlife Management Institute to meet your research needs. The following list includes WMI personnel. Please select all the people you collaborate with. If a person is not listed, please select “Other.” (Drop down list of universities with multiple selections possible) |
RCN.9b |
How often do you collaborate in planning research with the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.9a; Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.9c |
How often do you collaborate in funding research with the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.7b: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
RCN.9d |
How often do you collaborate in executing research with from the people you selected? (Choices carried forward from RCN.7b: Matrix-style table with Likert choices: 1=Never, 2=Sometimes, 3=About half the time, 4=Most of the time, 5=Always, 99=Not applicable) |
The following questions are designed to assess perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organizations and agencies that compose the CRU network. Addressing this issue is an ongoing challenge and has been highlighted as an administrative goal by most organizations in the network. Answers supplied here are important for understanding the current perceptions of DEI, characterizing differences among groups, and identifying areas for improvement. Questions in this section have been informed by the Federal Organizational Assessment Survey (OPM).
In survey text: The following questions are designed to assess perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organization.
Question # |
Question |
DEI.1 |
Please indicate the importance you place on different types of diversity within your organization. (Continuous slider from “Not important at all” to “Extremely important”)
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DEI.2 |
How useful are the following policies/programs in addressing diversity in your organization? If you are unsure or the statement does not apply, please select "Do not know" or "Not applicable." (Matrix-style table in standard Likert format for each statement: 1=“Not at all useful,” 2=“Slightly useful,” 3=“Moderately useful,” 4=“Very useful,” 5=“Extremely useful,” “Do not know,” and “Not applicable”)
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DEI.3 |
How strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements? If you are unsure, please select "Do not know." (Matrix-style table in standard Likert format for each statement: 1=“Not at all useful,” 2=“Slightly useful,” 3=“Moderately useful,” 4=“Very useful,” 5=“Extremely useful,” “Do not know,” and “Not applicable”)
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DEI.4 |
What diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are working well at your organization or agency? (Short answer) |
DEI.5 |
What diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are NOT working well at your organization or agency? (Short answer) |
The following questions are intended to gather information about respondents’ demographic data. This information is important for contextualizing the representativeness of the sample and weighting for variation in demographic features. This information also directly informs specific inquiries into the demographic conditions of the units, cooperators, and the program as a whole.
In survey text: The following demographic questions are important for contextualizing the survey data and assessing the representativeness of responses. Your responses will be kept confidential and combined with other responses when reporting any results.
Question # |
Question |
Dem.1-5) The collection of this data is necessary for three reasons: 1) to characterize the demographic composition of the CRU-Cooperator network, an important step in benchmarking current diversity metrics and assessing progress; 2) to ensure that responses do not assume representativeness for any demographic group; and 3) to relate demographic characteristics to trends in network building and information sharing with in the CRU. |
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Dem.1 |
What sex do you most identify with?
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Dem.2 |
What is your age?
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Dem.3 |
What race do you identify with? (Select one or more) Responses for this question include the five minimum categories required by OMB (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021).
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Dem.4 |
What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received?
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Dem.5 |
How much do you earn annually?
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Dem.6 |
Would you be willing to participate in future surveys, interviews, or workshops?
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Dem.7 |
Please provide you name and preferred contact information. (short answer) |
End of the survey
In survey text: Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your answers, along with other respondents’, will be used to help understand the needs of CRU collaborators and to understand how well existing CRU partnerships meet those needs. In any public release of survey results, no data will be disclosed that could be used to match your responses with your identity. This work is being undertaken by Sarah Vogel, a PhD student at the University of Maine and co-advisors Joe Zydlewski (Unit Leader, Maine CRU) and Cyndy Loftin (Supervisor, Northeast Region CRU). For additional information or questions, please contact [email protected].
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.
Surveys will be administered via Qualtrics survey software and will be available online for respondents to access and submit their responses. Given the widespread use of electronic communication by our survey group (e.g., federal and state resource agency members, university members, etc.) invitations to participate will be sent by email and collected electronically. This method has been shown to increase participation and reduce effort for the participants when administered correctly and conforms to GPEA requirements.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.
There is no duplication. This Information Collection seeks to ask questions that have yet to be addressed. Given that the purpose of this review is to examine the CRU program itself, comparable inquiries into other organizations will not suffice. Collaboration with the leadership of the CRU will occur to provide all aggregate information that may be available. All other information must be requested from individual participants familiar with and currently interacting with the program.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.
This information collection does not impact small businesses or other small entities.
6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
This Information Collection is essential for satisfying the requirements of a Research Work Order Agreement between the University of Maine and the USGS with the intention of providing a network analysis and tools to CRU Cooperators to better administer the program. Additionally, periodic evaluations of CRU-Cooperator collaborations are compulsory requirements of the Cooperative Agreements as authorized by the Cooperative Research Units Act (16 U.S.C. 753a-753b). This network analysis cannot be done without the structured survey instrument we have proposed. Collection of this information will occur once, requiring no periodic burden.
7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:
* requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;
* requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;
* requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;
* requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;
* in connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;
* requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;
* that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or
* requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information, unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
There are no circumstances that require us to collect the information in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.
8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of the publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and in response to the PRA statement associated with the collection over the past three years, and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.
Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every three years — even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.
The 60-day notice for this information collection was published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2021 (Vol. 86, 54468). The notice generated no public comments.
In addition to the Federal Register notice, we consulted with the nine (9) individuals identified in Table 8.1 who are familiar with this collection of information in order to validate our time burden estimates and asked for comments on the questions below:
Table 8.1
Organization |
Title |
USGS, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program |
Regional Supervisor |
USGS, Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit |
Unit Leader |
USGS, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit |
Assistant Unit Leader |
University of Maine, Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions |
Senior Fellow |
University of Maine, Augusta |
Associate Professor of Sociology |
USGS, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program |
Regional Supervisor (retired) |
USGS, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program |
Regional Supervisor |
USGS, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program |
Regional Supervisor |
USGS, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program |
Biologist |
This information collection will occur once and will not require repeated collection.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payments or gifts will be made to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
We do not provide any assurance of confidentiality. Information is collected and protected in accordance with the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. § 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). Per the cooperative agreement between the University of Maine and the USGS (G21AC00014), data will be owned and maintained through the University of Maine and will be made available for public release when deidentified and aggregated. We will maintain the information in a secure System of Records (DOI LEARN (Department-wide Learning Management System) - Interior, DOI-16, 70 FR 58230) based on the privacy policies of the institution.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
This Information Collection asks demographic questions that may be of a sensitive nature. These include questions pertaining to race and ethnicity, age, gender, and organizational diversity that are common in most surveys. These questions are meant to ensure that findings are representative of the CRU-Cooperator network, assess trends in demographics, and characterize diversity within organizations. Responses to sensitive questions will be voluntary and will remain confidential as described in question 10.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:
* Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.
* If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.
* Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here.
This information collection is a one-time collection from each participant.
We used the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employer Costs for Employee Compensation, USDL-22-0469 published on March 18, 2022, to determine our value for burden hours. The value used is $38.07 for public respondents and $54.96 for state respondents.
Public, state, and federal (duplicated in question 14) government respondent burden
Participant / Activity |
Number of Responses |
Minute per response |
Burden Hours |
Dollar Value for Burden Hr |
Public individual reads announcement or instructions and completes survey |
420 |
30 |
210 |
$7,995 |
Subtotal |
|
|
210 |
$7,995 |
State, Local govt reads announcement or instructions and completes survey |
420 |
30 |
210 |
$11,436 |
Subtotal |
|
|
210 |
$11,541 |
Total |
840 |
|
420 |
$19,536 |
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in item 12.)
* The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information (including filing fees paid for form processing). Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.
* If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.
* Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.
This Information Collection does not include non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. Any equipment or services used are those customary to the usual business of graduate researchers at the University of Maine.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.
None.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.
This is a new Information Collection Request, and as such, no changes or adjustments to the burden worksheet have been made.
16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.
Survey results will be anonymized (though linked with non-identifying attributes) and aggregated. Network analysis and dynamic network analysis will be conducted with readily available tools such as Ora-Lite, DNA-7 or other network analysis software designed for exploring how leadership, collaborations, and organization structures influence network effectiveness and change. Collection is one component of a four-year PhD project developed through a cooperative agreement between the USGS and the University of Maine. The collection outlined in this document will take one year to complete. A generalized schedule follows:
Spring 2022 - Survey deployed to state, federal, and private sector entities
Spring 2022 - Data analysis and network development
March 31, 2022 - Annual Interim USGS Report per cooperative agreement
Fall 2022 - Dynamic model development
March 31, 2023 - Annual Interim USGS Report per cooperative agreement9448
March 31, 2024 - Annual Interim USGS Report per cooperative agreement
Spring 2024 - Publication of network analysis results
November 30, 2024 - Final Technical and Financial Reports
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
We are not seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of this Information Collection.
18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."
There are no exceptions to the certification statement.
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | djbieniewicz |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2022-10-04 |