[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 14, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 24288] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-11943] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program Evaluation Survey ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 15, 1996. ADDRESSEES: Direct written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Acting Departmental Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington DC 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Elizabeth Bury, Manufacturing Extensions Partnership, Building 301, Room C-100, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, 301-975-3944 phone, and 301-926-3787 fax. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This is a new submission by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Previously, the information collection was administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Census Bureau. This collection activity is being conducted in partnership with the Census Bureau. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a growing nationwide system of services and support for smaller manufacturers giving them unprecedented access to new technologies, resources, and expertise. Sponsored by NIST, the MEP is comprised of a network of locally based Manufacturing Extension Centers. Obtaining specific information from clients about the impact of MEP services is essential for NIST MEP officials to evaluate program strengths and weaknesses and plan improvements in program effectiveness and efficiency. This information is not available from existing programs or other sources. II. Method of Collection The survey will be administered using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) technology. III. Data OMB Number: 0607-0016 currently approved for Census. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission for a new submission from NIST. This is a currently approved collection at Census. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit. Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,460. Estimated Time Per Response: 12.5 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,800. Estimated Total Annual Cost: The estimate of the total cost for this survey for fiscal year 1997 and future years is $228,500. The total cost is being paid by NIST. The annual costs include administration of the survey, and updating of the CATI system, and development of tabulations and analyses of the data from the survey results. IV. Requests for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: May 8, 1996. Linda Engelmeier, Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and Organization. [FR Doc. 96-11943 Filed 5-13-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-13-P