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[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]

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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.

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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
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