The_Supporting_Statement_2010

The Supporting Statement

Introduction: This is to request OMB’s renewed three-year approved clearance for the information collection entitled: The Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP) The DDETFP collects information from students applying for federal grants to pursue transportation-related education and research.

Part A. Justification.

1. Circumstances that make collection of information necessary:

The DDETFP is currently authorized by Public Law 109-59, section 5204, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Collection of information is necessary in order to competitively award fellowships to students pursuing degrees and research in transportation-related fields. The DDETFP supports DOT’s Organizational Excellence Goal by helping to advance workforce development and prepare highly qualified individuals from diverse groups and individuals with disabilities for careers in transportation.

2. How, by whom, and for what purpose is the information used:

Students applying for fellowships complete applications and submit to the Federal Highway Administration. The information is used by federal program staff and contractors with direct responsibility for administering the DDETFP. The information is used to evaluate and select students for fellowships, notify students of the status of their applications, and prepare the necessary paperwork to award the fellowships. The information is also used for program analysis and program evaluation purposes to ensure the program is meeting its legislative intent and DOT’s workforce development goals and objectives.

3. Extent of automated information collection:

The goal is to make the applications available via the grants.gov website to reduce the burden of paperwork. This electronic filing option soon allow for 100% submission.

4. Efforts to identify duplication:

Due to the nature of the DDETFP, similar information is not available.

5. Efforts to minimize the burden on small businesses:

N/A

6. Impact of less frequent collection of information:

Congressional funding for the DDETFP is provided per fiscal year, and, therefore, the fellowships are awarded annually. Less frequent collection of information will impact the award of fellowships and the expenditure of authorized program funds.

7. Special circumstances:

Students choosing not to submit electronically via grants.gov are asked to submit an original and five copies that are provided to the selection panel members for evaluation.

8. Compliance with 5 CFR 1320.8:

A Federal Register notice was published on May 19, 2010, which solicited public comments on the intention of the FHWA to seek renewal of this information collection. No comments were received.

9. Payments or gifts to respondents:

None.

10. Assurance of confidentiality:

DOT/FHWA will not provide participants the assurance of confidentiality.

11. Justification for collection of sensitive information:

The DDETFP does not involve the collection of sensitive information.

12. Estimate of burden hours for information requested:

Approximately 200 students submit applications annually for the DDETFP. The estimated burden to complete the application is three hours for an annual burden hour total of 600 hours.

13. Estimate of total annual costs to respondents:

There are no costs to respondents.

14. Estimate of cost to the Federal government:

N/A

15. Explanation of program changes or adjustments:

There are no program changes.

16. Publication of results of data collection:

The results of this collection will not be published.

17. Approval for not displaying the expiration date of OMB approval:

FHWA is not requested approval for not displaying the expiration date.

18. Exceptions to certification statement:

N/A