0651-0060 January 2019 Change Worksheet

JUSTIFICATION FOR NONMATERIAL/NONSUBSTANTIVE CHANGE

National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination

OMB Control Number 0651-0060

Background

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) oversees the award of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI). The NMTI is the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States to America’s leading innovators. Established by an Act of Congress in 1980, the Medal of Technology and Innovation was first awarded in 1986. The Medal is awarded annually to individuals, teams (of up to four individuals), and companies or divisions of companies for their outstanding contributions to the Nation’s economic, environmental, and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technology products, processes and concepts, technological innovation, and development of the Nation’s technological manpower.

The purpose of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation is to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America’s competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and to recognize those who have made substantial contributions to strengthening the Nation’s technological workforce. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the Medal also seeks to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee, a distinguished independent committee appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, reviews and evaluates the merit of all candidates nominated through an open, competitive solicitation process. The committee makes its recommendations for Medal candidates to the Secretary of Commerce who, in turn, makes recommendations to the President for final selection. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureates are announced by the White House and the Department of Commerce once the Medalists are notified of their selection.

Summary of Changes

The USPTO seeks to make edits to the form used to submit the NMTI nomination application. The edits to the form include:

• Removing all FAX information from the application form

• Setting the maximum number of letters of recommendation at six (previously, six letters of recommendation had been the minimum)

• Adding clarifying notes to explain the relationship among team members, including why they are being nominated as a team

• Make the nominations valid for three years instead of two years, to match the NMTI’s sister medal (the National Medal of Science, administered by the National Science Foundation)

Changes in Burden

There are no changes in burden.

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