The O*Net Data Collection Program
yields detailed characteristics of occupations and skills for over
800 occupations by obtaining information from job
incumbents/occupational specialists on worker and job
characteristics to populate the O*Net (Occupational Information
Network) database. The O*Net database information is used for a
wide range of purposes related to career counseling and
development, curriculum design, human resources functions and
workforce investment efforts. The data collection methodology
includes contacting businesses/associations to gain their
cooperation, and collecting information from employees of
cooperating businesses/associations as well as occupational
specialists.
The Skills domain is now rated
by analysts, leading to a reduction in the number of survey types
from 4 to 3, thus reducing the employee sample size. Calculations
also reflect a decreased time needed to complete surveys due to
improved survey methodology. Review of the ICR revealed that the
annual number of responses for the 2005 submission erroneously
totaled all respondents for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, rather
than using only the one year annualized respondents figure. This
error is fixed and the number of respondents is now averaged to
show the annual year number of responses; this method was used
because the estimated number of respondents is expected to decline
over the next three years due to the number of survey types
explained above. In addition, the burden hours were annualized over
the next three year period to be consistent with the average number
of respondents. In both cases, there is a corresponding reduction
as shown. Items A.12 and A.15 of the Supporting Statement show the
detailed numbers used to determine these averages.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.