0915-0146 BHW Scholarship Programs SS-A - 12052025

Health Resources and Services Administration

Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW)

The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, the National Health Service Corps Students to Service Loan Repayment Program, and the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program

OMB Control No. 0915-0146 - Revision

Supporting Statement A

A. Justification

1. Circumstances Making the Collection of Information Necessary

This is an information collection request for the revision of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program (SP), NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program (S2S LRP), and the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP) applications and forms (OMB Control #: 0915-0146, Expiration Date: 7/31/2026). The program applications, forms, and supporting documentation are used by potential applicants to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Health Workforce’s (BHW) NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and NHHSP. The legislative authorities for each program are as follows:

• NHSC SP: Section 338A of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act and Section 338C-H of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (Attachment B).

• NHSC S2S LRP: Section 338B of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (Attachment B) and Section 331(i) of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (Attachment A).

• NHHSP: The Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act of 1992, as amended [42 U.S.C. 11709]; regulations applicable to the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (42 CFR Part 62, Subpart A) are also applicable to this Scholarship Program, except to the extent those regulations are inconsistent with 42 U.S.C. 11709, as amended (Attachment C).

The purpose of the NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and the NHHSP is to provide scholarships or loan repayment to qualified students who are pursuing primary care health professions education and training. In return, students agree to provide primary health care services at approved facilities located in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) once they are fully trained and licensed health professionals. Awards are made to applicants who demonstrate the greatest potential for successful completion of their education and training as well as a commitment to primary health care services to communities of greatest need.

Although some program forms vary from program to program, required forms include: a program application, academic and non-academic letters of recommendation, the authorization to release information, and the acceptance/verification of good academic standing report. Each fiscal year, programmatic staff engage in efforts to identify ways to reduce burden where possible and have eliminated extraneous forms, thereby arriving at those used for purposes of this information collection. All forms included for this ICR remain necessary for the successful application and award process of these programs. We will continue to engage feedback from those who are surveyed to eliminate areas of redundancy and improve efficiency. The proposed revisions for this information collection request are to account for the increase in the number of anticipated applicants interested in several of these BHW programs.

2. Purpose and Use of Information Collection

The information collected in the online applications is necessary to determine which applicants are qualified and suitable to receive scholarship or loan repayment awards. Applicants are competitively selected for awards according to criteria required by Federal statute and regulation, and the priority needs of the NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP and the NHHSP.

The NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and NHHSP applications, forms, and supporting documentation are used to collect necessary information from applicants that will enable BHW to make determinations about the competitive awards. The respondents to these applications are qualified students who are pursuing primary care health professions education and training and are interested in working with underserved populations.

The NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and NHHSP applications and forms seek to collect information that can be used to identify scholars who, when they complete their health professions education, will specialize in the delivery of primary health services, complete their period of obligated service in an acceptable manner, and subsequently be retained in practice in an area that has a shortage of health care personnel. The application and forms capture information that is relevant to identify applicants with the greatest potential to fulfill the objectives and who meet the criteria of each of the programs. It is particularly important to have applications that provide information by which the programs can assess which individuals are most willing and able to serve the underserved.

In terms of the information collection, some program forms vary (see program-specific burden charts below), however, general forms include:

• program application,

• academic and non-academic letters of recommendation,

• authorization to release information, and

• acceptance/verification of good standing report.

Additional forms for the NHSC SP and NHSC S2S LRP include:

• data collection worksheet, which is completed by the educational institutions of program participants and are used to formulate funding estimates,

• post graduate training verification form, which is completed by NHSC S2S LRP program participants and their residency director, and

• enrollment verification form, which is completed by program participants and the educational institution to verify eligibility.

The NHSC SP and the NHSC S2S LRP have added two forms for this information collection request, which include a Proof of Citizenship document and an essay. These programs require applicants to submit proof of U.S. citizenship because federal statute limits program eligibility to “citizens or nationals of the United States” as outlined in Public Health Service Act (PHSA) § 338A(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. § 254l-1(a)(1)). Collecting citizenship documentation is therefore necessary to verify statutory eligibility, ensure program integrity, and confirm that federal funds are awarded only to individuals authorized by law to participate in the NHSC.

The NHSC SP and the NHSC S2S LRP applications include an essay requirement to ensure the selection of applicants who best align with statutory priorities under the PHSA §§ 331–338. These statutes direct the Secretary to prioritize individuals with a demonstrated commitment to primary care and a strong likelihood of continuing to practice in Health Professional Shortage Areas after completing their service obligation. The essay provides essential qualitative insight into an applicant’s motivations, background, and alignment with the NHSC mission.

Additionally, the process used to monitor program participants while in school via the Enrollment Verification Form, has been modernized and renamed to In-School Verification, which will allow program participants to verify their enrollment status electronically, bringing efficiency to the process. The NHHSP is not seeking to change or add any forms or documentation, except for changing the term “gender” to “sex” to comply with Executive Order 14168.

3. Use of Improved Information Technology and Burden Reduction

This information collection activity is completed on a secure web-based platform. Application instructions and forms are available at http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/index.html for the NHSC SP, http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/studentstoserviceprogram/index.html for the NHSC S2S LRP, and https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-scholarship/native-hawaiian-health for the NHHSP.

For NHHSP, POL collects applications before transmitting applicant data to HRSA. NHHSP applicant data is collected and stored within SurveyMonkey Apply, a secure web-based scholarship management platform that utilizes industry-standard security measures including SSL encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure data security.

4. Efforts to Identify Duplication and Use of Similar Information

The information collected is specific to the applicant and unique to these programs. No other source of this information is known to exist for completion of the applications and forms.

5. Impact on Small Businesses or Other Small Entities

The information collection will not have a significant impact on small entities.

6. Consequences of Collecting the Information Less Frequently

The selection process for making awards must be completed annually. In the absence of collecting this data, review, selection, and approval of qualified applicants cannot be carried out.

7. Special Circumstances Relating to the Guidelines of 5 CFR 1320.5

The request fully complies with the regulation.

With respect to the NHSC S2S LRP and NHSC SP, the goal is to update BHW databases to combine Race and Ethnicity for all reports and dashboards in early 2026 to comply with SPD-15. BHW will update their databases and front-end screens to combine Race and Ethnicity, update All LRP and SP Applicants and Participants demographic content including data collection and profile pages, update all export functionality, and update all reports, dashboards, and DataMart processes.

Eligibility for the NHHSP requires Native Hawaiian ancestry. In lieu of asking race and ethnicity questions, the application requires the applicant to prove their Native Hawaiian ancestry by submitting their birth certificate. If their birth certificate doesn’t indicate Native Hawaiian ancestry, or states
“Hawaiian”, the applicant may submit the birth certificates of their parents, grandparents, etc. up to the generation whose birth certificate indicates Native Hawaiian ancestry, or states “Hawaiian”.

8. Comments in Response to the Federal Register Notice/Outside Consultation

Section 8A

A 60-day Federal Register Notice was published in the Federal Register on August 5, vol. 90, No. 148; pp. 37529-37531 (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-02-14/pdf/2023-03109.pdf). There were no public comments. A 30-day Federal Register Notice was published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2025, vol. 90, No. 239; pp. 58254-55 (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-12-16/pdf/2025-22931.pdf).

Section 8B

To obtain an estimate of the burden collection for the approximate time (in hours) that it will take an individual to complete the NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and NHHSP applications, HRSA staff consulted the following individuals:

NHSC SP and NHSC S2S LRP:

The program has surveyed a total of six (6) individual NHSC SP and NHSC S2S LRP staff members to obtain constructive feedback to improve the application, improve efficiency, and minimize the collection burden. There were no suggestions for changes or revisions made based on this consultation.

NHHSP:

The program has surveyed a total of five (5) individual NHHSP staff members regarding feedback to improve the application, improve efficiency, and minimize the collection burden. There were no suggestions for changes or revisions made based on this consultation.

9. Explanation of any Payment/Gift to Respondents

Respondents will not receive any payment or gifts.

10. Assurance of Confidentiality Provided to Respondents

Data collected on the individual NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and NHHSP applications and forms are stored in a system of records as defined under the Privacy Act of 1974. The application is included in the System of Records Notice, "The Public Health Service and National Health Service Corps Health Care Provider Records System" (0915-0037). Information provided on each selected application will be maintained for at least 2 years and up to 10 years to permit the monitoring of NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and NHHSP participants through the completion of their service commitments.

The Right to Financial Privacy Act (RFPA), P.L. 95-630, regulates the Federal Government's access to the financial records of individuals maintained by a financial institution. Section 1102(a) prohibits Government access to financial records unless one of five procedures is used and the records are "reasonably described." The procedure being used by the NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and NHHSP is described in Section 1104(a), which provides that an individual may authorize disclosure of his financial records if he signs a statement identifying the records and specifying the recipient and purpose of the disclosure. The relevant financial information collected through this application package complies with this requirement.

Data will be kept private to the extent allowed by law.

11. Justification for Sensitive Questions

HHS requires that race and ethnicity be collected on all HHS data collection instruments. Questions regarding race and ethnicity are asked in the online application; however, responses to these questions are optional. The Social Security Number (SSN) is required because 1) the amount received for the stipend must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as income to the scholarship recipient; and 2) HRSA uses applicants’ SSNs to compare against the “Do not pay” list from U.S. Department of Treasury. The Social Security number is also required by section 4 of the Debt Collection Act of 1982 (26 U.S.C. 6103) to permit collection of claims resulting from participants defaulting on the service obligation required under the scholarship award. The amount of scholarship support then becomes a debt owed the Federal Government.

The applicant’s banking information is necessary to electronically transmit payments to the individual’s financial institution, as required by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 and 31 CFR Parts 208 and 210.

The NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP and NHHSP obtain a Credit Bureau Report (CBR) as part of its application review process. The CBR is used to verify whether the applicant has a Federal judgment lien. The Privacy Act Notification Statement in the Application and Program Guidance advises applicants that a CBR will be obtained.

12. Estimates of Annualized Hour and Cost Burden

In reviewing the application and forms for this request, the NHSC SP and NHSC S2S LRP anticipate an increase in the number of interested applicants. This resulted in an overall increase in the burden of this information collection from 14,703.90 to 21,195.60 hours. There are small anticipated declines among NHHSP applicants.

Section 12A - Estimated Annualized Burden Hours

Burden Estimate:

NHSC Scholarship Program Application:

Type of Respondent	Form Name	No. of Respondents	No. Responses per Respondent	Total Responses	Average Burden per Response (in hours)	Total Burden Hours**
Interested Applicant	NHSC Scholarship Program Application	3,100	1	3,100	2.00	6,200
Interested Applicant	Letters of Recommendation	3,100	2	6,200	1.00	6,200
Interested Applicant	Proof of Citizenship	3,100	1	3,100	.20	620
Interested Applicant	Essay	3,100	1	3,100	1.00	3,100
Interested Applicant	Authorization to Release Information	3,100	1	3,100	0.10	310
Interested Applicant	Acceptance/Verification of Good Standing Report	3,100	1	3,100	0.25	775
Interested Applicant	Verification of Disadvantaged Background Status	615	1	615	0.25	153.75
Total		3,100*	--	22,315	--	17,358.75

*Certain documents are submitted by a subset of respondents consistent with program requirements.

** Burden may be slightly off what is in ROCIS because of rounding.

NHSC awardees/schools/post graduate training programs/sites:

Type of Respondent	Form Name	No. of Respondents	No. Responses per Respondent	Total Responses	Average Burden per Response (in hours)	Total Burden Hours**
NHSC awardees and schools	Data Collection Worksheet	550	1	550	1.0	550
NHSC awardees and post graduate training programs	Post Graduate Training Verification Form	383	1	383	.50	191.50
NHSC awardees, schools, and sites	In-School Verification	1,275	4	5,100	.10	510
Total		*1,275	--	6,033	--	1,251.50

*Please note that the same group of respondents may complete each form as necessary.

** Burden may be slightly off what is in ROCIS because of rounding.

NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program Application:

Type of Respondent	Form Name	No. of Respondents	No. Responses per Respondent	Total Responses	Average Burden per Response (in hours)	Total Burden Hours**
Interested Applicant	NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program Application	348	1	348	2.0	696
Interested Applicant	Proof of Citizenship	348	1	348	.10	34.8
Interested Applicant	Essay	348	1	348	1.0	348
Interested Applicant	Letters of Recommendation	348	1	348	2.0	696
Interested Applicant	Authorization to Release Information	348	1	348	.10	34.8
Interested Applicant	Acceptance/Verification of Good Standing Report	348	1	348	.25	87
Interested Applicant	Verification of Disadvantaged Background Status	115	1	115	.25	28.75
Total		*348	--	2,203	--	1,925.35

*Certain documents are submitted by a subset of respondents consistent with program requirements.

** Burden may be slightly off what is in ROCIS because of rounding.

Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program Application:

Type of Respondent	Form Name	No. of Respondents	No. Responses per Respondent	Total Responses	Average Burden per Response (in hours)	Total Burden Hours**
Interested Applicant	Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program Application	200	1	200	2.0	400
Interested Applicant	Letters of Recommendation	400	1	400	.25	100
Interested Applicant	Authorization to Release Information	200	1	200	.25	50
Interested Applicant	Acceptance/Verification of Good Standing Report	40	1	40	.25	10
Interest Applicant	Scholar In-School Verification Form	40	4	160	.50	80
Interested Applicant	Change in Program Curriculum Form	40	1	40	.25	10
Interested Applicant	NHHSP Graduation Documentation Form	40	1	40	.25	10
Total		200*	--	1,080	--	660

*Certain documents are submitted by a subset of respondents consistent with program requirements.

** Burden may be slightly off what is in ROCIS because of rounding.

Combined Burden Estimate:

Type of Respondent	Form Name	No. of Respondents	No. Responses per Respondent	Total Responses		Average Burden per Response (in hours)		Total Burden Hours*
Interested Applicant	NHSC Scholarship Program Application	3,100	1	3,100		2.00		6,200
Interested Applicant	Letters of Recommendation	3,100	2	6,200		1.00		6,200
Interested Applicant	Proof of Citizenship	3,100	1	3,100		.20		620
Interested Applicant	Essay	3,100	1	3,100		1.00		3,100
Interested Applicant	Authorization to Release Information	3,100	1	3,100		0.10		310
Interested Applicant	NHSC Acceptance/Verification of Good Standing Report	3,100	1	3,100		0.25		775
Interested Applicant	NHSC Verification of Disadvantaged Background Status	615	1	615		0.25		153.75
NHSC awardees and schools	Data Collection Worksheet	550	1	550		1.0		550
NHSC awardees and post graduate training programs	Post Graduate Training Verification Form	383	1	383	.50		191.50
NHSC awardees, schools, and sites	In-School Verification Form	1,275	4	5,100		.10		510
Interested Applicant	NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program Application	348	1	348	2.0		696
Interested Applicant	Proof of Citizenship	348	1	348	.10		34.8
Interested Applicant	Essay	348	1	348	1.0		348
Interested Applicant	Letters of Recommendation	348	1	348	2.0		696
Interested Applicant	NHSC Authorization to Release Information	348	1	348	.10		34.8
Interested Applicant	NHSC Acceptance/Verification of Good Standing Report	348	1	348	.25		87
Interested Applicant	NHSC Verification of Disadvantaged Background Status	115	1	115	.25		28.75
Interested Applicant	Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship (NHHSP) Program Application	200	1	200	2.0		400
Interested Applicant	NHHSP Letters of Recommendation	400	1	400	.25		100
Interested Applicant	NHHSP Authorization to Release Information	200	1	200	.25		50
Interested Applicant	NHHSP Acceptance/Verification of Good Standing Report	40	1	40	.25		10
Interest Applicant	NHHSP Scholar Enrollment Verification Form	40	4	160	.50		80
Interested Applicant	NHHSP Change in Program Curriculum Form	40	1	40	.25		10
Interested Applicant	NHHSP Graduation Documentation Form	40	1	40	.25		10
TOTAL				31,631			21,195.60

* Burden may be slightly off what is in ROCIS because of rounding.

For NHSC SP Applicants:

The number of NHSC SP applicants is estimated to average 3,100 per year for the next 3 years. Based on recent history, the NHSC SP will award approximately 406 multi-year scholarships each year for the next 3 years. Historically, the program has not seen a consistent year over year increase in submissions. As such, the high point in submissions was used to project submissions for the next 3 years. Program has surveyed a total of nine (9) individual applicants to the NHSC SP to obtain estimates on the time it takes to review the instructions and complete the application and forms for the Scholarship Program. Based on the information requested in the NHSC SP application and forms, it is estimated that it will take an average of 5.6 hours to review the instructions and complete the application and forms for the Scholarship Program. This estimate is a summation of the average burden per response of the entries in the NHSC Scholarship Program Application chart on pages 5-6 above.

For NHSC Awardees/Schools/Post Graduate Training Programs/Sites:

These are all forms that will be used once the NHSC applicant is awarded and becomes a participant in the program. Participants must use the Enrollment Verification Form (also known as the In-School Verification Form), which is submitted twice a year. The Data Collection Worksheet is sent to participants’ schools to be updated annually by the school and/or site. For the employment verification form, the schools and/or sites also provide this information. Program has surveyed a total of nine (9) awardees, schools, post graduate training programs, sites to obtain estimates for form completion. Based on the information requested in the forms, it is estimated that it will take an average of 0.98 hours to review the instructions and complete the forms for NHSC awardees, schools, post graduate training programs, and sites. This estimate is a summation of the average burden per response of the entries in the NHSC awardees/schools/post graduate training programs/sites chart on page 6 above.

For NHSC S2S LRP Applicants:

The number of NHSC S2S LRP applicants is estimated to average 348 per year for the next 3 years. Based on recent history, the NHSC S2S LRP will award approximately 166 loan repayment awards each year for the next 3 years. Historically, program has not seen a consistent year over year increase in submissions. As such, the high point in submissions was used to project submissions for the next 3 years. Program has surveyed a total of nine (9) individual applicants to the NHSC S2S LRP to obtain estimates for application and form completion. Based on the information requested in the NHSC S2S LRP application and forms, it is estimated that it will take an average of 5.53 hours to review the instructions and complete the application and forms for the Students to Service Loan Repayment Program. This estimate is a summation of the average burden per response of the entries in the NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program Application chart on page 7 above.

For NHHSP Applicants:

The number of NHHSP applicants is estimated to average 200 per year for the next three years. Based on recent history, the NHHSP will award approximately 10 multi-year scholarships each year for the next 3 years. This estimate is determined based on programmatic data. This program has very specific eligibility, therefore application numbers have been consistent for past several years. Program does not anticipate increased applicant numbers in the future three years. Program has surveyed a total of five (5) individual applicants to the NHHSP to obtain estimates for application and form completion. Based on the information requested in the scholarship application and forms, it is estimated that it will take an average of 3.3 hours to review the instructions and complete the application and forms for the NHHSP program. The estimate cited here is a summation of the average burden per response of the entries in the NHHSP Application chart on pages 7-8 above.

Section 12B

Estimated Annualized Burden Costs

Type of Respondent	Total Burden Hours	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Respondent Costs
Interested NHSC SP Applicant	17,358.75	$43.58	$756,494.33
Interested NHSC S2S LRP Applicant	1,925.35	$43.58	$83,906.75
Interested NHHSP Applicant	660	$43.58	$28,762.80
Health Professional School	550	$99.96	$54,978.00
Post Graduate Training Program	191.50	$113.42	$21,719.93
Health Care Site	510	$113.42	$57,844.20
Total			$1,003,706.01

The following assumptions were made in providing the estimates listed above. The approximate wage rates for interested applicants were determined by citing the 2024 median hourly wage rates for “Healthcare Support Occupations” as provided through the Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/621300). An NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, or NHHSP applicant may make about $21.79 per hour as applicant employment status is mixed (i.e., applicants may be students and/or may be in the workforce). The school officials or administrators involved in the process may make an average of $49.98 per hour as cited by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2024 median hourly wage rates for “Education Administrators, Postsecondary” (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm). Health profession instructors, program coordinators and/or directors who write recommendation letters, provide the Post-Graduate Training Verification letter, or sign off on employment verification forms could be making an average of $56.71 per hour as cited by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2024 median hourly wage rates for “Medical and Health Service Managers” (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm). The hourly rate was adjusted to account for overhead and benefits. As such, the combined total respondent cost for NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and NHHSP applications and forms (including both applicant and participant burden hours) would be $1,003.706.01.

13. Estimates of other Total Annual Cost Burden to Respondents or Recordkeepers/Capital Costs

This is not applicable for NHSC SP, or NHSC S2S LRP. Records are maintained by HRSA once they are submitted. For NHHSP, the cooperative agreement with POL covers the total annual cost for storage, which is $8,076.60 and estimated annual increases of 5%. As such, other than their time, there is no cost to respondents.

14. Annualized Cost to Federal Government

The average annual costs to the government for collecting the NHSC SP, NHSC S2S LRP, and NHHSP applications and forms are as follows:

Instrument	Base Pay Rate (adjusted for overhead costs)1	Project Time per FTE	Number of FTEs	Total Annual Cost
NHSC Scholarship Program	$167,314.50 (GS-12, Step 4)	.35	8	$468,480.60
NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program	$167,314.50 (GS-12, Step 4)	.20	10	$334,629.00
Total				$803,109.60

Instrument	Base Pay Rate (adjusted for overhead costs)2	Project Time per FTE	Number of FTEs	Total Annual Cost
Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (BHW)	$ 172,384.5 (GS-12, Step 5)	.20	1	$34,476.90
Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (POL)	$ 41,641.92	.33	3	$41,225.50
Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program System Storage Costs	N/A	N/A	N/A	$8,076.60
Total				$83,779

Processing of the NHSC SP and NHSC S2S LRP applications and supporting forms is handled internally through the BHW Business Management Information System Solution (BMISS) and by NHSC SP and S2S LRP staff. There are a total of 10 FTEs involved in the processing of the applications (8 FTEs for NHSC SP and NHSC S2S LRP and 2 additional FTEs only for NHSC S2S LRP). It is estimated that a base pay rate of $167,314.50 (equivalent to a GS-12, Step 4) per individual will be received in exchange for a 35% time commitment on NHSC SP and a 20% time commitment on NHSC S2S LRP. The cost for staff to process the applications and facilitate the NHSC SP application process for 8 GS-12, Step 4 employees at .35 full-time equivalent (FTE) rate is $468,480.60. In addition, the cost for staff to process the applications and facilitate the NHSC S2S LRP application process for 10 GS-12, Step 4 employees at .20 full-time equivalent (FTE) rate is $334,629.00. The total estimated annual cost to the Government for the NHSC SP and S2S LRP application and supporting forms is $803,109.60

The processing of the NHHSP application and forms are handled both internally by BHW staff, and externally (established through a Cooperative Agreement) with Papa Ola Lokahi (POL). The variables used to estimate the annualized cost to the government are contained in the table above. There are 4 FTEs (1 from BHW and 3 from POL) involved in the processing of the applications and forms. The BHW FTE receives a base pay rate of $172,384.50(equivalent to a GS-12, Step 5) in exchange for working on the NHHSP for 20% of the project time. The cost for staff to process the applications and facilitate the NHHSP application process for 1 GS-12, Step 5 employees at .20 full-time equivalent (FTE) rate is $34,476,.90. The POL FTEs receive an average base pay rate of approximately $41,641.92 per individual for 33% of the project time for 3 employees. The cost for staff to process the applications and facilitate the NHHSP application for 3 POL employees at .33 FTE us $41,225.50. Including the storage costs of $8,076.60, the total annualized cost to the government to review the NHHSP application and forms is $83,779.

The grand total annual cost to the government for all the instruments will be $886,888.60.

15. Explanation for Program Changes or Adjustments

The current hour inventory is for 14,703.90 hours and this request is for 21,195.60. The estimated burden is higher than the previously approved information clearance request. This increase is due to an increase in the number of respondents, and the inclusion of the essay and proof of citizenship forms for both the NHSC SP and NHSC S2S LRP. The NHSC awardees, schools, post graduate training program, and sites increase is due to an increase in the total number of program participants as well as an increase in the frequency of In School Verifications. The NHHSP program sustained an overall decrease in program burden due to a lower number of total applicants.

16. Plans for Tabulation, Publication, and Project Time Schedule

Statistical data related to the NHSC Scholar Pipeline and NHHSP Scholar Pipeline has been published and can be obtained at the following website: https://data.hrsa.gov/data/download?data=SCH#SCH. Data is published at the end of each fiscal year upon reconciliation of awards data on October 1st.

In addition, data related to the NHSC is available in the 2023 Report to Congress at the following website: https://bhw.hrsa.gov/about-us/reports-congress. This report includes updates and fiscal year data on each of requirements established under Section 336A of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act [42 U.S.C. § 254i] and related NHSC program activities and initiatives and discusses how these activities and initiatives align with the mission of the program.

17. Reason(s) Display of OMB Expiration Date is Inappropriate

The OMB number and expiration date will be displayed on every page of every form/instrument.

18. Exceptions to Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

There are no exceptions to the certification.

1 Table updated based off of OPM Salary Table 2025-DCB https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2025/DCB.pdf. Salary multiplied by 1.5 to account for overhead costs.

2 Ibid

32