[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 97 (Thursday, May 19, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 31668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11787]
[[Page 31668]]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Establish an Information
Collection
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to
request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the
requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), we are providing opportunity for public comment
on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF
will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of
this collection for no longer than three years.
DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by July 18,
2016 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date
will be considered to the extent practicable.
For Additional Information or Comments: Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 292-
7556; or send email to [email protected]. Individuals who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1 (800) 877-8339, which is
accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including
federal holidays).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting Requirements for Materials
Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs).
OMB Number: 3145-0230.
Expiration Date of Approval: December 31, 2016.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information
collection.
Overview of This Information Collection
The Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs)
Program supports innovation in interdisciplinary research, education,
and knowledge transfer. MRSECs build intellectual and physical
infrastructure within and between disciplines, weaving together
knowledge creation, knowledge integration, and knowledge transfer.
MRSECs conduct world-class research through partnerships of academic
institutions, national laboratories, industrial organizations, and/or
other public/private entities. New knowledge thus created is
meaningfully linked to society.
MRSECs enable and foster excellent education, integrate research
and education, and create bonds between learning and inquiry so that
discovery and creativity more fully support the learning process.
MRSECs capitalize on diversity through participation in center
activities and demonstrate leadership in the involvement of groups
underrepresented in science and engineering.
MRSECs are required to submit annual reports on progress and plans,
which are used as a basis for performance review and determining the
level of continued funding. To support this review and the management
of a Center, MRSECs will be required to develop a set of management and
performance indicators for submission annually to NSF via the Research
Performance Project Reporting module in Research.gov and an external
technical assistance contractor that collects programmatic data
electronically. These indicators are both quantitative and descriptive
and may include, for example, the characteristics of center personnel
and students; sources of financial support and in-kind support;
expenditures by operational component; characteristics of industrial
and/or other sector participation; research activities; education
activities; knowledge transfer activities; patents, licenses;
publications; degrees granted to students involved in Center
activities; descriptions of significant advances and other outcomes of
the MRSEC effort. Such reporting requirements are included in the
cooperative agreement that is binding between the academic institution
and NSF.
Each Center's annual report will address the following categories
of activities: (1) Research, (2) education, (3) knowledge transfer, (4)
partnerships, (5) shared experimental facilities, (6) diversity, (7)
management, and (8) budget issues.
For each of the categories the report will describe overall
objectives for the year, problems the Center has encountered in making
progress towards goals, anticipated problems in the following year, and
specific outputs and outcomes.
MRSECs are required to file a final report through the RPPR and
external technical assistance contractor. Final reports contain similar
information and metrics as annual reports, effectively they constitute
the last annual report; the Program Officer maintains a cumulative
database with all relevant achievements and metrics.
Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue
funding of the Centers, and to evaluate the progress of the program.
Estimate of Burden: 80 hours per center for 21 centers for a total
of 1,680 hours.
Respondents: Non-profit institutions.
Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One from each of the 21
MRSECs.
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 of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on
respondents, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology; and (d) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Dated: May 16, 2016.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2016-11787 Filed 5-18-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P