[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 119 (Tuesday, June 21, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40353-40354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14613]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Extend 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 August 22,
2016 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date
will be considered to the extent practicable.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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
Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM).
OMB Number: 3145-0232.
Expiration Date of Approval: December 31, 2016.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend an information
collection.
Overview of This Information Collection: The Partnerships for
Research and Education in Materials (PREM) aims to enhance diversity in
materials research and education by stimulating the development of
formal, long-term, collaborative research and education relationships
between minority-serving colleges and universities and centers,
institutes and facilities supported by the NSF Division
[[Page 40354]]
of Materials Research (DMR). With this collaborative model PREMs build
intellectual and physical infrastructure within and between
disciplines, weaving together knowledge creation, knowledge
integration, and knowledge transfer. PREMs 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, with an
emphasis on enhancing diversity.
PREMs 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. PREMs
capitalize on diversity through participation and collaboration in
center activities and demonstrate leadership in the involvement of
groups underrepresented in science and engineering.
PREMs will be required to submit annual reports on progress and
plans, which will be used as a basis for performance review and
determining the level of continued funding. To support this review and
the management of the award PREMs 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 personnel and students; sources of financial support
and in-kind support; expenditures by operational component; research
activities; education activities; patents, licenses; publications;
degrees granted to students involved in PREM activities; descriptions
of significant advances and other outcomes of the PREM effort.
Each PREM's annual report will address the following categories of
activities: (1) Research, (2) education, (3) knowledge transfer, (4)
partnerships, (5) diversity, (6) management, and (7) budget issues.
For each of the categories the report will describe overall
objectives for the year, problems the PREM has encountered in making
progress towards goals, anticipated problems in the following year, and
specific outputs and outcomes.
PREMs 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, but are retrospective.
Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue
funding of PREMs, and to evaluate the progress of the program.
Estimate of Burden: 25 hours per PREM for 12 PREMs for a total of
300 hours.
Respondents: Non-profit institutions.
Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One from each of the
twelve PREMs.
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: June 16, 2016.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2016-14613 Filed 6-20-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P