[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 243 (Monday, December 19, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 91960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30448]
[[Page 91960]]
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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 the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 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 February 17,
2017 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date
will be considered to the extent practicable.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact 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 between 8 a.m. and 8
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. You also may obtain a copy
of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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.
Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting Requirements for National
User Facilities managed by the NSF Division of Materials Research.
OMB Number: 3145-0234.
Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2017.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information
collection.
Overview of this Information Collection:
The NSF Division of Materials Research (DMR) supports a number of
National User Facilities that provide specialized capabilities and
instrumentation to the scientific community on a competitive proposal
basis. In addition to the user program, these facilities support in-
house research, development of new instrumentation or techniques,
education, and knowledge transfer.
The facilities integrate research and education for students and
post-docs involved in experiments, and support extensive K-12 outreach
to foster an interest in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) and STEM careers. Facilities capitalize on diversity through
participation in center activities and demonstrate leadership in the
involvement of groups underrepresented in science and engineering.
National User Facilities 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. User facilities
will be required to develop a set of management and performance
indicators for submission annually to NSF via the Research Performance
Project Reporting (RPPR) module in Research.gov. These indicators are
both quantitative and descriptive and may include, for example, lists
of successful proposal and users, the characteristics of facility
personnel and students; sources of financial support and in-kind
support; expenditures by operational component; research activities;
education activities; knowledge transfer activities; patents, licenses;
publications; degrees granted to students supported through the
facility or users of the facility; descriptions of significant advances
and other outcomes of this investment. Such reporting requirements are
included in the cooperative agreement which is binding between the
academic institution and the NSF.
Each facility's annual report will address the following categories
of activities: (1) Research, (2) education and training, (3) knowledge
transfer, (4) partnerships, (5) diversity, (6) management, and (7)
budget issues.
For each of the categories the report will describe overall
objectives and metrics for the reporting period, challenges or problems
the facility has encountered in making progress towards goals,
anticipated problems in the following year, and specific outputs and
outcomes.
Facilities are required to file a final report through the RPPR.
Final reports contain similar information and metrics as annual
reports, but are retrospective and focus on the period that was not
addressed in previous annual reports.
Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue
funding of the DMR National User Facilities, and to evaluate the
progress of the program.
Estimate of Burden: 200 hours per facility for three National User
Facilities for a total of 600 hours.
Respondents: Non-profit institutions.
Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One (1) from each of the
DMR user facilities.
Dated: December 14, 2016.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2016-30448 Filed 12-16-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P