[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 97 (Friday, May 18, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 23301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10623]
[[Page 23301]]
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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 establishment and clearance of this collection. In accordance
with the requirements 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 one year.
DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by July 17,
2018 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date
will be considered to the extent practicable.
For Additional Information, Contact: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue,
Room W 18000, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; 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).
Instructions: Please submit one copy of your comments by only one
method. All submissions received must include the agency name and
collection name identified above for this information collection.
Commenters are strongly encouraged to transmit their comments
electronically via email. Comments, including any personal information
provided become a matter of public record. They will be summarized and/
or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval
of the information collection request.
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; (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: Evaluation of the Centers for Chemical
Innovation (CCI) Program Surveys and Interviews.
OMB Number: 3145-NEW.
Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
Abstract
The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks to conduct new data
collection activities, consisting of deploying two surveys and four
interview protocols, that will provide critical evidence needed for the
Evaluation of the Chemical Centers for Innovation.
The National Science Foundation established the Centers for
Chemical Innovation (CCI) Program (formerly known as Chemical Bonding
Centers) in 2004 to support research centers focused on major, long-
term fundamental chemical research challenges. The goals that NSF set
forth for the CCI Program include that Centers will (a) produce
transformative research, leading to innovation, and attract broad
scientific and public interest; (b) be agile structures that can
respond rapidly to emerging opportunities through enhanced
collaborations; and (c) integrate research, innovation, education,
broaden participation, and informal science communication.
The NSF Division of Chemistry has undertaken a comprehensive
assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the Centers for Chemical
Innovation (CCI) program--with specific focus on its investment in
Phase 2 Centers--in achieving its stated goals. As this is the first
assessment of the CCI program, new data collection is necessary to
provide critical evidence to assess the CCI Program's progress in
achieving its goals, to communicate the outcomes of the program, and to
inform improvements in CCI Program and Center-level design and
operation. Across the NSF, the evaluation will also inform planning
decisions about the center concept and funding mechanisms.
Additionally, the evaluation findings will be used to communicate the
outcomes of the CCI program to the wider chemistry community.
The new data collection consists of the following four new data
collection activities:
1. CCI Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I)
Survey. Administration of a survey to CCI PIs and Co-Investigators is
necessary to understand the role of the Center in research,
collaboration, and broader impacts; to assess grantee satisfaction with
the center structure, management, and a two-phase funding model; to
document outcomes; and to describe the challenges encountered. The
survey was previously tested under a Fast Track clearance, OMB Control
#3145-0215.
2. CCI Phase 2 Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-
I) Interview. Interviews with CCI Phase 2 PIs and a sample of Co-
Investigators are necessary to further explore the data that emerge
from the survey of CCI Phase 2 Center PIs and Co-Investigators.
3. CCI Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Researcher Survey.
Administration of a survey to CCI graduate students and postdoctoral
researchers are needed to understand the role of CCI in education,
training, and career development. The survey was previously tested
under a Fast Track clearance, OMB Control #3145-0215.
4. CCI Center Industry Partners Interview. Interviews with CCI
Center industry partners are necessary to explore innovation-related
knowledge exchange with Centers, other benefits of partnership, as well
as perspectives on CCI contributions to chemistry and society.
Estimate of Burden
The CCI Principal Investigators (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I)
Survey is expected to approximately 20 minutes each to complete. The
CCI Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Researcher Survey is expected to
approximately 15 minutes each to complete.
Interviews with CCI Phase 2 Center PIs and Co-Investigators will
take approximately 45 minutes each. Interviews with CCI Center Industry
Partners will take approximately 20 minutes each.
Fewer than 25 CCI Phase 2 Center PIs and Co-Investigators will
receive requests to complete both a survey and an interview.
Respondents: Individuals.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 472 hours.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 472 hours.
Frequency of Responses: Single data collection.
Dated: May 15, 2018.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2018-10623 Filed 5-17-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P