Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: May 14, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 93)]

[Notices]

[Page 26827]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr14my98-102]

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Comment Request: National Science Foundation Proposal/Award Information--Grant Proposal Guide

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: National Science Foundation is announcing plans to request renewed clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) 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 OMB clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

SEND COMMENTS TO: Gail A. McHenry, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 245, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email to gmchenry@nsf.gov. Written comments should be received within 60 days of the date of this notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. McHenry on (703) 306-1125 x2010 or send email to gmchenry@nsf.gov. You may also obtain a copy of the data collection instrument and instructions from Mrs. McHenry.

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.

Proposed Project

``National Sciences Foundation Proposal/Award Information--Grant Proposal Guide.'' The missions of the NSF are to:increase the Nation's base of scientific and engineering knowledge and strengthen its ability to support research in all areas of science and engineering; and promote innovative science and engineering education programs that can better prepare the Nation to meet the challenges of the future. The Foundation is committed to ensuring the Nation's supply of scientists, engineers, and science educators, In its role as leading Federal supporter of science and engineering, NSF also has an important role in national science policy planning.

Use of the Information

The regular submission of proposals to the Foundation is part of the collection of information and is used to help NSF fulfill this responsibility by initating and supporting merit-selected research and education projects in all the scientific and engeering disciplines. NSF receives more than 30,000 proposals annually for new projects, and makes approximately 10,000 new awards. Support is made primarily through grants, contracts, and other agreements awarded to approximately 2,800 colleges, universities, academic consortia, nonprofit institutions, and small businesses. The awards are based mainly on evaluations of proposal merit submitted to the Foundation (proposal review is cleared under OMB Control No. 3145-0060).

The Foundation has a continuing commitment to monitor the operations of its information collection to identify and address excessive reporting burdens as well as to identify any real or apparent inequities based on gender, race, ethnicity, or disability of the proposed principal investigator(s)/project director(s) or the co- principal investigator(s)/co-project director(s).

Burden on the Public

The Foundation estimates that an average of 120 hours is expended for each proposal submitted. An estimated 38,000 proposals are expected during the course of one year. These figures compute to an estimated 4,560,000 public burden hours annually.

Dated: May 8, 1998. Gail A. McHenry, NSF Reports Clearance Officer.

[FR Doc. 98-12829Filed5-13-98; 8:45 am]

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