81 FR 6544 - Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Establish an Information Collection

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 25 (February 8, 2016)

Page Range		6544-6545
FR Document		2016-02365

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.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 25 (Monday, February 8, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 25 (Monday, February 8, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6544-6545]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-02365]


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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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 April 8, 
2016 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

For Additional Information or Comments: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, 
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Suite 295, 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). You also may obtain a copy of the data collection instrument 
and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title of Collection: Awardee Reporting Requirements for the 
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) 
Research Infrastructure Improvement Programs.
    OMB Number: 3145--NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an 
information collection.

Abstract

Proposed Project

    The mission of the National Science Foundation (NSF) is to promote 
the progress of science; to advance the national health, welfare, and 
prosperity; and to secure the national defense, while avoiding the 
undue concentration of research and education. In 1977, in response to 
congressional concern that NSF funding was overly concentrated 
geographically, a National Science

[[Page 6545]]

Board task force analyzed the geographic distribution of NSF funds, 
which resulted in the creation of an NSF Experimental Program to 
Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Congress specified two 
objectives for the EPSCoR program in the National Science Foundation 
Authorization Act of 1988: (1) To assist States that historically have 
received relatively little Federal research and development funding; 
and (2) to assist States that have demonstrated a commitment to develop 
their research bases and improve science and engineering research and 
education programs at their universities and colleges.
    The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Programs advance 
science and engineering capabilities in EPSCoR jurisdictions for 
discovery, innovation and overall knowledge-based prosperity. These 
projects build human, cyber, and physical infrastructure in EPSCoR 
jurisdictions, stimulating sustainable improvements in their Research & 
Development (R&D) capacity and competitiveness.
    EPSCoR projects are unique in their scope and complexity; in their 
integration of individual researchers, institutions, and organizations; 
and in their role in developing the diverse, well-prepared, STEM-
enabled workforce necessary to sustain research competitiveness and 
catalyze economic development. In addition, these projects are 
generally inter- (or multi-)disciplinary and involve effective 
jurisdictional and regional collaborations among academic, government 
and private sector stakeholders that advance scientific research, 
promote innovation and provide multiple societal benefits; and they 
broaden participation in science and engineering by engaging multiple 
institutions and organizations at all levels of research and education, 
and people within and among EPSCoR jurisdictions. These projects 
usually involve between 100 (Track-2) to 300 (Track-1) participants per 
year over the performance period and provide outreach experiences to 
thousands of K-12 students and teachers. America COMPETES 
Reauthorization Act of 2010, Section 517 (H.R. 5116, Section 517) 
requires NSF EPSCoR to submit annual reports to both Congress and OSTP 
that contains data detailing project progress and success (new 
investigators, broadening participation, dissemination of results, new 
workshops, outreach activities, proposals submitted and awarded, 
mentoring activities among faculty members, collaborations, researcher 
participating on the review process, etc.).
    EPSCoR RII Track-1 and Track-2 projects 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 an EPSCoR RII projects, teams 
are required to develop a set of performance indicators for building 
sustainable infrastructure and capacity in terms of a strategic plan 
for the project; measure performance and revise strategies as 
appropriate; report on the progress relative to the project's goals and 
milestones; and describe changes in strategies, if any, for submission 
annually to NSF. These indicators are both quantitative and descriptive 
and may include, for example, the characteristics of project personnel 
and students; aggregate demographics of participants; sources of 
financial support and in-kind support; expenditures by operational 
component; characteristics of industrial and/or other sector 
participation; research activities; workforce development activities; 
external engagement activities; patents and patent licenses; 
publications; degrees granted to students involved in project 
activities; and descriptions of significant advances and other outcomes 
of the EPSCoR project's efforts. Part of this reporting takes the form 
of several spreadsheets to capture specific information to demonstrate 
progress towards achieving the goals of the program. Such reporting 
requirements are included in the cooperative agreement which is binding 
between the awardee institution and NSF.
    Each project's annual report addresses the following categories of 
activities: (1) Research, (2) education, (3) workforce development, (4) 
partnerships and collaborations, (5) communication and dissemination, 
(6) sustainability, (7) diversity, (8) management, and (9) evaluation 
and assessment.
    For each of the categories the report is required to describe 
overall objectives for the year; specific accomplishments, impacts, 
outputs and outcomes; problems or challenges the project has 
encountered in making progress towards goals; and anticipated problems 
in performance during the following year.
    Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue 
funding of the EPSCoR RII projects, and to evaluate the progress of the 
program.
    The current RPPR is designed primarily to support reporting from 
individual investigators and nor for large centers/center-like programs 
involving hundreds of participants. The change would facilitate 
reporting better aligned with program goals and is expected to minimize 
reporting burden on the EPSCoR community and provide data as 
legislatively required for NSF EPSCoR.
    Estimate of Burden: 100 hours per project for twenty-nine projects 
for a total of 2,900 hours.
    Respondents: Non-profit institutions; federal government.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One.
    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: February 2, 2016.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2016-02365 Filed 2-5-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P

6544 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 25 / Monday, February 8, 2016 / Notices

PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=201512-1205-005 receive a month-to-month extension NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
(this link will only become active on the while they undergo review. New
day following publication of this notice) requirements would only take effect Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To
or by contacting Michel Smyth by upon OMB approval. For additional Establish an Information Collection
telephone at 202–693–4129, TTY 202– substantive information about this ICR, National Science Foundation.
AGENCY:
693–8064, (these are not toll-free see the related notice published in the
numbers) or sending an email to DOL_ Notice and request for
ACTION:
Federal Register on October 16, 2015 comments.
PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov. (80 FR 62572).
Submit comments about this request
Interested parties are encouraged to SUMMARY: The National Science
by mail or courier to the Office of
send comments to the OMB, Office of Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans
Information and Regulatory Affairs,
Information and Regulatory Affairs at to request clearance of this collection. In
Attn: OMB Desk Officer for DOL–ETA,
the address shown in the ADDRESSES accordance with the requirement of
Office of Management and Budget,
section within thirty (30) days of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork
Room 10235, 725 17th Street NW.,
publication of this notice in the Federal Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13),
Washington, DC 20503; by Fax: 202–
Register. In order to help ensure we are providing opportunity for public
395–5806 (this is not a toll-free
appropriate consideration, comments comment on this action. After obtaining
number); or by email: OIRA_
and considering public comment, NSF
submission@omb.eop.gov. Commenters should mention OMB Control Number
will prepare the submission requesting
are encouraged, but not required, to 1205–0505. The OMB is particularly
that OMB approve clearance of this
send a courtesy copy of any comments interested in comments that:
collection for no longer than three years.
by mail or courier to the U.S. • Evaluate whether the proposed
Department of Labor-OASAM, Office of DATES: Written comments on this notice
collection of information is necessary must be received by April 8, 2016 to be
the Chief Information Officer, Attn: for the proper performance of the
Departmental Information Compliance assured of consideration. Comments
functions of the agency, including received after that date will be
Management Program, Room N1301,
whether the information will have considered to the extent practicable.
200 Constitution Avenue NW.,
practical utility;
Washington, DC 20210; or by email: FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR
DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov. • Evaluate the accuracy of the COMMENTS: Contact Suzanne H.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: agency’s estimate of the burden of the Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer,
Michel Smyth by telephone at 202–693– proposed collection of information, National Science Foundation, 4201
4129, TTY 202–693–8064, (these are not including the validity of the Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington,
toll-free numbers) or sending an email methodology and assumptions used; Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 292–
to DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov. • Enhance the quality, utility, and 7556; or send email to splimpto@
clarity of the information to be nsf.gov. Individuals who use a
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).
collected; and telecommunications device for the deaf
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This ICR (TDD) may call the Federal Information
seeks approval under the PRA for • Minimize the burden of the Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–
revisions to the Self-Employment collection of information on those who 8339, which is accessible 24 hours a
Training (SET) Demonstration are to respond, including through the day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Evaluation. More specifically, clearance use of appropriate automated, (including federal holidays). You also
is being requested for an extension to electronic, mechanical, or other may obtain a copy of the data collection
continue administering a follow-up technological collection techniques or instrument and instructions from Ms.
survey. This ICR proposes no changes to other forms of information technology, Plimpton.
the data collection instrument. This e.g., permitting electronic submission of
information collection has been SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
responses.
classified as a revision, because other Title of Collection: Awardee Reporting
Agency: DOL–ETA. Requirements for the Experimental
information collections that are
currently approved are no longer Title of Collection: Self-Employment Program to Stimulate Competitive
needed and will be discontinued. Training Demonstration Evaluation. Research (EPSCoR) Research
This information collection is subject Infrastructure Improvement Programs.
OMB Control Number: 1205–0505.
to the PRA. A Federal agency generally OMB Number: 3145—NEW.
cannot conduct or sponsor a collection Affected Public: Individuals and Expiration Date of Approval: Not
of information, and the public is Households; State, Local, and Tribal applicable.
generally not required to respond to an Governments. Type of Request: Intent to seek
information collection, unless it is Total Estimated Number of approval to establish an information
approved by the OMB under the PRA Respondents: 1,080. collection.
and displays a currently valid OMB Total Estimated Number of Abstract
Control Number. In addition, Responses: 1,080.
notwithstanding any other provisions of Proposed Project
law, no person shall generally be subject Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: The mission of the National Science
to penalty for failing to comply with a 360 hours. Foundation (NSF) is to promote the
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

collection of information that does not Total Estimated Annual Other Costs progress of science; to advance the
display a valid Control Number. See 5 Burden: $0. national health, welfare, and prosperity;
CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. The DOL Dated: January 29, 2016. and to secure the national defense,
obtains OMB approval for this while avoiding the undue concentration
Michel Smyth,
information collection under Control of research and education. In 1977, in
Number 1205–0505. The DOL notes that Departmental Clearance Officer. response to congressional concern that
existing information collection [FR Doc. 2016–02428 Filed 2–5–16; 8:45 am] NSF funding was overly concentrated
requirements submitted to the OMB BILLING CODE 4510–FT–P geographically, a National Science

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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 25 / Monday, February 8, 2016 / Notices 6545

Board task force analyzed the participating on the review process, aligned with program goals and is
geographic distribution of NSF funds, etc.). expected to minimize reporting burden
which resulted in the creation of an NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 and Track-2 on the EPSCoR community and provide
Experimental Program to Stimulate projects are required to submit annual data as legislatively required for NSF
Competitive Research (EPSCoR). reports on progress and plans, which are EPSCoR.
Congress specified two objectives for the used as a basis for performance review Estimate of Burden: 100 hours per
EPSCoR program in the National and determining the level of continued project for twenty-nine projects for a
Science Foundation Authorization Act funding. To support this review and the total of 2,900 hours.
of 1988: (1) To assist States that management of an EPSCoR RII projects, Respondents: Non-profit institutions;
historically have received relatively teams are required to develop a set of federal government.
little Federal research and development performance indicators for building Estimated Number of Responses per
funding; and (2) to assist States that sustainable infrastructure and capacity Report: One.
have demonstrated a commitment to in terms of a strategic plan for the Comments: Comments are invited on
develop their research bases and project; measure performance and revise (a) whether the proposed collection of
improve science and engineering strategies as appropriate; report on the information is necessary for the proper
research and education programs at progress relative to the project’s goals performance of the functions of the
their universities and colleges. and milestones; and describe changes in Agency, including whether the
The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure strategies, if any, for submission information shall have practical utility;
Improvement Programs advance science annually to NSF. These indicators are (b) the accuracy of the Agency’s
and engineering capabilities in EPSCoR both quantitative and descriptive and estimate of the burden of the proposed
jurisdictions for discovery, innovation may include, for example, the collection of information; (c) ways to
and overall knowledge-based prosperity. characteristics of project personnel and enhance the quality, utility, and clarity
These projects build human, cyber, and students; aggregate demographics of of the information on respondents,
physical infrastructure in EPSCoR participants; sources of financial including through the use of automated
jurisdictions, stimulating sustainable support and in-kind support; collection techniques or other forms of
improvements in their Research & expenditures by operational component; information technology; and (d) ways to
Development (R&D) capacity and characteristics of industrial and/or other minimize the burden of the collection of
competitiveness. sector participation; research activities; information on those who are to
workforce development activities; respond, including through the use of
EPSCoR projects are unique in their external engagement activities; patents
scope and complexity; in their appropriate automated, electronic,
and patent licenses; publications; mechanical, or other technological
integration of individual researchers, degrees granted to students involved in
institutions, and organizations; and in collection techniques or other forms of
project activities; and descriptions of information technology.
their role in developing the diverse, significant advances and other outcomes
well-prepared, STEM-enabled workforce of the EPSCoR project’s efforts. Part of Dated: February 2, 2016.
necessary to sustain research this reporting takes the form of several Suzanne H. Plimpton,
competitiveness and catalyze economic spreadsheets to capture specific Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
development. In addition, these projects information to demonstrate progress Foundation.
are generally inter- (or towards achieving the goals of the [FR Doc. 2016–02365 Filed 2–5–16; 8:45 am]
multi-)disciplinary and involve effective program. Such reporting requirements BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
jurisdictional and regional are included in the cooperative
collaborations among academic, agreement which is binding between the
government and private sector awardee institution and NSF. NUCLEAR REGULATORY
stakeholders that advance scientific Each project’s annual report addresses COMMISSION
research, promote innovation and the following categories of activities: (1)
provide multiple societal benefits; and [Docket Nos. 50–445, 50–446, and 72–74;
Research, (2) education, (3) workforce
they broaden participation in science NRC–2016–0020]
development, (4) partnerships and
and engineering by engaging multiple collaborations, (5) communication and Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant,
institutions and organizations at all dissemination, (6) sustainability, (7) Units 1 and 2, and Independent Spent
levels of research and education, and diversity, (8) management, and (9) Fuel Storage Installation Consideration
people within and among EPSCoR evaluation and assessment. of Approval of Transfer of Licenses
jurisdictions. These projects usually For each of the categories the report and Conforming Amendments
involve between 100 (Track-2) to 300 is required to describe overall objectives
(Track-1) participants per year over the for the year; specific accomplishments, AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory
performance period and provide impacts, outputs and outcomes; Commission.
outreach experiences to thousands of problems or challenges the project has ACTION: Application for direct transfer of
K–12 students and teachers. America encountered in making progress towards licenses; opportunity to comment,
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of goals; and anticipated problems in request a hearing, and petition for leave
2010, Section 517 (H.R. 5116, Section performance during the following year. to intervene.
517) requires NSF EPSCoR to submit Use of the Information: NSF will use
annual reports to both Congress and the information to continue funding of SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

OSTP that contains data detailing the EPSCoR RII projects, and to evaluate Commission (NRC) received and is
project progress and success (new the progress of the program. considering approval of a direct license
investigators, broadening participation, The current RPPR is designed transfer application filed by Luminant
dissemination of results, new primarily to support reporting from Generation Company, LLC (Luminant
workshops, outreach activities, individual investigators and nor for Power) on November 12, 2015, and
proposals submitted and awarded, large centers/center-like programs supplemented by letter dated December
mentoring activities among faculty involving hundreds of participants. The 9, 2015. The application seeks NRC
members, collaborations, researcher change would facilitate reporting better approval of the direct transfer of Facility

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Document Created: 2016-02-06 00:24:49
Document Modified: 2016-02-06 00:24:49

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice and request for comments.
Dates		Written comments on this notice must be received by April 8, 2016 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.
FR Citation		81 FR 6544