81 FR 66299 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 187 (September 27, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 187 (September 27, 2016)
| Page Range | 66299-66300 | |
| FR Document | 2016-23290 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 187 (Tuesday, September 27, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 66299-66300] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-23290] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request AGENCY: National Science Foundation. ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the following information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 81 FR 36962, and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice. The full submission (including comments) may be found at: http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to [[Page 66300]] respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725 17th Street NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. 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). Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 703-292-7556. NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments: As required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), comments on the information collection activities as part of this study were solicited through publication of a 60-Day Notice in the Federal Register on April 17, 2013, at 78 FR 22917. We received one comment, to which we here respond. Commenter: The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) raised a general concern that additional reporting requirements presented added burden on their members. Response: The reporting requirements and estimates on the hourly burden were discussed with the management of the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers. Center Directors and their management staff, the primary respondents to this data collection, were consulted for feedback on the availability of data, frequency of data collection, the clarity of instructions, and the data elements. Their feedback confirmed that the frequency of data collection was appropriate and that they did not provide these data in other data collections. After consideration of this comment, we are moving forward with our submission to OMB. Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting Requirements for Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers (NSECs). OMB Approval Number: 3145-0229. Type of Request: Intent to renew, without change, an information collection. Abstract: The Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers (NSECs) Program supports innovation in the integrative conduct of research, education, and knowledge transfer. NSECs build intellectual and physical infrastructure within and between disciplines, weaving together knowledge creation, knowledge integration, and knowledge transfer. NSECs 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. NSECs 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. NSECs capitalize on diversity through participation in center activities and demonstrate leadership in the involvement of groups underrepresented in science and engineering. NSECs 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 a Center, NSECs are 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 center personnel and students; sources of financial support and in-kind support; expenditures by operational component; characteristics of industrial and/or other sector participation; research activities; education activities; knowledge transfer activities; patents, licenses; publications; degrees granted to students involved in Center activities; descriptions of significant advances and other outcomes of the NSEC effort. Such reporting requirements are included in the cooperative agreement which is binding between the academic institution and the NSF. Each Center's annual report addresses 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 Center has encountered in making progress towards goals, anticipated problems in the following year, and specific outputs and outcomes. NSECs 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 the Centers, and to evaluate the progress of the program. Estimate of Burden: 200 hours per center for thirteen centers for a total of 2,600 hours. Respondents: Non-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One from each of the thirteen NSECs. Dated: September 22, 2016. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 2016-23290 Filed 9-26-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555-01-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 187 / Tuesday, September 27, 2016 / Notices 66299
concern that, to the extent these NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND to provide a copy of their passport and
provisions prohibit third parties from SPACE ADMINISTRATION visa in addition to providing the
providing assistance to beneficiaries of following information no less than 10
[Notice: (16–068)]
exemptions, or prohibit the making and working days prior to the meeting: Full
distribution of necessary tools, they NASA International Space Station name; gender; date/place of birth;
undermine beneficiaries’ practical Advisory Committee; Meeting citizenship; passport information
ability to engage in the permitted (number, country, telephone); visa
conduct. Copyright owners, however, AGENCY: National Aeronautics and information (number, type, expiration
cautioned against amendment of the Space Administration (NASA). date); employer/affiliation information
ACTION: Notice of meeting. (name of institution, address, country,
anti-trafficking provisions, arguing that
telephone); title/position of attendee;
because circumvention tools may be SUMMARY: In accordance with the and home address to Mr. Finley via
used for lawful and unlawful purposes Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public email at patrick.t.finley@nasa.gov or by
alike, it would be impossible to ensure Law 92–463, as amended, the National telephone at (202) 358–5684. U.S.
that tools manufactured and distributed Aeronautics and Space Administration citizens and Permanent Residents
pursuant to an exemption, once announces a meeting of the NASA (Green Card holders) can provide full
available in the marketplace, would be International Space Station (ISS) name and citizenship status 3 working
employed solely for authorized uses. Advisory Committee. The purpose of days prior to the meeting to Mr. Finley.
The Office is interested in receiving the meeting is to review all aspects It is imperative that the meeting be held
additional views on this topic, and related to the safety and operational on this date to accommodate the
specifically invites comment on the readiness of the ISS, and to assess the scheduling priorities of the key
following issues: possibilities for using the ISS for future participants.
a. A few parties argued that section space exploration.
Patricia D. Rausch,
1201 contains an implied right DATES: Monday, October 31, 2016, 2:00–
Advisory Committee Management Officer,
permitting a beneficiary of a statutory or 3:00 p.m., Local Time. National Aeronautics and Space
administrative exemption to make a tool ADDRESSES: NASA Headquarters, Administration.
for his or her own use in engaging in the Glennan Conference Room (1Q39), 300 [FR Doc. 2016–23242 Filed 9–26–16; 8:45 am]
permitted circumvention. What are E Street SW., Washington, DC 20546. BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
commenters’ views regarding this Note: 1Q39 is located on the first floor
interpretation of the statute? To what of NASA Headquarters.
extent, if any, does the statutory FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
prohibition on the ‘‘manufacture’’ of Patrick Finley, Office of International
circumvention tools affect the and Interagency Relations, (202) 358– Agency Information Collection
5684, NASA Headquarters, Washington, Activities: Comment Request
analysis? 31 If such a right is not
DC 20546–0001.
currently implied, or the question is AGENCY:National Science Foundation.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
uncertain, should Congress consider Submission for OMB review;
ACTION:
amending the statute to expressly meeting will be open to the public up
comment request.
to the seating capacity of the room. This
permit such activity, while maintaining
meeting is also accessible via SUMMARY: The National Science
the prohibition against trafficking in
teleconference. To participate Foundation (NSF) has submitted the
such tools? telephonically, please contact Mr. following information collection
b. Some parties suggested that, in Finley at (202) 358–5684 before 4:30 requirement to OMB for review and
certain circumstances, third-party p.m., Local Time, October 26, 2016. You clearance under the Paperwork
assistance may fall outside the scope of will need to provide your name, Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–
the anti-trafficking provisions and affiliation, and phone number. 13. This is the second notice for public
therefore may be permissible under Attendees will be requested to sign a comment; the first was published in the
current law. What are commenters’ register and to comply with NASA Federal Register at 81 FR 36962, and no
views regarding this interpretation of security requirements, including the comments were received. NSF is
the statute? Are there forms of third- presentation of a valid picture ID to forwarding the proposed renewal
party assistance that do not qualify as a Security before access to NASA submission to the Office of Management
‘‘service’’ within the meaning of Headquarters. Due to the Real ID Act, and Budget (OMB) for clearance
sections 1201(a)(2) and 1201(b)(1)? If so, Public Law 109–13, any attendees with simultaneously with the publication of
what considerations are relevant to this driver’s licenses issued from non- this second notice. The full submission
analysis? compliant states/territories must present (including comments) may be found at:
a second form of ID. [Federal employee http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
Dated: September 21, 2016. badge; passport; active military PRAMain. Comments regarding (a)
Maria A. Pallante, identification card; enhanced driver’s whether the collection of information is
Register of Copyrights, U.S. Copyright Office. license; U.S. Coast Guard Merchant necessary for the proper performance of
[FR Doc. 2016–23167 Filed 9–26–16; 8:45 am] Mariner card; Native American tribal the functions of the agency, including
document; school identification whether the information will have
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
BILLING CODE 1410–30–P
accompanied by an item from LIST C practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
(documents that establish employment agency’s estimate of burden including
authorization) from the ‘‘List of the the validity of the methodology and
Acceptable Documents’’ on Form I–9]. assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance
Non-compliant states/territories are: the quality, utility and clarity of the
American Samoa, Minnesota, Missouri, information to be collected; (d) ways to
and Washington. Foreign nationals minimize the burden of the collection of
31 See 17 U.S.C. 1201(a)(2), (b)(1). attending this meeting will be required information on those who are to
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![66300 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 187 / Tuesday, September 27, 2016 / Notices
respond, including through the use of After consideration of this comment, Each Center’s annual report addresses
appropriate automated, electronic, we are moving forward with our the following categories of activities: (1)
mechanical, or other technological submission to OMB. Research, (2) education, (3) knowledge
collection techniques or other forms of Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting transfer, (4) partnerships, (5) diversity,
information technology should be Requirements for Nanoscale Science (6) management, and (7) budget issues.
addressed to: Office of Information and and Engineering Centers (NSECs). For each of the categories the report
Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: OMB Approval Number: 3145–0229. will describe overall objectives for the
Desk Officer for National Science Type of Request: Intent to renew, year, problems the Center has
Foundation, 725 17th Street NW., Room without change, an information encountered in making progress towards
10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to collection. goals, anticipated problems in the
Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Abstract: The Nanoscale Science and following year, and specific outputs and
Officer, National Science Foundation, Engineering Centers (NSECs) Program outcomes.
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, supports innovation in the integrative NSECs are required to file a final
Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email conduct of research, education, and report through the RPPR and external
to splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who knowledge transfer. NSECs build technical assistance contractor. Final
use a telecommunications device for the intellectual and physical infrastructure reports contain similar information and
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal within and between disciplines, metrics as annual reports, but are
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at weaving together knowledge creation, retrospective.
1–800–877–8339, which is accessible 24 knowledge integration, and knowledge Use of the Information: NSF will use
hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a transfer. NSECs conduct world-class the information to continue funding of
year (including federal holidays). research through partnerships of the Centers, and to evaluate the progress
Comments regarding these academic institutions, national of the program.
Estimate of Burden: 200 hours per
information collections are best assured laboratories, industrial organizations,
center for thirteen centers for a total of
of having their full effect if received and/or other public/private entities.
2,600 hours.
within 30 days of this notification. New knowledge thus created is
Respondents: Non-profit institutions.
Copies of the submission(s) may be meaningfully linked to society. Estimated Number of Responses per
obtained by calling 703–292–7556. NSECs enable and foster excellent Report: One from each of the thirteen
NSF may not conduct or sponsor a education, integrate research and NSECs.
collection of information unless the education, and create bonds between
learning and inquiry so that discovery Dated: September 22, 2016.
collection of information displays a
and creativity more fully support the Suzanne H. Plimpton,
currently valid OMB control number
and the agency informs potential learning process. NSECs capitalize on Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
diversity through participation in center Foundation.
persons who are to respond to the
activities and demonstrate leadership in [FR Doc. 2016–23290 Filed 9–26–16; 8:45 am]
collection of information that such
persons are not required to respond to the involvement of groups BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
the collection of information unless it underrepresented in science and
displays a currently valid OMB control engineering.
number. NSECs are required to submit annual NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
reports on progress and plans, which are
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of Permit Applications Received
used as a basis for performance review
Comments: As required by 5 CFR Under the Antarctic Conservation Act
and determining the level of continued
1320.8(d), comments on the information of 1978
funding. To support this review and the
collection activities as part of this study management of a Center, NSECs are AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
were solicited through publication of a required to develop a set of management ACTION: Notice of permit applications
60-Day Notice in the Federal Register and performance indicators for received under the Antarctic
on April 17, 2013, at 78 FR 22917. We submission annually to NSF via the Conservation Act of 1978, Public Law
received one comment, to which we Research Performance Project Reporting 95–541.
here respond. module in Research.gov and an external
Commenter: The Council on technical assistance contractor that SUMMARY: The National Science
Governmental Relations (COGR) raised a collects programmatic data Foundation (NSF) is required to publish
general concern that additional electronically. These indicators are both a notice of permit applications received
reporting requirements presented added quantitative and descriptive and may to conduct activities regulated under the
burden on their members. include, for example, the characteristics Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978.
Response: The reporting requirements of center personnel and students; NSF has published regulations under
and estimates on the hourly burden sources of financial support and in-kind the Antarctic Conservation Act at Title
were discussed with the management of support; expenditures by operational 45 Part 671 of the Code of Federal
the Nanoscale Science and Engineering component; characteristics of industrial Regulations. This is the required notice
Centers. Center Directors and their and/or other sector participation; of permit applications received.
management staff, the primary research activities; education activities; DATES: Interested parties are invited to
respondents to this data collection, were knowledge transfer activities; patents, submit written data, comments, or
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
consulted for feedback on the licenses; publications; degrees granted views with respect to this permit
availability of data, frequency of data to students involved in Center activities; application by October 27, 2016. This
collection, the clarity of instructions, descriptions of significant advances and application may be inspected by
and the data elements. Their feedback other outcomes of the NSEC effort. Such interested parties at the Permit Office,
confirmed that the frequency of data reporting requirements are included in address below.
collection was appropriate and that they the cooperative agreement which is ADDRESSES: Comments should be
did not provide these data in other data binding between the academic addressed to Permit Office, Room 755,
collections. institution and the NSF. Division of Polar Programs, National
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Document Created: 2016-09-27 01:19:23
Document Modified: 2016-09-27 01:19:23
| 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 | Submission for OMB review; comment request. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 66299 |
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