81 FR 78210 - Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renew an Information Collection

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 215 (November 7, 2016)

Page Range		78210-78212
FR Document		2016-26818
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirements of 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.
Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 215 (Monday, November 7, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 215 (Monday, November 7, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78210-78212]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26818]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renew an Information 
Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

[[Page 78211]]

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the 
requirements of 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 January 6, 
2017 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, Room 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, 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: Grantee Reporting Requirements for the 
Industry University Cooperative Research Centers Program (I/UCRC).
    OMB Number: 3145-0088.
    Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2017.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/
UCRC) Program was initiated in 1973 to develop long-term partnerships 
among industry, academe and government. The National Science Foundation 
(NSF) invests in these partnerships to promote research programs of 
mutual interest, contribute to the Nation's research infrastructure 
base, enhance the intellectual capacity of the engineering or science 
workforce through the integration of research and education, and 
facilitate technology transfer. As appropriate, NSF encourages 
international collaborations that advance these goals within the global 
context.
    The I/UCRC program seeks to achieve these goals by:
     Contributing to the nation's research enterprise by 
developing long-term partnerships among industry, academe, and 
government;
     Leveraging NSF funds with industry to support graduate 
students performing industrially relevant pre-competitive research;
     Expanding the innovation capacity of our nation's 
competitive workforce through partnerships between industries and 
universities; and
     Encouraging the nation's research enterprise to remain 
competitive through active engagement with academic and industrial 
leaders throughout the world.
    To meet national needs, multi-university I/UCRCs are preferred to 
single-university I/UCRCs because multi-university Centers contribute 
to an increased research base as well as to increased interaction among 
Center participants. The Centers are catalyzed by an investment from 
NSF with primary support derived from the private and public sector. 
NSF takes a supporting role in the development and evolution of the I/
UCRC, providing a framework for membership and operations as well as 
requirements derived from extensive Center experience and evaluation.
    NSF invests in nationwide Centers that do not overlap in research 
foci with existing I/UCRCs. PIs should review the I/UCRC Center 
Directory found on the Program's Web page http://www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/iucrc/ of potential overlaps prior to proposing a new Center. In the 
event of a potential overlap, the PIs should consider joining the 
already existing I/UCRC. The I/UCRC program initially offers five-year 
(Phase I) continuing awards. This initial five-year period of support 
allows for the development of a strong partnership between the academic 
researchers and interested industrial and government parties. A 
significant proportion of the Center's support for research projects is 
expected to come from industrial, state, and other funds. As a Center 
progresses, it is likely to have increased opportunities for funding 
from additional firms, other federal agencies and laboratories, and 
state and local governments; thus, increasing the leverage of NSF 
funds. After five years, Sites within Centers that continue to meet the 
I/UCRC Program requirements may request support for a second five-year 
(Phase II) period. Phase II grants allow Centers to continue to grow, 
and to leverage and diversify their memberships and research portfolio 
during their Phase II period. After ten years, Sites within Centers may 
apply for a third five-year (Phase III) period. Phase III awards are 
provided for Centers that demonstrate significant impact on industry 
research as measured through robust and sustained membership, student 
impact, annual reports, Site visits, and adherence to I/UCRC 
requirements. Centers are expected to be fully supported by private and 
public partners after fifteen years as an I/UCRC.
    Centers will be required to provide data to NSF and its authorized 
representatives (contractors or grantees). These data will be used for 
NSF internal reports, historical data, and for securing future funding 
for continued I/UCRC program maintenance and growth. Updates to the 
IUCRC database of performance indicators will be required annually. 
Centers will be responsible for submitting the following information 
after the award expires for their fiscal year of activity. The 
indicators are both quantitative and descriptive.
     Quantitative information from the most recently completed 
fiscal year such as:

[cir] Number and diversity (race, gender, US, non-US) of students, 
faculty, and industrial numbers involved in the center
[cir] Students contact information
[cir] Degrees granted to students involved in center activities
[cir] Employer information of graduated students involved in center 
research activities (members and non-members) traceable by students' 
demographic information
[cir] Amounts and sources of income to the center, and
[cir] Lists of patents, licenses, and publications created
[cir] List of affiliated institutions/faculty (not official Sites in or 
faculty of the Center)
     Operating budget and total funding:
[cir] Total funding
[cir] NSF I/UCRC funding received
[cir] Other NSF funding received
[cir] Additional support broken down by Industry, State, University, 
Other Federal, Non-Federal and other support
[cir] Any contract income from IAB members that is done outside the 
IUCRC, but that is within the scope of the Center's topic
     Capital and in-kind support:
[cir] Equipment
[cir] Facilities
[cir] Personnel
[cir] Software
[cir] Other support
     Human resources:

[cir] Researchers (number of faculty scientists and engineers, number 
of non-faculty scientists and engineers)
[cir] Students (number of graduates, number of undergraduates)
[cir] Number of Postdoctoral fellows
[cir] Administration, number of full and part time professional and 
clerical staff

[[Page 78212]]

[cir] Information about broadening participation on the above with 
plans to increase broadening participation, if necessary
[cir] Industry Advisory Board members information (total number, number 
of new and leaving members by year, company size by number of employees 
and sector/sub-sector)
     Center director descriptors:
    [cir] Position and rank of director
[cir] Status of tenure
[cir] Estimate of the percent of time the director devotes to center 
administration, other administration, research, teaching, other
     Center outcomes:

[cir] Students receiving degrees and type degree earned
[cir] Students hired by industry (member and non-member) by type of 
degree
[cir] Publications
[ssquf] Number with center research
[ssquf] Number with Industrial Advisory Board Members
[ssquf] Number of presentations at professional society meetings
[ssquf] Number of presentations/booths at trade shows
[ssquf] Number of presentations under different categories (symposia, 
etc) related to center activities

     Intellectual property events:
[cir] Invention disclosures
[cir] Patent applications
[cir] Software copyrights
[cir] Patents granted and derived or both
[cir] Licensing agreements
[cir] Royalties realized

    I/UCRCs will also include evaluation conducted by independent 
assessment coordinator who cannot be from the department(s) with the 
institution(s) receiving funding for the I/UCRC award. The center 
assessment coordinator will be responsible for:

[cir] Preparing an annual report of center activities with respect to 
industrial collaboration
[cir] Conducting a survey of all center participants to probe the 
participant satisfaction with center activities
[cir] Compiling a set of quantitative indicators determined by NSF to 
analyze the management and operation of the center
[cir] Participating in I/UCRC center and informational meetings
[cir] Reporting to NSF on the center's status using a checklist 
provided by NSF to help determine if the center is adhering to the 
IUCRC policy and guidelines
[cir] Bi-annual reporting to NSF
[cir] Performing exit interviews to determine why members chose to 
withdraw from the center
[cir] Participating in continuous quality process improvement by 
providing information to the NSF I/UCRC program

    Use of the Information: The data collected will be used for NSF 
internal reports, historical data, and for securing future funding for 
continued I/UCRC program maintenance and growth and maintenance of an 
alumni network of center participants.
    Estimate of Burden: 150 hours per center (201 sites) for seventy 
centers for a total of 10,500 hours, subject to change in a near future 
as NSF is revising impact indicators, metrics and data collected, and a 
mechanism to collect them.
    Respondents: Industry, academic institutions; non-profit 
institutions; government.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One from each of the 201 
sites.
    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: November 2, 2016.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2016-26818 Filed 11-4-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P
78210 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Notices

of having their full effect if received integration of individual researchers, and patent licenses; publications;
within 30 days of this notification. institutions, and organizations; and in degrees granted to students involved in
Copies of the submission(s) may be their role in developing the diverse, project activities; and descriptions of
obtained by calling 703–292–7556. well-prepared, STEM-enabled workforce significant advances and other outcomes
NSF may not conduct or sponsor a necessary to sustain research of the EPSCoR project’s efforts. Part of
collection of information unless the competitiveness and catalyze economic this reporting takes the form of several
collection of information displays a development. In addition, these projects spreadsheets to capture specific
currently valid OMB control number are generally inter- (or multi- information to demonstrate progress
and the agency informs potential )disciplinary and involve effective towards achieving the goals of the
persons who are to respond to the jurisdictional and regional program. Such reporting requirements
collection of information that such collaborations among academic, are included in the cooperative
persons are not required to respond to government and private sector agreement which is binding between the
the collection of information unless it stakeholders that advance scientific awardee institution and NSF.
displays a currently valid OMB control research, promote innovation and Each project’s annual report addresses
number. provide multiple societal benefits; and the following categories of activities: (1)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: they broaden participation in science Research, (2) education, (3) workforce
Title of Collection: Awardee Reporting and engineering by engaging multiple development, (4) partnerships and
Requirements for the Experimental institutions and organizations at all collaborations, (5) communication and
Program to Stimulate Competitive levels of research and education, and dissemination, (6) sustainability, (7)
Research (EPSCoR) Research people within and among (EPSCoR diversity, (8) management, and (9)
Infrastructure Improvement Programs jurisdictions. These projects usually evaluation and assessment.
OMB Number: 3145—NEW involve between 100 (Track-2) to 300 For each of the categories the report
Expiration Date of Approval: Not (Track-1) participants per year over the is required to describe overall objectives
applicable performance period and provide for the year; specific accomplishments,
Type of Request: Intent to seek outreach experiences to thousands of K– impacts, outputs and outcomes;
approval to establish an information 12 students and teachers. America problems or challenges the project has
collection. COMPETES Reauthorization Act of
Abstract: encountered in making progress towards
Proposed Project: 2010, Section 517 (H.R. 5116, Section goals; and anticipated problems in
The mission of the National Science 517) requires NSF EPSCoR to submit performance during the following year.
Foundation (NSF) is to promote the annual reports to both Congress and Use of the Information: NSF will use
progress of science; to advance the OSTP that contains data detailing the information to continue funding of
national health, welfare, and prosperity; project progress and success (new the EPSCoR RII projects, and to evaluate
and to secure the national defense, investigators, broadening participation, the progress of the program.
while avoiding the undue concentration dissemination of results, new The current RPPR is designed
of research and education. In 1977, in workshops, outreach activities, primarily to support reporting from
response to congressional concern that proposals submitted and awarded, individual investigators and nor for
NSF funding was overly concentrated mentoring activities among faculty large centers/center-like programs
geographically, a National Science members, collaborations, researcher involving hundreds of participants. The
Board task force analyzed the participating on the review process, change would facilitate reporting better
geographic distribution of NSF funds, etc.). aligned with program goals and is
which resulted in the creation of an NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 and Track-2 expected to minimize reporting burden
Experimental Program to Stimulate projects are required to submit annual on the EPSCoR community and provide
Competitive Research (EPSCoR). reports on progress and plans, which are data as legislatively required for NSF
Congress specified two objectives for the used as a basis for performance review EPSCoR.
EPSCoR program in the National and determining the level of continued Estimate of Burden: 100 hours per
Science Foundation Authorization Act funding. To support this review and the project for 65 projects for a total of 6,500
of 1988: (1) To assist States that management of an EPSCoR RII projects, hours.
historically have received relatively teams are required to develop a set of Respondents: Non-profit institutions;
little Federal research and development performance indicators for building federal government.
funding; and (2) to assist States that sustainable infrastructure and capacity Estimated Number of Responses per
have demonstrated a commitment to in terms of a strategic plan for the Report: One.
develop their research bases and project; measure performance and revise
strategies as appropriate; report on the Dated: November 2, 2016.
improve science and engineering
progress relative to the project’s goals Suzanne H. Plimpton,
research and education programs at
their universities and colleges and milestones; and describe changes in Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure strategies, if any, for submission Foundation.
Improvement Programs advance science annually to NSF. These indicators are [FR Doc. 2016–26826 Filed 11–4–16; 8:45 am]
and engineering capabilities in EPSCoR both quantitative and descriptive and BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
jurisdictions for discovery, innovation may include, for example, the
and overall knowledge-based prosperity. characteristics of project personnel and
students; aggregate demographics of NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

These projects build human, cyber, and
physical infrastructure in EPSCoR participants; sources of financial
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To
jurisdictions, stimulating sustainable support and in-kind support;
Renew an Information Collection
improvements in their Research & expenditures by operational component;
Development (R&D) capacity and characteristics of industrial and/or other National Science Foundation.
AGENCY:
competitiveness. sector participation; research activities;
Notice and request for
ACTION:
EPSCoR projects are unique in their workforce development activities;
comments.
scope and complexity; in their external engagement activities; patents

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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / Notices 78211

SUMMARY: The National Science • Leveraging NSF funds with membership, student impact, annual
Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans industry to support graduate students reports, Site visits, and adherence to I/
to request clearance of this collection. In performing industrially relevant pre- UCRC requirements. Centers are
accordance with the requirements of of competitive research; expected to be fully supported by
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, • Expanding the innovation capacity private and public partners after fifteen
we are providing opportunity for public of our nation’s competitive workforce years as an I/UCRC.
comment on this action. After obtaining through partnerships between industries Centers will be required to provide
and considering public comment, NSF and universities; and data to NSF and its authorized
will prepare the submission requesting • Encouraging the nation’s research representatives (contractors or grantees).
that OMB approve clearance of this enterprise to remain competitive These data will be used for NSF internal
collection for no longer than three years. through active engagement with reports, historical data, and for securing
DATES: Written comments on this notice
academic and industrial leaders future funding for continued I/UCRC
must be received by January 6, 2017 to throughout the world. program maintenance and growth.
To meet national needs, multi- Updates to the IUCRC database of
be assured of consideration. Comments
university I/UCRCs are preferred to performance indicators will be required
received after that date will be
single-university I/UCRCs because annually. Centers will be responsible for
considered to the extent practicable.
multi-university Centers contribute to submitting the following information
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR an increased research base as well as to after the award expires for their fiscal
COMMENTS: Contact Suzanne H. increased interaction among Center year of activity. The indicators are both
Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, participants. The Centers are catalyzed quantitative and descriptive.
National Science Foundation, 4201 by an investment from NSF with • Quantitative information from the
Wilson Boulevard, Room 1265, primary support derived from the most recently completed fiscal year
Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone private and public sector. NSF takes a such as:
(703) 292–7556; or send email to supporting role in the development and Æ Number and diversity (race, gender,
splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who use evolution of the I/UCRC, providing a US, non-US) of students, faculty, and
a telecommunications device for the framework for membership and industrial numbers involved in the
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal operations as well as requirements center
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– derived from extensive Center Æ Students contact information
800–877–8339, which is accessible 24 experience and evaluation. Æ Degrees granted to students involved
hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a NSF invests in nationwide Centers in center activities
year (including federal holidays). You that do not overlap in research foci with Æ Employer information of graduated
also may obtain a copy of the data existing I/UCRCs. PIs should review the students involved in center research
collection instrument and instructions I/UCRC Center Directory found on the activities (members and non-
from Ms. Plimpton. Program’s Web page http:// members) traceable by students’
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/iucrc/ of potential demographic information
Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting overlaps prior to proposing a new Æ Amounts and sources of income to
Requirements for the Industry Center. In the event of a potential the center, and
University Cooperative Research overlap, the PIs should consider joining Æ Lists of patents, licenses, and
Centers Program (I/UCRC). the already existing I/UCRC. The I/ publications created
OMB Number: 3145–0088. UCRC program initially offers five-year Æ List of affiliated institutions/faculty
Expiration Date of Approval: March (Phase I) continuing awards. This initial (not official Sites in or faculty of the
31, 2017. five-year period of support allows for Center)
Type of Request: Intent to seek the development of a strong partnership • Operating budget and total funding:
approval to renew an information between the academic researchers and Æ Total funding
collection. interested industrial and government Æ NSF I/UCRC funding received
Abstract: The Industry/University parties. A significant proportion of the Æ Other NSF funding received
Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) Center’s support for research projects is Æ Additional support broken down by
Program was initiated in 1973 to expected to come from industrial, state, Industry, State, University, Other
develop long-term partnerships among and other funds. As a Center progresses, Federal, Non-Federal and other
industry, academe and government. The it is likely to have increased support
National Science Foundation (NSF) opportunities for funding from Æ Any contract income from IAB
invests in these partnerships to promote additional firms, other federal agencies members that is done outside the
research programs of mutual interest, and laboratories, and state and local IUCRC, but that is within the scope of
contribute to the Nation’s research governments; thus, increasing the the Center’s topic
leverage of NSF funds. After five years, • Capital and in-kind support:
infrastructure base, enhance the Æ Equipment
intellectual capacity of the engineering Sites within Centers that continue to Æ Facilities
or science workforce through the meet the I/UCRC Program requirements Æ Personnel
integration of research and education, may request support for a second five- Æ Software
and facilitate technology transfer. As year (Phase II) period. Phase II grants Æ Other support
appropriate, NSF encourages allow Centers to continue to grow, and • Human resources:
international collaborations that to leverage and diversify their Æ Researchers (number of faculty
memberships and research portfolio
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

advance these goals within the global scientists and engineers, number of
context. during their Phase II period. After ten non-faculty scientists and engineers)
The I/UCRC program seeks to achieve years, Sites within Centers may apply Æ Students (number of graduates,
these goals by: for a third five-year (Phase III) period. number of undergraduates)
• Contributing to the nation’s Phase III awards are provided for Æ Number of Postdoctoral fellows
research enterprise by developing long- Centers that demonstrate significant Æ Administration, number of full and
term partnerships among industry, impact on industry research as part time professional and clerical
academe, and government; measured through robust and sustained staff

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Document Created: 2018-02-14 08:21:20
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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 January 6, 2017 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.
FR Citation		81 FR 78210