81 FR 91958 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 243 (December 19, 2016)

Page Range		91958-91959
FR Document		2016-30044

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 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 81 FR 49689, and one comment was 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 may be found at: http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Comments: Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the NSF, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the NSF's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected, 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 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 7th 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 [email protected]

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 243 (Monday, December 19, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 243 (Monday, December 19, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 91958-91959]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30044]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request.

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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 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This is the second notice for public comment; 
the first was published in the Federal Register at 81 FR 49689, and one 
comment was 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 may be found at: http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
    Comments: Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the NSF, including whether the information will have practical utility; 
(b) the accuracy of the NSF's estimate of the burden of the proposed 
collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and 
clarity of the information to be collected, 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 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 7th 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 
[email protected].

DATES: 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 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 July 
28, 2016, at 81 FR 49689. We received one comment, to which we here 
respond.
    Commenter: The comment requested NSF consider the use of 
administrative records, specifically the National Student 
Clearinghouse, to obtain information on education background in lieu of 
asking this information from respondents on the National Survey of 
College Graduates (NSCG).
    Response: NSF informed the commenter that, at the request of NSF, 
the Census Bureau's Center for Administrative Records Research and 
Application is conducting research to compare administrative records 
data with the NSCG respondent-provided data. This research will inform 
survey content discussions for future NSCG cycles and will provide 
insight on the necessity of certain NSCG questionnaire items including 
the education background items.
    After consideration of this comment, we are moving forward with our 
submission to OMB.
    Title of Collection: 2015 National Survey of College Graduates.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0141.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information 
collection for three years.
    Abstract: The National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG) has been 
conducted biennially since the 1970s. The 2017 NSCG sample will be 
selected from the 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2015 
NSCG. By selecting sample from these two sources, the 2017 NSCG will 
provide coverage of the college graduate population residing in the 
United States. The purpose of this longitudinal survey is to collect 
data that will be used to provide national estimates on the science and 
engineering workforce and changes in their employment, education, and 
demographic characteristics.
    The National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as subsequently 
amended, includes a statutory charge to `` . . . provide a central 
clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data 
on scientific and engineering resources, and to provide a source of 
information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal 
Government.'' The NSCG is designed to comply with these mandates by 
providing information on the supply and utilization of the nation's 
scientists and engineers.
    The U.S. Census Bureau, as in the past, will conduct the NSCG for 
NSF. The survey data collection will begin in March 2017 using web and 
mail questionnaires. Nonrespondents to the web or mail questionnaire 
will be followed up by computer-assisted telephone interviewing. The 
individual's response to the survey is voluntary. The survey will be 
conducted in conformance with Census Bureau statistical quality 
standards and, as such, the NSCG data will be afforded protection under 
the applicable Census Bureau confidentiality statues.
    Use of the Information: NSF uses the information from the NSCG to 
prepare congressionally mandated reports such as Women, Minorities and 
Persons with

[[Page 91959]]

Disabilities in Science and Engineering and Science and Engineering 
Indicators. A public release file of collected data, designed to 
protect respondent confidentiality, will be made available to 
researchers on the Internet.
    Expected Respondents: A statistical sample of approximately 123,500 
persons will be contacted in 2017. This 123,500 sample is a 5,500 case 
increase over the sample size listed in the first notice for public 
comment in the Federal Register at 81 FR 49689. The larger sample size 
is needed to account for the increased size of the college-educated 
population as well as lower response rates in recent years. NSF 
estimates the 2017 NSCG response rate to be 70 to 80 percent.
    Estimate of Burden: The amount of time to complete the 
questionnaire may vary depending on an individual's circumstances; 
however, on average it will take approximately 30 minutes to complete 
the survey. NSF estimates that the total annual burden will be no more 
than 49,400 hours (=123,500 respondents x 80% response x 30 minutes) 
during the 2017 survey cycle.

    Dated: December 9, 2016.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2016-30044 Filed 12-16-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P

91958 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Notices

organization, whichever party files the this second notice. The full submission Administrative Records Research and
application. may be found at: http:// Application is conducting research to
The extension of this form is www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. compare administrative records data
necessary considering the information Comments: Comments regarding (a) with the NSCG respondent-provided
provided by the parties is used by the whether the collection of information is data. This research will inform survey
Board to structure a mediation process necessary for the proper performance of content discussions for future NSCG
that will be productive to the parties the functions of the NSF, including cycles and will provide insight on the
and result in a settlement without resort whether the information will have necessity of certain NSCG questionnaire
to strike or lockout. The Board has been practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the items including the education
very successful in resolving labor NSF’s estimate of the burden of the background items.
disputes in the railroad and airline proposed collection of information; (c) After consideration of this comment,
industries. Historically, some 97 percent ways to enhance the quality, utility and we are moving forward with our
of all NMB mediation cases have been clarity of the information to be submission to OMB.
successfully resolved without collected, including through the use of Title of Collection: 2015 National
interruptions to public service. Since automated collection techniques or Survey of College Graduates.
1980, only slightly more than 1 percent other forms of information technology; OMB Approval Number: 3145–0141.
of cases have involved a disruption of (d) ways to minimize the burden of the Type of Request: Intent to seek
service. This success ratio would collection of information on those who approval to renew an information
possibly be reduced if the Board was are to respond, including through the collection for three years.
Abstract: The National Survey of
unable to collect the brief information use of appropriate automated or other
College Graduates (NSCG) has been
that it does in the application for forms of information technology should
conducted biennially since the 1970s.
mediation services. be addressed to: Office of Information
Requests for copies of the proposed The 2017 NSCG sample will be selected
and Regulatory Affairs of OMB,
information collection request may be from the 2015 American Community
Attention: Desk Officer for National
accessed from www.nmb.gov or should Survey (ACS) and the 2015 NSCG. By
Science Foundation, 725 7th Street
be addressed to Denise Murdock, NMB, selecting sample from these two
NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC
1301 K Street NW., Suite 250 E, sources, the 2017 NSCG will provide
20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Washington, DC 20005 or addressed to coverage of the college graduate
Reports Clearance Officer, National
the email address murdock@nmb.gov or population residing in the United
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
faxed to 202–692–5081. Please specify States. The purpose of this longitudinal
Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington,
the complete title of the information survey is to collect data that will be
Virginia 22230 or send email to
collection when making your request. used to provide national estimates on
splimpto@nsf.gov.
Comments regarding burden and/or the science and engineering workforce
DATES: Comments regarding these and changes in their employment,
the collection activity requirements information collections are best assured
should be directed to Samantha Jones at education, and demographic
of having their full effect if received characteristics.
202–692–5010 or via internet address within 30 days of this notification.
jones@nmb.gov. Individuals who use a The National Science Foundation Act
Copies of the submission may be of 1950, as subsequently amended,
telecommunications device for the deaf obtained by calling 703–292–7556. NSF
(TDD/TDY) may call the Federal includes a statutory charge to ‘‘ . . .
may not conduct or sponsor a collection provide a central clearinghouse for the
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– of information unless the collection of
800–877–8339. collection, interpretation, and analysis
information displays a currently valid of data on scientific and engineering
[FR Doc. 2016–30384 Filed 12–16–16; 8:45 am] OMB control number and the agency resources, and to provide a source of
BILLING CODE 7550–01–P informs potential persons who are to information for policy formulation by
respond to the collection of information other agencies of the Federal
that such persons are not required to Government.’’ The NSCG is designed to
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION respond to the collection of information comply with these mandates by
unless it displays a currently valid OMB providing information on the supply
Agency Information Collection control number. and utilization of the nation’s scientists
Activities: Comment Request SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION and engineers.
AGENCY: National Science Foundation. Comments: As required by 5 CFR The U.S. Census Bureau, as in the
ACTION: Submission for OMB review; 1320.8(d), comments on the information past, will conduct the NSCG for NSF.
comment request. collection activities as part of this study The survey data collection will begin in
were solicited through publication of a March 2017 using web and mail
SUMMARY: The National Science 60-Day Notice in the Federal Register questionnaires. Nonrespondents to the
Foundation (NSF) has submitted the on July 28, 2016, at 81 FR 49689. We web or mail questionnaire will be
following information collection received one comment, to which we followed up by computer-assisted
requirement to OMB for review and here respond. telephone interviewing. The
clearance under the Paperwork Commenter: The comment requested individual’s response to the survey is
Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104– NSF consider the use of administrative voluntary. The survey will be conducted
13 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This is the records, specifically the National in conformance with Census Bureau
second notice for public comment; the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

Student Clearinghouse, to obtain statistical quality standards and, as
first was published in the Federal information on education background in such, the NSCG data will be afforded
Register at 81 FR 49689, and one lieu of asking this information from protection under the applicable Census
comment was received. NSF is respondents on the National Survey of Bureau confidentiality statues.
forwarding the proposed renewal College Graduates (NSCG). Use of the Information: NSF uses the
submission to the Office of Management Response: NSF informed the information from the NSCG to prepare
and Budget (OMB) for clearance commenter that, at the request of NSF, congressionally mandated reports such
simultaneously with the publication of the Census Bureau’s Center for as Women, Minorities and Persons with

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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 243 / Monday, December 19, 2016 / Notices 91959

Disabilities in Science and Engineering Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– progress and plans, which will be used
and Science and Engineering Indicators. 800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 as a basis for performance review and
A public release file of collected data, p.m., Eastern time, Monday through determining the level of continued
designed to protect respondent Friday. You also may obtain a copy of funding. User facilities will be required
confidentiality, will be made available the data collection instrument and to develop a set of management and
to researchers on the Internet. instructions from Ms. Plimpton. performance indicators for submission
Expected Respondents: A statistical SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: annually to NSF via the Research
sample of approximately 123,500 Comments: In accordance with the Performance Project Reporting (RPPR)
persons will be contacted in 2017. This requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of module in Research.gov. These
123,500 sample is a 5,500 case increase the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 indicators are both quantitative and
over the sample size listed in the first (Pub. L. 104–13), we are providing descriptive and may include, for
notice for public comment in the opportunity for public comment on this example, lists of successful proposal
Federal Register at 81 FR 49689. The action. Comments are invited on (a) and users, the characteristics of facility
larger sample size is needed to account whether the proposed collection of personnel and students; sources of
for the increased size of the college- information is necessary for the proper financial support and in-kind support;
educated population as well as lower performance of the functions of the expenditures by operational component;
response rates in recent years. NSF Agency, including whether the research activities; education activities;
estimates the 2017 NSCG response rate information shall have practical utility;
knowledge transfer activities; patents,
to be 70 to 80 percent. (b) the accuracy of the Agency’s
Estimate of Burden: The amount of licenses; publications; degrees granted
estimate of the burden of the proposed
time to complete the questionnaire may to students supported through the
collection of information; (c) ways to
vary depending on an individual’s enhance the quality, utility, and clarity facility or users of the facility;
circumstances; however, on average it of the information on respondents, descriptions of significant advances and
will take approximately 30 minutes to including through the use of automated other outcomes of this investment. Such
complete the survey. NSF estimates that collection techniques or other forms of reporting requirements are included in
the total annual burden will be no more information technology; and (d) ways to the cooperative agreement which is
than 49,400 hours (=123,500 minimize the burden of the collection of binding between the academic
respondents × 80% response × 30 information on those who are to institution and the NSF.
minutes) during the 2017 survey cycle. respond, including through the use of Each facility’s annual report will
Dated: December 9, 2016. appropriate automated, electronic, address the following categories of
Suzanne H. Plimpton, mechanical, or other technological activities: (1) Research, (2) education
collection techniques or other forms of and training, (3) knowledge transfer, (4)
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
Foundation. information technology. partnerships, (5) diversity, (6)
Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting management, and (7) budget issues.
[FR Doc. 2016–30044 Filed 12–16–16; 8:45 am]
Requirements for National User
BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
Facilities managed by the NSF Division For each of the categories the report
of Materials Research. will describe overall objectives and
OMB Number: 3145–0234. metrics for the reporting period,
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Expiration Date of Approval: March challenges or problems the facility has
31, 2017. encountered in making progress towards
Notice of Intent to Seek Approval to
Type of Request: Intent to seek goals, anticipated problems in the
Establish an Information Collection
approval to renew an information following year, and specific outputs and
National Science Foundation.
AGENCY: collection. outcomes.
Notice and Request for
ACTION: Overview of this Information Facilities are required to file a final
Comments. Collection: The NSF Division of report through the RPPR. Final reports
Materials Research (DMR) supports a contain similar information and metrics
SUMMARY: The National Science number of National User Facilities that
Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans as annual reports, but are retrospective
provide specialized capabilities and and focus on the period that was not
to request clearance of this collection. instrumentation to the scientific
After obtaining and considering public addressed in previous annual reports.
community on a competitive proposal
comment, NSF will prepare the basis. In addition to the user program, Use of the Information: NSF will use
submission requesting that OMB these facilities support in-house the information to continue funding of
approve clearance of this collection for research, development of new the DMR National User Facilities, and to
no longer than three years. instrumentation or techniques, evaluate the progress of the program.
DATES: Written comments on this notice education, and knowledge transfer. Estimate of Burden: 200 hours per
must be received by February 17, 2017 The facilities integrate research and facility for three National User Facilities
to be assured of consideration. education for students and post-docs for a total of 600 hours.
Comments received after that date will involved in experiments, and support
be considered to the extent practicable. extensive K–12 outreach to foster an Respondents: Non-profit institutions.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION interest in Science Technology Estimated Number of Responses per
OR COMMENTS: Contact Suzanne H. Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Report: One from each of the DMR user
Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer,
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

and STEM careers. Facilities capitalize facilities.
National Science Foundation, 4201 on diversity through participation in Dated: December 14, 2016.
Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, center activities and demonstrate
Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone Suzanne H. Plimpton,
leadership in the involvement of groups
(703) 292–7556; or send email to underrepresented in science and Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who use engineering. Foundation.
a telecommunications device for the National User Facilities will be [FR Doc. 2016–30434 Filed 12–16–16; 8:45 am]
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal required to submit annual reports on BILLING CODE 7555–01–P

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Document Created: 2016-12-17 03:15:07
Document Modified: 2016-12-17 03:15:07

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.
Dates		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 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.
FR Citation		81 FR 91958