82 FR 50692 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 210 (November 1, 2017)

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 on the National Science Foundation Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. 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.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 210 (Wednesday, November 1, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50692-50695]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23740]


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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 on the National 
Science Foundation Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. 
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.

DATES: Comments regarding these information collections are best 
assured of having their full effect if received December 1, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Comments 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, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite W182000, Alexandria, Virginia 
22314 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).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton at the address above. 
Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 703-292-7556.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is the second notice for public 
comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 82 FR 
32724, 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 may be found at: http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
    The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request renewed clearance of this collection. The primary purpose of 
this revision is to implement changes described in the Supplementary 
Information section of this notice. 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 respond, including through the use of 
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Title of Collection: ``National Science Foundation Honorary 
Awards.''
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0035.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend with revision an 
information collection for three years.
    Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers several 
external awards, among them the President's National Medal of Science, 
the Alan T. Waterman Award, the National Science Board (NSB) Vannevar 
Bush Award, the NSB Public Service Award, the Presidential Awards for 
Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) 
program, and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and 
Science Teaching (PAEMST) program.
    In 2003, to comply with E-government requirements, the nomination 
processes

[[Page 50693]]

were converted to electronic submission through the National Science 
Foundation's (NSF) FastLane system or via other electronic systems as 
described in the individual nomination process. Individuals can now 
prepare nominations and references through www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/. First-time users must register on the Fastlane Web site 
using the link found in the upper right-hand corner above the ``Log 
In'' box before accessing any of the honorary award categories. The 
nominations for PAESMEM also may be submitted via www.grants.gov. 
Nominations and applications are submitted on the PAEMST portal at 
www.PAEMST.org.
    Use of the Information: The Foundation has the following honorary 
award programs:
     President's National Medal of Science. Statutory authority 
for the President's National Medal of Science is contained in 42 U.S.C. 
1881 (Pub. L. 86-209), which established the award and stated that 
``(t)he President shall . . . award the Medal on the recommendations 
received from the National Academy of Sciences or on the basis of such 
other information and evidence as . . . appropriate.''
    Subsequently, Executive Order 10961 specified procedures for the 
Award by establishing a National Medal of Science Committee which would 
``receive recommendations made by any other nationally representative 
scientific or engineering organization.'' On the basis of these 
recommendations, the Committee was directed to select its candidates 
and to forward its recommendations to the President.
    In 1962, to comply with these directives, the Committee initiated a 
solicitation form letter to invite these nominations. In 1979, the 
Committee initiated a nomination form as an attachment to the 
solicitation letter. A slightly modified version of the nomination form 
was used in 1980.
    The Committee has established the following considerations for 
selection of candidates:
    a. The impact of an individual's body of work on the current state 
of his or her field of science or engineering;
    b. Whether the individual's achievements are of an unusually 
significant nature in relation to the potential effects on the 
development of thought in his or her field of science or engineering;
    c. Whether the nominee has demonstrated unusually distinguished 
service in the general advancement of science and/or engineering for 
the Nation, especially when accompanied by substantial contributions to 
the content of science;
    d. The recognition of the nominee by peers within his or her 
community, and whether s/he is recognized for substantial impact in 
fields in addition to his/her discipline;
    e. If the nominee has made contributions to innovation and 
industry;
    f. Whether the nominee has demonstrated sustained influence on 
education through publications, teaching activities, outreach, 
mentoring, etc., and;
    g. Whether the nominee's contributions have created significant 
positive impact for the Nation.
    In 2003, the Committee changed the active period of eligibility to 
three years, including the year of nomination. After that time, 
candidates must be re-nominated with a new nomination package for them 
to be considered by the Committee.
    Narratives are now restricted to three pages of text, as stipulated 
in the guidelines at: https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/medalHome.do.
     Alan T. Waterman Award. Congress established the Alan T. 
Waterman Award in August 1975 (42 U.S.C. 1881a (Pub. L. 94-86) and 
authorized NSF to ``establish the Alan T. Waterman Award for research 
or advanced study in any of the sciences or engineering'' to mark the 
25th anniversary of the National Science Foundation and to honor its 
first Director. The annual award recognizes an outstanding young 
researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by NSF. In 
addition to a medal, the awardee receives a grant of $1,000,000 over a 
five-year period for scientific research or advanced study in the 
mathematical, physical, medical, biological, engineering, social, or 
other sciences at the institution of the recipient's choice.
    The Alan T. Waterman Award Committee was established by NSF to 
comply with the directive contained in Public Law 94-86. The Committee 
solicits nominations from members of the National Academy of Sciences, 
National Academy of Engineering, scientific and technical 
organizations, and any other source, public or private, as appropriate.
    In 1976, the Committee initiated a form letter to solicit these 
nominations. In 1980, a nomination form was used which standardized the 
nomination procedures, allowed for more effective Committee review, and 
permitted better staff work in a short period of time. On the basis of 
its review, the Committee forwards its recommendation to the Director, 
NSF, and the National Science Board (NSB).
    Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be 
35 years of age or younger or not more than seven years beyond receipt 
of the Ph.D. degree by December 31 of the year in which they are 
nominated. Candidates should have demonstrated exceptional individual 
achievements in scientific or engineering research of sufficient 
quality to place them at the forefront of their peers. Criteria include 
originality, innovation, and significant impact on the field.
     Vannevar Bush Award. The Vannevar Bush Award honors truly 
exceptional lifelong leaders in science and technology who have made 
substantial contributions to the welfare of the Nation through public 
service activities in science, technology, and public policy. The 
National Science Board established this award in 1980 in the memory of 
Vannevar Bush, who served as a science advisor to President Franklin 
Roosevelt during World War II, helped to establish Federal funding for 
science and engineering as a national priority during peacetime, and 
was behind the creation of the National Science Foundation.
    The Vannevar Bush Award recipient is selected annually by the 
National Science Board's Subcommittee on Honorary Awards (AWD), which 
is established to solicit nominations from scientific, engineering, and 
educational societies and institutions, in both the public and private 
sectors.
    Candidates for the Vannevar Bush Award should have demonstrated 
outstanding leadership and accomplishment in meeting at least two of 
the following selection criteria:
    1. Candidates must be U.S. citizens.
    2. Distinguished himself/herself through public service activities 
in science and technology.
    3. Pioneered the exploration, charting, and settlement of new 
frontiers in science, technology, education, and public service.
    4. Demonstrated leadership and creativity that have inspired others 
to distinguished careers in science and technology.
    5. Contributed to the welfare of the Nation and mankind through 
activities in science and technology.
    6. Demonstrated leadership and creativity that has helped mold the 
history of advancements in the Nation's science, technology, and 
education.
    Nomination Submissions must include:
    1. A current curriculum vita without publications (no more than 5 
pages).

[[Page 50694]]

    2. A narrative statement (no more than 8 pages) addressing the 
candidate's activities and contributions related to the selection 
criteria.
    3. A proposed award citation addressing the candidate's activities 
in and contributions to national public service activities in science, 
technology, and public policy.
    4. Contact information for award candidate and nominator (mailing 
address, email address, and phone number).
    5. Two reference letters (no more than 2 pages each) from 
individuals familiar with the candidate's accomplishments, and not 
affiliated with the candidate's home institution. Letters should be 
submitted by email to [email protected] on letterhead as a PDF file.
    Nominations remain active for three years, including the year of 
nomination. After that time, candidates must be renominated with a new 
nomination for them to be considered by the selection committee.

Awards Ceremony

    The award recipient is presented with a medal and honored at the 
NSF Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner in Washington, DC.
     NSB Public Service Award. The National Science Board 
established the Public Service Award in November 1996 to honor 
individuals and groups that have made substantial contributions to 
increasing public understanding of science and engineering in the 
United States. These contributions may be in a wide variety of areas 
that have the potential of contributing to public understanding of and 
appreciation for science and engineering--including mass media, 
education and/or training programs, and entertainment.
    Eligibility includes any individual or group (company, corporation 
or organization) that has increased the public understanding of science 
or engineering.
    Candidates for the NSB Public Service Award should have 
demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment in meeting the 
following selection criteria:
    1. Increased the public's understanding of the processes of science 
and engineering through scientific discovery, innovation, and its 
communication to the public.
    2. Encouraged others to help raise the public understanding of 
science and technology.
    3. Promoted the engagement of scientists and engineers in public 
outreach and scientific literacy.
    4. Contributed to the development of broad science and engineering 
policy and its support.
    5. Influenced and encouraged the next generation of scientists and 
engineers.
    6. Achieved broad recognition outside of the candidate's area of 
specialization.
    7. Fostered awareness of science and technology among broad 
segments of the population.
    Note: Members of the U.S. Government are not eligible for this 
award.
    Nomination Procedures:
    Nominations for an individual must include:
    1. A current curriculum vita without publications (no more than 3 
pages).
    2. A narrative statement (no more than 5 pages) addressing the 
following:
    a. The candidate's public service activities in science and 
engineering, and
    b. the candidate's contributions to public understanding of science 
and engineering, as they relate to the selection criteria.
    3. Contact information of candidate and nominator (mailing address, 
email address, phone number).
    Nominations must be submitted by email to: [email protected].
    Nominations for a group must include:
    1. A narrative statement (no more than 5 pages) addressing the 
following:
    a. The group's activities, and how it accomplishes the selection 
criteria for the award,
    b. length of years of the program,
    c. number and type of individuals served by the group's activities; 
and
    d. data on the success of the program (if available).
    2. Contact information of candidate and nominator (mailing address, 
email address, phone number).
    3. Reference letters are optional, and up to 3 letters (no more 
than to 2 pages each) may be submitted on letterhead as a PDF file.
    Nominations must be submitted by email to: [email protected].
    Nominations remain active for three years, including the year of 
nomination. After that time, candidates must be re-nominated with a new 
nomination for them to be considered by the selection committee.

Awards Ceremony

    Award recipients are presented with a medal and honored at the NSF 
Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner in Washington, DC.

 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and 
Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) Program

    In 1996, the White House, through the National Science and 
Technology Council (NSTC) and the Office of Science and Technology 
Policy (OSTP), established the Presidential Awards for Excellence in 
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) program. The 
program, administered on behalf of the White House by the National 
Science Foundation, seeks to identify outstanding mentoring efforts or 
programs designed to enhance the participation of groups (women, 
minorities and persons with disabilities as well as groups from low 
socioeconomic regions) underrepresented in science, mathematics and 
engineering. The awardees will serve as exemplars to their colleagues 
and will be leaders in the national effort to more fully develop the 
Nation's human resources in science, mathematics and engineering. This 
award is managed at NSF by the Directorate for Education and Human 
Resources (EHR).
    The award will be made to U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents 
based on the following: (1) An individual who has demonstrated 
outstanding and sustained mentoring and effective guidance to a 
significant number of early career STEM professionals, students at the 
K-12, undergraduate, or graduate education level or (2) to an 
organization that, through its programming, has enabled a substantial 
number of students underrepresented in science, mathematics and 
engineering to successfully pursue and complete the relevant degree 
programs as well as mentoring of early career STEM professionals. 
Nominees must have served in a mentoring role for at least five years. 
Nominations are reviewed for impact, significance of the mentoring 
activity and quality of the mentoring activity. Nominations for 
organizational awards must demonstrate rigorous evaluation and/or 
assessment during the five-year period of the mentoring activity.

Award Ceremony

    The awardees are hosted for two days in Washington, DC, for 
celebratory activities. Recipients of the PAESMEM award receive a 
monetary award in the amount of $10,000 from NSF and a commemorative 
Presidential certificate. If scheduling permits, the President meets 
with the mentors for a photo opportunity at the White House. The 
Director of OSTP and the Director of

[[Page 50695]]

NSF present the awards to the mentors at an awards ceremony.

 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 
Teaching

    The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 
Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten 
through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for 
outstanding teaching in the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1983, 
this program authorizes the President to bestow 108 awards, assuming 
there are qualified applicants. In even-numbered years, nominations are 
accepted for elementary teachers (grades K-6); in odd-numbered years, 
secondary teachers (grades 7-12) are nominated. This award is managed 
at NSF by the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR).

Nomination Criteria

    A teacher may be nominated by a principal, another teacher, 
students, members of the community, or the general public. Self-
nominations are allowed. Awardees must be either U.S. Citizens or U.S. 
Permanent Residents. A Nominee must meet the following criteria to 
apply:
     Be highly qualified as deemed by their states, districts, 
or schools;
     Teach in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the four U.S. territories, 
including the Department of Defense Schools (DoDEA).
     Hold a degree or appropriate credentials in the category 
for which they are applying.
     Be a full-time employee of the school or school district.
     Have at least 5 years of mathematics or science teaching 
(including computer science) experience prior to application.
     Teach mathematics or science at the kindergarten through 
6th grade level or at the 7th through 12th grade level in a public or 
private school.
     Not have received the national PAEMST award in any prior 
competition or category.

Application Process

     Applicants complete a 12-page written document on five 
dimensions of outstanding teaching (content knowledge, pedagogy, 
assessment, leadership and professional development) and submit a video 
of one class. Three letters of reference including one from a school 
official are required, along with a resume or biographical sketch.
     The applicant has a 7-month period (October to May) to 
complete applications and submit them for state review. The nomination 
period is from October to April.

Review of Nominations

     State coordinators convene state selection committees of 
prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics and science 
educators, and past awardees to select up to five mathematics and five 
science finalists for recognition at the state level and for submission 
to NSF. To ensure consistency, state selection committees review their 
applications using the same criteria and scoring information that was 
approved by OSTP.
     NSF (EHR) convenes a National Selection Committee of 
prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics and science 
educators, and past awardees that review the application packets of the 
state finalists and make recommendations to NSF. NSF reviews these 
recommendations and recommends one awardee in both mathematics and 
science for all eligible jurisdictions, when possible, to OSTP. 
Alternatively, NSF may recommend two awardees from a discipline in a 
jurisdiction, when warranted.

Award Ceremony

    The awardees are hosted for 3-4 days in Washington, DC, for a 
variety of professional development sessions and celebratory 
activities. Each awardee receives a citation signed by the President 
and $10,000 from NSF. If scheduling permits, the President meets the 
teachers for a photo opportunity at the White House. The Director of 
OSTP and the Director of NSF present the citations to the teachers at 
an awards ceremony. Awardees also have the opportunity to meet their 
congressional representatives and education representatives from other 
federal agencies.
    Estimate of Burden: These are annual award programs with 
application deadlines varying according to the program. Public burden 
also may vary according to program; however, across all the programs, 
it is estimated that each submission will average 19 hours per 
respondent. If the nominator is thoroughly familiar with the 
disciplinary background of the nominee, time spent to complete the 
nomination may be considerably reduced. See the table below for the 
burden estimates for each award.

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                                                                                     Estimated         Total
                                                                     Estimated     annual burden     estimated
                              Award                                  number of       hours per    annual  burden
                                                                     responses       response          hours
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President's National Medal of Science...........................              80              20           1,600
Alan T. Waterman Award..........................................              70              20           1,400
Vannevar Bush Award.............................................              20              15             300
Public Service Award............................................              30              15             450
PAESMEM.........................................................             200              20           4,000
PAEMST..........................................................           1,000              24          24,000
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Totals......................................................           1,800  ..............          41,350
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    Respondents: Individuals, businesses or other for-profit 
organizations, universities, non-profit institutions, and Federal and 
State governments.
    Frequency of Responses: Annually.

    Dated: October 27, 2017.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2017-23740 Filed 10-31-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P