SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments: Comments regarding (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the NSF, including whether the information shall 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, use, and clarity of the information on respondents; 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 should be addressed to the points of contact in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

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.

Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting Requirements for Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs).

OMB Number: 3145-0230. ( printed page 63311)

Overview of This Information Collection

The Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) Program provides sustained support of materials science and education of the highest quality while addressing fundamental problems in science and engineering. The MRSECs support materials research infrastructure in the United States, promote active collaboration between universities and other sectors, including industry, national laboratories, and international organizations. They contribute to the development of national university-based centers in materials research, education, and facilities. By supporting innovation in interdisciplinary research, education, and knowledge transfer, MRSECs build intellectual and physical infrastructure within and between disciplines, and weave together knowledge creation, knowledge integration, and knowledge transfer. New knowledge thus created is meaningfully linked to society.

MRSECs 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.

MRSECs 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, MRSECs will be 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 MRSEC effort. Such reporting requirements are included in the cooperative agreement that is binding between the academic institution and NSF.

Each Center's annual report will address the following categories of activities: (1) research, (2) shared experimental facilities, (3) education, (4) knowledge transfer, (5) partnerships, (6) management, and (7) budget issues.

For each of the categories the report will describe overall objectives for the year, specific outputs and outcomes of the reporting period, challenges that the Center has encountered in making progress towards goals and remedies, and plans for the following year.

MRSECs are required to file a final annual report through the RPPR and external technical assistance contractor. Final annual reports contain similar information and metrics as annual reports, effectively they constitute the last annual report; the Program Officer maintains a cumulative database with all relevant achievements and metrics.

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: 185 hours per annual report for each of 22 centers for a total of 4,070 hours per year.

Respondents: Non-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One from each of the 22 MRSECs.

91 FR 63310