[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 21 (Friday, January 31, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4815-4816]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-2360]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Proposed Collection: Comment Request; Title of Proposed 
Collection, ``National Science Foundation Proposal/Award Information--
Grant Proposal Guide''

    In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on 
proposed data collection projects, the National Science Foundation 
(NSF) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. This 
material is being submitted for OMB review with no changes. To request 
more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the 
data collection plans and instruments, call the NSF Clearance Officer 
on (703) 306-1243.
    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.
    Proposed project. ``National Science Foundation Proposal/Award 
Information--Grant Proposal Guide.'' The missions of the NSF are to: 
increase the Nation's base of scientific and engineering knowledge and 
strengthen its ability to support research in all areas of science and 
engineering; and promote innovative science and engineering education 
programs that can better prepare the Nation to meet the challenges of 
the future. The foundation is also committed to ensuring the Nation's 
supply of scientists, engineers, and science educators. In its role as 
leading Federal supporter of science and engineering, NSF also has an 
important role in national science policy planning.
    The information collected is used to help the Foundation fulfill 
this responsibility by initiating and supporting merit-selected 
research and education projects in all the scientific and engineering 
disciplines. NSF receives more than 30,000 proposals annually for new 
or renewal support for research, and math/science/engineering education 
projects, and makes approximately 10,000 new awards. This support is 
made primarily through grants contracts, and other agreements awarded 
to approximately 2,800 colleges, universities, academic consortia, 
nonprofit institutions, and small businesses. The awards are based 
mainly on evaluations of proposal merit submitted to the Foundation 
(see OMB Clearance No. 3145-0060).
    The Foundation has a continuing commitment to monitor the 
operations of its review and award processes to identify and address 
excessive reporting burdens. The Foundation is also committed to 
monitor and identify and real or apparent inequities based on gender, 
race, ethnicity, or handicap of the proposed principal investigator(s)/
project director(s)(s) or the co-principal investigator(s)/co-project 
director(s). The collection of this information is a part of the 
regular submission of proposals to the Foundation.
    Written comments should be submitted to Herman Fleming, Division of 
Contracts, Policy and Oversight, National Science Foundation, 4201 
Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230,

[[Page 4816]]

or email [email protected]. Comments should be received at NSF by April 
2, 1997.

    Dated: January 27, 1997.
Herman G. Fleming,
NSF Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 97-2360 Filed 1-30-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M