[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 19, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 7434-7435] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-3993] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection agency: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA. action: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- summary: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service's (CSREES) intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection in support of the CSREES National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRICGP). dates: Comments on this notice must be received by April 21, 1997 to be assured of consideration. additional information or comments: Contact Sally J. Rockey, Deputy Administrator, Competitive Research Grants and Awards Management, CSREES, USDA, STOP 2240, Washington, DC 20250-2240, (202) 401-1766. E- mail: [email protected]. supplementary information: Title: CSREES/National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program. OMB Number: 0524-0033. Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 1997. Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: USDA/CSREES administers the NRICGP, under which competitive, peer-reviewed research grants of a high-priority nature are awarded. This program is authorized pursuant to the authorities contain in section 2(b) of the Act of August 4, 1965, as amended by section 1615 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (FACT Act) (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) (1965 Act, as amended). Before awards can be made, certain information is required from applicants as part of an overall proposal package. In addition to project summaries, descriptions of the research, literature reviews, curricula vitae of principal investigators, and other, relevant technical aspects of the proposed project, supporting documentation of an administrative and budgetary nature also must be provided. Because of the nature of the competitive, peer-reviewed process, it is important that information from applicants be available in a standardized format to ensure equitable treatment. Each year, an NRICGP solicitation is issued requesting proposals for various research areas. Applicant submit proposals for these various research areas following the format outlined in the yearly Program Description. These proposals are evaluated by peer review panels and awarded on a competitive basis. The NRICGP has been using the ``Application Kit'' (OMB Approval 0525-0022) developed for general CSREES use since the inception of the NRICGP in Fiscal Year 1991. This kit includes the necessary forms and instructions to applicants requesting support under various competitive and noncompetitive funding programs sponsored by CSREES. In 1994, the NRICGP sought and received approval of three forms specific to the needs of the NRICGP, including one form used by CSREES for meeting the compliance requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Forms CSREES-1232, ``Project Summary,'' CSREES-1233, ``Conflict of Interest,'' and CSREES-1234, ``National Environmental Policy Act Exclusions Form'' are mainly used for proposal evaluation and administration. While some of the information will be used to respond to inquiries from Congress and other government agencies, the forms are not designed to be statistical surveys [[Page 7435]] or data collection instruments. Their completion by potential recipients is a normal part of the application to Federal agencies which support basic and applied scientific research. The following information has been collected and will continue to be collected: CSREES-1232--Proposal Identification: Lists the Principal Investigator(s) and their institution(s), the proposal type (distinguishes among funding mechanisms), project title, and key words, along with a project summary which allows for quick screening and assignment of proposals to peer reviewers. CSREES-1233--Identification of Conflicts of Interest: Lists the person(s) who are in conflict of interest with the applicant(s). This has been used when selecting peer review panels to assure objective reviews, and has been revised to specifically cite potential conflicts of interest by category to better meet the requirements set out in 7 CFR 3411.12. CSREES-1234--Collection of Environmental Impact Information: Allows identification of whether or not the proposal fits one of the exclusions listed for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (7 CFR part 3407). This information has been and will continue to be used in determinations as to whether or not further action is needed to meet the requirements of this Act. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average one and one-quarter hour per response. Respondents: Non-profit institutions, individuals, businesses, Federal Government, and State, Local, or Tribal Governments. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 3,200 for the CSREES- 1232 and CSREES-1233; 4,800 for the CSREES-1234. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 4,400 hours, broken down by: 1,600 hours for the CSREES-1232 (one-half hour per 3,200 respondents); 1,600 hours for the CSREES-1233 (one-half hour per 3,200 respondents); and 1,200 hours for the CSREES-1234 (one-quarter hour per 4,800 respondents). Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Suzanne Plimpton, Policy and Program Liaison Staff, CSREES, (202) 401-1302. E- mail: [email protected]. 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 will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; 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. Comments may be sent to: Sally J. Rockey, Deputy Administrator, Competitive Research Grants and Awards Management, CSREES, USDA, STOP 2240, Washington, DC. 20250-2240, (202) 401-1766. E-mail: [email protected]. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments also will become a matter of public record. Done at Washington, DC, on this 7th day of February, 1997. B.H. Robinson, Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. [FR Doc. 97-3993 Filed 2-18-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-22-M