[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 93 (Thursday, May 14, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 26827]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12829]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Comment Request: National Science Foundation Proposal/Award 
Information--Grant Proposal Guide

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: National Science Foundation is announcing plans to request 
renewed clearance of this collection. In accordance with the 
requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. 
After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the 
submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer 
than 3 years.

SEND COMMENTS TO: Gail A. McHenry, Reports Clearance Officer, National 
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 245, Arlington, 
Virginia 22230 or send email to [email protected]. Written comments 
should be received within 60 days of the date of this notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mrs. McHenry on (703) 306-1125 x2010 or send email to [email protected]. 
You may also obtain a copy of the data collection instrument and 
instructions from Mrs. McHenry.
    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 Sciences 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 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.

Use of the Information

    The regular submission of proposals to the Foundation is part of 
the collection of information and is used to help NSF fulfill this 
responsibility by initating and supporting merit-selected research and 
education projects in all the scientific and engeering disciplines. NSF 
receives more than 30,000 proposals annually for new projects, and 
makes approximately 10,000 new awards. 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 
(proposal review is cleared under OMB Control No. 3145-0060).
    The Foundation has a continuing commitment to monitor the 
operations of its information collection to identify and address 
excessive reporting burdens as well as to identify any real or apparent 
inequities based on gender, race, ethnicity, or disability of the 
proposed principal investigator(s)/project director(s) or the co-
principal investigator(s)/co-project director(s).

Burden on the Public

    The Foundation estimates that an average of 120 hours is expended 
for each proposal submitted. An estimated 38,000 proposals are expected 
during the course of one year. These figures compute to an estimated 
4,560,000 public burden hours annually.

    Dated: May 8, 1998.
Gail A. McHenry,
NSF Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 98-12829 Filed 5-13-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M