[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 236 (Monday, December 9, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72981-72982]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-31006]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request reinstatement and approval of this data 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 information collection.
    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

[[Page 72982]]

other forms of information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the 
burden of the collection of information on respondents, including 
through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by February 7, 2003, to be 
assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be 
considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and 
requests for copies of the proposed information collection request 
should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, 
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA 
22230, or by e-mail to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 or 
send e-mail 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 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: 2003 and 2005 Survey of Scientific and 
Engineering Research Facilities.
    Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 2002.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate, with 
revisions, an information collection for three years.
    Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation Survey of 
Scientific and Engineering Research Facilities is a Congressionally 
mandated (Pub. L. 99-159), biennial survey that has been conducted 
since 1986. The survey collects data on the amount, condition, and 
costs of the physical facilities used to conduct science and 
engineering research. It was expected by Congress that this survey 
would provide the data necessary to describe the status and needs of 
science and engineering research facilities and to formulate 
appropriate solutions to documented needs. During the 1999 and 2001 
survey cycles, data were collected from a population of approximately 
600 research-performing colleges and universities. This survey 
population was supplemented with approximately 250 nonprofit biomedical 
research institutions receiving research support from the National 
Institutes of Health. During the 2001 cycle, a very limited survey 
consisting of two questions was fielded in order to allow the National 
Science Foundation to focus on updating and redesigning the survey. 
Through this extensive redesign effort, a new section has been added to 
the survey requesting information on the computing and networking 
capacity at the surveyed institutions, an increasingly important part 
of the infrastructure for science and engineering research. Other 
important changes include the deletion of a question on the adequacy of 
research space, the deletion of the Large Facilities Follow-up Survey, 
the additional collection of data on individual construction projects 
and the addition of a more detailed question on how research space is 
divided among laboratories, laboratory support space, and office space.
    Use of the Information: Analysis of the Facilities Survey data will 
provide updated information on the status of scientific and engineering 
research facilities. The information can be used by Federal policy 
makers, planners, and budget analysts in making policy decisions, as 
well as by academic officials, the scientific/engineering 
establishment, and state agencies that fund universities.
    Burden on the Public: The Facilities Survey will be sent by mail to 
approximately 600 academic institutions and 250 nonprofit research 
organizations and hospitals. The completion time per academic 
institution is expected to average 30 hours and the completion time per 
research organization/hospitals is expected to average 5 hours. 
Assuming a 90% response rate, this would result in an estimated burden 
of 16,200 hours for academic institutions and 1,125 hours for nonprofit 
research organizations/hospitals.

    Dated: December 4, 2002.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 02-31006 Filed 12-6-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M