[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 226 (Friday, November 25, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 71176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-23290]


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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 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 January 24, 2006 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: 2007 and 2009 Survey of Science and 
Engineering Research Facilities.
    Expiration Date of Approval: April 31, 2006.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information 
collection for three years.
    Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation Survey of Science 
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 2003 and 2005 survey cycles, data were 
collected from a population of approximately 465 research-performing 
colleges and universities. This survey population was supplemented with 
approximately 190 nonprofit biomedical research institutions receiving 
research support from the National Institutes of Health. Beginning with 
the FY 2003 cycle, a new section was 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 
updating the networking and computing section, based on technological 
changes and issues that may occur.
    Use of the Information: Analysis of the Facilities Survey data will 
provide updated information on the status of scientific and engineering 
research facilities and capabilities. The information can be used by 
Federal policy makers, planners, and budget analysts in making policy 
decisions, as well as by institutional academic officials, the 
scientific/engineering establishment, and state agencies and 
legislatures that fund universities.
    Burden on the Public: The Facilities Survey will be sent by mail to 
approximately 465 academic institutions and 190 nonprofit research 
organizations and hospitals. The completion time per academic 
institution is expected to average 41 hours and the completion time per 
research organization/hospitals is expected to average 7 hours. 
Assuming a 90% response rate, this would result in an estimated burden 
of 17,159 hours for academic institutions and 1,197 hours for nonprofit 
research organizations/hospitals.

    Dated: November 21, 2005.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 05-23290 Filed 11-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M