[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 48 (Monday, March 13, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12714-12715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2342]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Comment Request: Biological Sciences Proposal Classification Form

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
establish clearance of this collection. In accordance with the 
requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paper 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.
    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance

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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 May 12, 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 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., 
Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection: ``Biological Sciences 
Proposal Classification Form''.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an 
information collection for three years.
    Proposed Project: Three divisions within the Directorate of 
Biological Sciences of the National Science Foundation will use the 
Biological Sciences Proposal Classification Form. They are the Division 
of Biological Infrastructure, the Division of Evolutionary Biology, and 
the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. All scientists 
submitting proposals to these divisions will be asked to complete an 
electronic version of the Proposal Classification Form. The form 
consists of brief questions about the substance of the research and the 
investigator's previous Federal support. Each division will have a 
slightly different version of the form. In this way, submitters will 
only confront response choices that are relevant to their discipline.
    Use of the Information: The information gathered with the 
Biological Sciences Proposal Classification Form serves two main 
purposes. The first is facilitation of the proposal review process. 
Since peer review is a key component of NSF's grant-making process, it 
is imperative that proposals are reviewed by scientists with 
appropriate expertise. The information collected with the Proposal 
Classification Form helps ensure that the proposals are evaluated by 
specialists who are well versed in appropriate subject matter. This 
helps maintain a fair and equitable review process.
    The second use of the information is program evaluation. The 
Directorate is committed to investing in a range of substantive areas. 
With data from this collection, the Directorate can calculate 
submission rates and funding rates in specific areas of research. 
Similarly, the information can be used to identify emerging areas of 
research, evaluate changing infrastructure needs in the research 
community, and track the amount of international research. As the 
National Science Foundation is committed to funding cutting-edge 
science, these factors all have implications for program management.
    The Directorate of Biological Sciences has a continuing commitment 
to monitor its information collection in order to preserve its 
applicability and necessity. Through periodic updates and revisions, 
the Directorate ensures that only useful, non-redundant information is 
collected. These efforts will reduce excessive reporting burdens.
    Burden on the Public: The Directorate estimates that an average of 
five minutes is expended for each proposal submitted. An estimated 
6,000 responses are expected during the course of one year for a total 
of 500 public burden hours annually.
    Expected Respondents: Individuals.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 6,000.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,000.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 500 hours.
    Frequency of Responses: On occasion.

    Dated: March 7, 2006.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 06-2342 Filed 3-10-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M