[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 23, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29002-29003]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-2550]


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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 July 23, 2007 to be 
assured of consideration. Comments received

[[Page 29003]]

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: FY 2007 and FY 2009 Survey for Science and 
Engineering Research Facilities.
    Expiration Date of Approval: April 31, 2006.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate an 
information collection for three years.
    Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation Survey of Science 
and Engineering Research Facilities is a Congressionally mandated 
(Public Law 99-159), biennial survey that has been conducted since 
1986. The survey collects data on cyberinfrastructure and 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 FY 2003 and FY 
2005 survey cycles, data were collected from a population of 
approximately 475 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 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 faculties 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 475 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 5 hours. 
Assuming a 94% response rate, this would result in an estimated burden 
of 18,307 hours for academic institutions and 895 hours for nonprofit 
research organizations/hospitals.

    Dated: May 16, 2007.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 07-2550 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M