[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 94 (Monday, May 16, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 28244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11953]


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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 15, 2011 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, which is accessible 
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including Federal 
holidays).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: FY 2011 and FY 2013 Survey of Science and 
Engineering Research Facilities.
    OMB Control Number: 3145-0101.
    Expiration Date of Approval: October 31, 2010.
    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 the amount, condition, and costs of 
the physical facilities used to conduct science and engineering 
research. The survey also requests information on the networking and 
high performance computing capacity at the surveyed institutions, a 
critical part of the infrastructure for science and engineering 
research. Due to the rapidity of technological change, these questions 
are continually updated. 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 2007 and FY 
2009 survey cycles, data were collected from a population of 
approximately 495 research-performing colleges and universities and 
approximately 163 nonprofit biomedical research institutions receiving 
research support from the National Institutes of Health.
    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 495 higher education institutions. The completion time 
per academic institution is expected to average 41 hours. Assuming a 
95% response rate, this would result in an estimated burden of 19,280 
hours for academic institutions.

    Dated: May 15, 2011.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2011-11953 Filed 5-13-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P