[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 231 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74830-74831]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-30906]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Establish an Information 
Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the 
requirement of

[[Page 74831]]

Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 
104-13), we are providing opportunity for public comment on this 
action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will 
prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this 
collection for no longer than 3 years.
    Comments: 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; or (c) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by January 30, 
2012 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.
    For Additional Information or Comments: Contact Suzanne Plimpton, 
the NSF Reports Clearance Officer, phone (703) 292-7556, or send email 
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: Grantee Conflict of Interest Policies.
    OMB Number: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

Proposed Project

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent Federal 
agency created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 1861-75). The Act states the purpose of the NSF is 
``to promote the progress of science; [and] to advance the national 
health, prosperity, and welfare by supporting research and education in 
all fields of science and engineering.''
    NSF has had a unique place in the Federal Government: It is 
responsible for the overall health of science and engineering across 
all disciplines. In contrast, other Federal agencies support research 
focused on specific missions such as health or defense. The Foundation 
also is committed to ensuring the nation's supply of scientists, 
engineers, and science and engineering educators.
    NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and 
engineering. It does this through grants and cooperative agreements to 
more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, 
businesses, informal science organizations and other research 
organizations throughout the U.S. The Foundation accounts for about 
one-fourth of Federal support to academic institutions for basic 
research.
    NSF proposes to conduct a survey to determinate how NSF grantees 
identify, oversee, and manage financial conflicts of interest in 
research funded by NSF. This survey focuses on NSF's grantee's conflict 
of interest policies and procedures, and on any conflicts of interest 
that were identified and managed from April 1, 2007, through March 31, 
2010.
    By examining how NSF grantees have identified and managed their 
financial conflicts of interest, this survey will help the Foundation 
determine whether there are any areas for improvement in NSF's policies 
and guidelines.

Use of the Information

    Analysis of the responses is necessary to determine whether there 
are any areas for improvement in NSF's policies and guidelines.

Respondents

Burden on the Public

    The Foundation estimates about 175 responses at approximately 15 
hours per response; this computes to approximately 2,625 burden hours 
annually.

    Dated: November 28, 2011.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2011-30906 Filed 11-30-11; 8:45 am]
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