[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 42 (Friday, March 2, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12884-12885]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5075]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the 
following information collection requirement to OMB for review and 
clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13. 
This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published 
in the Federal Register at 76 FR 74830, and no comments were received. 
NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the 
publication of this second notice. The full submission may be found at: 
http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Comments regarding (a) 
whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper 
performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the 
information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the 
agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and 
clarity of the information to be collected; or (d) 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 should be addressed to: Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National 
Science

[[Page 12885]]

Foundation, 725-17th Street NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and 
to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science 
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 
or send email to [email protected]. Comments regarding this information 
collection are best assured of having their full effect if received 
within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be 
obtained by calling 703-292-7556.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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).
    NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless 
the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control 
number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to 
the collection of information that such persons are not required to 
respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: Grantee Conflict of Interest Policies.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.
    Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an 
independent Federal agency created by the National Science Foundation 
Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC 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 US. 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 during FY 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 
2625 burden hours annually.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2012-5075 Filed 3-1-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P