[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 24, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43373-43374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17989]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Emergency Clearance; Public Information Collection Requirements 
Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget; Notice

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements 
Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request approval of this collection. In accordance with the requirement 
of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are 
providing an 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.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the 
burden or any other aspect of this collection of information 
requirements by August 23, 2012.

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 email to [email protected], and Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, New 
Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503. Attn: Sharon Mar, NSF 
Desk Officer.
    Comments: Written 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; 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.
    NSF has determined that it cannot reasonably comply with the normal 
clearance procedures under 5 CFR 1320 because normal clearance 
procedures are reasonably likely to prevent or disrupt the collection 
of information. NSF is requesting emergency review from OMB of this 
information collection, which is a module in the FastLane Project 
Reports System. The emergency review and approval of this information 
collection request will assure continuation of the collection of 
information on student participants in the Research Experiences for 
Undergraduates (REU) Site and Supplement awards as required in annual 
and final reports. OMB approval has been requested for August 31, 2012. 
If granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days.
    During this same period, a regular review of this information 
collection will be undertaken. During the regular review period, the 
NSF requests written comments and suggestions from the public and 
affected agencies concerning this information collection. Comments are 
encouraged and will be accepted until September 24, 2012 to be assured 
of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered 
to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance 
Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, 
Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (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).
    OMB Approval Number: OMB 3145-New.
    Expiration Date: N/A.

[[Page 43374]]

Overview of This Information Collection

    All NSF projects are required to use the FastLane Project Reports 
System for developing and submitting annual and final project reports. 
If NSF cannot collect information about undergraduate participants in 
undergraduate research experiences, NSF will have no other means to 
consistently document the number and diversity of participants, types 
of participant involvement in the research, and types of institutions 
represented by the participants.
    NSF is committed to providing program stakeholders within formation 
regarding the expenditure of taxpayer funds on these types of 
experiences that provide training for postsecondary students in basic 
and applied research in STEM. If NSF must follow the normal OIRA 
clearance review process, the result will be incomplete and 
inconsistent information about the participants who participate in NSF-
funded research experiences for undergraduate students.

Consult With Other Agencies and the Public

    NSF has not consulted with other agencies but has gathered 
information from its grantee community through attendance at PI 
conferences. A request for public comments will be solicited through 
announcement of data collection in the Federal Register.

Background

    All NSF grantees are required to use the FastLane Project Reports 
System for reporting progress, accomplishments, participants, and 
activities annually and at the conclusion of their project. Information 
from annual and final reports provides yearly updates on project 
inputs, activities, and outcomes for agency reporting purposes. If 
project participants include undergraduate students supported by the 
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites Program or by an 
REU Supplement, then the grantees and their students are required to 
complete the REU Reporting Module.
    Respondents: Individuals (Principal Investigators and REU 
undergraduate student participants).
    Number of Principal Investigator Respondents: 2,000.
    Burden on the Public: 650 total hours.
    Number of REU Student Participant Respondents: 7,250.
    Burden on the Public: 1,810 total hours.

    Dated: July 18, 2012.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2012-17989 Filed 7-23-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P