[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49832-49833]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20255]


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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 approval of this collection. In accordance with the requirement 
of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. 
L. 104-13), 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 October 16, 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].
    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.

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).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Grantee Reporting Requirements for the Research Experiences 
for Undergraduates (REU) Program.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-New.
    Expiration Date: Not applicable.

Overview of This Information Collection

    The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Reporting Module 
is a component of the NSF Project Reports System that is designed to 
gather information about students participating in Research Experiences 
for Undergraduates (REU) Sites and Supplements projects. 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 with formation

[[Page 49833]]

regarding the expenditure of taxpayer funds on these types of 
experiences, which provide training for postsecondary students in basic 
and applied research in STEM.

Consult With Other Agencies & 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: August 14, 2012.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2012-20255 Filed 8-16-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P