[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 9, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21160-21161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08177]


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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 June 10, 2013.

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

[[Page 21161]]

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: Microbusiness, Innovation, Science & Technology Survey.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-New.
    Expiration Date: Not applicable.

Overview of This Information Collection

    The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) 
of the National Science Foundation (NSF) plans to conduct a pilot of 
the new Microbusiness Innovation Science & Technology (MIST) Survey. 
MIST will collect R&D and other innovation-related data from small, 
independent U.S. microbusinesses with fewer than five employees. In 
addition to general information--primary business activity, year 
business was formed, and number of employees--this survey will collect 
the following:
     Business data on R&D activity and funding,
     Number of employees and R&D employees,
     Sales of goods and services,
     Operating agreements and licensing activities with 
universities, other businesses, and government agencies (federal, 
state, and local),
     Experience with several forms of technology transfer,
     Use and importance of patents and other forms of 
intellectual property,
     Sources of technical knowledge, and
     Demographic and entrepreneurial characteristics of the 
business owner.

Consult With Other Agencies & the Public

    NSF has consulted with other agencies and has not found another 
project similar in scope. A request for public comments will be 
solicited through announcement of data collection in the Federal 
Register.

Background

    NCSES is broadly tasked with measuring the role of science and 
technology (S&T) in the United States' economy and abroad. A major 
component of this activity is its sponsorship of the Business Research 
and Development (R&D) Innovation Survey (BRDIS), which collects 
information annually on research and development and related activities 
performed within the United States by industrial firms. In 2004 the 
National Academy of Sciences' Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) 
reviewed NSF's portfolio of R&D surveys and recommended that NSF 
explore ways to measure firm innovation and investigate the incidence 
of R&D activities in growing sectors, such as small business 
enterprises, not currently covered by BRDIS. BRDIS collects information 
annually on research and development and related activities performed 
within the United States by industrial firms. However, businesses with 
fewer than five employees are excluded from this survey. MIST will fill 
that void.
    Respondents: Establishments (Typically owners or senior level 
managers of microbusinesses).
    Number of Principal Investigator Respondents: 1,600.
    Burden on the Public: 400 total hours.

    Dated: April 4, 2013.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2013-08177 Filed 4-8-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P