[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65387-65388]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-25938]


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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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[[Page 65388]]

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request clearance 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 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 three years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by December 30, 
2013 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

For Additional Information or Comments: 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 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. You also may obtain a copy 
of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: Awardee Reporting Requirements for the 
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) 
Research Infrastructure Improvement Track-1 (RII Track-1) Program.
    OMB Number: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an 
information collection.
    Abstract:
    Proposed Project:
    The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) 
Research Infrastructure Improvement Track-1 (RII Track-1) Program 
advances science and engineering capabilities in EPSCoR jurisdictions 
for discovery, innovation and overall knowledge-based prosperity. 
EPSCoR RII Track-1 projects build human, cyber, and physical 
infrastructure in EPSCoR jurisdictions, stimulating sustainable 
improvements in their Research & Development (R&D) capacity and 
competitiveness.
    EPSCoR RII Track-1 projects are founded on key research themes that 
empower knowledge generation, dissemination and application. They are 
generally inter- (or multi-)disciplinary and involve effective 
jurisdictional and regional collaborations among academic, government 
and private sector stakeholders that advance scientific research, 
promote innovation and provide multiple societal benefits; and they 
broaden participation in science and engineering by engaging multiple 
institutions and organizations at all levels of research and education, 
and people within and among (EPSCoR jurisdictions.
    EPSCoR RII Track-1 projects are required to submit annual reports 
on progress and plans, which are used as a basis for performance review 
and determining the level of continued funding. To support this review 
and the management of an EPSCoR RII Track-1 project, project teams are 
required to develop a set of performance indicators for building 
sustainable infrastructure and capacity in terms of a strategic plan 
for the project; measure performance and revise strategies as 
appropriate; report on the progress relative to the project's goals and 
milestones; and describe changes in strategies, if any, for submission 
annually to NSF. These indicators are both quantitative and descriptive 
and may include, for example, the characteristics of project personnel 
and students; aggregate demographics of participants; sources of 
financial support and in-kind support; expenditures by operational 
component; characteristics of industrial and/or other sector 
participation; research activities; workforce development activities; 
external engagement activities; patents and patent licenses; 
publications; degrees granted to students involved in project 
activities; and descriptions of significant advances and other outcomes 
of the EPSCoR RII Track-1 project's efforts. Part of this reporting 
takes the form of several spreadsheets to capture specific information 
to demonstrate progress towards achieving the goals of the program. 
Such reporting requirements are included in the cooperative agreement 
which is binding between the awardee institution and NSF.
    Each project's annual report addresses the following categories of 
activities: (1) Research, (2) education, (3) workforce development, (4) 
partnerships and collaborations, (5) communication and dissemination, 
(6) sustainability, (7) diversity, (8) management, and (9) evaluation 
and assessment.
    For each of the categories the report is required to describe 
overall objectives for the year; specific accomplishments, impacts, 
outputs and outcomes; problems or challenges the project has 
encountered in making progress towards goals; and anticipated problems 
in performance during the following year.
    Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue 
funding of the EPSCoR RII Track-1 projects, and to evaluate the 
progress of the program.
    Estimate of Burden: 100 hours per project for twenty-nine projects 
for a total of 2,900 hours.
    Respondents: Non-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One
    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; (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; and (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.

    Dated: October 28, 2013.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2013-25938 Filed 10-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P