[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 220 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68479-68480]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27257]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renew 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 clearance of this collection. In accordance with the 
requirement of Section 3506(2)(A) of the Paperwork reduction Act of 
1955 (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 with changes for no longer than three (3) years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by January 13, 
2014 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.
    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.
    For Additional Information or Comments: The document will be 
available on the NSF's Division of Polar Programs' home page site for 
60 days after the signature date of this notice. Comments submitted in 
writing or in electronic form will be made available for public 
inspection. Because your comments will not be edited to remove any 
identifying or contact information, NSF cautions you against including 
any personally identifying information in reference to this information 
collection, NSF Form 1700. Contact Suzanne Plimpton, the NSF Reports 
Clearance Officer, phone (703) 292-7556, or via 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 of Collection: Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to 
Antarctica.
    OMB Number: 3145-0177.
    Expiration Date of Approval: April 30, 2014.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew with changes an 
information collection for three years.

Abstract

    Proposed Project: Presidential Memorandum No. 6646 (February 5, 
1982) (available from the National Science Foundation, Division of 
Polar Programs, Suite 755, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230) 
sets forth the National Science Foundation's overall management 
responsibilities for the entire United States national program in 
Antarctica. Section 107(a) of Public Law 98-373 [July 31, 1984; amended 
as Public Law 101-609--November 16, 1990] [available from the National 
Science Foundation, Division of Polar Programs, Suite 755, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230] designates the National Science 
Foundation as the lead agency responsible for implementing Arctic 
research policy, and the Director of the National Science Foundation 
shall ensure that the requirements of section 108 are fulfilled.
    NSF Form 1700, Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to the 
Polar Regions (Note: This form replaces NSF Forms 1421, 1422, 1423, 
1424, 1425, 1427, 1428, 1429 and the title removes

[[Page 68480]]

``Antarctica'' and inserts ``the Polar Regions'') furnishes information 
to the NSF regarding the physical, dental, and mental status for all 
individuals (except uniformed service personnel) who anticipate 
deploying to Antarctica under the auspices of the United States 
Antarctic Program or to certain regions of the Arctic sponsored by the 
NSF/GEO/Division of Polar Programs. The information is used to 
determine whether an individual is physically and mentally suited to 
endure the extreme hardships imposed by the Arctic and Antarctic 
continents, while also performing specific duties as specified by their 
employers.
    Respondents: All non-uniformed personnel planning to deploy to U.S. 
stations in the Antarctic or to specified regions of the Arctic that 
are sponsored by the National Science Foundation's Division of Polar 
Programs.
    The number of annual respondents: 3,200 to the Antarctic and 100 to 
the Arctic.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 33,000 hours.
    Frequency of Responses: This form is submitted upon an individual's 
first deployment to Antarctica (below 60[deg] South) or to specified 
regions of the Arctic and annually thereafter for the duration of the 
individual's deployments.

    Dated: November 8, 2013.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2013-27257 Filed 11-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P