[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8510-8511]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03049]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the 
following information collection requirement to OMB for review and 
clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This is the second 
notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal 
Register on April 9, 2013, at 78 FR 21160, and no comments were 
received. NSF is forwarding the proposed submission to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the 
publication of this second notice. The full submission (including 
comments) may be found at: http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
    Comments: Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of

[[Page 8511]]

the functions of the agency, including whether the information will 
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of 
burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information 
to be collected; (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 should 
be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, 
Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725--17th 
Street NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. 
Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 
Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230 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).

DATES: Comments regarding these information collections are best 
assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this 
notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 
703-292-7556.
    NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless 
the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control 
number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to 
the collection of information that such persons are not required to 
respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: 2013 Microbusiness Innovation Science and 
Technology Survey.
    OMB Number: 3145-NEW.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an 
information collection.

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.

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 Respondents: 3,200.
    Burden on the Public: 1,600 total hours (30 minutes per 
respondent).

    Dated: February 7, 2014.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2014-03049 Filed 2-11-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P