[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 90 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26778-26779]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-10685]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Comment Request: National Science Foundation Proposal/Award 
Information--NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Request for Comment Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request renewed clearance of this collection. The primary purpose of 
this revision is to implement 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative 
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards 
(Uniform Guidance). NSF has requested and received from the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) approval to implement the Uniform Guidance 
through NSF's longstanding practice of implementing these requirements 
via use of a policy rather than regulation. In conjunction with the 
terms and conditions of the award, the Proposal and Award Policies and 
Procedures Guide (PAPPG), and its predecessors, have served as NSF's 
implementation vehicle for OMB Circular A-110 since its initial 
issuance in 1976. The draft NSF PAPPG is now available for your review 
and consideration on the NSF Web site at http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/.
    To facilitate review, text has been highlighted in yellow 
throughout the document that implements the Uniform Guidance. Inclusion 
of this highlighting appears in the following cases:
     Use of specific references to the Uniform Guidance;
     Direct replication of text from the Uniform Guidance; and
     NSF's implementation of requirements from the Uniform 
Guidance that are imposed on agencies.
    NSF is formally requesting deviations from OMB from the Uniform 
Guidance in only two areas:
     Limitation to two months salary compensation for faculty; 
and
     Alternative to the Federal Financial Report. Also 
highlighted throughout are policy changes that are being made 
independent of the Foundation's implementation of the Uniform Guidance. 
These changes are highlighted in blue.
    In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for 
public comment on the PAPPG. NSF is particularly interested in public 
comment on NSF's implementation of 2 CFR part 200, as well as the 
policy changes that are identified in the PAPPG. Comments regarding the 
content of 2 CFR part 200 should not be submitted, as the Uniform 
Guidance was formally issued by OMB as final guidance on December 26, 
2013 (see http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-12-26/pdf/2013-30465.pdf). After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will 
prepare the submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for 
no longer than 3 years.
    In addition to the type of comments identified above, comments also 
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 respondents, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by July 8, 2014 to be 
assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be 
considered to the extent practicable.

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]. The draft NSF Proposal and 
Award Policies and Procedures Guide may be found at: http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (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 of Collection: ``National Science Foundation Proposal/Award 
Information--NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide''.
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0058.
    Expiration Date of Approval: July 31, 2015.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend with revision an 
information collection for three years.
    Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (Pub. 
L. 81-507) sets forth NSF's mission and purpose:

To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, 
prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense. . . .

    The Act authorized and directed NSF to initiate and support:
     Basic scientific research and research fundamental to the 
engineering process;
     Programs to strengthen scientific and engineering research 
potential;
     Science and engineering education programs at all levels 
and in all the various fields of science and engineering;
     Programs that provide a source of information for policy 
formulation; and
     Other activities to promote these ends.
    NSF's core purpose resonates clearly in everything it does: 
Promoting achievement and progress in science and engineering and 
enhancing the potential for research and education to

[[Page 26779]]

contribute to the Nation. While NSF's vision of the future and the 
mechanisms it uses to carry out its charges have evolved significantly 
over the last six decades, its ultimate mission remains the same.
    Use of the Information: The regular submission of proposals to the 
Foundation is part of the collection of information and is used to help 
NSF fulfill this responsibility by initiating and supporting merit-
selected research and education projects in all the scientific and 
engineering disciplines. NSF receives more than 50,000 proposals 
annually for new projects, and makes approximately 11,000 new awards.
    Support is made primarily through grants, contracts, and other 
agreements awarded to approximately 2,000 colleges, universities, 
academic consortia, nonprofit institutions, and small businesses. The 
awards are based mainly on merit evaluations of proposals submitted to 
the Foundation.
    The Foundation has a continuing commitment to monitor the 
operations of its information collection to identify and address 
excessive reporting burdens as well as to identify any real or apparent 
inequities based on gender, race, ethnicity, or disability of the 
proposed principal investigator(s)/project director(s) or the co-
principal investigator(s)/co-project director(s).
    Burden on the Public: The Foundation estimates that an average of 
120 hours is expended for each proposal submitted. An estimated 50,000 
proposals are expected during the course of one year for a total of 
6,000,000 public burden hours annually.

    Dated: May 6, 2014.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2014-10685 Filed 5-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P