[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 58 (Thursday, March 26, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16030-16031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06910]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request reinstatement and approval of this data collection. 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 this information collection.
    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

[[Page 16031]]

respondents, including through the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by May 26, 2015 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].

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: Survey of Science and Engineering Research 
Facilities.
    OMB Control Number: 3145-0101.
    Expiration Date of Approval: October 31, 2014.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate an 
information collection for three years.

Proposed Project

    Abstract: The National Science Foundation Survey of Science and 
Engineering Research Facilities is a Congressionally mandated (Pub. L. 
99-159; NSF Act of 1950, as amended; America COMPETES Reauthorization 
Act of 2010), biennial survey that has been conducted since 1986. As 
required by law, the survey collects data on the amount, condition, 
costs of, and universities need for, the physical facilities used to 
conduct research in individual science and engineering fields. It was 
expected by Congress that this survey would provide the data necessary 
to describe the status and needs of science and engineering research 
facilities and to formulate appropriate solutions to documented needs. 
Data on computing and networking capacity, often termed 
``cyberinfrastructure'' were collected from 2003 to 2013. These 
questions will be eliminated from future questionnaires based on a 
review by NCSES that indicated the data did not provide clear and 
useful metrics for measuring cyberinfrastructure.
    Use of the Information: Analysis of the Facilities Survey data 
provide updated information on the status of scientific and engineering 
research facilities and capabilities. The information is used by 
Federal policy makers, planners, and budget analysts in making policy 
decisions, as well as by institutional academic officials, the 
scientific/engineering establishment, and state agencies and 
legislatures that fund universities.
    Expected Respondents: The Facilities Survey is a census of academic 
institutions that performed at least $1 million in separately budgeted 
science and engineering research and development in the previous fiscal 
year.
    In the most recent FY 2013 Facilities Survey, a census of 588 
academic institutions was conducted. The sampling frame for the survey 
was the FY 2012 Higher Education Research and Development Survey 
conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering 
Statistics. Data are collected through a Web-based interface, although 
institutions have the option of printing and completing a PDF that can 
be sent by mail.
    Estimate of Burden: The Facilities Survey will be sent to 
approximately 600 academic institutions for the FY 2015 and FY 2017 
data collection cycles. The completion time per academic institution is 
expected to average 19 hours based on completion time estimates 
provided by all survey participants in the FY 2013 survey. This would 
result in an estimated burden of 11,210 hours per cycle.

    Dated: March 23, 2015.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2015-06910 Filed 3-25-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P