[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 204 (Thursday, October 22, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64024-64025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26822]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Comment Request: Biological Sciences Proposal Classification Form

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
renew clearance of this 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 action. After 
obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the 
submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer 
than 3 years.
    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 respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by December 21, 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. 1265, 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: ``Biological Sciences Proposal Classification 
Form''
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0203.
    Expiration Date of Approval: December 31, 2015.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information 
collection for three years.
    Proposed Project: Five organizational units within the Directorate 
of Biological Sciences of the National Science Foundation will use the 
Biological Sciences Proposal Classification Form. They are the Division 
of Biological Infrastructure (DBI), the Division of Environmental 
Biology (DEB), the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences 
(MCB), the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems IOS) and Emerging 
Frontiers (EF). All scientists submitting proposals to these units will 
be asked to complete an electronic version of the Proposal 
Classification Form. The form consists of brief questions about the 
substance of the research and the investigator's previous federal 
support. Each division will have a slightly different version of the 
form. In this way, submitters will only confront response choices that 
are relevant to their discipline.
    Use of the Information: The information gathered with the 
Biological Sciences Proposal Classification Form serves two main 
purposes. The first is facilitation of the proposal review

[[Page 64025]]

process. Since peer review is a key component of NSF's grant-making 
process, it is imperative that proposals are reviewed by scientists 
with appropriate expertise. The information collected with the Proposal 
Classification Form helps ensure that the proposals are evaluated by 
specialists who are well versed in appropriate subject matter. This 
helps maintain a fair and equitable review process.
    The second use of the information is program evaluation. The 
Directorate is committed to investing in a range of substantive areas. 
With data from this collection, the Directorate can calculate 
submission rates and funding rates in specific areas of research. 
Similarly, the information can be used to identify emerging areas of 
research, evaluate changing infrastructure needs in the research 
community, and track the amount of international research. As the 
National Science Foundation is committed to funding cutting-edge 
science, these factors all have implications for program management.
    The Directorate of Biological Sciences has a continuing commitment 
to monitor its information collection in order to preserve its 
applicability and necessity. Through periodic updates and revisions, 
the Directorate ensures that only useful, non-redundant information is 
collected. These efforts will reduce excessive reporting burdens
    Burden on the Public: The Directorate estimates that an average of 
five minutes is expended for each proposal submitted. An estimated 
6,500 responses are expected during the course of one year for a total 
of 542 public burden hours annually.
    Expected Respondents: Individuals.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 6,500.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,500.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 542 hours.
    Frequency of Responses: On occasion.

    Dated: October 19, 2015.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2015-26822 Filed 10-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P