[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 97 (Thursday, May 19, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 31668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11787]



[[Page 31668]]

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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Establish 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(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (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 for no longer than three years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by July 18, 
2016 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.
    For Additional Information or Comments: Ms. Suzanne H. Plimpton, 
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (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: Grantee Reporting Requirements for Materials 
Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs).
    OMB Number: 3145-0230.
    Expiration Date of Approval: December 31, 2016.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information 
collection.

Overview of This Information Collection

    The Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) 
Program supports innovation in interdisciplinary research, education, 
and knowledge transfer. MRSECs build intellectual and physical 
infrastructure within and between disciplines, weaving together 
knowledge creation, knowledge integration, and knowledge transfer. 
MRSECs conduct world-class research through partnerships of academic 
institutions, national laboratories, industrial organizations, and/or 
other public/private entities. New knowledge thus created is 
meaningfully linked to society.
    MRSECs enable and foster excellent education, integrate research 
and education, and create bonds between learning and inquiry so that 
discovery and creativity more fully support the learning process. 
MRSECs capitalize on diversity through participation in center 
activities and demonstrate leadership in the involvement of groups 
underrepresented in science and engineering.
    MRSECs are required to submit annual reports on progress and plans, 
which are used as a basis for performance review and determining the 
level of continued funding. To support this review and the management 
of a Center, MRSECs will be required to develop a set of management and 
performance indicators for submission annually to NSF via the Research 
Performance Project Reporting module in Research.gov and an external 
technical assistance contractor that collects programmatic data 
electronically. These indicators are both quantitative and descriptive 
and may include, for example, the characteristics of center personnel 
and students; sources of financial support and in-kind support; 
expenditures by operational component; characteristics of industrial 
and/or other sector participation; research activities; education 
activities; knowledge transfer activities; patents, licenses; 
publications; degrees granted to students involved in Center 
activities; descriptions of significant advances and other outcomes of 
the MRSEC effort. Such reporting requirements are included in the 
cooperative agreement that is binding between the academic institution 
and NSF.
    Each Center's annual report will address the following categories 
of activities: (1) Research, (2) education, (3) knowledge transfer, (4) 
partnerships, (5) shared experimental facilities, (6) diversity, (7) 
management, and (8) budget issues.
    For each of the categories the report will describe overall 
objectives for the year, problems the Center has encountered in making 
progress towards goals, anticipated problems in the following year, and 
specific outputs and outcomes.
    MRSECs are required to file a final report through the RPPR and 
external technical assistance contractor. Final reports contain similar 
information and metrics as annual reports, effectively they constitute 
the last annual report; the Program Officer maintains a cumulative 
database with all relevant achievements and metrics.
    Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue 
funding of the Centers, and to evaluate the progress of the program.
    Estimate of Burden: 80 hours per center for 21 centers for a total 
of 1,680 hours.
    Respondents: Non-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One from each of the 21 
MRSECs.
    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.

    Dated: May 16, 2016.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2016-11787 Filed 5-18-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P