[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 243 (Monday, December 19, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 91960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30448]



[[Page 91960]]

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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 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 
that OMB approve clearance of this collection for no longer than three 
years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by February 17, 
2017 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact 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 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. You also may obtain a copy 
of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    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.
    Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting Requirements for National 
User Facilities managed by the NSF Division of Materials Research.
    OMB Number: 3145-0234.
    Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2017.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information 
collection.
    Overview of this Information Collection:
    The NSF Division of Materials Research (DMR) supports a number of 
National User Facilities that provide specialized capabilities and 
instrumentation to the scientific community on a competitive proposal 
basis. In addition to the user program, these facilities support in-
house research, development of new instrumentation or techniques, 
education, and knowledge transfer.
    The facilities integrate research and education for students and 
post-docs involved in experiments, and support extensive K-12 outreach 
to foster an interest in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics 
(STEM) and STEM careers. Facilities capitalize on diversity through 
participation in center activities and demonstrate leadership in the 
involvement of groups underrepresented in science and engineering.
    National User Facilities will be required to submit annual reports 
on progress and plans, which will be used as a basis for performance 
review and determining the level of continued funding. User facilities 
will be required to develop a set of management and performance 
indicators for submission annually to NSF via the Research Performance 
Project Reporting (RPPR) module in Research.gov. These indicators are 
both quantitative and descriptive and may include, for example, lists 
of successful proposal and users, the characteristics of facility 
personnel and students; sources of financial support and in-kind 
support; expenditures by operational component; research activities; 
education activities; knowledge transfer activities; patents, licenses; 
publications; degrees granted to students supported through the 
facility or users of the facility; descriptions of significant advances 
and other outcomes of this investment. Such reporting requirements are 
included in the cooperative agreement which is binding between the 
academic institution and the NSF.
    Each facility's annual report will address the following categories 
of activities: (1) Research, (2) education and training, (3) knowledge 
transfer, (4) partnerships, (5) diversity, (6) management, and (7) 
budget issues.
    For each of the categories the report will describe overall 
objectives and metrics for the reporting period, challenges or problems 
the facility has encountered in making progress towards goals, 
anticipated problems in the following year, and specific outputs and 
outcomes.
    Facilities are required to file a final report through the RPPR. 
Final reports contain similar information and metrics as annual 
reports, but are retrospective and focus on the period that was not 
addressed in previous annual reports.
    Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue 
funding of the DMR National User Facilities, and to evaluate the 
progress of the program.
    Estimate of Burden: 200 hours per facility for three National User 
Facilities for a total of 600 hours.
    Respondents: Non-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One (1) from each of the 
DMR user facilities.

    Dated: December 14, 2016.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2016-30448 Filed 12-16-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P