[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 22, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14754-14755]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05563]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renew 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(2)(A) of the Paperwork reduction Act of 
1955, 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 
with changes for no longer than three (3) years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by May 22, 2017 
to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will 
be considered to the extent practicable.
    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

[[Page 14755]]

respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, 
or other forms of information technology.

For Additional Information or Comments: The document will be available 
on the NSF's Office of Polar Programs' home page site and on the US 
Antarctic Programs Web page (https://www.usap.gov) for 60 days after 
the signature date of this notice. Comments submitted in writing or in 
electronic form will be made available for public inspection. Because 
your comments will not be edited to remove any identifying or contact 
information, NSF cautions you against including any personally 
identifying information in reference to this information collection, 
NSF Form 1700. Contact Suzanne Plimpton, the NSF Reports Clearance 
Officer, phone (703) 292-7556, or via 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: Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to 
the Polar Regions.
    OMB Number: 3145-0177.
    Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 2017.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew, with changes, an 
information collection for three years.

Abstract

    Proposed Project: Presidential Memorandum No. 6646 (February 5, 
1982) (available from the National Science Foundation, Office of Polar 
Programs, Suite 755, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230) sets 
forth the National Science Foundation's overall management 
responsibilities for the entire United States national program in 
Antarctica. Section 107(a) of Public Law 98-373 [July 31, 1984; amended 
as Public Law 101-609-November 16, 1990] [available from the National 
Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs, Suite 755, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230] designates the National Science 
Foundation as the lead agency responsible for implementing Arctic 
research policy, and the Director of the National Science Foundation 
shall ensure that the requirements of section 108 are fulfilled.
    NSF Form 1700, Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to the 
Polar Regions furnishes information to the NSF regarding the physical, 
dental, and mental health status for all individuals (except DoD-
uniformed service personnel) who anticipate deploying to Antarctica 
under the auspices of the United States Antarctic Program or to certain 
regions of the Arctic sponsored by the NSF/GEO/Office of Polar 
Programs. The information is used to determine whether an individual is 
physically and mentally suited to endure the extreme hardships imposed 
by the Arctic and Antarctic continents, while also performing specific 
duties as specified by their employers.
    Respondents: All non-DoD uniformed personnel planning to deploy to 
U.S. stations in the Antarctic or to specified regions of the Arctic 
that are sponsored by the National Science Foundation's Office of Polar 
Programs.
    The Number of Annual Respondents: 3,500 to the Antarctic and 150 to 
the Arctic.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 36,500 hours.
    Frequency of Responses: This form is submitted upon an individual's 
first deployment to Antarctica (below 60[deg] South) or to specified 
regions of the Arctic and annually thereafter for the duration of the 
individual's deployments.

    Dated: March 16, 2017.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2017-05563 Filed 3-21-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P