[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 97 (Friday, May 18, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 23301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10623]



[[Page 23301]]

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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 establishment and clearance of this collection. In accordance 
with the requirements 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 one year.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by July 17, 
2018 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.
    For Additional Information, Contact: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports 
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, 
Room W 18000, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; 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).
    Instructions: Please submit one copy of your comments by only one 
method. All submissions received must include the agency name and 
collection name identified above for this information collection. 
Commenters are strongly encouraged to transmit their comments 
electronically via email. Comments, including any personal information 
provided become a matter of public record. They will be summarized and/
or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval 
of the information collection request.

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; (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: Evaluation of the Centers for Chemical 
Innovation (CCI) Program Surveys and Interviews.
    OMB Number: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

Abstract

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks to conduct new data 
collection activities, consisting of deploying two surveys and four 
interview protocols, that will provide critical evidence needed for the 
Evaluation of the Chemical Centers for Innovation.
    The National Science Foundation established the Centers for 
Chemical Innovation (CCI) Program (formerly known as Chemical Bonding 
Centers) in 2004 to support research centers focused on major, long-
term fundamental chemical research challenges. The goals that NSF set 
forth for the CCI Program include that Centers will (a) produce 
transformative research, leading to innovation, and attract broad 
scientific and public interest; (b) be agile structures that can 
respond rapidly to emerging opportunities through enhanced 
collaborations; and (c) integrate research, innovation, education, 
broaden participation, and informal science communication.
    The NSF Division of Chemistry has undertaken a comprehensive 
assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the Centers for Chemical 
Innovation (CCI) program--with specific focus on its investment in 
Phase 2 Centers--in achieving its stated goals. As this is the first 
assessment of the CCI program, new data collection is necessary to 
provide critical evidence to assess the CCI Program's progress in 
achieving its goals, to communicate the outcomes of the program, and to 
inform improvements in CCI Program and Center-level design and 
operation. Across the NSF, the evaluation will also inform planning 
decisions about the center concept and funding mechanisms. 
Additionally, the evaluation findings will be used to communicate the 
outcomes of the CCI program to the wider chemistry community.
    The new data collection consists of the following four new data 
collection activities:
    1. CCI Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I) 
Survey. Administration of a survey to CCI PIs and Co-Investigators is 
necessary to understand the role of the Center in research, 
collaboration, and broader impacts; to assess grantee satisfaction with 
the center structure, management, and a two-phase funding model; to 
document outcomes; and to describe the challenges encountered. The 
survey was previously tested under a Fast Track clearance, OMB Control 
#3145-0215.
    2. CCI Phase 2 Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-
I) Interview. Interviews with CCI Phase 2 PIs and a sample of Co-
Investigators are necessary to further explore the data that emerge 
from the survey of CCI Phase 2 Center PIs and Co-Investigators.
    3. CCI Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Researcher Survey. 
Administration of a survey to CCI graduate students and postdoctoral 
researchers are needed to understand the role of CCI in education, 
training, and career development. The survey was previously tested 
under a Fast Track clearance, OMB Control #3145-0215.
    4. CCI Center Industry Partners Interview. Interviews with CCI 
Center industry partners are necessary to explore innovation-related 
knowledge exchange with Centers, other benefits of partnership, as well 
as perspectives on CCI contributions to chemistry and society.

Estimate of Burden

    The CCI Principal Investigators (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I) 
Survey is expected to approximately 20 minutes each to complete. The 
CCI Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Researcher Survey is expected to 
approximately 15 minutes each to complete.
    Interviews with CCI Phase 2 Center PIs and Co-Investigators will 
take approximately 45 minutes each. Interviews with CCI Center Industry 
Partners will take approximately 20 minutes each.
    Fewer than 25 CCI Phase 2 Center PIs and Co-Investigators will 
receive requests to complete both a survey and an interview.
    Respondents: Individuals.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 472 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 472 hours.
    Frequency of Responses: Single data collection.


    Dated: May 15, 2018.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2018-10623 Filed 5-17-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P