[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 23 (Monday, February 4, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1519-1520]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-00834]


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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 
renew 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 OMB 
clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

DATES: Written comments should be received by April 5, 2019 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

[[Page 1520]]

Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, 
Suite 18000W, Alexandria, VA 22314, 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: 
    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 respondents, 
including through the use of automated collection techniques or other 
forms of information technology.
    Title of Collection: ``Biological Sciences Proposal Classification 
Form.''
    OMB Approval Number: 3145-0203.
    Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2019.
    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 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: January 30, 2019.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2019-00834 Filed 2-1-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P