[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 52 (Monday, March 18, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Page 9840]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04976]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Survey 
of Science and Engineering Research Facilities

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
reinstate 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 Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) clearance of this collection for no longer 
than 3 years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by May 17, 2019 
to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be 
considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance 
Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 
W18200, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; 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: Survey of Science and Engineering Research 
Facilities.
    OMB Control Number: 3145-0101.
    Expiration Date of Current Approval: August 31, 2018.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate an 
information collection for three years.
    Abstract: Established within NSF by the America COMPETES 
Reauthorization Act of 2010 Sec.  505, codified in the NSF Act of 1950, 
as amended, NCSES--one of 13 principal federal statistical agencies--
serves as a central Federal clearinghouse for the collection, 
interpretation, analysis, and dissemination of objective data on 
science, engineering, technology, and research and development for use 
by practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and the public.
    The Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities is a 
Congressionally mandated (Pub. L. 99-159), biennial survey that has 
been conducted since 1986. The survey collects data on the amount, 
condition, and costs of the physical facilities used to conduct science 
and engineering research. It was expected by Congress that this survey 
would provide the data necessary to describe the status and needs of 
science and engineering research facilities and to formulate 
appropriate solutions to documented needs. During the FY 2015 and FY 
2017 survey cycles, data were collected from a population of 
approximately 575 research-performing colleges. Data are collected 
through a Web-based interface, although institutions have the option of 
printing and completing a PDF that can be sent by mail.
    Use of the Information: The proposed project will continue the 
biennial survey for two cycles: FY 2019 and FY 2021. The Survey of 
Science and Engineering Research Facilities will provide continuity of 
statistics on the status of scientific and engineering research 
facilities and capabilities. Statistics on the square footage of R&D 
space available, the condition of R&D space, and the costs for new 
construction, repairs, and renovation of R&D space at higher education 
institutions by S&E field are produced from the survey. The sources of 
funding for new construction and repair and renovation projects are 
also published. The information can be used by Federal policy makers, 
planners, and budget analysts in making policy decisions, as well as by 
institutional academic officials, the scientific/engineering 
establishment, and state agencies and legislatures that fund 
universities.
    Data are published in NCSES's biennial publication series Survey of 
Science and Engineering Research Facilities, available on the web at 
http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/srvyfacilities/.
    Expected Respondents: The Facilities Survey is a census of 
institutions that performed at least $1 million in separately accounted 
for science and engineering research and development in the previous 
fiscal year.
    In the most recent FY 2017 Facilities Survey, a census of 575 
academic institutions was conducted. The sampling frame used for the 
survey was the FY 2016 Higher Education Research and Development Survey 
conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering 
Statistics.
    Estimate of Burden: The Facilities Survey will be sent to 
approximately 600 academic institutions for the FY 2019 and FY 2021 
data collection cycles. Response to this voluntary survey is typically 
97 percent each cycle. The average burden estimate is 19 hours per 
academic institution based on completion time estimates provided by all 
survey participants in the FY 2013 survey. This would result in an 
estimated burden of 11,400 hours per cycle.
    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: March 13, 2019.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2019-04976 Filed 3-15-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P