[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