[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 91 (Monday, May 11, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27778-27779]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09995]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; 
Graduate Research Fellowships Program

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
renew 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 July 10, 
2020 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: Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
    OMB Number: 3145-0023.
    Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2020.
    Type of Request: Revision to and extension of approval of an 
information collection.
    Abstract: Section 10 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 
(42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), as amended, states that ``The Foundation is 
authorized to award, within the limits of funds made available . . . 
scholarships and graduate fellowships for scientific study or 
scientific work in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, 
social, and other sciences at accredited U.S. institutions selected by 
the recipient of such aid, for stated periods of time.''
    The Graduate Research Fellowship Program has two goals:
     To select, recognize, and financially support, early in 
their careers, individuals with the demonstrated potential to be high 
achieving scientists and engineers;
     To broaden participation in science and engineering of 
underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, persons with 
disabilities, and veterans.
    The list of GRFP Awardees recognized by the Foundation may be found 
via FastLane through the NSF website: https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/AwardeeList.do?method=loadAwardeeList. The GRF Program is 
described in the Solicitation available at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf19590&org=NSF.
    Estimate of Burden: This is an annual application program providing 
three years of support to individuals, usable over a five-year 
fellowship period. The application deadlines are in late October. It is 
estimated that each submission is averaged to be 16 hours

[[Page 27779]]

per respondent, which includes three references (on average) for each 
application. It is estimated that it takes two hours per reference for 
each applicant.
    The clearance request also includes two forms--the NSF-349, 
Fellowship Starting Certificate, and the NSF-453, the Fellowship 
Termination Certificate and Grant Fiscal Report. These are completed by 
program Fellows at the beginning and the end of their fellowship.
    Respondents: Individuals.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 15,000.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 225,000 hours.
    Frequency of Responses: Annually.
    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: May 6, 2020.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2020-09995 Filed 5-8-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7555-01-P