[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 105 (Monday, June 1, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33203-33204]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-11658]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; 
Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to the Polar Regions

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 31, 
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: Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to 
the Polar Regions.
    OMB Number: 3145-0177.
    Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2020.
    Type of Request: Revision to and extension of approval of an 
information collection.
    Proposed Project: Presidential Memorandum No. 6646 (February 5, 
1982) (available from the National Science Foundation, Office of Polar 
Programs, Suite 755, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230) sets 
forth the National Science Foundation's overall management 
responsibilities for the entire United States national program in 
Antarctica. Section 107(a) of Public law 98-373 [July 31, 1984; amended 
as Public Law 101-609-November 16, 1990] [available from the National 
Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs, Suite 755, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230] designates the National Science 
Foundation as the lead agency responsible for implementing Arctic 
research policy, and the Director of the National Science Foundation 
shall ensure that the requirements of section 108 are fulfilled.
    NSF Form 1700, Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to the 
Polar Regions furnishes information to the NSF regarding the physical, 
dental, and mental health status for all individuals (except DoD-
uniformed service personnel) who anticipate deploying to Antarctica 
under the auspices of the United States Antarctic Program or to certain 
regions of the Arctic sponsored by the NSF/GEO/Office of Polar 
Programs. The information is used to determine whether an individual is 
physically and mentally suited to endure the extreme hardships imposed 
by the Arctic and Antarctic continents, while also performing specific 
duties as specified by their employers.

[[Page 33204]]

    Respondents: All non-DoD uniformed personnel planning to deploy to 
U.S. stations in the Antarctic or to specified regions of the Arctic 
that are sponsored by the National Science Foundation's Office of Polar 
Programs.
    The number of annual respondents: 3,500 to the Antarctic and 150 to 
the Arctic
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 36,500 hours.
    Frequency of Responses: This form is submitted upon an individual's 
first deployment to Antarctica (below 60[deg] South) or to specified 
regions of the Arctic and annually thereafter for the duration of the 
individual's deployments.

    Dated: May 26, 2020.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2020-11658 Filed 5-29-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P