[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 178 (Monday, September 14, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56641-56642]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20227]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request;


Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to the Polar Regions

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the 
following information collection requirement to OMB for review and 
clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This is the second 
notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal 
Register, and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed 
submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance 
simultaneously with the publication of this second notice.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of 
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAmain. Find this particular 
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance 
Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, 
Alexandria, VA 22314, 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).
    Copies of the submission may be obtained by calling 703-292-7556.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection 
of information unless the collection of information displays a 
currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential 
persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such 
persons are not required to respond to the collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
    Title of Collection: Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to 
the Polar Regions.
    OMB Number: 3145-0177.
    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.
    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.
    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

[[Page 56642]]

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: September 9, 2020.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2020-20227 Filed 9-11-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P