[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 234 (Thursday, December 7, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 85328-85329]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26888]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Office 
of Polar Programs Arctic Sciences Section

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
establish this collection. In accordance with the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing the opportunity for 
public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public 
comment, NSF

[[Page 85329]]

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 February 5, 
2024 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to the 
address below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance 
Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 
E7400, 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: IARPC Principles for Conducting Research in 
the Arctic Evaluation Survey.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-New.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Abstract: The Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC) 
was established by the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (ARPA) to 
facilitate coordination and cooperation in Arctic research. Now a 
subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), 
IARPC plays a critical role in enhancing scientific monitoring and 
advancing Arctic research through the coordination of Federal agencies 
as well as domestic and international collaborators. In 2018, IARPC 
released the revised Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic 
OPP Principles for the Conduct of Research in the Arctic [bond] NSF--
National Science Foundation (https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/arctic/conduct.jsp) to guide research activities throughout the Arctic. In 
2023, the IARPC's Participatory Research and Indigenous Leadership in 
Research Collaboration Team (one of five foundational activities in the 
Arctic Research Plan--IARPC Collaborations) (https://www.iarpccollaborations.org/plan/index.html) reframed these principles 
as SHARE:

 Sustain and build relationships
 Humble accountability
 Advance responsible environmental stewardship
 Effective communication
    These Principles are directed at academic and federal researchers 
funded by IARPC agencies but are equally relevant to other individuals 
and organizations pursuing or funding research in the Arctic. They are 
guidelines for conducting responsible and ethical research and they 
encourage respect for all individuals, cultures, and the environment. 
The Principles are not intended to supplant existing regulations and 
guidelines; researchers should follow federal, state, and local 
regulations, policies and guidelines. Research involving human subjects 
must adhere to specific requirements. Projects on Indigenous homelands 
or involving Indigenous Peoples should be coordinated with Indigenous 
leadership and should follow all applicable regulations and local 
research guidelines.
    The rapid changes occurring in the Arctic are complex, dynamic, and 
interconnected. Climate change and other environmental changes are 
profoundly impacting Arctic communities and have global consequences. 
As a result, emerging research questions are multidisciplinary and are 
best addressed by multiple Federal agencies working closely with non-
Federal partners. Through a targeted approach to cross-cutting priority 
areas, the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee's (IARPC) 
Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026 addresses the most pressing Arctic 
research needs that require a collaborative approach and can advance 
understanding of the Arctic and climate change, inform policy and 
planning decisions, and promote the well-being of Arctic and global 
communities. The plan's priority areas respond to challenges identified 
by Arctic communities, Federal agencies with a presence in Alaska or a 
responsibility to understand the Arctic region, Federal agencies with 
Arctic investments, the state of Alaska, Tribal and Indigenous 
organizations, and other non-Federal entities.
    Every five years, IARPC is required by law (ARPA) ``to prepare and 
execute an Arctic Research Plan in coordination with the U.S. Arctic 
Research Commission, the Governor of the State of Alaska, residents of 
the Arctic, the private sector, and public interest groups.'' The 
Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026 is the third plan since IARPC became a 
subcommittee of the NSTC and builds from the successes and communities 
of practice established by previous plans. It seeks to integrate these 
communities and create cross-cutting foci which require a focused 
research effort.
    The IARPC PILR Collaboration work focuses on three objectives 
including PILR 1 to fulfill Federal requirement to consult with 
Federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations. The IARPC 
Principles survey stems from PILR Deliverable 1.2 to Evaluate the 
Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic 2018, and update as 
needed based on the evaluation. This survey will enable an evaluation 
of understanding and implementation of the SHARE Principles among three 
primary groups, Arctic Indigenous and local community members and 
leadership, the scientific research community, and federal agency 
personnel.
    Respondents: Arctic Indigenous and local community members and 
leadership (100); scientific research community (100), and federal 
agency personnel (100).
    Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 300.
    Burden on the Public: Estimated 20 minutes to fill out the form. 
The estimated burden time is 102 hours.

    Dated: December 4, 2023.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2023-26888 Filed 12-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P