[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 72 (Friday, April 12, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25904-25905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-07808]


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

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


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

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request.

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

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the 
following information collection requirement to OMB for review and 
clearance under the Paperwork

[[Page 25905]]

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.
    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; (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.
    Title of Collection: Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to 
the Polar Regions.
    OMB Number: 3145-0177.
    Expiration Date of Approval: October 31, 2023.
    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, Office 7100, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314) 
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, Office 7100, 2415 
Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314] 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, 
mental, and dental 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.
    Forms 1428-A is for any individual who is determined to be not 
physically qualified for Polar deployment to request an administrative 
waiver of the medical screening criteria. This information includes 
signing a Request for Waiver that is notarized or otherwise legally 
acceptable in accordance with penalty of perjury statutes, and 
obtaining and Employer Statement of Support (NSF Form 1429-A). 
Individuals on a case-by-case basis also may be required to submit 
additional medical documentation and a letter from the individual's 
physician(s) regarding the individual's medical suitability for Polar 
deployment.
    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: 3,700.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 37,000 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: April 9, 2024.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer,National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2024-07808 Filed 4-11-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P