[Federal Register: September 24, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 185)] [Notices] [Page 51804-51805] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr24se99-119] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Notice of Intent to Seek Approval to Extend without Revision an Expired Information Collection AGENCY: National Science Foundation. ACTION: Notice and Request for Comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request reinstatement of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years. DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by November 23, 1999, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone (703) 306- 1125 x 20/17; or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. You also may obtain a copy of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection An Evaluation of Awards Made under the NSF Design and Manufacturing Research Programs. OMB Approval Number: 3145-0167. Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable. Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate without revision an information collection for three years. Abstract: An Evaluation of the Outcomes and Impacts of awards made in the Division of Design, Manufacture, and Industrial Innovation (DMII) in FYs 1989-90. The ability of the National Science Foundation to continue a high level of support for university-based research is becoming increasingly dependent on the ability of NSF and its research partners to explain the impact of funded research on the lives of the U.S. citizens who provide those funds. The Foundation has no systematic evidence regarding the frequency of such events among awards made in 1989 and 1990, some of which were from unsolicited proposals and others were from proposals in three special initiative areas: Strategic Manufacturing, Technology Management, and Industrial Internships. Furthermore, nothing is known about the process by which any outcomes may have occurred. A pilot study of DMII research program awards from 1986 using the same instruments was conducted several years ago. To assist DMII in reporting accurately about the results from more recent awards, especially those made in three initiatives areas--Technology Management, Strategic Manufacturing, and Industrial Internships--and managing its present research programs, the Division woud like to reinstate without change data collection 3145-0167. Some 250 Principal Investigators(PIs) and co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs) who were recipients of DMII research program awards in FY 1989-90 will be asked to provide via e-mail: (1) A brief one-page narrative regarding the outcomes and impacts of the project; (2) Citations to 3 to 5 key journal articles, books or patents that resulted from the project, or in which the project played an important role; (3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of between 3 and 5 other individuals who are familiar with the work carried out under the project, and who could provide additional insights as to its outcomes and impacts; and With regard to the narrative materials, the following information will be requested: (A) Complete project title. (B) Key project participants and their institutional affiliations. (C) Time frame during which project was conducted. (D) Principal outputs or results of the project. (E) Longer term outcomes and follow-on impacts of the project. (F) The researcher's best assessment of the impact of this NSF- funded research on the current (1999) state of design and manufacturing technology relevant to the award, including any known commercial implementations. (G) Any other observations that the researcher wishes to make (e.g., regarding the promotion of a significant discovery, creation of a significant research capability, promotion of new knowledge flowing to society). The narratives, citations, and names of others knowledgeable about the project may be submitted using the Internet or regular mail. Technical experts will review and assess the narratives submitted by the awardees, then select a total of examples of awards with outstanding results and awards with limited results. A total of 30 brief case studies will be prepared by the contractor--15 about awards with outstanding results and 15 about awards with limited results--in order to understand better what occurred and factors contributing to or limiting impacts. DMII has contracted with Abt Associates, Inc. of Cambridge, Massachusetts, to conduct the study and prepare reports following the methodology they used in the pilot project. Use of Information: The information collected will be used to assist DMII in the evaluation of these programs, and in considering various programs priorities [[Page 51805]] and selection procedures for future projects in this area. NSF also will use the results to satisfy requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). Confidentiality: No sensitive information is being requested in the collection. Estimate of Burden: The Foundation estimates that, on average, two hours will be required to prepare the narratives, or a total of 500 hours for all 250 PIs and co-PIs. In addition, it anticipates 4 hours of interviews of an average of four people for each of 30 case studies, or 120 hours. Thus, total burden is estimated at 620 hours. Respondents: Individuals. Estimated Number of Responses: 370. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 620 hours. Frequency of Responses: Once. 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: September 20, 1999. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 99-24892 Filed 9-23-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555-01-M