[Federal Register: April 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 77)]
[Notices]               
[Page 19831-19832]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22ap99-109]

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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

 
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Extend and Revise a Current 
Information Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request renewal of this data collection with the addition of a Follow-
Up Survey administered to eligible institutions from the main study 
sample, as requested by OMB. In accordance with the requirement of 
Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are 
providing opportunity for public comment on this information 
collection.

SEND COMMENTS TO: Ms. Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, 
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 245, 
Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Written 
comments should be received within 60 days of the date of this notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 306-1125 
x2017. Or send an email to splimpto@nsf.gov. You may also obtain a copy 
of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.
    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.
    Title of Collection: 2000 Survey of Scientific and Engineering 
Research Facilities at Colleges and Universities.
    OMB Control Number: 3145-0101.
    Proposed Renewal Project: The current National Science Foundation 
Survey of Scientific and Engineering Research Facilities at 
Universities and Colleges has been in use for two years. Data were 
collected from a sample of 365 institutions to examine the status and 
need for science and engineering research facilities at universities 
and colleges as directed by Public Law 99-159, and from a sample of 100 
nonprofit research organizations and hospitals. It was expected by 
Congress that this survey would provide data necessary to formulate 
appropriate solutions to documented needs, as well as provide trend 
data necessary to evaluate outcomes of approaches that might be 
implemented. The proposed Follow-Up survey will collect additional 
information to supplement the original survey data, increasing its 
usefulness to Federal agencies, policymakers and higher education 
administrators. Total project construction costs which exceed $25 
million per project will be reported and particular space designation 
measurements (e.g., net assignable square feet) of the building will be 
identified. Additional questions

[[Page 19832]]

regarding special features or conditions which might contribute to 
prices beyond standard expectations are also included in the survey.
    Use of the Information: Analysis of the Facilities survey data will 
provide updated information on the status of scientific and engineering 
research facilities. The survey will provide comparable data from which 
trends can be observed. The information can be used by Federal policy 
makers, planners, and budget analysts in making policy decisions, as 
well as by academic officials, the scientific/engineering 
establishment, and state agencies that fund universities. The Follow-Up 
Survey data are expected to be used to make more exact and, as a 
result, more valid jugements concerning the reasonableness of facility 
costs.
    Burden on the Public: The Facilities survey will be sent by mail to 
approximately 475 academic institutions and 100 nonprofit research 
organizations and hospitals. The completion time per academic 
institution is expected to average 24 hours and the completion time per 
research organization/hospitals is expected to average 5 hours. 
Assuming a 90% response rate, this would result in an estimated burden 
of 10,260 hours for academic institutions and 450 hours for nonprofit 
research organizations/hospitals.
    The screener to the Follow-Up Survey will be sent by e-mail to 
approximately 70 institutions. The completion time per academic 
institution is expected to average 30 minutes. Assuming a 90% response 
rate, the estimated burden would be 32 hours for academic institutions.
    The Follow-Up Survey will be sent by mail to the qualifying 
institutions of which there is expected to be approximately 42. The 
completion time per academic institution is expected to average 1.5 
hours. Assuming a 90% response rate, the estimated burden would be 57 
hours for academic institutions.

    Dated: April 19, 1999.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-10121 Filed 4-21-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M