[Federal Register: June 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 117)]
[Notices]
[Page 35313-35314]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19jn06-93]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
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, Public Law 104-13.
This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published
in the Federal Register at 71 FR 4382, and no comments were received.
NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the
publication of this second notice. Comments regarding (a) whether the
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including whether the information will
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of
burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information
to be collected; or (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 should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science
Foundation, 725-17th Street, NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and
to Catherine Hines, Acting Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230
or send e-mail to chines@nsf.gov. Comments regarding these information
collections are best assured of having their full effect if received
within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be
obtained by calling 703-292-4414.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Hines at (703) 292-4414 or
send e-mail to chines@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.
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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title of Collection: ``Biological Sciences Proposal Classification
Form.''
OBM Approval Number: 3145-NEW.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an
information collection for three years.
Proposed Project: Three divisions within the Directorate of
Biological Sciences of the National Science Foundation will use the
Biological Sciences Proposal Classification Form. they are the Division
of Biological Infrastructure, the Division of Evolutionary Biology, and
the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. All scientists
submitting proposals to these divisions will be asked to complete an
electronic version of the Proposal Classification Form. The form
consists of brief questions about the substance of the research and the
investigator's previous federal support. Each division will have a
slightly different version of the form. In this way, submitters will
only confront response choices that are relevant to their discipline.
Use of the Information: The information gathered with the
Biological Sciences Proposal Classification Form serves two main
purposes. The first is facilitation of the proposal review process.
Since peer review is a key component of NSF's grant-making process, it
is imperative that proposals are reviewed by scientists with
appropriate expertise. The information collected with the Proposal
Classification Form helps ensure that the proposals are evaluated by
specialists who are well versed in appropriate subject matter. This
helps maintain a fair and equitable review process.
The second use of the information is program evaluation. The
Directorate is committed to investing in a range of substantive areas.
With data from this collection, the Directorate can calculate
submission rates and funding rates in specific areas of research.
Similarly, the information can be used to identify emerging areas of
research, evaluate changing infrastructure needs in the research
community, and track the amount of international research. As the
National Science Foundation is committed to funding cutting-edge
science, these factors all have implications for program management.
The Directorate of Biological Sciences has a continuing commitment
to monitor its information collection in order to preserve its
applicability and necessity. Through periodic updates
[[Page 35314]]
and revisions, the Directorate ensures that only useful, non-redundant
information is collected. These efforts will reduce excessive reporting
burdens.
Burden on the Public: The Directorate estimates that an average of
five minutes is expended for each proposal submitted. An estimated
6,000 responses are expected during the course of one year for a total
of 500 public burden hours annually.
Expected Respondents: Individuals.
Estimated Number of Responses: 6,000.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,000.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 500 hours.
Frequency of Responses: On occasion.
Dated: June 14, 2006.
Catherine J. Hines,
Acting Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 06-5524 Filed 6-16-06; 8:45am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M