[Federal Register: December 9, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 236)]
[Notices]
[Page 72981-72982]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09de02-117]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to
request reinstatement and approval of this data collection. 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.
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
[[Page 72982]]
other forms of information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information on respondents, including
through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of
information technology.
DATES: Written comments should be received by February 7, 2003, to be
assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be
considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and
requests for copies of the proposed information collection request
should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer,
National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA
22230, or by e-mail to splimpto@nsf.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 or
send e-mail 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title of Collection: 2003 and 2005 Survey of Scientific and
Engineering Research Facilities.
Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 2002.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate, with
revisions, an information collection for three years.
Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation Survey of
Scientific and Engineering Research Facilities is a Congressionally
mandated (Pub. L. 99-159), biennial survey that has been conducted
since 1986. The survey collects data on the amount, condition, and
costs of the physical facilities used to conduct science and
engineering research. It was expected by Congress that this survey
would provide the data necessary to describe the status and needs of
science and engineering research facilities and to formulate
appropriate solutions to documented needs. During the 1999 and 2001
survey cycles, data were collected from a population of approximately
600 research-performing colleges and universities. This survey
population was supplemented with approximately 250 nonprofit biomedical
research institutions receiving research support from the National
Institutes of Health. During the 2001 cycle, a very limited survey
consisting of two questions was fielded in order to allow the National
Science Foundation to focus on updating and redesigning the survey.
Through this extensive redesign effort, a new section has been added to
the survey requesting information on the computing and networking
capacity at the surveyed institutions, an increasingly important part
of the infrastructure for science and engineering research. Other
important changes include the deletion of a question on the adequacy of
research space, the deletion of the Large Facilities Follow-up Survey,
the additional collection of data on individual construction projects
and the addition of a more detailed question on how research space is
divided among laboratories, laboratory support space, and office space.
Use of the Information: Analysis of the Facilities Survey data will
provide updated information on the status of scientific and engineering
research facilities. 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.
Burden on the Public: The Facilities Survey will be sent by mail to
approximately 600 academic institutions and 250 nonprofit research
organizations and hospitals. The completion time per academic
institution is expected to average 30 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 16,200 hours for academic institutions and 1,125 hours for nonprofit
research organizations/hospitals.
Dated: December 4, 2002.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 02-31006 Filed 12-6-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M