[Federal Register: July 23, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 141)]
[Notices]
[Page 38326]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23jy01-118]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to
request renewed clearance of this 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 action.
After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the
submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer
than 3 years.
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 respondents, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
DATES: Written comments should be received by September 21, 2001 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 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection: Survey of Industrial
Research and Development
OMB Control No.: 3145-0027.
Expiration Date of Approval: December 31, 2001.
1. Abstract
The proposed continuing information collection involves the
estimation of the expenditures on research and development performed
within the United States by industrial firms. A mail survey, the Survey
of Industrial Research and Development, has been conducted annually
since 1953. Industry accounts for over 70 percent of total U.S. R&D
each year and since its inception, the survey has provided continuity
of statistics on R&D expenditures by major industry groups and by
source of funds. The survey is the industrial component of the NSF
statistical program that seeks to ``provide a central clearinghouse for
the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data on the
availability of, and the current and projected need for, scientific and
technical resources in the United states, and to provide a source of
information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal
government'' as mandated in the National Science Foundation Act of
1950. Statistics from the survey are published in NSF's annual
publication series Research and Development in Industry. The proposed
collection will continue the survey for three years.
2. Expected Respondents
The survey will be mailed to a statistical sample of approximately
24,200 companies to collect information on the amount and sources of
funds for and character of R&D performed and contracted out by
industrial firms, and information on sales and employment of the firms
themselves.
3. Burden on the Public
To minimize burden, over 90-percent of the companies selected for
the Survey of Industrial Research and Development are asked to respond
to the Form RD-1A, the abbreviated version of the basic survey
questionnaire, Form RD-1. Further, only companies with five paid
employees or more are asked to participate in the survey and extensive
use is made of the descriptive codes and information on the
establishment list that is the source of the survey sample to avoid
sampling firms in industries that traditionally do not perform R&D.
NSF, with input from the Bureau of the Census, the collection and
compiling agent for the survey, estimates that the average annual
reporting and record keeping burden on each Form RD-1A respondent will
be 1 hour and on Form RD-1 respondents will be 18 hours. The total
annual burden is estimated at 51,400 hours, calculated as follows:
RD-1A respondents: 22,600 respondents x 1 response x 1 burden
Hour = 22,600 hours/year.
RD-1 respondents: 1,600 respondents x 1 response x 18 burden
hours=28,800 hours/year.
All respondents: 22,600 + 28,800 = 51,400 burden hours/year during
2002, 2003, and 2004.
Dated: July 17, 2001.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
NSF Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-18223 Filed 7-20-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M