2012-26038. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Submission for OMB review; comment request.

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 77 FR 49832. 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. The full submission may be found at: http://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain.

Comments: 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 Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email to [e-mail]. 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 703-292-7556.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton at [phone] or send email to [e-mail]. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including federal holidays).

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: Grantee Reporting Requirements for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program.

OMB Number: 3145-NEW.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an information collection.

Abstract

Proposed Project

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Reporting Module is a component of the NSF Project Reports System that is designed to gather information about students participating in Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites and Supplements projects. All NSF projects are required to use the FastLane Project Reports System for developing and submitting annual and final project reports. If NSF cannot collect information about undergraduate participants in undergraduate research experiences, NSF will have no other means to consistently document the number and diversity of participants, types of participant involvement in the research, and types of institutions represented by the participants.

NSF is committed to providing program stakeholders with information regarding the expenditure of taxpayer funds on these types of experiences, which provide training for postsecondary students in basic and applied research in STEM.

Background

All NSF grantees are required to use the FastLane Project Reports System for reporting progress, accomplishments, participants, and activities annually and at the conclusion of their project. Information from annual and final reports provides yearly updates on project inputs, activities, and outcomes for agency reporting purposes. If project participants include undergraduate students supported by the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites Program or by an REU Supplement, then the grantees and their students are required to complete the REU Reporting Module.

Respondents: Individuals (Principal Investigators and REU undergraduate student participants).

Number of Principal Investigator Respondents: 2,000.

Burden on the Public: 650 total hours.

Number of REU Student Participant Respondents: 7,250.

Burden on the Public: 1,810 total hours.

Dated: October 15, 2012.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.