2020-03488. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for NSF SBIR/STTR Program

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to establish this collection. In accordance with the requirements 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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by April 21, 2020 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite W18200, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone [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).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Evaluation of the Sustainability and Diffusion of the NSF ADVANCE Program.

OMB Number: 3145-NEW.

Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

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

Proposed Project

The NSF's Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships (IIP), within the Engineering Directorate, serves a wide range of grantees across 5 major programs. The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)/STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) program is designed to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, as well as fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.

The NSF SBIR/STTR program has two phases: Phase I and Phase II (with an optional Phase IIB as matching supplements). SBIR/STTR Phase I is a 6-12 month experimental or theoretical investigation on the proposed innovative research or study, and allows the grantees to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit of the idea or concept. Phase II further develops the proposed concept, building on the feasibility project undertaken in Phase I, and accelerate the Phase I project to the commercialization stage and enhance the overall strength of the commercial potential. As such, Phase II SBIR/STTR awards have an expected period of performance of 24 months.

The Phase II interim report will be required every six months for the life of the Phase II award. We will use this report to collect information on the technical progress of the funded NSF work, which will allow the managing Program Director to monitor the project and ensure that the award is in good standing. The report will also request a discussion of progress on other company aspects that would allow us to assess the boarder and commercial impacts that are core to our review criteria. This report will also be used to ensure awardee compliance with both SBIR/STTR-wide and NSF-wide compliance requirements (such as lifecycle program certifications and requirements of our Phase II cooperative agreement instrument). Finally, it will be used to collect data that is required by the SBIR Policy Directive.

All the information collected is for internal use by the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, and will not be made publicly available.

Burden on the Public: Estimated at 16 hours per award for 125 awards for a total of 2,000 hours (per year).

Comments: 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.

Dated: February 18, 2020.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.