97-10157. Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Baseline Data Collection for FastLane Project

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 76 (Monday, April 21, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 19358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10157]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Baseline Data Collection 
for FastLane Project

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation, as part of its continuing 
effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general 
public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment 
on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before June 20, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Gail A. McHenry by email at 
[e-mail] or Reports Clearance Officer, National Science 
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 245, Arlington, Virginia 
22230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request more information on the 
proposed project that is described below or to obtain a copy of the 
data collection plans and instruments, call the NSF Clearance Officer 
on [phone] x2010 or email at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) designed this new collection 
effort to assemble baseline information from research institutions 
about the administrative burden (time and cost measurements) and 
workflow processes associated with the preparation, submission, and 
post-award administration of proposals to NSF and other federal 
research funding agencies. The collection effort will involve 
approximately 55 institutions and will be conducted as a telephone 
survey. In the course of the survey, both administrative and research 
staff will be contacted at each institution.

II. Use of the Information

    The NSF FastLane project is a 3-year experimental program using 
advanced information technology to re-design and streamline the way NSF 
does business with the research community. The long-term goals of Fast 
Lane are to reduce administrative burden, lower costs, and increase 
access to information for the research and education communities. The 
purpose of this study is to collect baseline data about administrative 
processes that NSF expects to improve with FastLane. NSF will then be 
able to gauge the impact of FastLane on specific administrative 
processes at research institutions by comparing out-year measurements 
to these baselines. The results of these comparisons will help to guide 
future FastLane development efforts.

III. Burden on the Public

    The Foundation estimates that a total of 363 hours will be required 
to complete the survey.

IV. Request for Comments

    We invite comments 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 to be collected; and (d) ways 
to minimize the burden of collection of information on respondents, 
including through the use of automated collection techniques or other 
forms of information technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: April 15, 1997.
Gail A. McHenry,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 97-10157 Filed 4-18-97; 8:45 am]
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