2011-10300. Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Extend a Current Information Collection

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request renewal of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by June 28, 2011 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

For Additional Information or Comments: Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone [phone]; or send e-mail to [e-mail]. You also may obtain a copy of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton. 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: Graduate Research Fellowship Application.

OMB Approval Number: 3145-0023.

Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2011.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend without revision an information collection for three years.

Abstract: Section 10 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), as amended, states that “The Foundation is authorized to award, within the limits of funds made available * * * scholarships and graduate fellowships for scientific study or scientific work in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, social, and other sciences at accredited U.S. institutions selected by the recipient of such aid, for stated periods of time.”

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program is designed to meet the following objectives:

• To select, recognize, and financially support individuals with the demonstrated potential to be high achieving scientists and engineers.
• To broaden participation in science and engineering.

The list of GRFP Fellows sponsored by the Foundation may be found via FastLane through the NSF Web site: http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov. The GRF Program is described in the Solicitation available at: http://www.nsf.gov/​publications/​pub_​summ.jsp?​WT.z_​pims_​id=​6201&​ods_​key=​nsf10604.

Estimate of Burden: This is an annual application program providing three years of support to individuals, usable over a five-year fellowship period. The application deadline is the third week in November. It is estimated that each submission is averaged to be 12 hours per respondent.

Respondents: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Responses: 12,000.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 144,000 hours.

Frequency of Responses: Annually.

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; (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: April 25, 2011.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.