2011-11953. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request reinstatement and approval of this data 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 information collection.

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 July 15, 2011 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 [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne Plimpton on [phone] or send e-mail 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: FY 2011 and FY 2013 Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities.

OMB Control Number: 3145-0101.

Expiration Date of Approval: October 31, 2010.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate an information collection for three years.

Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities is a Congressionally mandated (Public Law 99-159), biennial survey that has been conducted since 1986. The survey collects data on the amount, condition, and costs of the physical facilities used to conduct science and engineering research. The survey also requests information on the networking and high performance computing capacity at the surveyed institutions, a critical part of the infrastructure for science and engineering research. Due to the rapidity of technological change, these questions are continually updated. It was expected by Congress that this survey would provide the data necessary to describe the status and needs of science and engineering research facilities and to formulate appropriate solutions to documented needs. During the FY 2007 and FY 2009 survey cycles, data were collected from a population of approximately 495 research-performing colleges and universities and approximately 163 nonprofit biomedical research institutions receiving research support from the National Institutes of Health.

Use of the Information: Analysis of the Facilities Survey data will provide updated information on the status of scientific and engineering research facilities and capabilities. The information can be used by Federal policy makers, planners, and budget analysts in making policy decisions, as well as by institutional academic officials, the scientific/engineering establishment, and state agencies and legislatures that fund universities.

Burden on the Public: The Facilities Survey will be sent by mail to approximately 495 higher education institutions. The completion time per academic institution is expected to average 41 hours. Assuming a 95% response rate, this would result in an estimated burden of 19,280 hours for academic institutions.

Dated: May 15, 2011.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.