04-11747. 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 69 FR 9386, and no comments were received. 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. 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; (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 e-mail 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.

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. Under OMB regulations, NSF may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Antarctic Conservation Act Application and Permit Form.

OMB Control Number: 3145-0034.

Proposed Project: The current Antarctic Conservation Act Application Permit Form (NSF 1078) has been in use for several years. The form requests general information, such as name, affiliation, location, etc., and more specific information as to the type of object to be taken (plant, native mammal, or native bird).

Use of the Information: The purpose of the regulations (45 CFR part 670) is to conserve and protect the native mammals, birds, plants, and invertebrates of Antarctica and the ecosystem upon which they depend and to implement the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, Public Law 95-541, as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-227.

Burden on the Public: The Foundation estimates about 25 responses annually at 1/2 hour per response; this computes to approximately 12.5 hours annually.

Dated: May 19, 2004.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.