[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 147 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41093-41094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-20099]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Modification
OMB No. 3145-0101; Comment Request; Title of Collection: 1998 Survey of
Scientific and Engineering Research Facilities at Colleges and
Universities
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part of its continuing effort to reduce
paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation (NSF)
is inviting the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on
this proposed information collection. This notice describes a
modification to the currently cleared collection, NSF Survey of
Scientific and Engineering Research Facilities at Colleges and
Universities, OMB No. 3145-0101.
[[Page 41094]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Call or write Gail A. McHenry for a copy of the collection instrument
and instructions at NSF Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd. Suite 245, Arlington, VA. 22230; call
(703) 306-1125 x2010; or send email to gmchenry@nsf.gov. Please include
OMB No. 3145-0101 with your communication.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Abstract. This survey collects information on the science and
engineering (S&E) research facilities at the nation's higher education
institution. These modifications to the approved 1998 questionnaire
will make the data more useful to Federal agencies and policymakers.
The OMB, Health Division, intends to use the aggregate data to
establish benchmark guidelines for cost of construction and renovation.
Indirect cost rate negotiators will also use these benchmarks for
colleges and universities.
2. Proposed Modifications to the OMB-Approved 1998 Survey.
Sample size. We are requesting that the 1998 survey sample
be increased from 315 to 365. (This change is requested by NIH, NSF,
and OMB.) Expanding the sample size with 50 additional institutions
will allow for data to be reported by Carnegie classification, by
minority serving institutions and institutions within the EPSCoR
States, and to ensure that appropriate representation is made for each
state.
Additional Information
Currently data are collected for the total net assignable
square feet (NASF) of animal laboratories. NIH has requested that the
survey collect the percent of total animal research NASF assigned to
levels of restricted use laboratories. The information is readily
available to the institutions and reporting it would be of minimal
burden. This request would also serve the need of OMB to identify some
of the driving forces behind high cost of some research facilities.
For more usable data, OMB is requesting that data also be
reported by gross square feet (GSF) of space in science and engineering
disciplines. Institutions already have that data to calculate the NASF
of that project
Clarifying Relationship of Data
OMB has requested that in addition to collecting the total
repair/renovation or new construction costs (including non-fixed
equipment over $1 million), that we also collect the proportion of
repair/renovation or new construction project costs assignable to non-
fixed equipment costing over $1 million. These data are readily
available to the institutions and reporting these data should add very
little burden.
OMB has requested that in addition to collecting the
proportion of construction and repair/renovation cost attributable to
institutional funds, that we collect the percent of institutional funds
made up by indirect costs recovered from federal grants and/or
contracts. The question will be posed in two parts: (1) Asking if the
institution has ready access to these data; and (2) if data are
available, asking the institution to supply that data. This way of
posing the question assures minimal burden to the respondent.
Discontinuing the collection of the status of institutions
relative to the cap on tax-exempt bonds. This modification was
requested by NIH as well as NSF.
3. Use of Information. The purpose of this study is to collect data
about status of academic S&E research facilities. The information from
this survey will be used by Federal policy makers, planners, and budget
analysts in making policy decisions, as well as by academic officials,
the S&E establishment, and State agencies that fund universities and
colleges.
The NSF will publish a separate report of the findings for
Congress; it will also prepare a special report for NIH on the Status
of Biomedical Research Facilities and it will also include them in
other NSF compilations such as National Patterns of R&D Resources and
Science and Engineering Indicators. Special reports will be prepared
for other Federal agencies on an as-needed basis. A public release file
of collected data in aggregate form will be made available to
researchers on the World Wide Web. The results of the survey will help
policy makers in decision about the health of academic S&E research,
funding, regulations, and reporting guidelines.
4. Expected Respondents. Not-for-Profit institutions, specifically,
research organizations/hospitals and academic institutions.
5. Burden on the Public. Much of the proposed modification includes
data that are readily available to the respondents; we expect that
changes to the questionnaire will cause little or no change in burden
hours. A substantial reduction in response burden over 1996 is expected
with the improvements in the computer-aided survey: 60% of the
institutions are expected to respond through this method in 1998,
compared to 40% in 1986.
The Foundation estimates a total annual burden of 8,760 hours. The
calculation is 365 institutions x total annual reporting and
recordkeeping burden of 24 hours per respondent.
Comments Requested
Date: NSF should received written comments on or before September
29, 1997.
Address: Submit written comments to Mrs. McHenry through surface
mail (NSF Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201
Wilson Blvd. Suite 245, Arlington, VA 22230); email (gmchenry@nsf.gov);
or fax (703-306-0201). Please include OMB No. 3145-0101 with your
communication.
Special Areas for Review: NSF especially requests 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 the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection
techniques, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
Dated: July 25, 1997.
Gail A. McHenry,
NSF Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 97-20099 Filed 7-30-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M
