2015-20536. Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renew an Information Collection

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request approval 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 an 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:

Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden or any other aspect of this collection of information requirements by October 19, 2015.

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. 1265, Arlington, VA 22230, or by email to [e-mail].

Comments: Written 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; or (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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone [phone]; or send email 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: Grantee Reporting Requirements for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program.

OMB Approval Number: 3145-0224.

Expiration Date: December 31, 2015.

Overview of this information collection

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Reporting Module is a component of the NSF Project Reports System that is designed to gather information about students participating in REU Sites and Supplements projects. All NSF Principal Investigators are required to submit annual and final project reports through Research.gov. If NSF cannot collect information about undergraduate participants in undergraduate research experiences, NSF will have no other means to consistently document the number and diversity of participants, types of participant involvement in the research, and types of institutions represented by the participants.

NSF is committed to providing program stakeholders with formation regarding the expenditure of taxpayer funds on these types of activities, which provide authentic research experiences and related training for postsecondary students in STEM fields.

Consult With Other Agencies & the Public

NSF has not consulted with other agencies but has gathered information from its grantee community through attendance at PI conferences. A request for public comments will be solicited through announcement of data collection in the Federal Register.

Background

All NSF Principal Investigators are required to use the project reporting functionality in Research.gov to report on progress, accomplishments, participants, and activities annually and at the conclusion of their project. Information from annual and final reports provides yearly updates on project inputs, activities, and outcomes for agency reporting purposes. If project participants include undergraduate students supported by the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites Program or by an REU Supplement, then the Principal Investigator and his or her students are required to complete the REU Reporting Module.

Respondents: Individuals (Principal Investigators and REU undergraduate student participants).

Number of Principal Investigator Respondents: 2,000.

Burden on the Public: 650 total hours.

Number of REU Student Participant Respondents: 7,250.

Burden on the Public: 1,810 total hours.

Dated: August 14, 2015.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.