2023-18516. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to the Polar Regions.

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to renew this collection. In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by October 27, 2023 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to the address below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite E7400, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; 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 of Collection: Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to the Polar Regions.

OMB Number: 3145–0177.

Expiration Date of Approval: October 31, 2023.

Type of Request: Revision to and extension of approval of an information collection.

Proposed Project: Presidential Memorandum No. 6646 (February 5, 1982) (available from the National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs, Office 7100, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314) sets forth the National Science Foundation's overall management responsibilities for the entire United States national program in Antarctica. Section 107(a) of Public Law 98–373 [July 31, 1984; amended as Public Law 101–609-November 16, 1990] [available from the National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs, Office 7100, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314] designates the National Science Foundation as the lead agency responsible for implementing Arctic research policy, and the Director of the National Science Foundation shall ensure that the requirements of section 108 are fulfilled.

NSF Form 1700, Medical Clearance Process for Deployment to the Polar Regions furnishes information to the NSF regarding the physical, mental, and dental health status for all individuals (except DoD-uniformed service personnel) who anticipate deploying to Antarctica under the auspices of the United States Antarctic Program or to certain regions of the Arctic sponsored by the NSF/GEO/Office of Polar Programs. The information is used to determine whether an individual is physically and mentally suited to endure the extreme hardships imposed by the Arctic and Antarctic continents, while also performing specific duties as specified by their employers.

Respondents: All non-DoD uniformed personnel planning to deploy to U.S. stations in the Antarctic or to specified regions of the Arctic that are sponsored by the National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs.

The number of annual respondents: 3,500 to the Antarctic and 150 to the Arctic.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 36,500 hours.

Frequency of Responses: This form is submitted upon an individual's first deployment to Antarctica (below 60° South) or to specified regions of the Arctic and annually thereafter for the duration of the individual's deployments.

Dated: August 23, 2023.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.