2024-21843. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I, NSF Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Phase I, and NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track Pilot Pre-Submission ...

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National Science Foundation

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. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register , and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAmain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, ( print page 77898) 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, 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:

Comments: Comments regarding (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the NSF, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the NSF's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, use, and clarity of the information on respondents; 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 or other forms of information technology should be addressed to the points of contact in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

Copies of the submission 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.

Title of Collection: NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I, NSF Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Phase I, and NSF Fast-Track Pilot Pre-submission Project Pitch Form.

OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.

Abstract: The NSF Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I, Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Phase I, and SBIR/STTR Fast-Track Pilot Project Pitch is an NSF SBIR/STTR pre-submission process that conveys information needed to direct the proposed SBIR/STTR project to the appropriate NSF Program Director (PD) for review and possible proposal submission invitation. The Project Pitch is to be submitted by the applying small business concern (as “proposer”) to the relevant NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I or Fast-Track Pilot technology topic. The Project Pitch outlines solicitation-specific aspects of the project (such as the proposed technology innovation)) and captures the same requested information, as outlined in the NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I and Fast-Track Program solicitations, but all within one secure, web-based form. Specifically, the form collects the submitting proposer company and team information, the proposed technology innovation; the technical objectives and challenges, and the market opportunity. The form also allows the proposer to choose (from a drop-down menu) the most relevant NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I and Fast-Track Pilot technical topic area, ensuring that the submitted Project Pitch goes to the most appropriate Program Director. For the SBIR/STTR Fast-Track Pilot submission, the Project Pitch encompasses the same questions as outlined in the Phase I Project Pitch but also seeks responses to three key eligibility requirements: NSF lineage, customer-discovery experience, and confirmation that the team members are currently employed by the company. These requirements expand on the details of the previously required information on the proposed technology innovation, the market opportunity, and the company and team, respectively.

Respondents: Small business concerns who submit proposals to NSF's SBIR/STTR Phase I and Fast-Track Pilot Programs.

Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 2,500.

Burden on the Public: 3 hours (per response) for an annual total of 7,500 hours.

Dated: September 19, 2024.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.