01-18223. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request renewed clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) 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 OMB clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

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; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Written comments should be received by September 21, 2001 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne Plimpton on [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 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Survey of Industrial Research and Development

OMB Control No.: 3145-0027.

Expiration Date of Approval: December 31, 2001.

1. Abstract

The proposed continuing information collection involves the estimation of the expenditures on research and development performed within the United States by industrial firms. A mail survey, the Survey of Industrial Research and Development, has been conducted annually since 1953. Industry accounts for over 70 percent of total U.S. R&D each year and since its inception, the survey has provided continuity of statistics on R&D expenditures by major industry groups and by source of funds. The survey is the industrial component of the NSF statistical program that seeks to “provide a central clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data on the availability of, and the current and projected need for, scientific and technical resources in the United states, and to provide a source of information for policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal government” as mandated in the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. Statistics from the survey are published in NSF's annual publication series Research and Development in Industry. The proposed collection will continue the survey for three years.

2. Expected Respondents

The survey will be mailed to a statistical sample of approximately 24,200 companies to collect information on the amount and sources of funds for and character of R&D performed and contracted out by industrial firms, and information on sales and employment of the firms themselves.

3. Burden on the Public

To minimize burden, over 90-percent of the companies selected for the Survey of Industrial Research and Development are asked to respond to the Form RD-1A, the abbreviated version of the basic survey questionnaire, Form RD-1. Further, only companies with five paid employees or more are asked to participate in the survey and extensive use is made of the descriptive codes and information on the establishment list that is the source of the survey sample to avoid sampling firms in industries that traditionally do not perform R&D. NSF, with input from the Bureau of the Census, the collection and compiling agent for the survey, estimates that the average annual reporting and record keeping burden on each Form RD-1A respondent will be 1 hour and on Form RD-1 respondents will be 18 hours. The total annual burden is estimated at 51,400 hours, calculated as follows:

RD-1A respondents: 22,600 respondents × 1 response × 1 burden Hour = 22,600 hours/year.

RD-1 respondents: 1,600 respondents × 1 response × 18 burden hours=28,800 hours/year.

All respondents: 22,600 + 28,800 = 51,400 burden hours/year during 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Dated: July 17, 2001.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

NSF Reports Clearance Officer.