03-4454. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Submission for OMB review; comment request.

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 continuing information collection. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 67 FR 72981 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:

Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received by OMB within 30 days of publication in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments regarding (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of NSF, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of NSF's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; or (b) 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: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send e-mail to [e-mail]. Copies of the submission may be obtained by calling [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, NSF Reports Clearance Officer at [phone] or send e-mail to [e-mail].

An agency 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: 2003 and 2005 Survey of Scientific and Engineering Research Facilities.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate, with revisions, an information collection for three years.

Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation Survey of Scientific and Engineering Research Facilities is a Congressionally mandated (Pub. L. 99-159), biennial survey that has been conducted since 1986. The survey collects data on the amount, condition, and costs of the physical facilities used to conduct science and engineering research. It was expected by Congress that this survey would provide the data necessary to describe the status and needs of science and engineering research facilities and to formulate appropriate solutions to documented needs. During the 1999 and 2001 survey cycles, data were collected from a population of approximately 600 research-performing colleges and universities. This survey population was supplemented with approximately 250 nonprofit biomedical research institutions receiving research support from the National Institutes of Health. During the 2001 cycle, a very limited survey consisting of two questions was fielded in order to allow the National Science Foundation to focus on updating and redesigning the survey. Through this extensive redesign effort, a new section has been added to the survey requesting information on the computing and networking capacity at the surveyed institutions, an increasingly important part of the infrastructure for science and engineering research. Other important changes include the deletion of a question on the adequacy of research space, the deletion of the Large Facilities Follow-up Survey, the additional collection of data on individual construction projects and the addition of a more detailed question on how research space is divided among laboratories, laboratory support space, and office space.

Use of the Information: Analysis of the Facilities Survey data will provide updated information on the status of scientific and engineering research facilities. The information can be used by Federal policy makers, planners, and budget analysts in making policy decisions, as well as by academic officials, the scientific/engineering establishment, and state agencies that fund universities.

Burden on the Public: Approximately 21,983 hours.

Dated: February 20, 2003.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.