2011-17863. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

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, Public Law 104-13. The full submission may be found at: http://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. This is the second notice; the first notice was published at 76 FR 24061 and no substantial comments were received. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency'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; 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: 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 email to [e-mail]. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Fellowship Applications and Award Forms.

OMB Approval Number: 3145-0023.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to extend without revision an information collection for three years.

Abstract

Section 10 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), as amended, states that “The Foundation is authorized to award, within the limits of funds made available * * * scholarships and graduate fellowships for scientific study or scientific work in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, social, and other sciences at accredited U.S. institutions selected by the recipient of such aid, for stated periods of time.”

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program is designed to meet the following objectives:

• To select, recognize, and financially support individuals with the demonstrated potential to be high achieving scientists and engineers.
• To broaden participation in science and engineering.

The list of GRFP Fellows sponsored by the Foundation may be found via FastLane through the NSF Web site: http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov. The GRF Program is described in the Solicitation available at: http://www.nsf.gov/​publications/​pub_​summ.jsp?​WT.z_​pims_​id=​6201&​ods_​key=​nsf10604.

Estimate of Burden: This is an annual application program providing three years of support to individuals, usable over a five-year fellowship period. The application deadline is the third week in November. It is estimated that each submission is averaged to be 12 hours per respondent.

Respondents: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Responses: 12,000.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 144,000 hours.

Frequency of Responses: Annually.

Dated: July 12, 2011.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.