[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 207 (Wednesday, October 27, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66167-66168]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-27206]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13
(44 USC U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), and as part of its continuing effort to
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation
invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this
opportunity to comment on this information collection.
Comments: 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 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. Comments submitted in response
to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for
OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a
matter of public record.
DATES: Written comments should be received by December 27, 2010 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 [email protected].
For Additional Information or Comments: Contact Suzanne Plimpton,
the NSF Reports Clearance Officer, phone (703) 292-7556, or send e-mail
to [email protected]. 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: Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
(EPSCoR) Outcomes Survey.
OMB Approval Number: 3145-NEW.
Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
Abstract
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Act of 1950 (Pub. L. 507-81st
Congress, as amended) stated that `` * * * it shall be an objective of
the Foundation to strengthen science and engineering research potential
and education at all levels throughout the United States; and avoid
undue concentration of such research and education, respectively.''
This Congressional directive recognized the inherent value of a truly
national scientific and engineering (S&E) research enterprise. Over
time, however, the nation's S&E efforts became concentrated
geographically, focusing primarily on a limited number of major
research universities. The NSF's resources became concentrated to the
point where in 1977, in response to congressional concerns; the
National Science Board established a task force to examine the
geographical distribution of NSF awards. The issue was discussed at the
195th meeting of the NSB. Approval was requested for initiation of a
program designed to ``stimulate competitive research in regions of the
country that were less able to compete successfully for research
funds.'' In 1978 the NSB approved a resolution (NSB-78-12) establishing
the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and
the general guidelines for its management.
The mission of EPSCoR is to assist the National Science Foundation
in its statutory function ``to strengthen research and education in
science and engineering throughout the United States and to avoid undue
concentration of such research and education.''
The EPSCoR goals are to: (1) Provide strategic programs and
opportunities for EPSCoR participants that stimulate sustainable
improvements in their R&D capacity and competitiveness; and (2) advance
science and engineering capabilities in EPSCoR jurisdictions for
discovery, innovation, and overall knowledge-based prosperity.
The EPSCoR objectives are to: (1) Catalyze key research themes and
related activities within and among EPSCoR jurisdictions that empower
knowledge generation, dissemination and application; (2) activate
effective jurisdictional and regional collaborations among academic,
government and private sector stakeholders that advance scientific
research, promote innovation and provide multiple societal benefits;
(3) broaden participation in science and engineering by institutions,
organizations and people within and among EPSCoR jurisdictions; and (4)
use EPSCoR for development, implementation and evaluation of future
programmatic experiments that motivate positive change and progression.
Expected Respondents
The respondents will be current and former EPSCoR awardees based at
academic; state and local governments; and non-profit organizations.
Quantitative procedures will be fielded using web-based modes. Up to
200 EPSCoR awardees will be contacted to request their participation in
the survey. As needed, each EPSCoR awardee will be contacted with
reminders to complete the survey no more than twice during the survey's
duration under this generic clearance. Technology will be heavily
utilized to limit the burden on respondents.
[[Page 66168]]
Use of the Information
The purpose of this survey of EPSCoR awardees is to better
understand outcomes of NSF EPSCoR-related investments. The data will be
used internally to inform NSF as it considers future improvements to
the EPSCoR program, and to gain a better understanding regarding the
program's impact on associated research and education activities.
Findings may be presented externally to Congress, the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), in technical papers at conferences,
published in the proceedings of conferences, or in journals.
Burden on the Public
Number of Respondents: 200.
Number of Minutes per Response: 30.
Overall Burden Request (in hours): 100.
Dated: October 22, 2010.
Suzanne Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2010-27206 Filed 10-26-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P