Notice2022-18746
Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comment Regarding Common Disclosure Forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support
Primary source
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Published
August 31, 2022
Issuing agencies
National Science Foundation
Abstract
In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the National Science Foundation (NSF), on behalf of the National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Research Security Subcommittee, is soliciting public comment on common disclosure forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support sections of a research application. An excel spreadsheet that summarizes all of the data elements that will be collected in both the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support, as well as their associated attributes, also is included for public comment. The National Science Foundation has agreed to serve as steward for collection and resolution of public comments, as well as for posting and maintaining the latest versions of the above- mentioned documents of the common forms and other associated documents. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years. NSF will be submitting this information collection request as Common Forms to permit Federal research funding agencies beyond NSF to streamline the information collection process in coordination with OMB.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 168 (Wednesday, August 31, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 31, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53505-53507]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-18746]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comment
Regarding Common Disclosure Forms for the Biographical Sketch and
Current and Pending (Other) Support
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA) of 1995, the National Science Foundation (NSF), on behalf of
the National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Research Security
Subcommittee, is soliciting public comment on common disclosure forms
for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support
sections of a research application. An excel spreadsheet that
summarizes all of the data elements that will be collected in both the
Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support, as well as
their associated attributes, also is included for public comment. The
National Science Foundation has agreed to serve as steward for
collection and resolution of public comments, as well
[[Page 53506]]
as for posting and maintaining the latest versions of the above-
mentioned documents of the common forms and other associated documents.
After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the
submission requesting Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance
of this collection for no longer than 3 years. NSF will be submitting
this information collection request as Common Forms to permit Federal
research funding agencies beyond NSF to streamline the information
collection process in coordination with OMB.
DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by October 31,
2022 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date
will be considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Please address comments to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports
Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue,
Suite E7400, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone (703) 292-7556; or
send an email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6d5d6cacfcbd6d2c9e6c8d5c088c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b080b1712160b0f143b15081d551c140d">[email protected]</span></a>. 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).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on the proposed Common
Disclosure Forms, contact Jean Feldman, Head, Policy Office, Division
of Institution & Support, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower
Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22314, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#19737f7c757d74787759776a7f377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f05090a030b020e012f011c0941080019">[email protected]</span></a>; telephone (703)
292-8243; FAX: (703) 292-9171.
For further information on the NSTC Research Security Subcommittee,
contact Christina Ciocca Eller, Assistant Director for Evidence and
Policy, Executive Office of the President, Office of Science and
Technology Policy, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f1d2a3c2a2e3d2c271c2a2c3a3d263b360f203c3b3f612a203f61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1b497e687e7a697873487e786e69726f625b74686f6b357e746b357c746d">[email protected]</span></a>, telephone 202-456-6059; FAX 202-456-
6027.
Comments: Comments are requested 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.
We encourage respondents to submit comments electronically to
ensure timely receipt. We cannot guarantee that comments mailed will be
received before the comment closing date. Please include ``Common
Disclosure Forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending
(Other) Support'' in the subject line of the email message; please also
include the full body of your comments in the text of the message and
as an attachment. Include your name, title, organization, postal
address, telephone number, and email address in your message.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title of Collection: Request for Comment regarding Common
Disclosure Forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending
(Other) Support.
OMB Approval Number: 3145-NEW.
Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish a common
disclosure forms information collection for three years.
I. Background
Section 4(b) of NSPM-33 directs that ``research funding agencies
shall require the disclosure of information related to potential
conflicts of interest and commitment from participants in the Federally
funded R&D enterprise . . . The appropriate disclosure requirement
varies depending on the individual's role in the United States R&D
enterprise.'' Section 4(b)(vi) directs that ``agencies should
standardize forms for initial disclosures as well as annual updates, .
. . and should provide clear instructions to accompany these forms and
to minimize any associated administrative burden.''
Over the past several months, the NSTC Research Security
Subcommittee has worked to develop consistent disclosure requirements
from senior personnel, as well as to develop proposed common disclosure
forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other)
Support sections of an application for Federal research and development
(R&D) grants or cooperative agreements. The purpose of the Biographical
Sketch is to assess how well qualified the individual, team, or
organization is to conduct the proposed activities. The purpose of
Current and Pending (Other) Support is to assess the capacity of the
individual to carry out the research as proposed and to help identify
any potential scientific and budgetary overlap/duplication, as well as
overcommitment with the project being proposed.
These common forms are intended to clarify what is expected of
senior personnel applying for R&D funding from Federal research funding
agencies. Variations among research agencies will be limited to cases:
(a) where required by statute or regulation; (b) where more stringent
protections are necessary for protection of R&D that is classified,
export-controlled, or otherwise legally protected; or (c) for other
compelling reasons consistent with individual agency authorities and as
coordinated through the NSTC.
As stated in the NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance, ``the goal of
these common forms and accompanying instructions is to ensure that
applying for awards from any Federal research funding agency will
require disclosing the same information in the same manner, to increase
clarity and reduce administrative burden on the research community. In
some cases, research agencies may adapt the forms and instructions,
where required by their legal authorities. Such common forms also will
allow the research community to identify and point out where greater
clarity may be needed.''
Agencies may develop agency- or program-specific data elements and
instructions, if necessary, to meet programmatic requirements, although
agencies will be instructed to minimize the degree to which they
supplement the common forms. Modification and/or supplementation of
these common forms will require clearance by OMB/OIRA under the PRA
process.
These common forms are intended to replace forms/formats currently
used by agencies for these sections of applications, thereby increasing
the consistency of disclosure forms and reducing administrative burden.
II. Invitation to Comment
The following documents are available for review and comment on the
NSF website (see <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/nstc_disclosure.jsp">https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/nstc_disclosure.jsp</a>):
a. A common Biographical Sketch form, including data elements and
associated instructions;
b. A common Current and Pending (Other) Support form, including
data elements and associated instructions; and
c. An excel spreadsheet that summarizes all the data elements, as
well as their data attributes.
The National Science Foundation has agreed to serve as steward for
collection and resolution of public comments, as
[[Page 53507]]
well as for posting and maintaining the latest versions of the above-
mentioned documents of the common forms and other associated documents.
Input is welcome on any aspect of the proposed common disclosure
forms, including the accompanying instructions, and excel spreadsheet.
Burden on the Public
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Number of Number of
Form name proposals respondents Burden time Total
(estimated) (estimated) (hours)
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Biographical Sketch............................. 47,900 4 1 191,600
Current and Pending (Other) Support............. 47,900 4 1 191,600
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Total burden hours.......................... .............. .............. .............. 383,200
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Dated: August 25, 2022.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2022-18746 Filed 8-30-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P
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