Notice2026-00270
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renew an Information Collection
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
National Science Foundation
Abstract
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to renew clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirements 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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 6 (Friday, January 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 6 (Friday, January 9, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1004-1005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00270]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renew an Information
Collection
AGENCY: U.S. National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans
to renew clearance of this collection. In accordance with the
requirements 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.
DATES: Written comments should be received by March 10, 2026 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, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA
22314, or by email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eb989b8782869b9f84ab85988dc58c849d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8bf8fbe7e2e6fbffe4cbe5f8eda5ece4fd">[email protected]</span></a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 or
send email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e5d5e4247435e5a416e405d4800494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a393a2623273a3e250a24392c642d253c">[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).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 respondents,
including through the use of automated collection techniques or other
forms of information technology.
Title of Collection: ``Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology
Application Form A and Reference Writer Recommendation.''
OMB Approval Number: 3145-0203.
Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 2026.
Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information
collection for three years.
Proposed Project: The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) of
the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) will use the NSF Application
Form A and recommendation form for the Postdoctoral Research
Fellowships in Biology Program (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/prfb-postdoctoral-research-fellowships-biology/503622/nsf24-593">https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/prfb-postdoctoral-research-fellowships-biology/503622/nsf24-593</a>). All scientists submitting the NSF Application Forms and
recommendation forms to NSF/BIO will be asked to complete an electronic
version of the forms. The NSF Application Form A consists of brief
questions about the investigator and the substance of the research. The
recommendation form consists of brief questions about the reference
writer and the uploading of a recommendation letter drafted by the
reference writer.
Use of the Information: The information gathered with the NSF
Application Form A and recommendation form serves three main purposes.
The first is to provide vehicles for applicants to submit applications
and reference writers to submit recommendations.
The second is facilitation of the proposal review process. Since
peer review is a key component of NSF's grant-making process, it is
imperative that proposals are reviewed by scientists with appropriate
expertise. The
[[Page 1005]]
information collected helps ensure that the proposals are evaluated by
specialists who are well versed in appropriate subject matter. This
helps maintain a fair and equitable review process.
The third use of the information is program evaluation. The
Directorate is committed to investing in a range of substantive areas.
With data from this collection, the Directorate can calculate
submission rates and funding rates in specific areas of research.
Similarly, the information can be used to identify emerging areas of
research and evaluate changing infrastructure needs in the research
community. As the U.S. National Science Foundation is committed to
funding cutting-edge science, these factors all have implications for
program management.
The Directorate of Biological Sciences has a continuing commitment
to monitor its information collection to preserve its applicability and
necessity. Through periodic updates and revisions, the Directorate
ensures that only useful, non-redundant information is collected to
reduce excessive reporting burdens.
Burden on the Public: The Directorate estimates that an average of
25 minutes is expended for each NSF Application Form A submitted and an
average of 150 minutes is expended for each reference writer
recommendation added. An estimated 1200 responses are expected per year
for a total of 2167 public burden hours annually.
Expected Respondents: Individuals.
Estimated Number of Responses: 1200.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 1200.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2167 hours.
Frequency of Responses: On occasion.
Dated: January 7, 2026.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2026-00270 Filed 1-8-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P
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