Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comment Regarding Common Disclosure Forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to renew this collection. In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comments on this action. After obtaining and considering public comments, NSF will prepare the submission requesting Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 164 (Wednesday, August 26, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 26, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55124-55125]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17415]


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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: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
renew this collection. In accordance with the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for 
public comments on this action. After obtaining and considering public 
comments, NSF will prepare the submission requesting Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) clearance of this collection for no longer 
than 3 years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by October 26, 
2026 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, 401 Dulany Street, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send an email 
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b2c1c2dedbdfc2c6ddf2dcc1d49cd5ddc4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5c6c5d9dcd8c5c1daf5dbc6d39bd2dac3">[email&#160;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).
    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.

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: 3145-0279.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to renew an information 
collection.

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.''
    The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Research 
Security Subcommittee developed consistent disclosure requirements from 
senior personnel, as well as 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. NSF has agreed to continue to serve as 
the 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.
    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 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; and
    b. A common Current and Pending (Other) Support form, including 
data elements and associated instructions.

[[Page 55125]]



                                              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
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Total burden hours..........................  ..............  ..............  ..............         383,200
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    Dated: August 24, 2026.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2026-17415 Filed 8-25-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P


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