Proposed Collection: Comment Request

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Proposed Collection: Comment Request

Title of Proposed Collection: Request for Proposals (RFP).

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on

proposed data collection projects, the National Science Foundation

(NSF) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. This

material is being submitted for OMB review with no changes. To request

more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the

data collection plans and instruments, call the NSF Clearance Officer

on (703) 306-1125 x2010.

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.

Proposed Project: The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart

15.4--``Solicitation and Receipt of Proposals'' prescribes policies and

procedures for preparing and issuing Requests for Proposals. The FAR

System has been developed in accordance with the requirement of the

Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act of 1974, as amended. The NSF

Act of 1950, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 1870, Sec. II, states that NSF has

the authority to:

(c) Enter into contracts or other arrangements, or modifications

thereof, for the carrying on, by organizations or individuals in the

United States and foreign countries, including other government

agencies of the United States and of foreign countries, of such

scientific or engineering activities as the Foundation deems

necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, and, at the request

of the Secretary of Defense, specific scientific or engineering

activities in connection with matters relating to international

cooperation or national security, and, when deemed appropriate by

the Foundation, such contracts or other arrangements or

modifications thereof, may be entered into without legal

consideration, without performance or other bonds and without regard

to section 5 of title 41, U.S.C.

Use of the Information: Request for Proposals (RFP) is used to

competitively solicit proposals in response to NSF need for services.

Impact will be on those individuals or organizations who elect to

submit proposals in response to the RFP. Information gathered will be

evaluated in light of NSF procurement requirements to determine who

will be awarded a contract.

Burden on the public: The Foundation estimates that approximately

120 hours may be required in the process for submitting a proposal.

Send comments to Gail A. McHenry, Reports Clearance Officer,

National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 245,

Arlington, Virginia 22230. Written comments should be received within

60 days of the date of this notice.

Dated: March 10, 1997.

Gail A. McHenry,

Reports Clearance Officer.

[FR Doc. 97-6521 Filed 3-13-97; 8:45 am]

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