National Science Foundation Proposal/Award InformationGrant Proposal Guide; Submission for OMB Review: Comment Request

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

National Science Foundation Proposal/Award Information--Grant

Proposal Guide; Submission for OMB Review: Comment Request

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. Such a

notice was published at Federal Register, 6393, dated May 14, 1998. No

comments were received. This material is being submitted for OMB

review. Send any written comments to Desk Officer, OMB, 3145-0058,

OIRA, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503. Written

comments should be received by August 14, 1998.

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. ``National Science Foundation Proposal/Award

Information--Grant Proposal Guide.'' The mission of the NSF are to:

strengthen its ability to support research in all areas of science and

engineering; and promote innovative science and engineering education

programs that can better prepare the Nation to meet the challenges of

the future. The foundation is also committed to ensuring the Nation's

supply of scientists, engineers, and science educators. In its role as

leading Federal supporter of science and engineering, NSF also has an

important role in national science policy planning.

The information collected is used to help the Foundation fulfill

this responsibility by initiating and supporting merit-selected

research and education projects in all the scientific an engineering

disciplines. NSF receives more than 30,000 proposals annually for new

or renewal support for research, and math/science/engineering education

projects, and makes approximately 10,000 new awards. This support is

made primarily through grants contracts, and other agreements awarded

to approximately 2,800 colleges, universities, academic consortia,

nonprofit institutions, and small businesses. The awards are based

mainly on evaluations of proposal merit submitted to the Foundation

(see OMB Clearance No. 3145-0060).

The Foundation has a continuing commitment to monitor the

operations of its review and award processes to identify and address

excessive reporting burdens. The Foundation is also committed to

monitor and identify any real or apparent inequities based on gender,

race, ethnicity, or handicap of the proposed principal investigator(s)/

project director(s) or co-principal investigator(s)/co-project

director(s). The collection of this information is a part of the

regular submission of proposals to the Foundation.

Dated: July 14, 1998.

Mary Lou Higgs,

Acting NSF Clearance Officer.

[FR Doc. 98-19072 Filed 7-16-98; 8:45 am]

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