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###### National Science Foundation

# AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

# ACTION:

Notice.

# 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 the opportunity for public comment on this action. 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 three years.

# DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by February 10, 2025 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to the address below.

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                        Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite E7400, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send email to                         *splimpto@nsf.gov.*                         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:

*Title of Collection: “U.S. National Science Foundation Proposal/Award Information—NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide.”*

*OMB Approval Number:*                     3145-0058.                

*Expiration Date of Approval:*                     November 30, 2026.                

*Type of Request:*                     Intent to seek approval to extend with revision an information collection for three years. The primary purpose of this revision is to update the                     *U.S. NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide*                     (PAPPG) to incorporate mandated statutory, regulatory, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Executive Order, and policy-related changes and clarifications of language. The draft NSF PAPPG is now available for your review and consideration on the NSF website at                     *https://www.nsf.gov/​bfa/​dias/​policy/​.*                     To facilitate review, revised text has been highlighted in yellow throughout the document to identify significant changes. A brief comment explanation of the change also is provided.                

*Proposed Project:*                     The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (Pub. L. 81-507) sets forth NSF's mission and purpose:                

“To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense. . . .”

The Act authorized and directed NSF to initiate and support:
    - Basic scientific research and research fundamental to the engineering process;
    - Programs to strengthen scientific and engineering research potential;
    - Science and engineering education programs at all levels and in all the various fields of science and engineering;
    - Programs that provide a source of information for policy formulation; and
    - Other activities to promote these ends.

NSF's core purpose resonates clearly in everything it does: promoting achievement and progress in science and engineering and enhancing the potential for research and education to contribute to the Nation. While NSF's vision of the future and the mechanisms it uses to carry out its charges have evolved significantly over the last six decades, its ultimate mission remains the same.

*Use of the Information:*                     The regular submission of proposals to the Foundation is part of the collection of information and is used to help NSF fulfill this responsibility by initiating and supporting merit-selected research and education projects in all the scientific and engineering disciplines. NSF receives more than 40,000 proposals annually for new projects and makes approximately 10,500 financial assistance awards, including grants and cooperative agreements.                

NSF funding is primarily made through issuance of grants, cooperative agreements awarded to approximately 3,000 institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, tribal nations, for-profit organizations, and state and local governments. The awards are based primarily on the merit review of proposals submitted to the Foundation.

*Burden on the Public:*                     The Foundation estimates that an average of 120 hours is expended for each proposal submitted. An estimated 40,000 proposals are expected to be received during the course of one year for a total of 4,800,000 public burden hours annually.                

*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 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.                

      ( print page 100550)    
Dated: December 9, 2024.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.

[FR Doc. 2024-29244 Filed 12-11-24; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7555-01-P