Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request, 59727-59728 [2013-23538]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 188 / Friday, September 27, 2013 / Notices standards for executive departments and agencies to follow in developing, operating, evaluating, and reporting on financial management systems. OMB is issuing this interim final version of a new appendix, Appendix D, to Circular A–123, to provide a framework for determining compliance with the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act (FFMIA) of 1996, bringing financial systems policy into greater alignment with financial management policy in Circular A–123 and with general IT guidance contained in OMB Circular No. A–130, ‘‘Management of Federal Information Resources.’’ The new appendix to Circular A–123 supersedes, and makes it no longer necessary to maintain, Circular A–127. Accordingly, OMB is suspending application of Circular A– 127. The interim final version of Appendix D to OMB Circular No. A–123 is effective October 1, 2013. Comments on the interim final revision must be received on or before October 31, 2013. ADDRESSES: Comments must be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov. In submitting comments, please search for recent submissions, which includes the full text of the new appendix to Circular A– 123, and submit comments there. To View This Issuance: The complete text of Appendix D of Circular A–123 is available on the OMB Web site at https:// www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ omb/memoranda/2013/m-13-23.pdf under ‘‘Memoranda 2013.’’ Copies of the OMB Circulars that are discussed in this notice are available on OMB’s Web site at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ circulars_default/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information about this interim final action, contact Michael S. Wetklow, Chief, Accountability, Performance, and Reporting Branch within OMB’s Office of Federal Financial Management (mwetklow@ omb.eop.gov). DATES: OMB is issuing a new appendix, Appendix D, to Circular A–123. The new appendix states new requirements for determining compliance with the FFMIA. In particular, the new appendix: • Replaces ‘‘check the box’’ compliance approaches with an outcome based approach to assess FFMIA compliance and establishes a series of financial management goals that are common to all Federal agencies; • Removes unnecessary financial management system requirements that drive complexity and cost and focuses pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:21 Sep 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 on requirements that emphasize the Federal Government’s business and information needs; • Eliminates the lengthy and resource intense financial system software test and certification program as well as the requirement that financial management system requirements be met through a single technology product and emphasizes the deployment of newer, cost-effective technology through shared service approaches; and • Solidifies the Department of the Treasury’s role in achieving Government-wide financial systems policy goals by adding responsibilities (1) to develop and maintain, in coordination with OMB and Federal agencies, Federal financial management system requirements and (2) to publish the requirements in the Treasury Financial Manual. The new appendix builds on recent policies, including OMB Memorandum M–10–26 of June 28, 2010, Immediate Review of Financial Systems IT Projects (https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/ default/files/omb/assets/memoranda_ 2010/m-10-26.pdf), and Memorandum M–13–08 of March 25, 2013, Improving Financial Systems through Shared Services (https://www.whitehouse.gov/ sites/default/files/omb/memoranda/ 2013/m-13-08.pdf). The new appendix is effective October 1, 2013. The new appendix supersedes, and makes it unnecessary to maintain, Circular A–127. Accordingly, OMB is suspending application of Circular A–127. Norman S. Dong, Deputy Controller. [FR Doc. 2013–23548 Filed 9–26–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request National Science Foundation. Submission for OMB review; comment request. AGENCY: ACTION: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the following information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 78 FR 40518, and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 59727 with the publication of this second notice. The full submission (including comments) may be found at: https:// www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 703–292–7556. NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DATES: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments: Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (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 should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725—17th Street NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230 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). Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting Requirements for Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM). OMB Number: 3145—NEW Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an information collection. E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1 pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 59728 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 188 / Friday, September 27, 2013 / Notices Overview of This Information Collection NSF has standing authority to support activities to improve the participation of women and minorities in science and engineering under the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (Pub. L. 96–516), and authority to collect data on those issues. The Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) aims to enhance diversity in materials research and education by stimulating the development of formal, long-term, collaborative research and education relationships between minority-serving colleges and universities and centers, institutes and facilities supported by the NSF Division of Materials Research (DMR). With this collaborative model PREMs build intellectual and physical infrastructure within and between disciplines, weaving together knowledge creation, knowledge integration, and knowledge transfer. PREMs conduct world-class research through partnerships of academic institutions, national laboratories, industrial organizations, and/or other public/private entities. New knowledge thus created is meaningfully linked to society, with an emphasis on enhancing diversity. PREMs enable and foster excellent education, integrate research and education, and create bonds between learning and inquiry so that discovery and creativity more fully support the learning process. PREMs capitalize on diversity through participation and collaboration in center activities and demonstrate leadership in the involvement of groups underrepresented in science and engineering. PREMs will be required to submit annual reports on progress and plans, which will be used as a basis for performance review and determining the level of continued funding. To support this review and the management of the award PREMs will be required to develop a set of management and performance indicators for submission annually to NSF via the Research Performance Project Reporting module in Research.gov and an external technical assistance contractor that collects programmatic data electronically. These indicators are both quantitative and descriptive and may include, for example, the characteristics of personnel and students; sources of financial support and in-kind support; expenditures by operational component; research activities; education activities; patents, licenses; publications; degrees VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:21 Sep 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 granted to students involved in PREM activities; descriptions of significant advances and other outcomes of the PREM effort. Each PREM’s annual report will address the following categories of activities: (1) Research, (2) education, (3) knowledge transfer, (4) partnerships, (5) diversity, (6) management, and (7) budget issues. For each of the categories the report will describe overall objectives for the year, problems the PREM has encountered in making progress towards goals, anticipated problems in the following year, and specific outputs and outcomes. PREMs are required to file a final report through the RPPR and external technical assistance contractor. Final reports contain similar information and metrics as annual reports, but are retrospective. Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue funding of PREMs, and to evaluate the progress of the program. Estimate of Burden: 44 hours per PREM for 15 PREMs for a total of 660 hours. Respondents: Non-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One from each of the fifteen PREMs. Dated: September 23, 2013. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 2013–23538 Filed 9–26–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Notice of Permit Applications Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 National Science Foundation. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to publish a notice of permit applications received to conduct activities regulated under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. NSF has published regulations under the Antarctic Conservation Act at Title 45 Part 670 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This is the required notice of permit applications received. DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit written data, comments, or views with respect to this permit application by October 28, 2013. This application may be inspected by interested parties at the Permit Office, address below. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Comments should be addressed to Permit Office, Room 755, Division of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Dahood, ACA Permit Officer, at the above address or ACApermits@nsf.gov or (703) 292–7149. The National Science Foundation, as directed by the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95–541), as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996, has developed regulations for the establishment of a permit system for various activities in Antarctica and designation of certain animals and certain geographic areas a requiring special protection. The regulations establish such a permit system to designate Antarctic Specially Protected Areas. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Application Details Permit Application: 2014–020 1. Applicant Scott Borg, National Science Foundation, Arlington Virginia. Activity for Which Permit Is Requested The National Science Foundation funds numerous science projects to be conducted in Antarctica. The Program Officers sometimes need to experience the area where the work is conducted, observe the scientists at work or inspect facilities to help inform funding decisions. Visits to the ASPAs listed in this application will be limited as operational, scientific conditions and the availability of transportation permit. Visits will take place in conjunction with scientific activities or with maintenance activities undertaken by the contractor (ASC). Program officers visiting an ASPA will be accompanied by an escort. The escort will be either a scientist or staff hired by the contractor (ASC) who is currently working in the ASPA. The escort will be very familiar with the area and the management plan and will ensure that the requirements contained in the ASPA management plans and the Antarctic Conservation Act are followed. Location ASPA 124: Cape Crozier, Ross Island. E:\FR\FM\27SEN1.SGM 27SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 188 (Friday, September 27, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59727-59728]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23538]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the 
following information collection requirement to OMB for review and 
clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This is the second 
notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal 
Register at 78 FR 40518, and no comments were received. NSF is 
forwarding the proposed submission to the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this 
second notice. The full submission (including comments) may be found 
at: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

DATES: Comments regarding these information collections are best 
assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this 
notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 
703-292-7556.
    NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless 
the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control 
number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to 
the collection of information that such persons are not required to 
respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments: Comments regarding (a) whether the 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the agency, including whether the information will 
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of 
burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information 
to be collected; (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 should 
be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, 
Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725--17th 
Street NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. 
Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 
Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230 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).
    Title of Collection: Grantee Reporting Requirements for 
Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM).
    OMB Number: 3145--NEW
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an 
information collection.

[[Page 59728]]

Overview of This Information Collection

    NSF has standing authority to support activities to improve the 
participation of women and minorities in science and engineering under 
the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (Pub. L. 96-516), 
and authority to collect data on those issues.
    The Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) 
aims to enhance diversity in materials research and education by 
stimulating the development of formal, long-term, collaborative 
research and education relationships between minority-serving colleges 
and universities and centers, institutes and facilities supported by 
the NSF Division of Materials Research (DMR). With this collaborative 
model PREMs build intellectual and physical infrastructure within and 
between disciplines, weaving together knowledge creation, knowledge 
integration, and knowledge transfer. PREMs conduct world-class research 
through partnerships of academic institutions, national laboratories, 
industrial organizations, and/or other public/private entities. New 
knowledge thus created is meaningfully linked to society, with an 
emphasis on enhancing diversity.
    PREMs enable and foster excellent education, integrate research and 
education, and create bonds between learning and inquiry so that 
discovery and creativity more fully support the learning process. PREMs 
capitalize on diversity through participation and collaboration in 
center activities and demonstrate leadership in the involvement of 
groups underrepresented in science and engineering.
    PREMs will be required to submit annual reports on progress and 
plans, which will be used as a basis for performance review and 
determining the level of continued funding. To support this review and 
the management of the award PREMs will be required to develop a set of 
management and performance indicators for submission annually to NSF 
via the Research Performance Project Reporting module in Research.gov 
and an external technical assistance contractor that collects 
programmatic data electronically. These indicators are both 
quantitative and descriptive and may include, for example, the 
characteristics of personnel and students; sources of financial support 
and in-kind support; expenditures by operational component; research 
activities; education activities; patents, licenses; publications; 
degrees granted to students involved in PREM activities; descriptions 
of significant advances and other outcomes of the PREM effort.
    Each PREM's annual report will address the following categories of 
activities: (1) Research, (2) education, (3) knowledge transfer, (4) 
partnerships, (5) diversity, (6) management, and (7) budget issues.
    For each of the categories the report will describe overall 
objectives for the year, problems the PREM has encountered in making 
progress towards goals, anticipated problems in the following year, and 
specific outputs and outcomes.
    PREMs are required to file a final report through the RPPR and 
external technical assistance contractor. Final reports contain similar 
information and metrics as annual reports, but are retrospective.
    Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue 
funding of PREMs, and to evaluate the progress of the program.
    Estimate of Burden: 44 hours per PREM for 15 PREMs for a total of 
660 hours.
    Respondents: Non-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One from each of the 
fifteen PREMs.

    Dated: September 23, 2013.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2013-23538 Filed 9-26-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P
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