Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for NSF SBIR/STTR Program, 10196-10197 [2020-03488]

Download as PDF 10196 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 35 / Friday, February 21, 2020 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Universities, academic researchers, and students benefit from IUCRC participation through the research funding, the establishment and growth of industry partnerships, and educational and career placement opportunities for students. Industry Members benefit by accessing knowledge, facilities, equipment, and intellectual property in a highly costefficient model; leveraging Center research outcomes in their future proprietary projects; interacting in an informal, collaborative way with other private sector and government entities with shared interests; and identifying and recruiting talent. NSF provides funding to support Center administrative costs and a governance framework to manage membership, operations, and evaluation. Sites within Centers will be required to provide data to NSF and/or its authorized representatives (contractors and/or grantees) annually—after the award expires for their fiscal year of activity—for the life of the Phase I, and if applicable, Phase II, and Phase III award(s). Information collected are both quantitative and descriptive; they will provide managing Program Directors a means to monitor the operational and financial states of the Centers and ensure that the award is in good standing. These data will also allow NSF to assess the Centers in terms of intellectual, broader, and commercial impacts that are core to our review criteria. Finally, in compliance with the Evidence Act of 2019, information collected will be used in satisfying congressional requests, and supporting the agency’s policymaking and reporting needs. In addition to the agency’s annual report requirement, Principal Investigators (IUCRC Center and Site Directors) of the awards are required to provide the following information: Center-Related Information • Center Data Reporting Æ A comprehensive annual survey collecting information on structure, funding, membership, personnel, and outcomes of the Center during a given reporting period. A Center must submit data for each fiscal year no later than September 30 of each year of operation, as well as after the award expires to describe its final year of activity. Certification of Membership Æ A list of members and membership fees collected by the Center and certified by the respective university’s Sponsored Research Office (SRO), Total Program Income VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:22 Feb 20, 2020 Jkt 250001 collected during the reporting period, In-kind Contributions during the reporting period, Allocation and Expenditures of each Site’s research funds by project Site Research Projects Summary Æ A list all projects in which the Site participated, including each project’s goals; research tasks; key milestones, metrics/deliverables; developing results or outcomes; project budgets; and personnel. • Assessment Coordinator Report Æ An independent assessment of the annual Center activities (this report is done by an independent evaluator, and uploaded by the Principal Investigator as part of the NSF annual reporting requirement) Logistical Information • IUCRC Directory Æ IUCRCs must provide accurate and current information for the online IUCRC directory (https://iucrc.org/ centers). Instructions for updating and reporting information can be found at https://www.nsf.gov/eng/ iip/iucrc/directory/instructions.jsp Optional • IUCRC Impact Stories for Public Distribution IUCRCs are highly encouraged to submit information on their emerging research highlights and significant breakthrough stories to NSF to showcase their impact to the public and industry (see https:// www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/iucrc), including new products, technology creation and/or enhancements, intellectual property of significant commercial relevance, and major improvements in cost-savings, efficiency, sustainability, productivity, and job growth. Not only do these data provide valuable information on program activities, products, outcomes, and impact, they also help to paint a detailed longitudinal view of the program, provide insights for benchmarking individual Center performance, advancing industryuniversity engagement approaches, strengthening future workforce, and contribute to the Nation’s research and technology ecosystem. Use of the Information: The information collected is for internal use by NSF, congressional requests, and for securing future funding for continued IUCRC program maintenance and growth. Estimate Burden on the Public: Estimated at 16 hours per award for 250 sites for a total of 4,000 hours (per year). PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Respondents: IUCRC Awardees (Academic Institutions). Estimated Number of Respondents: One from each IUCRC site (estimated: 250 active sites/year). 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. Dated: February 18, 2020. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 2020–03490 Filed 2–20–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for NSF SBIR/ STTR Program National Science Foundation. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to establish this collection. In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing 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 3 years. DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by April 21, 2020 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite W18200, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone (703) 292–7556; or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 35 / Friday, February 21, 2020 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 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: Evaluation of the Sustainability and Diffusion of the NSF ADVANCE Program. OMB Number: 3145–NEW. Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable. Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an information collection. Proposed Project The NSF’s Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships (IIP), within the Engineering Directorate, serves a wide range of grantees across 5 major programs. The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)/STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) program is designed to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, as well as fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses. The NSF SBIR/STTR program has two phases: Phase I and Phase II (with an optional Phase IIB as matching supplements). SBIR/STTR Phase I is a 6–12 month experimental or theoretical investigation on the proposed innovative research or study, and allows the grantees to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit of the idea or concept. Phase II further develops the proposed concept, building on the feasibility project undertaken in Phase I, and accelerate the Phase I project to the commercialization stage and enhance the overall strength of the commercial potential. As such, Phase II SBIR/STTR awards have an expected period of performance of 24 months. The Phase II interim report will be required every six months for the life of the Phase II award. We will use this report to collect information on the technical progress of the funded NSF work, which will allow the managing Program Director to monitor the project and ensure that the award is in good standing. The report will also request a discussion of progress on other company aspects that would allow us to assess the boarder and commercial impacts that are core to our review criteria. This report will also be used to ensure awardee compliance with both SBIR/STTR-wide and NSF-wide VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:22 Feb 20, 2020 Jkt 250001 compliance requirements (such as lifecycle program certifications and requirements of our Phase II cooperative agreement instrument). Finally, it will be used to collect data that is required by the SBIR Policy Directive. All the information collected is for internal use by the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, and will not be made publicly available. Burden on the Public: Estimated at 16 hours per award for 125 awards for a total of 2,000 hours (per year). 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. Dated: February 18, 2020. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 2020–03488 Filed 2–20–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education; Notice of Meeting In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463, as amended), the National Science Foundation (NSF) announces the following meeting: Name and Committee Code: Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education (9487). Date and Time: March 25–26, 2020; 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Place: National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Conference Room 2030, Alexandria, VA 22314. Type of Meeting: Open. Contact Person: Dr. Leah Nichols, Staff Associate, Office of Integrative Activities/Office of the Director/ National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314; (Email: acere-poc@nsf.gov/ Telephone: (703) 292–8040). PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10197 Minutes: May be obtained from the AC’s website at: https://www.nsf.gov/ ere/ereweb/minutes.jsp. Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice, recommendations, and oversight concerning support for environmental research and education. Agenda: Discussion of subcommittee work. Updates on agency support for environmental research and education activities. Discussion with NSF senior leadership. Plan for future advisory committee activities. Updated agenda will be available at https://www.nsf.gov/ ere/ereweb/minutes.jsp. Dated: February 17, 2020. Crystal Robinson, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 2020–03466 Filed 2–20–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education Notice of Meeting In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463, as amended), the National Science Foundation (NSF) announces the following meeting: Name and Committee Code: Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education (9487). Date and Time: March 25—26, 2020; 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Place: National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Conference Room 2030, Alexandria, VA 22314. Type of Meeting: Open. Contact Person: Dr. Leah Nichols, Staff Associate, Office of Integrative Activities/Office of the Director/ National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314; (Email: acere-poc@nsf.gov/ Telephone: (703) 292–8040). Minutes: May be obtained from the AC’s website at: https://www.nsf.gov/ ere/ereweb/minutes.jsp. Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice, recommendations, and oversight concerning support for environmental research and education. Agenda: Discussion of subcommittee work. Updates on agency support for environmental research and education activities. Discussion with NSF senior leadership. Plan for future advisory committee activities. Updated agenda will be available at https://www.nsf.gov/ ere/ereweb/minutes.jsp. Dated: February 18, 2020. Crystal Robinson, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 2020–03469 Filed 2–20–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–P E:\FR\FM\21FEN1.SGM 21FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10196-10197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03488]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; 
Grantee Reporting Requirements for NSF SBIR/STTR Program

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
establish this collection. In accordance with the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing 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 3 years.

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by April 21, 
2020 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address 
below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance 
Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 
W18200, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send 
email to [email protected]. Individuals who

[[Page 10197]]

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: Evaluation of the Sustainability and Diffusion 
of the NSF ADVANCE Program.
    OMB Number: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to establish an 
information collection.

Proposed Project

    The NSF's Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships (IIP), 
within the Engineering Directorate, serves a wide range of grantees 
across 5 major programs. The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)/
STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) program is designed to 
stimulate technological innovation in the private sector by 
strengthening the role of small business, increasing the commercial 
application of federally supported research results, as well as 
fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically 
disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.
    The NSF SBIR/STTR program has two phases: Phase I and Phase II 
(with an optional Phase IIB as matching supplements). SBIR/STTR Phase I 
is a 6-12 month experimental or theoretical investigation on the 
proposed innovative research or study, and allows the grantees to 
determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit of the idea 
or concept. Phase II further develops the proposed concept, building on 
the feasibility project undertaken in Phase I, and accelerate the Phase 
I project to the commercialization stage and enhance the overall 
strength of the commercial potential. As such, Phase II SBIR/STTR 
awards have an expected period of performance of 24 months.
    The Phase II interim report will be required every six months for 
the life of the Phase II award. We will use this report to collect 
information on the technical progress of the funded NSF work, which 
will allow the managing Program Director to monitor the project and 
ensure that the award is in good standing. The report will also request 
a discussion of progress on other company aspects that would allow us 
to assess the boarder and commercial impacts that are core to our 
review criteria. This report will also be used to ensure awardee 
compliance with both SBIR/STTR-wide and NSF-wide compliance 
requirements (such as lifecycle program certifications and requirements 
of our Phase II cooperative agreement instrument). Finally, it will be 
used to collect data that is required by the SBIR Policy Directive.
    All the information collected is for internal use by the Division 
of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, and will not be made 
publicly available.
    Burden on the Public: Estimated at 16 hours per award for 125 
awards for a total of 2,000 hours (per year).
    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.

    Dated: February 18, 2020.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2020-03488 Filed 2-20-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P
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