Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Awardee Reporting Requirements for the Established Program To Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Research Infrastructure Improvement Programs, 67016-67017 [2020-23332]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 204 / Wednesday, October 21, 2020 / Notices
Agenda
November 18, 2020; 10:00 a.m.–06:00
p.m.
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Directors Overview & Science Talks—
Session 1
12:00 p.m.–01:00 p.m.
Lunch
01:00 p.m.–04:00 p.m.
Science Talks—Session 2
04:00 p.m.–05:00 p.m.
Executive Session—CLOSED
05:00 p.m.–06:00 p.m.
Poster Session
November 19, 2020; 10:00 a.m.–05:00
p.m.
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Education/Outreach/Diversity (need
more than 1 hour)
12:00 p.m.–01:00 p.m.
Lunch
01:00 p.m.–02:00 p.m.
University Administrators
02:00 p.m.–03:00 p.m.
Directors Conclusion and Plans for
Coming Year
03:00 p.m.–04:30 p.m.
Executive Session—CLOSED
04:30 p.m.–05:00 p.m.
Questions delivered to PIs
November 20, 2020; 10:00 a.m.–2:00
p.m.
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Responses to Questions
11:00 a.m.–02:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion of Report
Reason for Closing: Topics to be
discussed and evaluated during closed
portions of the site review will include
information of a proprietary or
confidential nature, including technical
information and information on
personnel. These matters are exempt
under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c), (4) and (6) of the
Government in the Sunshine Act.
Dated: October 16, 2020.
Crystal Robinson,
Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020–23281 Filed 10–20–20; 8:45 am]
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection
Activities: Comment Request; Awardee
Reporting Requirements for the
Established Program To Stimulate
Competitive Research (EPSCoR)
Research Infrastructure Improvement
Programs
National Science Foundation.
Submission for OMB review;
comment request.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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, 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.
DATES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAmain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting
‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open
for Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance
Officer, National Science Foundation,
2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria,
VA 22314, 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). Copies of
the submission may be obtained by
calling 703–292–7556.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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.
Title of Collection: Awardee Reporting
Requirements for the Established
Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research (EPSCoR) Research
Infrastructure Improvement Programs.
OMB Number: 3145–0243.
Type of Request: Reinstatement with
change of an established information
collection.
Proposed Project: The mission of the
National Science Foundation (NSF) is to
promote the progress of science; to
advance the national health, welfare,
and prosperity; and to secure the
national defense, while avoiding the
undue concentration of research and
education. In 1977, in response to
congressional concern that NSF funding
was overly concentrated geographically,
SUMMARY:
16:58 Oct 20, 2020
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a National Science Board task force
analyzed the geographic distribution of
NSF funds, which resulted in the
creation of an NSF Experimental
Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research (EPSCoR). The American
Innovation and Competitiveness Act
(Pub. L. 114–329, Sec 103 D) effectively
changed the program’s name from
‘‘Experimental’’ to ‘‘Established’’ in FY
2016. Congress specified two objectives
for the EPSCoR program in the National
Science Foundation Authorization Act
of 1988: (1) To assist States that
historically have received relatively
little Federal research and development
funding; and (2) to assist States that
have demonstrated a commitment to
develop their research bases and
improve science and engineering
research and education programs at
their universities and colleges
The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure
Improvement (RII) Investment Strategies
advance science and engineering
capabilities in EPSCoR jurisdictions for
discovery, innovation and overall
knowledge-based prosperity. These
projects build human, cyber, and
physical infrastructure in EPSCoR
jurisdictions, stimulating sustainable
improvements in their Research &
Development (R&D) capacity and
competitiveness.
EPSCoR projects are unique in their
scope and complexity; in their
integration of individual researchers,
institutions, and organizations; and in
their role in developing the diverse,
well-prepared, STEM-enabled workforce
necessary to sustain research
competitiveness and catalyze economic
development. In addition, these projects
are generally inter- or multi-disciplinary
and involve effective jurisdictional and
regional collaborations among
academic, government, and private
sector stakeholders that advance
scientific research, promote innovation,
and provide multiple societal benefits.
They also broaden participation in
science and engineering by engaging
multiple institutions and organizations
at all levels of research and education,
and people within and among EPSCoR
jurisdictions. These projects usually
involve between 100 to 300 participants
per year over the performance period,
and the projects reach thousands more
through their extensive STEM outreach
activities. The American Innovation and
Competitiveness Act of 2016, Section
103 (Pub. L. 114–329) requires NSF
EPSCoR to submit annual reports to
both Congress and OSTP that contain
data detailing project progress and
success (new investigators, broadening
participation, dissemination of results,
new workshops, outreach activities,
E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM
21OCN1
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 204 / Wednesday, October 21, 2020 / Notices
proposals submitted and awarded,
mentoring activities among faculty
members, collaborations, researcher
participating on the review process,
etc.).
EPSCoR RII Track-1, Track-2, and
Track-4 projects are required to submit
annual reports on progress and plans,
which are used as a basis for
performance review and determining
the level of continued funding. To
support this review and the
management of EPSCoR RII projects,
teams are required to develop a set of
performance indicators for building
sustainable infrastructure and capacity
in terms of a strategic plan for the
project; measure performance and revise
strategies as appropriate; report on the
progress relative to the project’s goals
and milestones; and describe changes in
strategies, if any, for submission
annually to NSF. These indicators are
both quantitative and descriptive and
may include, for example, the
characteristics of project personnel and
students; aggregate demographics of
participants; sources of financial
support and in-kind support;
expenditures by operational component;
characteristics of industrial and/or other
sector participation; research activities;
workforce development activities;
external engagement activities; patents
and patent licenses; publications;
degrees granted to students involved in
project activities; and descriptions of
significant advances and other outcomes
of the EPSCoR project’s efforts. Part of
this reporting takes the form of several
spreadsheets to capture specific
information to demonstrate progress
towards achieving the goals of the
program. Such reporting requirements
are included in the cooperative
agreement which is binding between the
awardee institution and NSF.
Each project’s annual report addresses
the following categories of activities: (1)
Research, (2) education, (3) workforce
development, (4) partnerships and
collaborations, (5) communication and
dissemination, (6) sustainability, (7)
diversity, (8) management, and (9)
evaluation and assessment.
For each of the categories the report
is required to describe overall objectives
for the year; specific accomplishments,
impacts, outputs and outcomes;
problems or challenges the project has
encountered in making progress towards
goals; and anticipated problems in
performance during the following year.
Use of the Information: NSF will use
the information to continue its oversight
of funded EPSCoR RII projects, and to
evaluate the progress of the program.
The change would facilitate reporting
better aligned with program goals and
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:58 Oct 20, 2020
Jkt 253001
provides data as legislatively required
for NSF EPSCoR.
Estimate of Burden: Approximately 59
hours per project for 173 projects for a
total of 7,555 hours.
Respondents: Non-profit institutions;
federal government.
Estimated Number of Responses per
Report: One.
Dated: October 16, 2020.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2020–23332 Filed 10–20–20; 8:45 am]
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Southern Nuclear Operating
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MEAG Power SPVJ, LLC., MEAG Power
SPVP, LLC., and the City of Dalton,
Georgia, (hereafter called the licensee)
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performed the required inspections,
tests, and analyses, and that the
acceptance criteria are met for:
VEGP Unit 3 ITAAC
2.1.02.08d.i (32), 2.1.02.08e (40),
2.1.02.09b.ii (43), 2.2.03.08c.i.01 (177),
2.2.03.08c.i.03 (179), 2.2.03.08c.i.04
(180), 2.2.03.08c.ii (181), 2.2.03.09a.i
(201), 2.3.05.03c.ii (350), 2.3.05.03d.ii
(352), 2.3.15.03 (483), 2.5.05.03b (570),
C.2.6.09.02 (659), 2.7.06.02.ii (725),
3.3.00.05a (784), C.3.8.02.01 (843), and
E.3.9.08.01.03 (872).
VEGP Unit 4 ITAAC
2.3.05.03a.ii (344), 2.5.05.03b (570),
3.3.00.02g (775), 3.3.00.05a (784), and
C.3.8.02.01 (843).
The ITAAC for VEGP Unit 3 are in
Appendix C of the VEGP Unit 3
combined license (ADAMS Accession
No. ML14100A106). The ITAAC for
VEGP Unit 4 are in Appendix C of VEGP
E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM
21OCN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 204 (Wednesday, October 21, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67016-67017]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-23332]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request;
Awardee Reporting Requirements for the Established Program To Stimulate
Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Research Infrastructure Improvement
Programs
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Submission for OMB review; comment request.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 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.
DATES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAmain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance
Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue,
Alexandria, VA 22314, or send email to [email protected]. 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). Copies of the submission may be obtained by calling
703-292-7556.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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.
Title of Collection: Awardee Reporting Requirements for the
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Research
Infrastructure Improvement Programs.
OMB Number: 3145-0243.
Type of Request: Reinstatement with change of an established
information collection.
Proposed Project: The mission of the National Science Foundation
(NSF) is to promote the progress of science; to advance the national
health, welfare, and prosperity; and to secure the national defense,
while avoiding the undue concentration of research and education. In
1977, in response to congressional concern that NSF funding was overly
concentrated geographically, a National Science Board task force
analyzed the geographic distribution of NSF funds, which resulted in
the creation of an NSF Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research (EPSCoR). The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act
(Pub. L. 114-329, Sec 103 D) effectively changed the program's name
from ``Experimental'' to ``Established'' in FY 2016. Congress specified
two objectives for the EPSCoR program in the National Science
Foundation Authorization Act of 1988: (1) To assist States that
historically have received relatively little Federal research and
development funding; and (2) to assist States that have demonstrated a
commitment to develop their research bases and improve science and
engineering research and education programs at their universities and
colleges
The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Investment
Strategies advance science and engineering capabilities in EPSCoR
jurisdictions for discovery, innovation and overall knowledge-based
prosperity. These projects build human, cyber, and physical
infrastructure in EPSCoR jurisdictions, stimulating sustainable
improvements in their Research & Development (R&D) capacity and
competitiveness.
EPSCoR projects are unique in their scope and complexity; in their
integration of individual researchers, institutions, and organizations;
and in their role in developing the diverse, well-prepared, STEM-
enabled workforce necessary to sustain research competitiveness and
catalyze economic development. In addition, these projects are
generally inter- or multi-disciplinary and involve effective
jurisdictional and regional collaborations among academic, government,
and private sector stakeholders that advance scientific research,
promote innovation, and provide multiple societal benefits. They also
broaden participation in science and engineering by engaging multiple
institutions and organizations at all levels of research and education,
and people within and among EPSCoR jurisdictions. These projects
usually involve between 100 to 300 participants per year over the
performance period, and the projects reach thousands more through their
extensive STEM outreach activities. The American Innovation and
Competitiveness Act of 2016, Section 103 (Pub. L. 114-329) requires NSF
EPSCoR to submit annual reports to both Congress and OSTP that contain
data detailing project progress and success (new investigators,
broadening participation, dissemination of results, new workshops,
outreach activities,
[[Page 67017]]
proposals submitted and awarded, mentoring activities among faculty
members, collaborations, researcher participating on the review
process, etc.).
EPSCoR RII Track-1, Track-2, and Track-4 projects are required to
submit annual reports on progress and plans, which are used as a basis
for performance review and determining the level of continued funding.
To support this review and the management of EPSCoR RII projects, teams
are required to develop a set of performance indicators for building
sustainable infrastructure and capacity in terms of a strategic plan
for the project; measure performance and revise strategies as
appropriate; report on the progress relative to the project's goals and
milestones; and describe changes in strategies, if any, for submission
annually to NSF. These indicators are both quantitative and descriptive
and may include, for example, the characteristics of project personnel
and students; aggregate demographics of participants; sources of
financial support and in-kind support; expenditures by operational
component; characteristics of industrial and/or other sector
participation; research activities; workforce development activities;
external engagement activities; patents and patent licenses;
publications; degrees granted to students involved in project
activities; and descriptions of significant advances and other outcomes
of the EPSCoR project's efforts. Part of this reporting takes the form
of several spreadsheets to capture specific information to demonstrate
progress towards achieving the goals of the program. Such reporting
requirements are included in the cooperative agreement which is binding
between the awardee institution and NSF.
Each project's annual report addresses the following categories of
activities: (1) Research, (2) education, (3) workforce development, (4)
partnerships and collaborations, (5) communication and dissemination,
(6) sustainability, (7) diversity, (8) management, and (9) evaluation
and assessment.
For each of the categories the report is required to describe
overall objectives for the year; specific accomplishments, impacts,
outputs and outcomes; problems or challenges the project has
encountered in making progress towards goals; and anticipated problems
in performance during the following year.
Use of the Information: NSF will use the information to continue
its oversight of funded EPSCoR RII projects, and to evaluate the
progress of the program.
The change would facilitate reporting better aligned with program
goals and provides data as legislatively required for NSF EPSCoR.
Estimate of Burden: Approximately 59 hours per project for 173
projects for a total of 7,555 hours.
Respondents: Non-profit institutions; federal government.
Estimated Number of Responses per Report: One.
Dated: October 16, 2020.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2020-23332 Filed 10-20-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P