Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Comment Request; Participatory Research and Indigenous Leadership in Research (PILR) Evaluation, 78344-78345 [2024-21973]

Agencies

• NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78344-78345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-21973]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; 
Comment Request; Participatory Research and Indigenous Leadership in 
Research (PILR) Evaluation

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, 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 https://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, Virginia 22314; telephone (703) 292-7556; 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).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Comments: Comments regarding (a) whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper

[[Page 78345]]

performance of the functions of the NSF, including whether the 
information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the NSF's 
estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) 
ways to enhance the quality, use, and clarity of the information on 
respondents; 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 should 
be addressed to the points of contact in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section.
    Copies of the submission 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.
    Title of Collection: The Interagency Arctic Research Policy 
Committee Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic Evaluation 
Survey.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-New.
    Abstract: The Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC) 
was established by the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (ARPA) to 
facilitate coordination and cooperation in Arctic research. Now a 
subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), 
IARPC plays a critical role in enhancing scientific monitoring and 
advancing Arctic research through the coordination of Federal agencies 
as well as domestic and international collaborators. In 2018, IARPC 
released the revised Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic 
OPP Principles for the Conduct of Research in the Arctic [verbar] NSF--
National Science Foundation (https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/arctic/conduct.jsp) to guide research activities throughout the Arctic. In 
2023, the IARPC's Participatory Research and Indigenous Leadership in 
Research (PILR) Collaboration Team (one of five foundational activities 
in the Arctic Research Plan--IARPC Collaborations) (https://www.iarpccollaborations.org/plan/) reframed these principles 
as SHARE:

     Sustain and build relationships
     Humble accountability
     Advance responsible environmental stewardship
     Effective communication

    These Principles are directed at academic and federal researchers 
funded by IARPC agencies but are equally relevant to other individuals 
and organizations pursuing or funding research in the Arctic. They are 
guidelines for conducting responsible and ethical research and they 
encourage respect for all individuals, cultures, and the environment. 
The Principles are not intended to supplant existing regulations and 
guidelines; researchers should follow federal, state, and local 
regulations, policies and guidelines. Research involving human subjects 
must adhere to specific requirements. Projects on Indigenous homelands 
or involving Indigenous Peoples should be coordinated with Indigenous 
leadership and should follow all applicable regulations and local 
research guidelines.
    The rapid changes occurring in the Arctic are complex, dynamic, and 
interconnected. Climate change and other environmental changes are 
profoundly impacting Arctic communities and have global consequences. 
As a result, emerging research questions are multidisciplinary and are 
best addressed by multiple Federal agencies working closely with non-
Federal partners. Through a targeted approach to cross-cutting priority 
areas, the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee's (IARPC) 
Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026 addresses the most pressing Arctic 
research needs that require a collaborative approach and can advance 
understanding of the Arctic and climate change, inform policy and 
planning decisions, and promote the well-being of Arctic and global 
communities. The plan's priority areas respond to challenges identified 
by Arctic communities, Federal agencies with a presence in Alaska or a 
responsibility to understand the Arctic region, Federal agencies with 
Arctic investments, the state of Alaska, Tribal and Indigenous 
organizations, and other non-Federal entities.
    Every five years, IARPC is required by law (ARPA) ``to prepare and 
execute an Arctic Research Plan in coordination with the U.S. Arctic 
Research Commission, the Governor of the State of Alaska, residents of 
the Arctic, the private sector, and public interest groups.'' The 
Arctic Research Plan 2022-2026 is the third plan since IARPC became a 
subcommittee of the NSTC and builds from the successes and communities 
of practice established by previous plans. It seeks to integrate these 
communities and create cross-cutting foci which require a focused 
research effort.
    The IARPC PILR Collaboration work focuses on three objectives 
including PILR 1 to fulfill Federal requirement to consult with 
Federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations. The IARPC 
Principles survey stems from PILR Deliverable 1.2 to Evaluate the 
Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic 2018, and update as 
needed based on the evaluation. This survey will enable an evaluation 
of understanding and implementation of the SHARE Principles among three 
primary groups, Arctic Indigenous and local community members and 
leadership, the scientific research community, and federal agency 
personnel.
    Respondents: Arctic Indigenous and local community members and 
leadership (100); scientific research community (100), and federal 
agency personnel (100).
    Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 300.
    Burden on the Public: Estimated 20 minutes to fill out the form. 
The estimated burden time is 102 hours.

    Dated: September 20, 2024.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2024-21973 Filed 9-24-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P