Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

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 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 February 11, 2022 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, 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:

Title of Collection: Notification Requirements Regarding Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Harassment, or Sexual Assault.

OMB Number: 3145-0249.

Type of Request: Renewal with change of an information collection.

Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 2022.

Proposed Project: The primary purpose of this data collection is for institutional authorized organizational representatives to inform NSF of any finding/determination regarding the Principal Investigator (PI) or any co-PI that demonstrates a violation of awardee policies or codes of conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault; and/or if the PI or any co-PI is placed on administrative leave or if any administrative action has been imposed on the PI or any co-PI by the awardee relating to any finding/determination or an investigation of an alleged violation of awardee policies or codes of conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault.

The awardee is required to notify NSF of: (1) Any finding/determination regarding the PI or any co-PI that demonstrates a violation of awardee policies or codes of conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault; and/or (2) if the PI or any co-PI is placed on administrative leave or if any administrative action has been imposed on the PI or any co-PI by the awardee relating to any finding/determination or an investigation of an alleged violation of awardee policies or codes of conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault. Such notification must be submitted by the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) or designee to NSF's Office of Equity and Civil Rights at: https://www.nsf.gov/OD/OECR/notification_form.jsp within ten business days from the date of the finding/determination, or the date of the placement of a PI or co-PI by the awardee on administrative leave or the imposition of an administrative action, whichever is sooner. Each notification must include the following information:

• NSF Award Number;
• Name of PI or co-PI being reported;
• Type of Notification: Select one of the following:

—Finding/Determination that the reported individual has been found to have violated awardee policies or codes of conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault; or

—Placement by the awardee of the reported individual on administrative leave or the imposition of any administrative action on the PI or any co-PI by the awardee relating to any finding/determination or an investigation of an alleged violation of awardee policies or codes of conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault.

• Description of the finding/determination and action(s) taken, if any; and
• Reason(s) for, and conditions of, placement of the PI or any co-PI on administrative leave or imposition of administrative action.

Use of the Information: NSF will use the information in consultation with the awardee to determine whether the NSF award activities can be carried out as proposed and in a manner that protects the safety and security of award personnel.

Burden on the Public: It has been estimated that respondents will expend an average of one hour to complete the form.

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.