Proposed Collection; 60-Day Comment Request Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research Portfolio Analysis, NIMH

Summary: In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval.

Written comments and/or suggestions from the public and affected agencies are invited on one or more of the following points: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

To Submit Comments and for Further Information: To obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, submit comments in writing, or request more information on the proposed project, contact: The Office of Autism Research Coordination, NIMH, NIH, Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Blvd., MSC 9663, Room 6184, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, Or you can Email your request, including your address to: iaccpublicinquiries@mail.nih.gov. Formal requests for additional plans and instruments must be requested in writing.

Comment Due Date: Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 60 days of the date of this publication.

Proposed Collection: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research Portfolio Analysis, 0925-0682, Expiration Date 9/30/2016, EXTENSION, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Need and Use of Information Collection: The purpose of the ASD portfolio analysis is to collect research funding data from U.S. and international ASD research funders, to assist the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) in fulfilling the requirements of the Combating Autism Act, and to inform the committee and interested stakeholders of the funding landscape and current directions for ASD research. Specifically, these analyses will continue to examine the extent to which current funding and research topics align with the IACC Strategic Plan for ASD Research. The findings will help guide future funding priorities by outlining current gaps and opportunities in ASD research as well as serving to highlight annual activities and research progress.

OMB approval is requested for three years. There are no costs to respondents other than their time. The total estimated annualized burden hours are 520.