Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for Smart and Connected Communities (S&CC)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The National Science Foundation is asking for ideas from people about how they should collect information on a program that helps communities use cool technology to solve problems. They want to hear what everyone thinks by February 24, 2025, but some parts of how they plan to do this might be hard and confusing without more details.
Summary AI
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is proposing a new information collection for the Smart and Connected Communities (S&CC) program. This initiative aims to drive innovative technology development to address significant challenges in American communities. The collected data will help NSF evaluate project outcomes and program progress. Public feedback is welcome until February 24, 2025, on the necessity and effectiveness of this information collection.
Abstract
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 the 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. 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.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced its intention to collect information related to its Smart and Connected Communities (S&CC) program, as stated in a recent notice in the Federal Register. This documentation is essential for complying with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and NSF is inviting public comments on the plan until February 24, 2025. The aim is to ensure the proposed information collection is necessary and practical for the agency’s functions and to refine its utility and clarity.
General Summary
The NSF's S&CC program seeks to promote the development of innovative technologies that address significant challenges faced by communities in the United States. This collection will enable NSF to assess project outcomes and overall program progress. PIs (Principal Investigators) of awarded projects are required to submit a one-page graphic summary and a five-minute video highlighting their project's achievements.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several potential issues arise from this notice. Firstly, the document lacks specific details on how it intends to enhance the quality and utility of the collected information, making it challenging to evaluate its effectiveness. Additionally, without clear criteria or metrics, the onus of evaluating the burden on respondents is somewhat ambiguous. The mentioned requirement of creating a graphic and a video for project reporting might be seen as burdensome, particularly for smaller institutions lacking resources.
Furthermore, the language used in the document tends to be technical, possibly hindering comprehension for those without a background in related fields. There is also a reliance on unspecified technical solutions for information gathering, which could lead to implementation inconsistencies.
Impact on the Public
This information collection process might slightly affect the public, as taxpayers expect accountability and transparency from funded research initiatives. The evaluation and reporting practices will likely sharpen focus on pressing community needs and innovative solutions, presumably benefiting community well-being over time.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Stakeholders like universities, non-profit organizations, and research bodies will be directly impacted by the S&CC program’s requirements. On one hand, the initiative promises support for high-risk, high-reward research, potentially fostering significant advancements in community technology and services. On the other hand, the additional reporting requirements could strain resources and may dissuade some entities from applying for funding due to the perceived administrative burden.
While the program has the potential to drive technological innovation and address community challenges positively, a more detailed and transparent approach to the information collection process and its evaluation metrics could enhance stakeholder confidence and assure them of the practical benefits of their participation.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific details on how the information collection will be used to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity, making it difficult to assess its potential effectiveness.
• There is no mention of specific criteria or metrics that will be used to evaluate the burden or utility of the information collected.
• The requirement for a one-page graphic summary and five-minute project video could be seen as burdensome for awardees without clear indication of their necessity or potential usefulness.
• The document implies a reliance on unspecified 'appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques', which could lead to ambiguity in implementation.
• The estimate of 40 hours per award seems arbitrary without a detailed breakdown of how this time is allocated, potentially underestimating the actual burden on respondents.
• The language could be seen as overly technical for a general audience, particularly regarding the description of the Smart and Connected Communities program and the associated technological terms.