The survey provides academic R&D Expenditures data by source and discipline, including research equipment. Data are used for planning and policy formulation related to academic science and engineering infrastructure. Users include Congress, Federal agencies, States, industry, universities, etc. Affected public-higher education and associated federally funded R&D centers. This revision does not any changes to the design or protocol; however a few small changes are being made to the instrument for the 2016-2017 renewal.
US Code:
42 USC 1862
Name of Law: National Science Foundation Act of 1950
The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) requests approval for an amendment to the OMB clearance for the Higher Education R&D and FFRDC R&D Surveys. This amendment specifically concerns the FY 2020 Higher Education R&D (HERD) Survey questionnaire; it does not apply to the FFRDC questionnaire. NCSES requests a revision to the current question on R&D personnel to collect demographic headcounts (researchers, R&D technicians, R&D support staff) by sex, citizenship, and highest level of education completed and the addition of a new question on the number of full-time equivalents for those personnel.
NCSES is also developing questions on the potential disruption to R&D activities at higher education institutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Details of the proposed changes are below.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.