NSF and FDA seek public comments on information collection proposals

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted a proposal for renewal of its information collection requirement to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance, according to the Federal Register. This is the second notice for public comment; the first notice generated 3,277 responses, of which 3,075 were publicly posted.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also announced an opportunity for public comment on a proposed collection of information related to electronic record signature provisions. This notice is issued under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which requires federal agencies to publish such notices and allow 60 days for public comment.

Both agencies are following the required process to ensure transparency and public participation in the review and clearance of information collection activities. The NSF’s submission is simultaneous with the publication of the second notice, while the FDA’s notice solicits comments on extending an existing collection.

These actions reflect ongoing federal agency efforts to comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, which aims to minimize paperwork burdens on the public while ensuring agencies collect necessary information.

The public comment periods allow stakeholders and the public to provide input before the OMB makes a final decision on these information collection requests.