Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
Published Date: 2/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Science Foundation wants your thoughts on renewing a form that helps keep private research data safe. This affects anyone who accesses special data for science projects and aims to keep info secure without adding extra hassle. You’ve got until April 7, 2026, to share your ideas before they finalize the plan—no big costs, just smarter data safety!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Restricted-Use Licensing Agreement Required
If NCSES approves your SAP Portal application, you must sign a restricted-use licensing agreement with NCSES and a senior official at your organization before receiving access to confidential data. This requirement is part of OMB control number 3145-0278 and happens outside the SAP Portal.
Security Plan Collects Workstation Details
NCSES requires approved applicants to complete a security plan form that collects planned work location addresses, workstation specifications (make, model, serial number, type, and operating system), authorized users, monitor position, and antivirus brand and version. The form also requires initials on security measures and signatures from the applicant(s), a senior official, and the organization's Information System Security Officer (ISSO).
Notarized Nondisclosure Affidavit Needed
Applicants approved for NCSES confidential data must sign an affidavit of nondisclosure describing confidentiality obligations and penalties and must obtain signatures from the applicant(s) and principal researcher plus the imprint of a notary public. This is required before access is granted.
Background Checks May Be Required
NCSES states that agency security requirements that applicants must complete outside the SAP Portal may include a background check. If required, the background check is part of the steps you must finish before receiving data access.
Estimated Time Burden and Volume
NCSES estimates the average time to complete the data security paperwork is 30 minutes per approved application. NCSES expects to collect security information for about 20 positively determined SAP Portal applications per year, with a total burden of about 30 hours over the three-year OMB clearance (an average annual burden of 10 hours).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15778, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the National Science Foundation
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF or Foundation) is revising its regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). NSF is taking this action to align the conduct prohibited by NSF's regulations with Title VI's text, avoid constitutional concerns, reduce compliance costs, serve the public interest, ensure consistency with the final rule recently issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ), and implement the direction outlined in Executive Order (E.O.) 14281.
2026-14006, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is starting a new program to check its benefit records against the Department of the Treasury’s Do Not Pay list. This helps stop wrong payments before they happen and recover any money already paid by mistake. The program kicks off on August 12, 2026, and runs through September 10, 2029, affecting anyone involved with NSF benefits programs.
2026-12725, Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; National Science Foundation Proposal/Award Information-NSF Guidance on Financial Assistance
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is updating how it collects info about its financial help for research projects. They want your thoughts on the new rules by August 24, 2026, before making changes official for up to three years. This affects researchers and organizations applying for NSF funding and aims to make the process clearer and easier to follow.
2026-11764, Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation Program
The National Science Foundation wants to update how researchers funded by the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation program report their progress. This change affects grantees who will need to follow new reporting rules, helping NSF track exciting new science better. Comments on these updates are open for 30 days, and no extra costs are expected.
2026-11527, Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The National Science Foundation wants your thoughts on new rules to keep their data super safe. If you work with or access their confidential info, these changes might affect you. You’ve got until July 9, 2026, to share your ideas—no cost, just your voice to help make things better and easier!
2026-10817, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
This new rule updates how federal financial help is given and managed across many government agencies. It affects anyone who gets federal grants or aid, making the process clearer, fairer, and easier to follow. Changes kick in soon and could impact how money flows and how quickly folks get support.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02446, Sunshine Act Meetings
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission will hold an open meeting on February 25, 2026, to review a safety violation case involving W.G. Yates and Son's Construction Company. This meeting affects mining operators and safety regulators, ensuring transparency and fairness in safety enforcement. Anyone needing special access can request it in advance, and the public can listen in by phone.
Next: 2026-02448, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Labor Standards for Federal Service Contracts
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on how it collects info about wage and work rules for companies with federal service contracts over $2,500. This helps make sure workers get fair pay and safe conditions. Comments are open until March 9, 2026, so contractors and workers should speak up now!