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).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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