U.S. National Science Foundation:
An Overview
Christine M. Matthews
Specialist in Science and Technology Policy
December 20, 2011
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
95-307
CRS Report for Congress
Pr
epared for Members and Committees of Congress
U.S. National Science Foundation: An Overview
Summary
The National Science Foundation (NSF) was created by the National Science Foundation Act of
1950, as amended (P.L.81-507). The NSF has the broad mission of supporting science and
engineering in general and funding basic research across many disciplines. The agency provides
support for investigator-initiated, merit-reviewed, competitively selected awards, state-of-the-art
tools, and instrumentation and facilities. The majority of the research supported by the NSF is
conducted at U.S. colleges and universities. Approximately 82.3% ($3,900.6 million) of NSF’s
estimated FY2009 $4,742.0 million research and development (R&D) budget was awarded to
U.S. colleges and universities.
On November 18, 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law the Commerce, Justice,
Science, and Related Appropriations Act, FY2012, P.L. 112-55. The law provides, among other
things, funding for the NSF. The law provides a total of $7,033.1 million for the NSF in FY2012,
$733.9 million below the Administration’s request, and $173.2 million above the FY2011 enacted
level. The Research and Related Activities (R&RA) account is funded at $5,719.0 million in
FY2012, $534.5 million below the requested level and $155.1 million above the FY2011 enacted
level. R&RA funds research projects, research facilities, and education and training activities.
R&RA is also a source of funding for the acquisition and development of research
instrumentation at U.S. colleges and universities, disaster research teams, Partnerships for
Innovation, and the Science and Technology Policy Institute. In addition, the law provides $829.0
million for the Education and Human Resources (EHR) directorate and $167.1 million for the
Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) in FY2012.
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U.S. National Science Foundation: An Overview
Contents
Background...................................................................................................................................... 1
Organization and the FY2012 Appropriation .................................................................................. 2
Biological Sciences (BIO) ......................................................................................................... 4
Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) ................................................... 4
Engineering (ENG).................................................................................................................... 4
Geosciences (GEO) ................................................................................................................... 4
Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) ............................................................................. 4
Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE)................................................................... 4
Education and Human Resources (EHR) .................................................................................. 5
Other Program Activities and Accounts........................................................................................... 5
Policy Issues .............................................................................................................................. 7
Figures
Figure 1. NSF R&D Support, FY2003-FY2012.............................................................................. 2
Contacts
Author Contact Information............................................................................................................. 9
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U.S. National Science Foundation: An Overview
Background
The NSF’s primary responsibility is to maintain the health and vitality of the U.S. academic
science and engineering enterprise. In addition to ensuring the nation’s supply of scientific and
engineering personnel, the NSF promotes academic basic research and science and engineering
education across many disciplines.1 Other federal agencies, in contrast, support mission-specific
research (i.e., health, agriculture, defense).
The NSF provides support for investigator-initiated, merit-reviewed, competitively selected
awards, state-of-the-art tools, instrumentation, and facilities. NSF receives approximately 45,000
proposals for research, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowships, and science, mathematics, and
engineering projects annually, and makes about 11,500 new funding awards. Support is provided
to academic institutions, industrial laboratories, private research firms, and major research
facilities and centers. In addition, NSF makes more than $400.0 million in annual awards for
professional and service contracts. While NSF does not operate any laboratories, it does support
Antarctic research stations, selected oceanographic vessels, and national research centers.
Additionally, NSF supports university-industry relationships and U.S. participation in
international scientific ventures.
The majority of the research supported by the NSF is conducted at U.S. colleges and universities.
Preliminary data reveal that approximately 82.3% ($3,900.6 million) of NSF’s estimated FY2009
$4,742.0 million research and development (R&D) budget was awarded to U.S. colleges and
universities.2 Disaggregated data further reveal that in FY2009, NSF provided approximately
63.8% of all federally funded basic research conducted at the nation’s colleges and universities,
with the exclusion of biomedical research sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.3
The NSF is an independent agency in the executive branch and under the leadership of a
presidentially appointed Director and a National Science Board (NSB) composed of 24 scientists,
engineers, and university and industry officials involved in research and education. The NSB and
the Director make policy for the NSF.
1 The NSF does not provide funding for research in clinical medicine, commerce, social work, or the arts and
humanities. However, its investments in basic research contribute to scientific advances in drug delivery, regenerative
medicine, and the design and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
2 National Science Foundation, Federal Funds for Research and Development: Fiscal Years 2007-2009, Detailed
Statistical Tables, NSF10-305, Arlington, VA, May 2010, Table 10.
3 While the FY2009 R&D appropriation of $4,742.0 million for NSF was only 4.1% of the total federal R&D budget,
the agency plays a significant role in maintaining the academic research enterprise. Preliminary FY2009 data reveal
that the NSF provided 15.1% of all federally supported basic research and 15.2% of federal academic research. In
addition, NSF was the second largest federal supporter of academic research in FY2009, eclipsed by the Department of
Health and Human Services, which provided 66.3%. The Department of Defense, the third largest supporter of
academic research, provided 8.2%. Federal Funds for Research and Development: Fiscal Years 2007-2009, Tables 10
and 67.
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U.S. National Science Foundation: An Overview
Figure 1. NSF R&D Support, FY2003-FY2012
$8.0
$7.0
$6.0
$5.0
s
n $4.0
illio
B $3.0
$2.0
$1.0
$0.0
FY2003 FY2004 FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012
R&RA
EHR
Total, NSF
Source: National Science Foundation FY2012 Budget Request to Congress, Summary Tables -15. (R&RA—
Research and Related Activities, and EHR—Education and Human Resources), and Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs for the Fiscal Year Ending
September 30, 2012, and for Other Purposes, 112th Congress, 1st Sess., H.Rept. 112-284, Division B, November
14, 2011, p. 282.
Organization and the FY2012 Appropriation
The NSF has witnessed moderate growth during a period of constrained research budgets. Its total
appropriation increased approximately 31.0% in 10 years—FY2003, $5,369.3 million; FY2007,
$5,884.8 million; and FY2012, $7,033.1 million. (See Figure 1.) The FY2012 appropriation for
the NSF of $7,033.1 million represents a 2.5% increase ($173.2 million) over the FY2011 enacted
level of $6,859.9 million.4 Under President Barack Obama’s Strategy for American Innovation,
the Administration proposed doubling the federal investment in basic research over a period of 10
years relative to FY2006 levels.5 However the recommendation for doubling funding for the NSF
and other targeted agencies6 does not appear achievable considering the focus on the nation’s
4 The FY2012 request presented by the Administration for NSF had proposed the termination or reduction of six
programs—Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory, Research Initiation Grants to Broaden
Participation in Biology, Science of Learning Center, Synchrotron Radiation Center, National STEM Distributed
Learning Program, and Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12 Education. For discussion please see Written testimony of
Subra Suresh, Director, National Science Foundation, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, The
President’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Request for the National Science Foundation, Hearing, 112th Congress, 1st Sess.,
March 11, 2011, p.7-8.
5 The time frame for a doubling effort has changed due primarily to economic conditions, deficit, and debt. The
doubling effort was to occur over a period of 10 years, it was then extended to 11 years, and is now to occur over a
indefinite period of time.
6 In addition to NSF, doubling efforts were proposed at other federal agencies that have a strong focus on physical
sciences and engineering—the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, and the Department of Commerce’s National
(continued...)
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current economic situation, debt, and budget deficit. There has been significant pressure on
cutting discretionary funding.7 The Administration had proposed that its FY2012 request would
be an installment toward a doubling effort.
NSF had identified several strategies for FY2012, including expanding the scientific workforce
and broadening participation from underrepresented groups and geographical regions; expanding
and enhancing international partnerships and interagency collaborations; promoting competitive
markets that spur productive entrepreneurship; and maintaining a portfolio of basic, high-risk, and
transformative research across all disciplines. NSF has maintained that in the global environment
of science and engineering, support for transformative, high-risk, high-reward research is critical
to U.S. competitiveness. Transformative research is described by NSF as “… research that has the
capacity to revolutionize existing fields, create new fields, cause paradigm shifts, support
discovery, and lead to radically new technologies.”8 Several reports have recommended that funds
be allocated specifically for this type of research. The Administration had requested funding for a
portfolio of programs entitled Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability. It was
anticipated that support for these programs would provide integrated methods to expand U.S.
energy independence, reduce energy use and carbon intensity, and improve environmental
management, all while simultaneously promoting economic growth.9
The FY2012 appropriation provides support for seven major directorates and other programs and
activity accounts. The Research and Related Activities (R&RA) account is funded at $5,719.0
million in FY2012, $534.4 million (8.5%) below the Administration’s request and $155.1 million
(2.8%) above the FY2011 enacted level. R&RA funds research projects, research facilities, and
education and training activities. R&RA includes Integrative Activities (IA), and is a source of
funding for the acquisition and development of research instrumentation at U.S. colleges and
universities, disaster research teams, Partnerships for Innovation, and the Science and Technology
Policy Institute. The R&RA also provides support for the Office of Polar Programs (OPP).10 The
directorates receiving support are the Biological Sciences; Computer and Information Science
and Engineering; Education and Human Resources; Engineering; Geosciences; Mathematical and
Physical Sciences; and Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.11 Six of the seven directorates
are in the R&RA account. The seven major directorates are described below.
(...continued)
Institute of Standards and Technology. See for example CRS Report R41951, An Analysis of Efforts to Double Federal
Funding for Physical Sciences and Engineering Research, by John F. Sargent Jr.
7 The nation’s current economic situation, debt, and budget deficit are placing increased focus on cutting discretionary
spending. See for example Mervis, Jeffrey, “NSF Goes Back to Basics to Preserve Basic Research,” Science, vol. 334,
November 11, 2011, pp. 756-757; and Mervis, Jeffrey, “Fewer Dollars, Forced Choices,” Science, vol. 334, November
11, 2011, pp. 750-752.
8 National Science Board, Enhancing Support of Transformative Research at the National Science Foundation, NSB07-
32, Arlington, VA, May 7, 2007, p. 1.
9 For additional discussion of transformative research proposals see for example Mervis, Jeffrey, “New NSF Program
Sidesteps External Peer Review,” Science Insider, November 9, 2011, http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2011/
11/new-nsf-program-sidesteps-external.html?ref=hp.
10 Funding for OPP in the Administration’s FY2012 request included support for the ice-breaking research vessels the
Laurence M. Gould and the Nathaniel B. Palmer, small fixed-wing aircrafts and helicopters, and icebreakers for ship
escorts and channel breaking. NSF combines federal and civilian contract service providers for research support at the
poles.
11 Specific funding levels for the directorates and certain programs and activities in the FY2012 appropriation are not
yet available or have not yet been finalized.
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U.S. National Science Foundation: An Overview
Biological Sciences (BIO)
The FY2012 request of $794.5 million for the BIO Directorate was structured to improve
scientific understanding of biological phenomena, ranging from the study of fundamental
molecules of living organisms to the complexity of biological systems. Types of support to be
provided included research workshops, symposia, conferences, the improvement of research
collections, purchase of scientific equipment, and operation of research facilities.
Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)
The CISE Directorate was proposed at $728.4 million in the Administration’s request. Programs
in CISE focus on the fundamental understanding of computing and information processing, and
the use of state-of-the-art computational techniques in scientific and engineering research.
Currently, areas of research emphasis include parallel processing, automation and robotics, large-
scale integrated electronic systems, scientific computing, and networking.
Engineering (ENG)
The activities of the ENG, funded at $908.3 million in the FY2012 request, are directed at
enhancing the long-term economic strength and security of the nation by fostering innovation and
excellence in engineering education and research. The ENG is focused on integrating education
and research in interdisciplinary areas such as information and communication technologies,
biotechnology, and environmental research.
Geosciences (GEO)
The FY2012 request of $979.2 million for the GEO Directorate was to support programs that
promote knowledge and discussions concerning earth, including the sun, atmosphere, continents,
oceans, and interior, and the linkages among them. One of the objectives of the GEO is to expand
the knowledge of the biological, chemical, geological, and physical processes in the ocean, and at
its boundaries, with the atmosphere and the earth’s crust.
Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)
The FY2012 request of $1,432.7 million for the MPS was in support of programs designed to
increase the knowledge base in the relevant sciences; improve the quality of educational
programs, with emphasis at the undergraduate level; improve the rate at which research efforts are
translated into societal benefits; and increase the diversity of approaches and individuals in the
mathematical and physical sciences.
Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE)
The SBE Directorate, proposed at $301.1 million in FY2012, was to support programs directed at
developing basic scientific knowledge about human behavior, culture, interaction, and decision
making, and about social, political, and economic systems, organizations, and institutions. The
SBE serves as the nation’s primary data source on science and engineering human, institutional,
and financial resources.
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Education and Human Resources (EHR)
The FY2012 appropriation of $829.0 million for EHR is $82.2 million below the Administration’s
request and $32.0 million below the FY2011 enacted level. The EHR is designed to support
science, engineering, mathematics, and technology education at all educational levels. People
receiving funding from the EHR include senior researchers, postdoctoral associates, graduate and
undergraduate students, and teachers and students at the precollege level. Additional support is
provided to individuals through informal science activities.
Other Program Activities and Accounts
The Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) account receives $167.1
million in the FY2012 appropriation, $57.6 million below the FY2012 request and $50.0 million
above the FY2011 enacted level.12 The MREFC supports the acquisition and construction of
major research facilities and equipment that extend the boundaries of science, engineering, and
technology. According to NSF, it is the primary federal agency providing support for forefront
instrumentation and facilities for the academic research and education communities. NSF states
that “Modern and effective research infrastructure is critical to maintaining U.S. leadership in
science and engineering. The future success of entire fields of research depends upon access to
new generations of powerful research tools. Increasingly, these tools are large and complex, and
have a significant information technology component.”13 NSF gives highest priority to ongoing
projects, and second-highest priority to projects that have been approved by the National Science
Board for new starts. To qualify for support, NSF requires MREFC projects to have “the potential
to shift the paradigm in scientific understanding.”14 Language is included in the conference report
giving the agency the authority to move an additional $50.0 million into the MREFC from the
R&RA. Such flexibility for movement of funding would allow the account to be funded by an
amount close to that requested. Additional language in the conference is directed at the
management of construction funding. The report states that
The conferees remain concerned about how NSF and its grantees are defining, estimating
and managing construction funding, particularly contingency funds. Stronger management
and oversight of these funds could result in improved project efficiencies and, ultimately,
cost savings. NSF is directed to report to the Committee on Appropriations on the steps it is
taking to impose tighter controls on the drawdown and use of contingencies, as well as steps
intended to incentivize grantees to complete construction under budget, for projects managed
through the MREFC appropriation and for other large facility projects. This report should be
submitted no later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act.15
12 For expanded discussion of the MREFC account see CRS Report RS21267, U.S. National Science Foundation:
Major Research Equipment and Facility Construction, by Christine M. Matthews.
13 U.S. National Science Foundation, National Science Foundation: FY2012 Budget Request to Congress, Arlington
VA, February 14, 2011, p. MREFC-1.
14 Ibid., p. MREFC-2.
15 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Programs for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2012, and for Other
Purpose, Hearing, 112th Congress, 1st Sess., H.Rept. 112-284, to accompany H.R. 2112, November 14, 2011, p. 264
(Consolidated and Further Appropriations Act, 2012, Signed by the President on November 18, 2011).
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The FY2012 appropriation for the Education and Human Resources (EHR) Directorate is $829.0
million, $32.0 million (3.7%) below the FY2011 enacted level, and $82.2 million (9.0%) below
the Administration’s request. The EHR portfolio is focused on, among other things, increasing the
technological literacy of all citizens; preparing the next generation of science, engineering, and
mathematics professionals; and closing the achievement gap of underrepresented groups in all
scientific fields. Priorities at the precollege level include research and evaluation on education in
science and engineering, informal science education, project and program evaluation, and
Discovery Research K-12. Discovery Research is structured to encourage innovative thinking in
K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, and to develop tools for
measuring learning impacts in a variety of forms.
According to NSF, its undergraduate level program is intended to address the needs of the 21st
century while transforming undergraduate science and mathematics education. Priorities at the
undergraduate level in FY2012 include the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program; Curriculum,
Laboratory and Instructional Development; Advanced Technological Education; and the Math
and Science Partnership program (MSP). The MSP is an interagency program and the NSF
coordinates its MSP activities with the Department of Education and state-funded MSP sites. At
the graduate level, NSF’s priorities are Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship;
Graduate Research Fellowships; and the Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12 Education.16
An additional priority in the EHR is to support a new comprehensive program to increase the
participation of undergraduates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, tribal colleges
and universities, and Hispanic-serving institutions. The new program, Broadening Participation at
the Core, will build on and amplify the existing NSF programs that are directed at strengthening
and expanding the participation of underrepresented groups and diverse institutions in the
scientific and engineering enterprise.17
NSF had proposed reductions or terminations in certain EHR programs. The agency indicated that
the proposed changes did not result from dissatisfaction with program performance, but rather
that the changes were necessary to allow for new initiatives. Conferees did not completely
dismiss such proposed changes. Language in the conference report stated
The conferees have no objection to this approach, with the exception of the proposed
reductions to the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program and the Math and Science Partnership
program. The conferees do not believe that those cuts are warranted solely to make room for
new activities.18
16 In the FY2012 budget request, NSF proposed the eventual termination of the Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12
Education, citing that while the program had been effective in its goal, the agency had devised plans to expand graduate
experiences through other programs. See Written testimony of Subra Suresh, Director, National Science Foundation,
House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, The President’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Request for the
National Science Foundation, p. 7, and Mervis, Jeffrey, “Outrage Greets NSF Decision to End STEM Fellows
Program”, Science, v. 331, March 4, 2011, p. 1127.
17 The FY2011 request of the NSF also proposed a merger of the programs directed at underrepresented groups and
diverse institutions. Report language and committee action in the appropriation process for FY2011 directed NSF to
maintain the structure of those existing programs.
18 See supra note 15, p. 264.
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Policy Issues
In September 2006, the NSF released the report, Investing in America’s Future- Strategic Plan
FY2006-2011.19 The report addresses the accelerating pace of scientific discoveries that are
occurring in a more competitive international environment. The Strategic Plan lists several
investment priorities that are targeted for increased emphasis or funding over the next five years.
The investments include furthering U.S. economic competitiveness; promoting transformational,
multidisciplinary research; improving K-12 teaching and learning in science and mathematics;
developing a comprehensive, integrated cyberinfrastructure; and strengthening the nation’s
collaborative advantage through unique networks and innovative partnerships.
There has been considerable debate in the academic and scientific community and in Congress
about the management and oversight of major projects selected for construction and the need for
prioritization of potential projects funded in the MREFC account. One continuing question has
focused on the process for including major projects in the upcoming budget cycle. In a
management report on major projects, NSF contends that because of the changing nature of
science and technology, it is necessary to have the flexibility of reconsidering facilities at the
various stages of development.20 In addition, NSF asserts that it must be able to respond,
effectively, to possible changes in interagency participation, international and cooperative
agreements, or co-funding for major facilities. NSF maintains that while some “concepts” may
evolve into major research projects, others may prove infeasible for project support.
In February 2008, NSF released its third annual Facility Plan.21 The 2008 Facility Plan covers
readiness stage projects through those projects that are in the process of completion. The Facility
Plan describes NSF’s goals and strategies for incorporating the existing approaches and practices
into a system for selecting, managing, and overseeing large facility projects to make certain that a
large facility is both constructed properly and is the appropriate facility to build. All projects
seeking funding in the MREFC move through a “progressive sequence of increasingly detailed
development and assessment steps” in order to be considered for construction support.
Several pieces of competitiveness legislation were introduced during the 111th Congress to
strengthen science and mathematics education. Concerns have been expressed about the nation’s
continued ability to compete in world markets and to produce a scientific and technical workforce
that would ensure economic prosperity and military capability. A priority of the NSF is to advance
the productivity of research for students and teachers and to increase the number of U.S. students
pursuing scientific and technical disciplines. However, the FY2012 request had proposed
reductions for some science education programs. The America COMPETES Act authorized
increased funding for selected science and mathematics education programs, and the
establishment of some new programs. Several of these programs did not receive the authorized
level of funding in the FY2012 budget request.22 Questions were raised as to whether the NSF can
19 National Science Foundation, Investing in America’s Future-Strategic Plan FY2006-2011, NSF06-48, Arlington,
VA, September 2006, 19 pp.
20 National Science Board, Setting Priorities for Large Research Projects Supported by the National Science
Foundation, NSB05-77, Arlington, VA, September 2005, 31 pp.
21 National Science Foundation, 2008 Facility Plan, NSF08-24, Arlington, VA, February 2008, 44 pp. Note: The 2010-
2011 Facility Plan is currently pending approval (e-mail communication from the NSF Office of Legislative and Public
Affairs, December 13, 2011).
22 See CRS Report R41231, America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (H.R. 5116) and the America
COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69): Selected Policy Issues, coordinated by Heather B. Gonzalez.
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effectively continue in its explicit mission and responsibility to improve science and mathematics
education.
On October 18, 2010, Subra Suresh was sworn in as the 13th director of the NSF.23 He replaced
Arden L. Bement, who had held the position since 2004.24 Suresh, a mechanical engineer and
former dean of the school of engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has
conducted research in materials science and biology. Suresh indicated that some changes at NSF
that may be necessary to make include the peer review system, a reevaluation of the requirement
for a “broader impact” measure in grant proposals, and the loss of talent along the scientific and
technical pipeline.25 These issues and others are to be addressed in a climate of rising national
debt concerns, budget constraints, and the changing political structure of a 112th Congress.26
On January 4, 2011, President Obama signed into law the America COMPETES Reauthorization
Act, FY2010 (P.L. 111-358).27 The law authorized appropriations for the NSF from FY2011
through FY2013. Within the authorization levels, the R&RA was to receive the following:
FY2011, $5,974.8 million; FY2012, $6,234.3 million; and FY2013, $6,637.8 million. The EHR
was authorized at the following levels: FY2011, $937.9 million; FY2012, $979.0 million; and
FY2013, $1,041.8 million. In addition, committee action denied the Administration’s request to
merge the programs directed at broadening participation in the sciences—Historically Black
Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program, Tribal Colleges and Universities Program, and
Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation. It was stated that “These three programs each
have different purposes and engage students and colleges and universities in a different manner.
One size will not fit all.”28
On April 15, 2011, President Obama signed into law the Department of Defense and Full-Year
Appropriations Act, 2011 (P.L. 112-10). The act provided, among other things, funding for the
NSF through the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. The act provided a total of
$6,859.9 million for the NSF, a 1% reduction from the FY2010 enacted level.29 Included in that
total for NSF for FY2011 was $5,563.9 million for R&RA; $861.0 million for EHR; $117.1
million for MREFC; $4.5 million for the NSB; and $14.0 million for the Office of Inspector
General.
On November 18, 2011, the President signed into law the Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, FY2012 (P.L. 112-55).30 The law provides a total of
$7,033.1 million for the NSF in FY2012, $733.9 million below the Administration’s request and
23 Suresh was confirmed by the Senate on September 30, 2010. The appointment is for a six-year term.
24 Bement resigned his position at NSF in May 2010 to become Director, Global Policy Research Institute, Purdue
University.
25 Mervis, Jeffrey, “A World of Changes Prepares Subra Suresh to Tackle Change at NSF,” Science, v. 330, November
19, 2010, pp. 1034-1035.
26 See for example Young, Kerry, “GOP Aims Down, Not Up in Reversal of Budget Goals,” Congressional Quarterly,
December 15, 2010, http://www.cq.com/alertmatch/116816465.
27 For expanded discussion of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act see CRS Report R41819, Reauthorization
of the America COMPETES Act: Selected Policy Provisions, Funding, and Implementation Issues, by Heather B.
Gonzalez.
28 Senate Committee on Appropriations, Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2011, 111th Sess., Report to accompany S. 3636, S.Rept. 111-229, July 22, 2010, p. 138.
29 The FY2011 enacted level included a 0.2% across-the-board rescission that was applied to all non-defense programs.
30 P.L. 112-55, H.R. 2112. Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, FY2012, H.Rept. 112-284.
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$173.2 million above the FY2011 enacted level. The R&RA is funded at $5,719.0 million, $534.5
million below the request, and $155.1 million above the FY2011 enacted level. The Committee
also provides $167.1 million for MREFC, $829.0 million for the EHR, $4.4 million for the
National Science Board, and $14.2 million for the Office of Inspector General. Language is
included in the conference report for FY2012 directing the NSF to review its existing portfolio of
MREFC projects and to determine if their funding profiles fit within the parameters of the
FY2011 and FY2012 appropriations. If it is found that adjustments to the portfolio are warranted,
conferees direct that new and revised profiles be submitted with the FY2013 request.31
Author Contact Information
Christine M. Matthews
Specialist in Science and Technology Policy
cmatthews@crs.loc.gov, 7-7055
31 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012, 112th Congress, 1st Sess.,
http://www.rules.house.gov/Media/file/PDF_112_1/Committee%20Jurisdiction%20Reports/JointStates.pdf, p. 61.
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