[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4664 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.R.4664
One Hundred Seventh Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
the twenty-third day of January, two thousand and two
An Act
To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and
2007 for the National Science Foundation, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The National Science Foundation has made major
contributions for more than 50 years to strengthen and sustain the
Nation's academic research enterprise that is the envy of the
world.
(2) The economic strength and national security of the United
States and the quality of life of all Americans are grounded in the
Nation's scientific and technological capabilities.
(3) The National Science Foundation carries out important
functions in supporting basic research in all science and
engineering disciplines and in supporting science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology education at all levels.
(4) The research and education activities of the National
Science Foundation promote the discovery, integration,
dissemination, and application of new knowledge in service to
society and prepare future generations of scientists,
mathematicians, and engineers who will be necessary to ensure
America's leadership in the global marketplace.
(5) The National Science Foundation must be provided with
sufficient resources to enable it to carry out its responsibilities
to develop intellectual capital, strengthen the scientific
infrastructure, integrate research and education, enhance the
delivery of mathematics and science education in the United States,
and improve the technological literacy of all people in the United
States.
(6) The emerging global economic, scientific, and technical
environment challenges long-standing assumptions about domestic and
international policy, requiring the National Science Foundation to
play a more proactive role in sustaining the competitive advantage
of the United States through superior research capabilities.
(7) Commercial application of the results of Federal investment
in basic and computing science is consistent with longstanding
United States technology transfer policy and is a critical national
priority, particularly with regard to cybersecurity and other
homeland security applications, because of the urgent needs of
commercial, academic, and individual users as well as the Federal
and State Governments.
SEC. 3. POLICY OBJECTIVES.
In allocating resources made available under section 5, the
Foundation shall have the following policy objectives:
(1) To strengthen the Nation's lead in science and technology
by--
(A) increasing the national investment in general
scientific research and increasing investment in strategic
areas;
(B) balancing the Nation's research portfolio among the
life sciences, mathematics, the physical sciences, computer and
information science, geoscience, engineering, and social,
behavioral, and economic sciences, all of which are important
for the continued development of enabling technologies
necessary for sustained international competitiveness;
(C) expanding the pool of scientists and engineers in the
United States;
(D) modernizing the Nation's research infrastructure; and
(E) establishing and maintaining cooperative international
relationships with premier research institutions, with the goal
of such relationships being the exchange of personnel, data,
and information in an effort to alleviate problems common to
the global community.
(2) To increase overall workforce skills by--
(A) improving the quality of mathematics and science
education, particularly in kindergarten through grade 12;
(B) promoting access to information technology for all
students;
(C) raising postsecondary enrollment rates in science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology disciplines for
individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and
Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b);
(D) increasing access to higher education in science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology fields for students
from low-income households; and
(E) expanding science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology training opportunities at institutions of higher
education.
(3) To strengthen innovation by expanding the focus of
competitiveness and innovation policy at the regional and local
level.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Academic unit.--The term ``academic unit'' means a
department, division, institute, school, college, or other
subcomponent of an institution of higher education.
(2) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the National Science Board
established under section 2 of the National Science Foundation Act
of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
(3) Community college.--The term ``community college'' has the
meaning given such term in section 3301(3) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7011(3)).
(4) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of the
National Science Foundation established under section 2 of the
National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
(5) Elementary school.--The term ``elementary school'' has the
meaning given that term by section 9101(18) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(18)).
(6) Eligible nonprofit organization.--The term ``eligible
nonprofit organization'' means a nonprofit research institute, or a
nonprofit professional association, with demonstrated experience
and effectiveness in mathematics or science education as determined
by the Director.
(7) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National
Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National
Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
(8) High-need local educational agency.--The term ``high-need
local educational agency'' means a local educational agency that
meets one or more of the following criteria:
(A) It has at least one school in which 50 percent or more
of the enrolled students are eligible for participation in the
free and reduced price lunch program established by the Richard
B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.).
(B) It has at least one school in which--
(i) more than 34 percent of the academic classroom
teachers at the secondary level (across all academic
subjects) do not have an undergraduate degree with a major
or minor in, or a graduate degree in, the academic field in
which they teach the largest percentage of their classes;
or
(ii) more than 34 percent of the teachers in two of the
academic departments do not have an undergraduate degree
with a major or minor in, or a graduate degree in, the
academic field in which they teach the largest percentage
of their classes.
(C) It has at least one school whose teacher attrition rate
has been 15 percent or more over the last three school years.
(9) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of
higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section
101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(10) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational
agency'' has the meaning given such term by section 9101(26) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801(26)).
(11) Master teacher.--The term ``master teacher'' means a
mathematics or science teacher who works to improve the instruction
of mathematics or science in kindergarten through grade 12
through--
(A) participating in the development or revision of
science, mathematics, engineering, or technology curricula;
(B) serving as a mentor to mathematics or science teachers;
(C) coordinating and assisting teachers in the use of
hands-on inquiry materials, equipment, and supplies, and when
appropriate, supervising acquisition and repair of such
materials;
(D) providing in-classroom teaching assistance to
mathematics or science teachers; and
(E) providing professional development, including for the
purposes of training other master teachers, to mathematics and
science teachers.
(12) National research facility.--The term ``national research
facility'' means a research facility funded by the Foundation which
is available, subject to appropriate policies allocating access,
for use by all scientists and engineers affiliated with research
institutions located in the United States.
(13) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary school'' has the
meaning given that term by section 9101(38) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(38)).
(14) State.--Except with respect to the Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research, the term ``State'' means one of the
several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other
territory or possession of the United States.
(15) State educational agency.--The term ``State educational
agency'' has the meaning given such term by section 9101(41) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801(41)).
(16) United states.--The term ``United States'' means the
several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other
territory or possession of the United States.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2003.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Foundation $5,536,390,000 for fiscal year 2003.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under
paragraph (1)--
(A) $4,155,690,000 shall be made available to carry out
research and related activities, of which $704,000,000 shall be
for information technology research described in paragraph (1)
of section 8 and $301,000,000 shall be for nanoscale science
and engineering described in paragraph (2) of section 8;
(B) $1,006,250,000 shall be made available for education
and human resources, of which--
(i) $200,000,000 shall be for mathematics and science
education partnerships described in section 9;
(ii) $20,000,000 shall be for the Robert Noyce
Scholarship Program described in section 10; and
(iii) $25,000,000 shall be for the science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology talent expansion
program described in paragraph (7) of section 8;
(C) $172,050,000 shall be made available for major research
equipment and facilities construction;
(D) $191,200,000 shall be made available for salaries and
expenses;
(E) $3,500,000 shall be made available for the Office of
the National Science Board, including salaries and compensation
for members of the Board and staff appointed under section 4 of
the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863),
travel and training costs for members of the Board and such
staff, general and Board operating expenses, representational
expenses for the Board, honorary awards made by the Board,
Board reports (other than the report entitled ``Science and
Engineering Indicators''), and contracts; and
(F) $7,700,000 shall be made available for the Office of
Inspector General.
(b) Fiscal Year 2004.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Foundation $6,390,832,000 for fiscal year 2004.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under
paragraph (1)--
(A) $4,799,822,000 shall be made available to carry out
research and related activities, of which $774,000,000 shall be
for information technology research described in paragraph (1)
of section 8 and $350,000,000 shall be for nanoscale science
and engineering described in paragraph (2) of section 8;
(B) $1,157,188,000 shall be made available for education
and human resources, of which--
(i) $300,000,000 shall be for mathematics and science
education partnerships described in section 9;
(ii) $20,000,000 shall be for the Robert Noyce
Scholarship Program described in section 10; and
(iii) $30,000,000 shall be for the science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology talent expansion
program described in paragraph (7) of section 8;
(C) $211,182,000 shall be made available for major research
equipment and facilities construction;
(D) $210,320,000 shall be made available for salaries and
expenses;
(E) $3,850,000 shall be made available for the Office of
the National Science Board for the purposes described in
subsection (a)(2)(E); and
(F) $8,470,000 shall be made available for the Office of
Inspector General.
(c) Fiscal Year 2005.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Foundation $7,378,343,000 for fiscal year 2005.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under
paragraph (1)--
(A) $5,543,794,000 shall be made available to carry out
research and related activities;
(B) $1,330,766,000 shall be made available to carry out
education and human resources, of which--
(i) $400,000,000 shall be for mathematics and science
education partnerships described in section 9;
(ii) $20,000,000 shall be for the Robert Noyce
Scholarship Program described in section 10; and
(iii) $35,000,000 shall be for the science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology talent expansion
program described in paragraph (7) of section 8;
(C) $258,879,000 shall be made available for major research
equipment and facilities construction;
(D) $231,337,000 shall be made available for salaries and
expenses;
(E) $4,250,000 shall be made available for the Office of
the National Science Board for the purposes described in
subsection (a)(2)(E); and
(F) $9,317,000 shall be made available for the Office of
Inspector General.
(d) Fiscal Year 2006.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Foundation $8,519,776,000 for fiscal year 2006.
(e) Fiscal Year 2007.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Foundation $9,839,262,000 for fiscal year 2007.
(f) Contingent Authorization.--
(1) In general.--Funds are authorized to be appropriated under
subsections (d) and (e), contingent on a determination by Congress
that the Foundation has made successful progress toward meeting
management goals consisting of--
(A) strategic management of human capital;
(B) competitive sourcing;
(C) improved financial performance;
(D) expanded electronic government; and
(E) budget and performance integration.
(2) Consideration.--In making that determination, Congress
shall take into consideration whether or not the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget has certified that the Foundation
has, overall, made successful progress toward meeting those goals.
SEC. 6. OBLIGATION OF MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
CONSTRUCTION FUNDS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2003.--None of the funds authorized under section
5(a)(2)(C) may be obligated until 30 days after the first report
required under section 14(a)(2) is transmitted to the Congress.
(b) Fiscal Year 2004.--None of the funds authorized under section
5(b)(2)(C) may be obligated until 30 days after the report required by
June 15, 2003, under section 14(a)(2) is transmitted to the Congress.
(c) Fiscal Year 2005.--None of the funds authorized under section
5(c)(2)(C) may be obligated until 30 days after the report required by
June 15, 2004, under section 14(a)(2) is transmitted to the Congress.
(d) Fiscal Year 2006.--None of the funds authorized under section
5(d) may be obligated for major research equipment and facilities
construction until 30 days after the report required by June 15, 2005,
under section 14(a)(2) is transmitted to the Congress.
(e) Fiscal Year 2007.--None of the funds authorized under section
5(e) may be obligated for major research equipment and facilities
construction until 30 days after the report required by June 15, 2006,
under section 14(a)(2) is transmitted to the Congress.
SEC. 7. ANNUAL PLAN FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDING.
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of legislation
providing for the annual appropriation of funds for the Foundation, the
Director shall submit to the Committee on Science and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the Committee on Appropriations of
the Senate, a plan for the allocation of funds authorized by this Act
for the corresponding fiscal year. The portion of the plan pertaining
to Research and Related Activities shall include a description of how
the allocation of funding--
(1) will affect the average size and duration of research
grants supported by the Foundation by field of science,
mathematics, and engineering;
(2) will affect trends in research support for major fields and
subfields of science, mathematics, and engineering, including for
emerging multidisciplinary research areas; and
(3) is designed to achieve an appropriate balance among major
fields and subfields of science, mathematics, and engineering.
SEC. 8. SPECIFIC PROGRAM AUTHORIZATIONS.
From amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 5, the
Director shall carry out the Foundation's research and education
programs, including the following initiatives in accordance with this
section:
(1) Information technology.--An information technology research
program to support competitive, merit-reviewed proposals for
research, education, and infrastructure support in areas related to
cybersecurity, terascale computing systems, software, networking,
scalability, communications, data management, and remote sensing
and geospatial information technologies.
(2) Nanoscale science and engineering.--A nanoscale science and
engineering research and education program to support competitive,
merit-reviewed proposals that emphasize--
(A) research aimed at discovering novel phenomena,
processes, materials, and tools that address grand challenges
in materials, electronics, optoelectronics and magnetics,
manufacturing, the environment, and health care; and
(B) supporting new research and interdisciplinary centers
and networks of excellence, including shared national user
facilities, infrastructure, research, and education activities
on the societal implications of advances in nanoscale science
and engineering.
(3) Plant genome research.--(A) A plant genome research program
to support competitive, merit-reviewed proposals--
(i) that advance the understanding of the structure,
organization, and function of plant genomes; and
(ii) that accelerate the use of new knowledge and
innovative technologies toward a more complete understanding of
basic biological processes in plants, especially in
economically important plants such as corn and soybeans.
(B) Regional plant genome and gene expression research centers
to conduct research and dissemination activities that may include--
(i) basic plant genomics research and genomics
applications, including those related to cultivation of crops
in extreme environments and to cultivation of crops with
reduced reliance on fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides;
(ii) basic research that will contribute to the development
or use of innovative plant-derived products;
(iii) basic research on alternative uses for plants and
plant materials, including the use of plants as renewable
feedstock for alternative energy production and nonpetroleum-
based industrial chemicals and precursors; and
(iv) basic research and dissemination of information on the
ecological and other consequences of genetically engineered
plants.
Competitive, merit-based awards for centers under this subparagraph
shall be to consortia of institutions of higher education or
nonprofit organizations. The Director shall, to the extent
practicable, ensure that research centers established under this
subparagraph collectively examine as many different agricultural
environments as possible, enhance the excellence of existing
Foundation programs, and focus on plants of economic importance.
(C) Research partnerships to focus on--
(i) basic genomic research on crops grown in the developing
world;
(ii) basic plant genome research that will advance and
expedite the development of improved cultivars, including those
that are pest-resistant, produce increased yield, reduce the
need for fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, or have
increased tolerance to stress;
(iii) basic research that could lead to the development of
technologies to produce pharmaceutical compounds such as
vaccines and medications in plants that can be grown in the
developing world; and
(iv) research on the impact of plant biotechnology on the
social, political, economic, health, and environmental
conditions in countries in the developing world.
Competitive, merit-based awards for partnerships under this
subparagraph shall be to institutions of higher education,
nonprofit organizations, or consortia of such entities that enter
into a partnership that shall include one or more research
institutions in one or more developing nations, and that may also
include for-profit companies involved in plant biotechnology. The
Director, by means of outreach, shall encourage inclusion of
historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving
institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska
Native-serving institutions, and Native Hawaiian-serving
institutions in consortia that enter into such partnerships.
(4) Innovation partnerships.--An innovation partnerships
program to support competitive, merit-reviewed proposals that seek
to stimulate innovation at the regional level through new
partnerships involving States, regional governmental entities,
local governmental entities, industry, academic institutions, and
other related organizations in strategically important fields of
science and technology.
(5) Mathematics and science education partnerships.--The
mathematics and science education partnerships program described in
section 9.
(6) Robert noyce scholarship program.--The Robert Noyce
Scholarship Program described in section 10.
(7) Science, mathematics, engineering, and technology talent
expansion program.--(A) A program of competitive, merit-based,
multi-year grants for eligible applicants to increase the number of
students studying toward and completing associate's or bachelor's
degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology,
particularly in fields that have faced declining enrollment in
recent years.
(B) In selecting projects under this paragraph, the Director
shall strive to increase the number of students studying toward and
completing baccalaureate degrees, concentrations, or certificates
in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology who are
individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and
Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
(C) The types of projects the Foundation may support under this
paragraph include those that promote high quality--
(i) interdisciplinary teaching;
(ii) undergraduate-conducted research;
(iii) mentor relationships for students;
(iv) bridge programs that enable students at community
colleges to matriculate directly into baccalaureate science,
mathematics, engineering, or technology programs;
(v) internships carried out in partnership with industry;
and
(vi) innovative uses of digital technologies, particularly
at institutions of higher education that serve high numbers or
percentages of economically disadvantaged students.
(D)(i) In order to receive a grant under this paragraph, an
eligible applicant shall establish targets to increase the number
of students studying toward and completing associate's or
bachelor's degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, or
technology.
(ii) A grant under this paragraph shall be awarded for a period
of 5 years, with the final 2 years of funding contingent on the
Director's determination that satisfactory progress has been made
by the grantee toward meeting the targets established under clause
(i).
(iii) In the case of community colleges, a student who
transfers to a baccalaureate program, or receives a certificate
under an established certificate program, in science, mathematics,
engineering, or technology shall be counted toward meeting a target
established under clause (i).
(E) For each grant awarded under this paragraph to an
institution of higher education, at least 1 principal investigator
shall be in a position of administrative leadership at the
institution of higher education, and at least 1 principal
investigator shall be a faculty member from an academic department
included in the work of the project. For each grant awarded to a
consortium or partnership, at each institution of higher education
participating in the consortium or partnership, at least 1 of the
individuals responsible for carrying out activities authorized
under this paragraph at that institution shall be in a position of
administrative leadership at the institution, and at least 1 shall
be a faculty member from an academic department included in the
work of the project at that institution.
(F) In this paragraph, the term ``eligible applicant'' means--
(i) an institution of higher education;
(ii) a consortium of institutions of higher education; or
(iii) a partnership between--
(I) an institution of higher education or a consortium
of such institutions; and
(II) a nonprofit organization, a State or local
government, or a private company, with demonstrated
experience and effectiveness in science, mathematics,
engineering, or technology education.
(8) Secondary School Systemic Initiative.--A program of
competitive, merit-based grants for State educational agencies or
local educational agencies that supports the planning and
implementation of agency-wide secondary school reform initiatives
designed to promote scientific and technological literacy, meet the
mathematics and science education needs of students at risk of not
achieving State student academic achievement standards, reduce the
need for basic skill training by employers, and heighten college
completion rates through activities, such as--
(A) systemic alignment of secondary school curricula and
higher education freshman placement requirements;
(B) development of materials and curricula that support
small, theme-oriented schools and learning communities;
(C) implementation of enriched mathematics and science
curricula for all secondary school students;
(D) strengthened teacher training in mathematics, science,
and reading as it relates to technical and specialized texts;
(E) laboratory improvement and provision of instrumentation
as part of a comprehensive program to enhance the quality of
mathematics, science, engineering, and technology instruction;
or
(F) other secondary school systemic initiatives that enable
grantees to leverage private sector funding for mathematics,
science, engineering, and technology scholarships.
In awarding grants under this paragraph, the Director shall give
priority to agencies that serve high poverty communities.
(9) Experimental program to stimulate competitive research.--
The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research,
established under section 113 of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g), that is designed to
enhance--
(A) research in mathematics, science, and engineering
throughout the States eligible to participate in the program
and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
(B) research infrastructure in the States eligible to
participate in the program and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
and
(C) the geographic distribution of Federal research and
development support.
(10) The science and engineering equal opportunities act.--A
comprehensive program designed to advance the goals of the Science
and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885 et seq.),
including programs to--
(A) provide support to minority-serving institutions; and
(B) ensure that reports required under sections 36 and 37
of such Act are submitted to the--
(i) Committee on Science of the House of
Representatives;
(ii) Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate; and
(iii) Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(11) Astronomical research and instrumentation.--An
astronomical research program to support competitive, merit-
reviewed proposals that--
(A) will advance understanding of--
(i) the origins and characteristics of planets, the
Sun, other stars, the Milky Way Galaxy, and extragalactic
objects (such as clusters of galaxies and quasars); and
(ii) the structure and origin of the universe; and
(B) support related activities such as developing advanced
technologies and instrumentation, funding undergraduate and
graduate students, and satisfying other instrumentation and
research needs.
SEC. 9. MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) Program Authorized.--
(1) In general.--(A) The Director shall carry out a program to
award grants to institutions of higher education or eligible
nonprofit organizations (or consortia of such institutions or
organizations) to establish mathematics and science education
partnership programs to improve elementary and secondary
mathematics and science instruction.
(B) Grants shall be awarded under this subsection on a
competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
(2) Partnerships.--(A) In order to be eligible to receive a
grant under this subsection, an institution of higher education or
eligible nonprofit organization (or consortium of such institutions
or organizations) shall enter into a partnership with one or more
local educational agencies that may also include a State
educational agency or one or more businesses.
(B) A participating institution of higher education shall
include mathematics, science, or engineering departments in the
programs carried out through a partnership under this paragraph.
(3) Uses of funds.--Grants awarded under this subsection shall
be used for activities that draw upon the expertise of the partners
to improve elementary or secondary education in mathematics or
science and that are consistent with State mathematics and science
student academic achievement standards, including--
(A) recruiting and preparing students for careers in
elementary or secondary mathematics or science education;
(B) offering professional development programs, including
summer or academic year institutes or workshops, designed to
strengthen the capabilities of mathematics and science
teachers;
(C) offering innovative preservice and inservice programs
that instruct teachers on using technology more effectively in
teaching mathematics and science, including programs that
recruit and train undergraduate and graduate students to
provide technical support to teachers;
(D) developing distance learning programs for teachers or
students, including developing courses, curricular materials,
and other resources for the in-service professional development
of teachers that are made available to teachers through the
Internet;
(E) developing a cadre of master teachers who will promote
reform and improvement in schools;
(F) offering teacher preparation and certification programs
for professional mathematicians, scientists, and engineers who
wish to begin a career in teaching;
(G) developing tools to evaluate activities conducted under
this subsection;
(H) developing or adapting elementary school and secondary
school mathematics and science curricular materials that
incorporate contemporary research on the science of learning;
(I) developing initiatives to increase and sustain the
number, quality, and diversity of prekindergarten through grade
12 teachers of mathematics and science, especially in
underserved areas;
(J) using mathematicians, scientists, and engineers
employed by private businesses to help recruit and train
mathematics and science teachers;
(K) developing and offering mathematics or science
enrichment programs for students, including after-school and
summer programs;
(L) providing research opportunities in business or
academia for students and teachers;
(M) bringing mathematicians, scientists, and engineers from
business and academia into elementary school and secondary
school classrooms; and
(N) any other activities the Director determines will
accomplish the goals of this subsection.
(4) Master teachers.--Activities carried out in accordance with
paragraph (3)(E) shall--
(A) emphasize the training of master teachers who will
improve the instruction of mathematics or science in
kindergarten through grade 12;
(B) include training in both content and pedagogy; and
(C) provide training only to teachers who will be granted
sufficient nonclassroom time to serve as master teachers, as
demonstrated by assurances their employing school has provided
to the Director, in such time and such manner as the Director
may require.
(5) Science enrichment programs for girls.--Activities carried
out in accordance with paragraph (3)(K) and (L) shall include
elementary school and secondary school programs to encourage the
ongoing interest of girls in science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology and to prepare girls to pursue undergraduate and
graduate degrees and careers in science, mathematics, engineering,
or technology. Funds made available through awards to partnerships
for the purposes of this paragraph may support programs for--
(A) encouraging girls to pursue studies in science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology and to major in such
fields in postsecondary education;
(B) tutoring girls in science, mathematics, engineering,
and technology;
(C) providing mentors for girls in person and through the
Internet to support such girls in pursuing studies in science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology;
(D) educating the parents of girls about the difficulties
faced by girls to maintain an interest and desire to achieve in
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology, and
enlisting the help of parents in overcoming these difficulties;
and
(E) acquainting girls with careers in science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology and encouraging girls to plan for
careers in such fields.
(6) Research in secondary schools.--Activities carried out in
accordance with paragraph (3)(K) may include support for research
projects performed by students at secondary schools. Uses of funds
made available through awards to partnerships for purposes of this
paragraph may include--
(A) training secondary school mathematics and science
teachers in the design of research projects for students;
(B) establishing a system for students and teachers
involved in research projects funded under this subsection to
exchange information about their projects and research results;
and
(C) assessing the educational value of the student research
projects by such means as tracking the academic performance and
choice of academic majors of students conducting research.
(7) Stipends.--Grants awarded under this subsection may be used
to provide stipends for teachers or students participating in
training or research activities that would not be part of their
typical classroom activities.
(b) Selection Process.--
(1) Application.--An institution of higher education or an
eligible nonprofit organization (or a consortium of such
institutions or organizations) seeking funding under subsection (a)
shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Director may
require. The application shall include, at a minimum--
(A) a description of the partnership and the role that each
member will play in implementing the proposal;
(B) a description of each of the activities to be carried
out, including--
(i) how such activities will be aligned with State
mathematics and science student academic achievement
standards and with other activities that promote student
achievement in mathematics and science;
(ii) how such activities will be based on a review of
relevant research;
(iii) why such activities are expected to improve
student performance and strengthen the quality of
mathematics and science instruction; and
(iv) any activities that will encourage the interest of
individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science
and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or
1885b) in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology
and will help prepare such individuals to pursue
postsecondary studies in these fields;
(C) a description of the number, size, and nature of any
stipends that will be provided to students or teachers and the
reasons such stipends are needed;
(D) a description of how the partnership will serve as a
catalyst for reform of mathematics and science education
programs;
(E) a description of how the partnership will assess its
success;
(F) a description of how the partnership will collaborate
with the State educational agency to ensure that successful
partnership activities may be replicated throughout the State;
and
(G) a description of the manner in which the partnership
will be continued after assistance under this section ends.
(2) Review of applications.--In evaluating the applications
submitted under paragraph (1), the Director shall consider, at a
minimum--
(A) the ability of the partnership to carry out effectively
the proposed programs;
(B) the extent to which the members of the partnership are
committed to making the partnership a central organizational
focus;
(C) the degree to which activities carried out by the
partnership are based on relevant research and are likely to
result in increased student achievement;
(D) the degree to which such activities are aligned with
State mathematics and science student academic achievement
standards;
(E) the likelihood that the partnership will demonstrate
activities that can be widely implemented as part of larger
scale reform efforts; and
(F) the extent to which the activities will encourage the
interest of individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the
Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C.
1885a or 1885b) in mathematics, science, engineering, and
technology and will help prepare such individuals to pursue
postsecondary studies in these fields.
(3) Awards.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Director shall--
(A) give priority to applications in which the partnership
includes a high-need local educational agency or a high-need
local educational agency in which at least one school does not
make adequate yearly progress, as determined pursuant to part A
of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.); and
(B) ensure that, to the extent practicable, a substantial
number of the partnerships funded under this section include
businesses.
(c) Accountability and Dissemination.--
(1) Assessment required.--The Director shall evaluate the
program established under subsection (a). At a minimum, such
evaluation shall--
(A) use a common set of benchmarks and assessment tools to
identify best practices and materials developed and
demonstrated by the partnerships; and
(B) to the extent practicable, compare the effectiveness of
practices and materials developed and demonstrated by the
partnerships authorized under this section with those of
partnerships funded by other State or Federal agencies.
(2) Dissemination of results.--(A) The results of the
evaluation required under paragraph (1) shall be made available to
the public and shall be provided to the Committee on Science of the
House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
(B) Materials developed under the program established under
subsection (a) that are demonstrated to be effective shall be made
widely available to the public.
(3) Annual meeting.--The Director, in consultation with the
Secretary of Education, shall convene an annual meeting of the
partnerships participating under this section to foster greater
national collaboration.
(4) Report on coordination.--The Director, in consultation with
the Secretary of Education, shall provide an annual report to the
Committee on Science of the House of Representatives, the Committee
on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate,
and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate describing how the program authorized under this section has
been and will be coordinated with the program authorized under part
B of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.). The report under this paragraph shall be
submitted along with the President's annual budget request.
(5) Technical assistance.--At the request of an eligible
partnership or a State educational agency, the Director shall
provide the partnership or agency with technical assistance in
meeting any requirements of this section, including providing
advice from experts on how to develop--
(A) a quality application for a grant; and
(B) quality activities from funds received from a grant
under this section.
SEC. 10. ROBERT NOYCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Scholarship Program.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall carry out a program to
award grants to institutions of higher education (or consortia of
such institutions) to provide scholarships, stipends, and
programming designed to recruit and train mathematics and science
teachers. Such program shall be known as the ``Robert Noyce
Scholarship Program''.
(2) Merit review.--Grants shall be provided under this
subsection on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
(3) Use of grants.--Grants provided under this section shall be
used by institutions of higher education or consortia--
(A) to develop and implement a program to encourage top
college juniors and seniors majoring in mathematics, science,
and engineering at the grantee's institution to become
mathematics and science teachers, through--
(i) administering scholarships in accordance with
subsection (c);
(ii) offering programs to help scholarship recipients
to teach in elementary schools and secondary schools,
including programs that will result in teacher
certification or licensing; and
(iii) offering programs to scholarship recipients, both
before and after they receive their baccalaureate degree,
to enable the recipients to become better mathematics and
science teachers, to fulfill the service requirements of
this section, and to exchange ideas with others in their
fields; or
(B) to develop and implement a program to encourage
science, mathematics, or engineering professionals to become
mathematics and science teachers, through--
(i) administering stipends in accordance with
subsection (d);
(ii) offering programs to help stipend recipients
obtain teacher certification or licensing; and
(iii) offering programs to stipend recipients, both
during and after matriculation in the program for which the
stipend is received, to enable recipients to become better
mathematics and science teachers, to fulfill the service
requirements of this section, and to exchange ideas with
others in their fields.
(b) Selection Process.--
(1) Application.--An institution of higher education or
consortium seeking funding under this section shall submit an
application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Director may require. The
application shall include, at a minimum--
(A) a description of the scholarship or stipend program
that the applicant intends to operate, including the number of
scholarships or the size and number of stipends the applicant
intends to award, and the selection process that will be used
in awarding the scholarships or stipends;
(B) evidence that the applicant has the capability to
administer the scholarship or stipend program in accordance
with the provisions of this section; and
(C) a description of the programming that will be offered
to scholarship or stipend recipients during and after their
matriculation in the program for which the scholarship or
stipend is received.
(2) Review of applications.--In evaluating the applications
submitted under paragraph (1), the Director shall consider, at a
minimum--
(A) the ability of the applicant to effectively carry out
the program;
(B) the extent to which the applicant is committed to
making the program a central organizational focus;
(C) the degree to which the proposed programming will
enable scholarship or stipend recipients to become successful
mathematics and science teachers;
(D) the number and quality of the students that will be
served by the program; and
(E) the ability of the applicant to recruit students who
would otherwise not pursue a career in teaching.
(c) Scholarship Requirements.--
(1) In general.--Scholarships under this section shall be
available only to students who are--
(A) majoring in science, mathematics, or engineering; and
(B) in the last 2 years of a baccalaureate degree program.
(2) Selection.--Individuals shall be selected to receive
scholarships primarily on the basis of academic merit, with
consideration given to financial need and to the goal of promoting
the participation of individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of
the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C.
1885a or 1885b).
(3) Amount.--The Director shall establish for each year the
amount to be awarded for scholarships under this section for that
year, which shall be not less than $7,500 per year, except that no
individual shall receive for any year more than the cost of
attendance at that individual's institution. Individuals may
receive a maximum of 2 years of scholarship support.
(4) Service obligation.--If an individual receives a
scholarship, that individual shall be required to complete, within
6 years after graduation from the baccalaureate degree program for
which the scholarship was awarded, 2 years of service as a
mathematics or science teacher for each year a scholarship was
received. Service required under this paragraph shall be performed
in a high-need local educational agency.
(d) Stipends.--
(1) In general.--Stipends under this section shall be available
only to mathematics, science, and engineering professionals who,
while receiving the stipend, are enrolled in a program to receive
certification or licensing to teach.
(2) Selection.--Individuals shall be selected to receive
stipends under this section primarily on the basis of academic
merit, with consideration given to financial need and to the goal
of promoting the participation of individuals identified in section
33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42
U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
(3) Duration.--Individuals may receive a maximum of 1 year of
stipend support.
(4) Service obligation.--If an individual receives a stipend
under this section, that individual shall be required to complete,
within 6 years after graduation from the program for which the
stipend was awarded, 2 years of service as a mathematics or science
teacher for each year a stipend was received. Service required
under this paragraph shall be performed in a high-need local
educational agency.
(e) Conditions of Support.--As a condition of acceptance of a
scholarship or stipend under this section, a recipient shall enter into
an agreement with the institution of higher education--
(1) accepting the terms of the scholarship or stipend pursuant
to subsections (c) and (g), or subsection (d);
(2) agreeing to provide the awarding institution of higher
education with annual certification of employment and up-to-date
contact information and to participate in surveys provided by the
institution of higher education as part of an ongoing assessment
program; and
(3) establishing that any scholarship recipient shall be liable
to the United States for any amount that is required to be repaid
in accordance with the provisions of subsection (g).
(f) Collection for Noncompliance.--
(1) Monitoring compliance.--An institution of higher education
(or consortium thereof) receiving a grant under this section shall,
as a condition of participating in the program, enter into an
agreement with the Director to monitor the compliance of
scholarship and stipend recipients with their respective service
requirements.
(2) Collection of repayment.--(A) In the event that a
scholarship recipient is required to repay the scholarship under
subsection (g), the institution shall be responsible for collecting
the repayment amounts.
(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), any such repayment
shall be returned to the Treasury of the United States.
(C) A grantee may retain a percentage of any repayment it
collects to defray administrative costs associated with the
collection. The Director shall establish a single, fixed percentage
that will apply to all grantees.
(g) Failure to Complete Service Obligation.--
(1) General rule.--If an individual who has received a
scholarship under this section--
(A) fails to maintain an acceptable level of academic
standing in the educational institution in which the individual
is enrolled, as determined by the Director;
(B) is dismissed from such educational institution for
disciplinary reasons;
(C) withdraws from the baccalaureate degree program for
which the award was made before the completion of such program;
(D) declares that the individual does not intend to fulfill
the service obligation under this section; or
(E) fails to fulfill the service obligation of the
individual under this section,
such individual shall be liable to the United States as provided in
paragraph (2).
(2) Amount of repayment.--(A) If a circumstance described in
paragraph (1) occurs before the completion of one year of a service
obligation under this section, the United States shall be entitled
to recover from the individual, within one year after the date of
the occurrence of such circumstance, an amount equal to--
(i) the total amount of awards received by such individual
under this section; plus
(ii) the interest on the amounts of such awards which would
be payable if at the time the awards were received they were
loans bearing interest at the maximum legal prevailing rate, as
determined by the Treasurer of the United States,
multiplied by 2.
(B) If a circumstance described in paragraph (1)(D) or (E)
occurs after the completion of one year of a service obligation
under this section, the United States shall be entitled to recover
from the individual, within one year after the date of the
occurrence of such circumstance, an amount equal to the total
amount of awards received by such individual under this section
minus \1/2\ of the amount of the award received per year for each
full year of service completed, plus the interest on such amounts
which would be payable if at the time the amounts were received
they were loans bearing interest at the maximum legal prevailing
rate, as determined by the Treasurer of the United States.
(3) Exceptions.--The Director may provide for the partial or
total waiver or suspension of any service or payment obligation by
an individual under this section whenever compliance by the
individual with the obligation is impossible or would involve
extreme hardship to the individual, or if enforcement of such
obligation with respect to the individual would be unconscionable.
(h) Data Collection.--Institutions or consortia receiving grants
under this section shall supply to the Director any relevant
statistical and demographic data on scholarship recipients and stipend
recipients the Director may request, including information on
employment required by subsection (e).
(i) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) the term ``cost of attendance'' has the meaning given such
term in section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087ll);
(2) the term ``mathematics and science teacher'' means a
mathematics, science, or technology teacher at the elementary
school or secondary school level;
(3) the term ``mathematics, science, or engineering
professional'' means a person who holds a baccalaureate, masters,
or doctoral degree in science, mathematics, or engineering and is
working in that field or a related area;
(4) the term ``scholarship'' means an award under subsection
(c); and
(5) the term ``stipend'' means an award under subsection (d).
SEC. 11. ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTERS FOR RESEARCH ON MATHEMATICS AND
SCIENCE LEARNING AND EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--(A) The Director shall award grants to
institutions of higher education (or consortia thereof) to
establish multidisciplinary Centers for Research on Learning and
Education Improvement.
(B) Grants shall be awarded under this paragraph on a
competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the Centers shall be to conduct
and evaluate research in cognitive science, education, and related
fields and to develop ways in which the results of such research
can be applied in elementary school and secondary school classrooms
to improve the teaching of mathematics and science.
(3) Focus.--(A) Each Center shall be focused on a different
challenge faced by elementary school or secondary school teachers
of mathematics and science. In determining the research focus of
the Centers, the Director shall consult with the National Academy
of Sciences and the Secretary of Education and take into account
the extent to which other Federal programs support research on
similar questions.
(B) The proposal solicitation issued by the Director shall
state the focus of each Center and applicants shall apply for
designation as a specific Center.
(C) At least one Center shall focus on developing ways in which
the results of research described in paragraph (2) can be applied,
duplicated, and scaled up for use in low-performing elementary
schools and secondary schools to improve the teaching and student
achievement levels in mathematics and science.
(D) To the extent practicable and relevant to its focus, every
Center shall include, as part of its research, work designed to
quantitatively assess and improve the ways that information
technology is used in the teaching of mathematics and science.
(b) Selection Process.--
(1) Application.--An institution of higher education (or a
consortium of such institutions) seeking funding under this section
shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Director may
require. The application shall include, at a minimum, a description
of--
(A) the initial research projects that will be undertaken
by the Center and the process by which new projects will be
identified;
(B) how the Center will work with other research
institutions and schools to broaden the national research
agenda on learning and teaching;
(C) how the Center will promote active collaboration among
physical, biological, and social science researchers;
(D) how the Center will promote active participation by
elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers and
administrators; and
(E) how the results of the Center's research can be
incorporated into educational practices, and how the Center
will assess the success of those practices.
(2) Review of applications.--In evaluating the applications
submitted under paragraph (1), the Director shall consider, at a
minimum--
(A) the ability of the applicant to effectively carry out
the research program, including the activities described in
paragraph (1)(E);
(B) the experience of the applicant in conducting research
on the science of teaching and learning and the capacity of the
applicant to foster new multidisciplinary collaborations;
(C) the capacity of the applicant to attract elementary
school and secondary school teachers from a diverse array of
schools, and with diverse professional experiences, for
participation in Center activities; and
(D) the capacity of the applicant to attract and provide
adequate support for graduate students to pursue research at
the intersection of educational practice and basic research on
human cognition and learning.
(3) Awards.--The Director shall ensure, to the extent
practicable, that the Centers funded under this section conduct
research and develop educational practices designed to improve the
educational performance of a broad range of students, including
individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and
Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
(c) Annual Conference.--The Director shall convene an annual
meeting of the Centers to foster collaboration among the Centers and to
further disseminate the results of the Centers' activities.
(d) Coordination.--The Director shall coordinate with the Secretary
of Education in--
(1) disseminating the results of the research conducted
pursuant to grants awarded under this section to elementary school
teachers and secondary school teachers; and
(2) providing programming, guidance, and support to ensure that
such teachers--
(A) understand the implications of the research
disseminated under paragraph (1) for classroom practice; and
(B) can use the research to improve such teachers'
performance in the classroom.
SEC. 12. DUPLICATION OF PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--The Director shall review the education programs
of the Foundation that are in operation as of the date of enactment of
this Act to determine whether any of such programs duplicate the
programs authorized under this Act.
(b) Implementation.--As programs authorized under this Act are
implemented, the Director shall--
(1) terminate any duplicative program being carried out by the
Foundation or merge the duplicative program into a program
authorized under this Act; and
(2) not establish any new program that duplicates a program
that has been implemented pursuant to this Act.
(c) Report.--
(1) Review.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall review the education programs of the
Foundation to ensure compliance with the provisions of this
section.
(2) Submission.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter as part of the
annual Office of Science and Technology Policy's budget submission
to Congress, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy shall complete a report on the review carried out under this
subsection and shall submit the report to the Committee on Science
and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives, and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
SEC. 13. MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION.
(a) Review and Assessment.--The Director shall conduct a review and
assessment of the major research instrumentation program and, not later
than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report of
findings and recommendations to the Committee on Science of the House
of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. The report shall include--
(1) estimates of the needs, by major field of science and
engineering and by types of institutions of higher education, for
the types of research instrumentation that are eligible for
acquisition under the guidelines of the major research
instrumentation program;
(2) a description of the distribution of awards and funding
levels by year, by major field of science and engineering, and by
type of institution of higher education for the program, since the
inception of the major research instrumentation program; and
(3) an analysis of the impact of the major research
instrumentation program on the research instrumentation needs that
were documented in the Foundation's 1994 survey of academic
research instrumentation needs.
(b) National Academy of Sciences Assessment on Interdisciplinary
Research and Advanced Instrumentation Centers.--
(1) Assessment.--Not later than 3 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall enter into an arrangement
with the National Academy of Sciences to assess the need for an
interagency program to establish and support fully equipped, state-
of-the-art university-based centers for interdisciplinary research
and advanced instrumentation development.
(2) Transmittal to congress.--Not later than 15 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall transmit
to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate,
and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate the assessment conducted by the National Academy of Sciences
together with the Foundation's reaction to the assessment
authorized under paragraph (1).
SEC. 14. MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION PLAN.
(a) Prioritization of Proposed Major Research Equipment and
Facilities Construction.--
(1) Development of priorities.--(A) The Director shall--
(i) develop a list indicating by number the relative
priority for funding under the major research equipment and
facilities construction account that the Director assigns to
each project the Board has approved for inclusion in a future
budget request; and
(ii) submit the list described in clause (i) to the Board
for approval.
(B) The Director shall update the list prepared under
subparagraph (A) each time the Board approves a new project that
would receive funding under the major research equipment and
facilities construction account, as necessary to prepare reports
under paragraph (2), and, from time to time, submit any updated
list to the Board for approval.
(2) Annual report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and not later than each June 15 thereafter,
the Director shall transmit to the Committee on Science of the
House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report containing--
(A) the most recent Board-approved priority list developed
under paragraph (1)(A);
(B) a description of the criteria used to develop such
list; and
(C) a description of the major factors for each project
that determined the ranking of such project on the list, based
on the application of the criteria described pursuant to
subparagraph (B).
(3) Criteria.--The criteria described pursuant to paragraph
(2)(B) shall include, at a minimum--
(A) scientific merit;
(B) broad societal need and probable impact;
(C) consideration of the results of formal prioritization
efforts by the scientific community;
(D) readiness of plans for construction and operation;
(E) the applicant's management and administrative capacity
of large research facilities;
(F) international and interagency commitments; and
(G) the order in which projects were approved by the Board
for inclusion in a future budget request.
(b) Facilities Plan.--
(1) In general.--Section 201(a)(1) of the National Science
Foundation Authorization Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 1862l(a)(1)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--The Director shall prepare, and include as
part of the Foundation's annual budget request to Congress, a plan
for the proposed construction of, and repair and upgrades to,
national research facilities, including full life-cycle cost
information.''.
(2) Contents of plan.--Section 201(a)(2) of the National
Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C.
1862l(a)(2)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``(1);'' and inserting
``(1), including costs for instrumentation development;'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``construction.'' and
inserting ``construction;''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) for each project funded under the major research
equipment and facilities construction account--
``(i) estimates of the total project cost (from
planning to commissioning); and
``(ii) the source of funds, including Federal funding
identified by appropriations category and non-Federal
funding;
``(E) estimates of the full life-cycle cost of each
national research facility;
``(F) information on any plans to retire national research
facilities; and
``(G) estimates of funding levels for grants supporting
research that will be conducted using each national research
facility.''.
(3) Definition.--Section 2 of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 1862k note) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as
paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Full life-cycle cost.--The term `full life-cycle cost'
means all costs of planning, development, procurement,
construction, operations and support, and shut-down costs, without
regard to funding source and without regard to what entity manages
the project or facility involved.''.
(c) Project Management.--No national research facility project
funded under the major research equipment and facilities construction
account shall be managed by an individual whose appointment to the
Foundation is temporary.
(d) Board Approval of Major Research Equipment and Facilities
Projects.--
(1) In general.--The Board shall explicitly approve any project
to be funded out of the major research equipment and facilities
construction account before any funds may be obligated from such
account for such project.
(2) Report.--Not later than September 15 of each fiscal year,
the Board shall report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Science of
the House of Representatives on the conditions of any delegation of
authority under section 4 of the National Science Foundation Act of
1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863) that relates to funds appropriated for any
project in the major research equipment and facilities construction
account.
(e) National Academy of Sciences Study on Major Research Equipment
and Facilities Construction.--
(1) Study.--Not later than 3 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Director shall enter into an arrangement with the
National Academy of Sciences to perform a study on setting
priorities for a diverse array of disciplinary and
interdisciplinary Foundation-sponsored large research facility
projects.
(2) Transmittal to congress.--Not later than 15 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall transmit
to the Committee on Science and the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions, and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate, the study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences
together with the Foundation's reaction to the study authorized
under paragraph (1).
SEC. 15. ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS.
(a) Board Meetings.--
(1) In general.--Section 4(e) of the National Science
Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863(e)) is amended by striking
the second and third sentences and inserting ``The Board shall
adopt procedures governing the conduct of its meetings, including
delivery of notice and a definition of a quorum, which in no case
shall be less than one-half plus one of the confirmed members of
the Board.''.
(2) Open meetings.--The Board and all of its committees,
subcommittees, and task forces (and any other entity consisting of
members of the Board and reporting to the Board) shall be subject
to section 552b of title 5, United States Code.
(3) Compliance audit.--The Inspector General of the Foundation
shall conduct an annual audit of the compliance by the Board with
the requirements described in paragraph (2). The audit shall
examine the proposed and actual content of closed meetings and
determine whether the closure of the meetings was consistent with
section 552b of title 5, United States Code.
(4) Report.--Not later than February 15 of each year, the
Inspector General of the Foundation shall transmit to the Committee
on Science of the House of Representatives, the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate
the audit required under paragraph (3) along with recommendations
for corrective actions that need to be taken to achieve fuller
compliance with the requirements described in paragraph (2), and
recommendations on how to ensure public access to the Board's
deliberations.
(b) Confidentiality of Certain Information.--Section 14(i) of the
National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1873(i)) is amended
to read as follows:
``(i)(1)(A) Information supplied to the Foundation or a contractor
of the Foundation in survey forms, questionnaires, or similar
instruments for purposes of section 3(a)(5) or (6) by an individual, an
industrial or commercial organization, or an educational, academic, or
other nonprofit institution when the institution has received a pledge
of confidentiality from the Foundation, shall not be disclosed to the
public unless the information has been transformed into statistical or
abstract formats that do not allow for the identification of the
supplier.
``(B) Information that has not been transformed into formats
described in subparagraph (A) may be used only for statistical or
research purposes.
``(C) The identities of individuals, organizations, and
institutions supplying information described in subparagraph (A) may
not be disclosed to the public.
``(2) In support of functions authorized by section 3(a)(5) or (6),
the Foundation may designate, at its discretion, authorized persons,
including employees of Federal, State, or local agencies or
instrumentalities (including local educational agencies) and employees
of private organizations, to have access, for statistical or research
purposes only, to information collected pursuant to section 3(a)(5) or
(6) that allows for the identification of the supplier. No such person
may--
``(A) publish information collected pursuant to section 3(a)(5)
or (6) in such a manner that either an individual, an industrial or
commercial organization, or an educational, academic, or other
nonprofit institution that has received a pledge of confidentiality
from the Foundation can be specifically identified;
``(B) permit anyone other than individuals authorized by the
Foundation to examine data that allows for such identification
relating to an individual, an industrial or commercial
organization, or an academic, educational, or other nonprofit
institution that has received a pledge of confidentiality from the
Foundation; or
``(C) knowingly and willfully request or obtain any
nondisclosable information described in paragraph (1) from the
Foundation under false pretenses.
``(3) Violation of this subsection is punishable by a fine of not
more than $10,000, imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both.''.
(c) Appointment.--Section 4(g) of the National Science Foundation
Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863(g)) is amended by striking the second
sentence and inserting ``Such staff shall be appointed by the Chairman
and assigned at the direction of the Board.''.
(d) Scholarship Eligibility.--The Director shall not exclude part-
time students from eligibility for scholarships under the Computer
Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship program.
SEC. 16. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES ACT AMENDMENTS.
Section 32 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act
(42 U.S.C. 1885) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``backgrounds.'' and
inserting ``backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.'';
and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``, including persons with disabilities,''
after ``backgrounds''; and
(B) by striking ``and minorities'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``, minorities, and persons with
disabilities''.
SEC. 17. UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION REFORM.
(a) In General.--The Director shall award grants, on a competitive,
merit-reviewed basis, to institutions of higher education to expand
previously implemented reforms of undergraduate science, mathematics,
engineering, or technology education that have been demonstrated to
have been successful in increasing the number and quality of students
studying toward and completing associate's or baccalaureate degrees in
science, mathematics, engineering, or technology.
(b) Uses of Funds.--Activities supported by grants under this
section may include--
(1) expansion of successful reform efforts beyond a single
course or group of courses to achieve reform within an entire
academic unit;
(2) expansion of successful reform efforts beyond a single
academic unit to other science, mathematics, engineering, or
technology academic units within an institution;
(3) creation of multidisciplinary courses or programs that
formalize collaborations for the purpose of improved student
instruction and research in science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology;
(4) expansion of undergraduate research opportunities beyond a
particular laboratory, course, or academic unit to engage multiple
academic units in providing multidisciplinary research
opportunities for undergraduate students;
(5) expansion of innovative tutoring or mentoring programs
proven to enhance student recruitment or persistence to degree
completion in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology;
(6) improvement of undergraduate science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology education for nonmajors, including
education majors; and
(7) implementation of technology-driven reform efforts,
including the installation of technology to facilitate such reform,
that directly impact undergraduate science, mathematics,
engineering, or technology instruction or research experiences.
(c) Selection Process.--
(1) Applications.--An institution of higher education seeking a
grant under this section shall submit an application to the
Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Director may require. The application shall
include, at a minimum--
(A) a description of the proposed reform effort;
(B) a description of the previously implemented reform
effort that will serve as the basis for the proposed reform
effort and evidence of success of that previous effort,
including data on student recruitment, persistence to degree
completion, and academic achievement;
(C) evidence of active participation in the proposed
project by individuals who were central to the success of the
previously implemented reform effort; and
(D) evidence of institutional support for, and commitment
to, the proposed reform effort, including a description of
existing or planned institutional policies and practices
regarding faculty hiring, promotion, tenure, and teaching
assignment that reward faculty contributions to undergraduate
education equal to, or greater than, scholarly scientific
research.
(2) Review of applications.--In evaluating applications
submitted under paragraph (1), the Director shall consider at a
minimum--
(A) the evidence of past success in implementing
undergraduate education reform and the likelihood of success in
undertaking the proposed expanded effort;
(B) the extent to which the faculty, staff, and
administrators of the institution are committed to making the
proposed institutional reform a priority of the participating
academic unit;
(C) the degree to which the proposed reform will contribute
to change in institutional culture and policy such that a
greater value is placed on faculty engagement in undergraduate
education, as evidenced through promotion and tenure policies;
and
(D) the likelihood that the institution will sustain or
expand the reform beyond the period of the grant.
(3) Grant distribution.--The Director shall ensure, to the
extent practicable, that grants awarded under this section are made
to a variety of types of institutions of higher education.
SEC. 18. REPORTS.
(a) Grant Size and Duration.--Not later than 6 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall transmit to the
Committee on Science of the House of Representatives, the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report
describing the impact that increasing the average grant size and
duration would have on minority-serving institutions and on
institutions located in States where the Foundation's Experimental
Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (established under section
113 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42
U.S.C. 1862g)) is carrying out activities.
(b) Faculty.--Not later than 3 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Director shall enter into an arrangement with the
National Academy of Sciences to assess gender differences in the
careers of science and engineering faculty. This study shall build on
the Academy's work on gender differences in the carriers of doctoral
scientists and engineers and examine issues such as faculty hiring,
promotion, tenure, and allocation of resources including laboratory
space. Upon completion, the results of this study shall be transmitted
to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
(c) Grant Funding.--Not later than 3 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall enter into an agreement with
an appropriate party to assess gender differences in the distribution
of external Federal research and development funding. This study shall
examine differences in amounts requested and awarded, by gender, in
major Federal external grant programs. Upon completion, the results of
this study shall be transmitted to the Committee on Science of the
House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
(d) Study of Broadband Network Access for Schools and Libraries.--
(1) Report to congress.--The Director shall conduct a study of
the issues described in paragraph (3), and not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, transmit to the
Committee on Science of the House of Representatives, the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a
report including recommendations to address those issues. Such
report shall be updated annually for 4 additional years.
(2) Consultation.--In preparing the reports under paragraph
(1), the Director shall consult with Federal agencies and
educational entities as the Director considers appropriate.
(3) Issues to be addressed.--The reports shall--
(A) identify the availability of high-speed, large
bandwidth capacity access to different demographic groups
served by elementary schools, secondary schools, and libraries
in the United States;
(B) identify how the provision of high-speed, large
bandwidth capacity access to the Internet to such schools and
libraries can be effectively utilized within each school and
library;
(C) consider the effect that specific or regional
circumstances may have on the ability of such institutions to
acquire high-speed, large bandwidth capacity access to achieve
universal connectivity as an effective tool in the education
process; and
(D) include options and recommendations to address the
challenges and issues identified in the reports.
(e) Minority-Serving Institution Funding.--
(1) Annual reporting required.--The Director shall submit an
annual report, along with the President's annual budget request, to
the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate,
and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate on the amount of funding awarded by the Foundation to
minority-serving institutions, including funding received as
members of consortia. The report shall include information on such
funding to minority-serving institutions--
(A) expressed as a percentage of funding to all
institutions of higher education for each appropriations
account within the Foundation's budget; and
(B) for the preceding 10 years.
(2) Report on ways to improve funding.--Within one year after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the
Committee on Science of the House of Representatives, the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a
report on recommendations on how the Foundation can improve funding
to minority-serving institutions.
SEC. 19. EVALUATIONS.
(a) Education.--
(1) In general.--The Director, through the Research, Evaluation
and Communication Division of the Education and Human Resources
Directorate of the Foundation, shall evaluate the effectiveness of
all undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, or technology
education activities supported by the Foundation in increasing the
number and quality of students, including individuals identified in
section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities
Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b) studying toward and completing
associate's or baccalaureate degrees in science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology. In conducting the evaluation, the
Director shall consider information on--
(A) the number of students enrolled in undergraduate
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology programs;
(B) student academic achievement, including quantifiable
measurements of students' mastery of content and skills;
(C) persistence to degree completion, including students
who transfer from science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology programs to programs in other academic disciplines;
and
(D) placement during the first year after degree completion
in post-graduate education or career pathways.
(2) Assessment benchmarks and tools.--The Director, through the
Research, Evaluation and Communication Division of the Education
and Human Resources Directorate of the Foundation, shall establish
a common set of assessment benchmarks and tools, and shall enable
every Foundation-sponsored project to incorporate the use of these
benchmarks and tools in their project-based assessment activities.
(3) Reports to congress.--Not later than 3 years after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and once every 3 years thereafter,
the Director shall transmit to the Committee on Science of the
House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report containing
the results of evaluations under paragraph (1).
(b) Awards.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the
Director shall annually evaluate a random sample of grants, contracts,
or other awards made pursuant to this Act.
(c) Dissemination.--The Director shall--
(1) provide for the dissemination of the results of the
evaluations conducted pursuant to this section to the public; and
(2) provide notice to the public that such evaluations are
available.
SEC. 20. REPORT BY COMMITTEE ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING.
As part of the first report required by section 36(e) of the
Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885c(e))
transmitted to Congress after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering shall
include--
(1) a summary of its findings over the previous 10 years;
(2) a description of past and present policies and activities
of the Foundation to encourage full participation of women,
minorities, and persons with disabilities in science, mathematics,
and engineering fields, including activities in support of
minority-serving institutions; and
(3) an assessment of the trends in participation in Foundation
activities, and an assessment of the success of Foundation policies
and activities, along with proposals for new strategies or the
broadening of existing successful strategies toward facilitating
the goals of that Act.
SEC. 21. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM.
(a) Core Science and Mathematics Courses.--Section 3(a) of the
Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 1862i(a)) is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``, and to improve the quality of their core
education courses in science and mathematics'' after ``education in
advanced-technology fields'';
(2) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``and in core science and
mathematics courses'' after ``advanced-technology fields''; and
(3) in paragraph (2) by striking ``in advanced-technology
fields'' and inserting ``who provide instruction in science,
mathematics, and advanced-technology fields''.
(b) Articulation Partnerships.--Section 3(c)(1)(B) of the
Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C.
1862i(c)(1)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (i);
(2) by striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding after clause (ii) the following new clauses:
``(iii) provide students with research experiences at
bachelor's-degree-granting institutions participating in the
partnership, including stipend support for students
participating in summer programs; and
``(iv) provide faculty mentors for students participating
in activities under clause (iii), including summer salary
support for faculty mentors.''.
(c) National Science Foundation Report.--Within 6 months after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall transmit a report
to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate
on--
(1) efforts by the Foundation and awardees under the program
carried out under section 3 of the Scientific and Advanced-
Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 1862i) to disseminate information
about the results of projects;
(2) the effectiveness of national centers of scientific and
technical education established under section 3(b) of the
Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 1862i(b))
in serving as national and regional clearinghouses of information
and models for best practices in undergraduate science,
mathematics, and technology education; and
(3) efforts to satisfy the requirement of section 3(f)(4) of
the Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C.
1862i(f)(4)).
SEC. 22. REPORT ON FOUNDATION BUDGETARY AND PROGRAMMATIC EXPANSION.
The Board shall prepare a report to address and examine the
Foundation's budgetary and programmatic growth provided for by this
Act. The report shall be submitted to the Committee on Science of the
House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate within one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act and shall include--
(1) recommendations on how the increased funding should be
utilized;
(2) an examination of the projected impact that the budgetary
increases will have on the Nation's scientific and technological
workforce;
(3) a description of new or expanded programs that will enable
institutions of higher education to expand their participation in
Foundation-funded activities;
(4) an estimate of the national scientific and technological
research infrastructure needed to adequately support the
Foundation's increased funding and additional programs; and
(5) a description of the impact the budgetary increases
provided under this Act will have on the size and duration of
grants awarded by the Foundation.
SEC. 23. ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--The Foundation and the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration shall jointly establish an Astronomy and
Astrophysics Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the
``Advisory Committee'').
(b) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall--
(1) assess, and make recommendations regarding, the
coordination of astronomy and astrophysics programs of the
Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(2) assess, and make recommendations regarding, the status of
the activities of the Foundation and the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration as they relate to the recommendations
contained in the National Research Council's 2001 report entitled
``Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium'', and the
recommendations contained in subsequent National Research Council
reports of a similar nature; and
(3) not later than March 15 of each year, transmit a report to
the Director, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, and the Committee on Science of the House of
Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate on the Advisory
Committee's findings and recommendations under paragraphs (1) and
(2).
(c) Membership.--The Advisory Committee shall consist of 13
members, none of whom shall be a Federal employee, including--
(1) 5 members selected by the Director;
(2) 5 members selected by the Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration; and
(3) 3 members selected by the Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy.
(d) Selection Process.--Initial selections under subsection (c)
shall be made within 3 months after the date of the enactment of this
Act. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as provided in
subsection (c).
(e) Chairperson.--The Advisory Committee shall select a chairperson
from among its members.
(f) Coordination.--The Advisory Committee shall coordinate with the
advisory bodies of other Federal agencies, such as the Department of
Energy, which may engage in related research activities.
(g) Compensation.--The members of the Advisory Committee shall
serve without compensation, but shall receive travel expenses,
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections
5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
(h) Meetings.--The Advisory Committee shall convene, in person or
by electronic means, at least 4 times a year.
(i) Quorum.--A majority of the members serving on the Advisory
Committee shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting the
business of the Advisory Committee.
(j) Duration.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act
shall not apply to the Advisory Committee.
SEC. 24. MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Director is authorized to establish a new
program to award grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis to
Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native-serving institutions,
Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and other institutions of higher
education serving a substantial number of minority students to enhance
the quality of undergraduate science, mathematics, and engineering
education at such institutions and to increase the retention and
graduation rates of students pursuing associate's or baccalaureate
degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology.
(b) Program Components.--Grants awarded under this section shall
support--
(1) activities to improve courses and curriculum in science,
mathematics, and engineering;
(2) faculty development;
(3) stipends for undergraduate students participating in
research; and
(4) other activities consistent with subsection (a), as
determined by the Director.
(c) Program Coordination.--This program shall be coordinated with
and in addition to the ongoing Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Undergraduate Program and the Tribal Colleges and
Universities Program.
(d) Instrumentation.--Funding for instrumentation is an allowed use
of grants awarded under this section and under the ongoing Historically
Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program and the Tribal
Colleges and Universities Program.
SEC. 25. STUDY ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDING DATA DISCREPANCIES.
(a) Study.--The Director, in consultation with the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget and the heads of other Federal
agencies, shall enter into agreement with the National Academy of
Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the source of
discrepancies in Federal reports on obligations and actual expenditures
of Federal research and development funding.
(b) Contents.--The study shall--
(1) examine the relevance and accuracy of reporting
classifications and definitions used in the reports described in
subsection (a);
(2) examine whether the classifications and definitions are
used consistently across Federal agencies for data gathering;
(3) examine whether and how Federal agencies use reports
described in subsection (a), and describe any other sources of
similar data used by those agencies;
(4) recommend alternatives for modifications to the current
reporting process and system that would--
(A) accommodate emerging fields of science and changing
practices in the conduct of research and development;
(B) minimize, to the extent possible, the burden imposed on
the reporters of these data;
(C) increase the consistency of application of the system
across the Federal agencies including the Office of Management
and Budget and the Foundation;
(D) encourage the use of new technologies to increase
accuracy, timeliness, and consistency of the reported data
between the agencies and the research performers; and
(E) overcome systemic shortfalls; and
(5) recommend an implementation timeline for the modifications
recommended under paragraph (4), and recommend specific
responsibilities for the program and budget offices in the
agencies, taking into consideration required changes to the current
computer systems and processes used by the agencies.
(c) Submission.--The Director shall submit a report on the results
of the study to the Committee on Science of the House of
Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate within one year after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(d) Implementation.--Within 6 months after the completion of the
study required by subsection (a), the Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall submit to the Committee on Science of the
House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a plan for implementation of the
recommendations of the study.
SEC. 26. PLANNING GRANTS.
The Director is authorized to accept planning proposals from
applicants who are within .075 percentage points of the current
eligibility level for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research. Such proposals shall be reviewed by the Foundation to
determine their merit for support under the Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research or any other appropriate program.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.