NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses in carrying out the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), and Public Law 86–209 (42 U.S.C. 1880 et seq.); services as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code; maintenance and operation of aircraft and purchase of flight services for research support; acquisition of aircraft; and authorized travel; [$6,033,645,000] $6,079,430,000, to remain available until September 30, [2017] 2018, of which not to exceed [$540,000,000] $544,000,000 shall remain available until expended for polar research and operations support, and for reimbursement to other Federal agencies for operational and science support and logistical and other related activities for the United States Antarctic program: Provided, That receipts for scientific support services and materials furnished by the National Research Centers and other National Science Foundation supported research facilities may be credited to this appropriation. (Science Appropriations Act, 2016.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Summary of Budget Authority and Outlays (in millions of dollars)

The Research and Related Activities appropriation enables the United States to provide leadership and promote progress across the expanding frontiers of scientific and engineering research and education.

The major research program activities of NSF are:

Biological Sciences.—This activity supports understanding how complex living systems function and interact with each other and with non-living systems, which has direct impact on issues of national importance related to the environment, economy, agriculture, and human welfare. Research in this activity also promotes scientific progress in biology through support of research across scales, from molecules, cells, organisms, to ecosystems. This activity's investment portfolio includes projects on understanding the changing dynamics of the biosphere, research on the fundamental characteristics of biological energy systems, infrastructure and research resources such as databases, centers, and observatories, and efforts to broaden participation and develop the next generation of biological researchers.

Computer and Information Science and Engineering.—This activity supports investigator initiated research in all areas of computer and information science and engineering, helps develop and maintain cutting-edge national computational and information infrastructure for research and education generally, and contributes to the education and training of the next generation of computer and computational engineers.

Engineering.—Research supported by this activity aims to increase U.S. engineering capability and strength, and focus that capability and strength on areas that are relevant to national problems and long-term needs. This activity also includes small business innovation research.

Geosciences.—This activity supports research and associated infrastructure to advance knowledge of the properties and dynamics of the planet on which we live. Research includes understanding the causes and implications of climate change, as well as disruptive processes such as earthquakes and storms. Additionally, this activity supports Arctic and Antarctic research and operational science support and other related activities for United States polar research programs, including the funding to reimburse Federal agencies for logistical and other related activities supported by the United States Antarctic Program.

Mathematical and Physical Sciences.—Research in this activity is directed at increasing understanding of natural laws and phenomena across the astronomical sciences, chemistry, materials sciences, mathematical sciences, and physics. Research support is available in multiple modalities ranging from multi-user facilities and mid-scale instrumentation to individual investigator awards, from sites for undergraduate research experiences to early career faculty development and collaborative and international efforts.

Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.—This activity supports research, education, and infrastructure in the social, behavioral, cognitive, and economic sciences and funds the collection and dissemination of statistics on the science and engineering enterprise.

Office of International Science and Engineering.—This activity serves as the focal point of international activities at NSF. In addition to strategic funding and co-funding that targets catalytic partnerships and workforce-building international research opportunities, OISE advances NSF's global science leadership through extensive interactions with U.S. and global counterpart agencies and organizations.

Integrative Activities.—This activity supports emerging cross disciplinary research efforts and major research instrumentation. This activity also provides support for the Science and Technology Policy Institute. The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research broadens participation of States and regions in science and engineering by helping institutions expand their research capacity and competitiveness.

The United States Arctic Research Commission (USARC) is an independent agency, funded through NSF's appropriations. USARC promotes Arctic research and recommends national Arctic research policies to guide Federal agencies in developing and implementing their research programs in the Arctic region.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

For necessary expenses for the acquisition, construction, commissioning, and upgrading of major research equipment, facilities, and other such capital assets pursuant to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), including authorized travel, [$200,310,000] $193,120,000, to remain available until expended. (Science Appropriations Act, 2016.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

The Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction activity supports the acquisition, construction, and commissioning of unique national research platforms and major research facilities and equipment. Performance of each construction project is measured against an established baseline at regular intervals and at major milestones.

For agency operations and award management necessary in carrying out the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.); services authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code; hire of passenger motor vehicles; uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by sections 5901 and 5902 of title 5, United States Code; rental of conference rooms in the District of Columbia; and reimbursement of the Department of Homeland Security for security guard services; [$330,000,000] $373,020,000: Provided, That not to exceed $8,280 is for official reception and representation expenses: Provided further, That contracts may be entered into under this heading in fiscal year [2016] 2017 for maintenance and operation of facilities and for other services to be provided during the next fiscal year: Provided further, That of the amount provided for costs associated with the acquisition, occupancy, and related costs of new headquarters space, not more than [$30,770,000] $40,700,000 shall remain available until expended. (Science Appropriations Act, 2016.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

This account funds NSF's scientific, professional, and administrative workforce, the physical and technological infrastructure necessary for a productive, safe and secure work environment, and the essential business operations critical to NSF's administrative processes.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

For necessary expenses (including payment of salaries, authorized travel, hire of passenger motor vehicles, the rental of conference rooms in the District of Columbia, and the employment of experts and consultants under section 3109 of title 5, United States Code) involved in carrying out section 4 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863) and Public Law 86–209 (42 U.S.C. 1880 et seq.), [$4,370,000] $4,380,000: Provided, That not to exceed $2,500 shall be available for official reception and representation expenses. (Science Appropriations Act, 2016.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

This appropriation provides policy-making and related responsibilities for NSF and provides guidance on significant national policy issues in science and engineering research and education, as required by law.

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Employment Summary

For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General as authorized by the Inspector General Act of 1978, [$15,160,000] $15,200,000, of which $400,000 shall remain available until September 30, [2017] 2018. (Science Appropriations Act, 2016.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

This appropriation provides agency-wide audit and investigative functions to identify and correct management and administrative deficiencies which create conditions for existing or potential instances of fraud, waste, and mismanagement consistent with the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended (5 U.S.C. App. 3).

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

For necessary expenses in carrying out science, mathematics and engineering education and human resources programs and activities pursuant to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), including services as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, authorized travel, and rental of conference rooms in the District of Columbia, [$880,000,000] $898,870,000, to remain available until September 30, [2017] 2018. (Science Appropriations Act, 2016.)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Summary of Budget Authority and Outlays (in millions of dollars)

The Education and Human Resources (EHR) appropriation funds and manages a comprehensive set of programs that further NSF's goals of ensuring a diverse, globally competitive U.S. science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce, as well as a scientifically literate population. To advance those goals, EHR collaborates with other NSF research units, federal agencies, and promotes public-private partnerships. EHR supports research on STEM teaching and learning to provide the evidence base for improvements in education at all levels in the STEM disciplines. Supporting development and effective implementation of new learning technologies is also a priority. EHR's pre-K-12 education-research programs, for example, develop and test new instruction materials for students and teachers, which incorporate the latest advances in teaching, learning, and education technologies. STEM teacher-education opportunities occur throughout the full continuum, from pre-service and in-service, through life-long learning. Research programs at the undergraduate level improve curricula, strengthen laboratory courses, enhance faculty effectiveness and lead education reforms in STEM disciplines. Advanced technological education programs strengthen student preparation for the high-technology workforce. Support of graduate-level STEM education primarily includes fellowships and traineeships to sustain U.S. leadership in global science and technology. All EHR programs aim to broaden participation of groups underrepresented in STEM fields by, for example, improving infrastructure and academic programs at minority-serving institutions. STEM-education evaluation activities ensure accountability by developing indicators that measure program impact and informing the education community of best practices and other relevant findings. EHR activities also include programs supported by H-1B non-immigrant visa fees, which provide undergraduate and graduate scholarships in STEM disciplines, improve educational opportunities for students, and provide research opportunities for STEM teachers and students.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Trust Funds

Special and Trust Fund Receipts (in millions of dollars)

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

This account consists of contributions from foreign governments, organizations, and individuals to fund various cooperative efforts in science, research, and education. These efforts include major international projects, such as operation of the Gemini telescopes, and the NSF ocean discovery program. Other smaller activities supported include cooperative research, joint seminars, exchange of senior scientists, short-term research development visits, international conferences, and support for certain special functions of NSF and the National Science Board. These funds are not otherwise available.

Not to exceed 5 percent of any appropriation made available for the current fiscal year for the National Science Foundation in this Act may be transferred between such appropriations, but no such appropriation shall be increased by more than [10] 15 percent by any such transfers. Any transfer pursuant to this section shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 505 of this Act and shall not be available for obligation except in compliance with the procedures set forth in that section. (Science Appropriations Act, 2016.)

(in millions of dollars)