NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Federal Funds

For necessary expenses in carrying out the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1861–1875), and the Act to establish a National Medal of Science (42 U.S.C. 1880–1881); services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; maintenance and operation of aircraft and purchase of flight services for research support; acquisition of aircraft; and authorized travel; [$6,018,830,000] $6,253,540,000, to remain available until September 30, [2012] 2013, of which not to exceed [$590,000,000] $550,000,000 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[, including up to $54,000,000 for the procurement of polar icebreaking services from the Coast Guard: Provided, That the National Science Foundation shall only reimburse the Coast Guard for such sums as are agreed to according to the existing memorandum of agreement]: Provided[ further], 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. Note.—A full-year 2011 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the budget was prepared; therefore, this account is operating under a continuing resolution (P.L. 111–242, as amended). The amounts included for 2011 reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

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 promotes scientific progress in biology through support of research on all levels, including molecules, cells, organisms, and ecosystems. This activity also supports a comprehensive research initiative on plant genomes, including research on economically significant crops.

Computer and Information Science and Engineering._This activity supports research within and across the many sub-fields of computing, contributing to the education and training of computing professionals and informing the preparation of a U.S. workforce with computing competencies essential to success in an increasingly competitive, global market.

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.

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, physics, and mathematical sciences. This fundamental research provides the long-term underpinnings for advances in areas such as sustainable energy and economic competitiveness.

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 promotes an integrated strategy for international science and engineering which complements and enhances NSF's broader research and education goals and which facilitates international collaboration.

U.S. Polar Research Programs._This activity supports Arctic and Antarctic research and operational science support and other related activities for United States polar research programs.

U.S. Antarctic Logistical Support Activities._This activity provides funding to reimburse Federal agencies for logistical and other related activities supported by the United States Antarctic Program.

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.

Office of Cyberinfrastructure._This activity supports research, development, acquisition, and operation of advanced shared and connecting cyberinfrastructure in support of the Nation's science and engineering research and education community.
The United States Arctic Research Commission promotes Arctic research and recommends national Arctic research policies to guide Federal agencies in developing and implementing their research programs in the Arctic region.
The President's Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative (WI3) proposes to reallocate a total of 500 megahertz of Federal agency and commercial spectrum bands over the next 10 years in order to increase Americans access to wireless broadband. The auctions of reallocated spectrum licenses are expected to raise more than $27 billion by 2021. Repurposing spectrum will greatly facilitate access for smart phones, portable computers, and innovative technologies that are on the horizon. This effort will also enhance America's public safety, infrastructure, and competitiveness by investing some of the expected spectrum auction receipts in the creation of a broadband network for public safety, expanding access to wireless broadband in rural America, and a Wireless Innovation (WIN) Fund to help develop cutting edge wireless technologies. NSF will participate in the WIN Fund by supporting targeted research on experimental wireless technology testbeds, more flexible and efficient use of the radio spectrum, and cyber-physical systems such as wireless sensor networks for smart buildings, roads, and bridges.

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, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1861–1875), including authorized travel, [$165,190,000] $224,680,000, to remain available until expended. Note.—A full-year 2011 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the budget was prepared; therefore, this account is operating under a continuing resolution (P.L. 111–242, as amended). The amounts included for 2011 reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

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.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

For agency operations and award management necessary in carrying out the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1861–1875); services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; hire of passenger motor vehicles; not to exceed $9,000 for official reception and representation expenses; uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901–5902; rental of conference rooms in the District of Columbia; and reimbursement of the Department of Homeland Security for security guard services; [$327,190,000] $357,740,000: Provided, That contracts may be entered into under this heading in fiscal year [2011] 2012 for maintenance and operation of facilities, and for other services, to be provided during the next fiscal year: Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading, not less than $1,960,000 is for strengthening the agency's acquisition workforce capacity and capabilities: Provided further, That such funds shall be available for training, recruitment, retention, and hiring members of the acquisition workforce as defined by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act, as amended (41 U.S.C. 401 et seq.): Provided further, That such funds shall be available for information technology in support of acquisition workforce effectiveness or for management solutions to improve acquisition management: Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading, $44,650,000 shall remain available until expended for costs associated with the acquisition of headquarters space, including design, alteration, tenant improvement, and relocation. Note.—A full-year 2011 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the budget was prepared; therefore, this account is operating under a continuing resolution (P.L. 111–242, as amended). The amounts included for 2011 reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

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, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1863) and Public Law 86–209 (42 U.S.C. 1880 et seq.), $4,840,000: Provided, That not to exceed $2,500 shall be available for official reception and representation expenses. Note.—A full-year 2011 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the budget was prepared; therefore, this account is operating under a continuing resolution (P.L. 111–242, as amended). The amounts included for 2011 reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

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.

Object Classification (in millions of dollars)

Employment Summary

For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General as authorized by the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, [$14,350,000] $15,000,000, to remain available until September 30, [2012] 2013. Note.—A full-year 2011 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the budget was prepared; therefore, this account is operating under a continuing resolution (P.L. 111–242, as amended). The amounts included for 2011 reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

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, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1861–1875), including services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, authorized travel, and rental of conference rooms in the District of Columbia, [$892,000,000] $911,200,000, to remain available until September 30, [2012] 2013. Note.—A full-year 2011 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the budget was prepared; therefore, this account is operating under a continuing resolution (P.L. 111–242, as amended). The amounts included for 2011 reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution.

Program and Financing (in millions of dollars)

Education and Human Resources (EHR) activities provide a comprehensive set of programs that further NSF's goal of ensuring a diverse, competitive, and globally engaged U.S. science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce, as well as scientifically literate citizens. At the pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (pre-K-12) levels, EHR catalyzes reform of STEM education through the development of public-private partnerships. Its pre-K-12 programs provide new instructional materials for students and teachers that incorporate the latest advances in teaching, learning, and educational technologies; growth in the knowledge base; and teacher education opportunities that support the full continuum of STEM teacher education from pre-service and in-service, through life-long learning. Undergraduate programs improve curricula, strengthen laboratory course offerings, enhance faculty, and lead reform efforts in STEM disciplines. Programs for advanced technological education strengthen education for students preparing to enter the high-technology workforce. Graduate level support is directed primarily to fellowships and traineeships to sustain the U.S. world leadership in science and technology. All EHR programming focuses on broadening participation of groups underrepresented in STEM fields including activities focused on the improvement of infrastructure and academic programs at minority-serving institutions. EHR supports education research that advances our knowledge of how people learn in the STEM disciplines; it also supports the development and effective implementation of learning technologies. STEM evaluation activities ensure accountability by developing indicators that measure program impact and inform the education community of best practices and relevant information. EHR activities also include programs supported by H-1B non-immigrant visa fees. These programs provide undergraduate and graduate scholarships in STEM fields, improve educational opportunities for students, and support for STEM education by providing research opportunities for STEM teachers and students.

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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 telescope, and the NSF ocean drilling 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.

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