19–006 

112TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 112–420 

ADVANCING AMERICA’S NETWORKING AND INFORMATION 

TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 

2012 

MARCH 22, 2012.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State 

of the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. HALL, from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 3834] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to whom was 

referred the bill (H.R. 3834) to amend the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to authorize activities for support of networking 

and information technology research, and for other purposes, having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. 

CONTENTS 

Page 

I. Amendment ................................................................................................. 2 

II. Purpose and Summary ............................................................................... 8 

III. Background and Need for the Legislation ................................................ 8 

IV. Hearing Summary ....................................................................................... 11 

V. Committee Consideration ........................................................................... 11 

VI. Committee Votes ......................................................................................... 12 

VII. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill .................................................. 14 

VIII. Committee Views ........................................................................................ 14 

IX. Committee Oversight Findings .................................................................. 16 

X. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives ...................... 16 

XI. New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 17 

XII. Advisory on Earmarks ................................................................................ 17 

XIII. Committee Cost Estimate ........................................................................... 17 

XIV. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate ............................................. 17 

XV. Federal Mandates Statement ..................................................................... 18 

XVI. Federal Advisory Committee Statement ................................................... 18 

XVII. Applicability to Legislative Branch ........................................................... 18 

XVIII. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation ......................................... 18 

XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, As Reported ....................... 20 

XX. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup ............................................. 34 

XXI. Appendix I ................................................................................................... 41 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
2 

I. AMENDMENT

The amendment is as follows: 

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Advancing America’s Networking and Information 

Technology Research and Development Act of 2012’’. 

SEC. 2. PROGRAM PLANNING AND COORDINATION. 

(a) PERIODIC REVIEWS.—Section 101 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 

1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: 

‘‘(d) PERIODIC REVIEWS.—The agencies identified in subsection (a)(3)(B) shall— 

‘‘(1) periodically assess the contents and funding levels of the Program Component Areas and restructure the Program when warranted, taking into consideration any relevant recommendations of the advisory committee established 

under subsection (b); and 

‘‘(2) ensure that the Program includes large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary 

research and development activities, including activities described in section 

104.’’. 

(b) DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC PLAN.—Section 101 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511) 

is amended further by adding after subsection (d), as added by subsection (a) of this 

Act, the following new subsection: 

‘‘(e) STRATEGIC PLAN.— 

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The agencies identified in subsection (a)(3)(B), working 

through the National Science and Technology Council and with the assistance 

of the National Coordination Office described under section 102, shall develop, 

within 12 months after the date of enactment of the Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012, 

and update every 3 years thereafter, a 5-year strategic plan to guide the activities described under subsection (a)(1). 

‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—The strategic plan shall specify near-term and long-term objectives for the Program, the anticipated time frame for achieving the near-term 

objectives, the metrics to be used for assessing progress toward the objectives, 

and how the Program will— 

‘‘(A) foster the transfer of research and development results into new 

technologies and applications for the benefit of society, including through 

cooperation and collaborations with networking and information technology 

research, development, and technology transition initiatives supported by 

the States; 

‘‘(B) encourage and support mechanisms for interdisciplinary research 

and development in networking and information technology, including 

through collaborations across agencies, across Program Component Areas, 

with industry, with Federal laboratories (as defined in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703)), and 

with international organizations; 

‘‘(C) address long-term challenges of national importance for which solutions require large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research and development; 

‘‘(D) place emphasis on innovative and high-risk projects having the potential for substantial societal returns on the research investment; 

‘‘(E) strengthen all levels of networking and information technology education and training programs to ensure an adequate, well-trained workforce; and 

‘‘(F) attract more women and underrepresented minorities to pursue postsecondary degrees in networking and information technology. 

‘‘(3) NATIONAL RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE.—The strategic plan developed in 

accordance with paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by milestones and roadmaps for establishing and maintaining the national research infrastructure required to support the Program, including the roadmap required by subsection 

(a)(2)(E). 

‘‘(4) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The entities involved in developing the strategic 

plan under paragraph (1) shall take into consideration the recommendations— 

‘‘(A) of the advisory committee established under subsection (b); and 

‘‘(B) of the stakeholders whose input was solicited by the National Coordination Office, as required under section 102(b)(3). 

‘‘(5) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Director of the National Coordination Office 

shall transmit the strategic plan required under paragraph (1) to the advisory 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
3 

committee, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 

Senate, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 

Representatives.’’. 

(c) ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTOR.—Section 101(a)(2) of such Act (15 

U.S.C. 5511(a)(2)) is amended— 

(1) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ‘‘education,’’ before ‘‘and other activities’’; 

(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), 

respectively; and 

(3) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: 

‘‘(E) encourage and monitor the efforts of the agencies participating in the 

Program to allocate the level of resources and management attention necessary 

to ensure that the strategic plan under subsection (e) is developed and executed 

effectively and that the objectives of the Program are met;’’. 

(d) ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—Section 101(b)(1) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511(b)(1)) is 

amended— 

(1) after the first sentence, by inserting the following: ‘‘The co-chairs of the 

advisory committee shall meet the qualifications of committee membership and 

may be members of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.’’; and 

(2) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘high-performance’’ and inserting ‘‘highend’’. 

(e) REPORT.—Section 101(a)(3) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511(a)(3)) is amended— 

(1) in subparagraph (C)— 

(A) by striking ‘‘is submitted,’’ and inserting ‘‘is submitted, the levels for 

the previous fiscal year,’’; and 

(B) by striking ‘‘each Program Component Area;’’ and inserting ‘‘each Program Component Area and research area supported in accordance with section 104;’’; 

(2) in subparagraph (D)— 

(A) by striking ‘‘each Program Component Area,’’ and inserting ‘‘each Program Component Area and research area supported in accordance with section 104,’’; 

(B) by striking ‘‘is submitted,’’ and inserting ‘‘is submitted, the levels for 

the previous fiscal year,’’; and 

(C) by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; 

(3) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (G); and 

(4) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraphs: 

‘‘(E) include a description of how the objectives for each Program Component 

Area, and the objectives for activities that involve multiple Program Component 

Areas, relate to the objectives of the Program identified in the strategic plan 

required under subsection (e); 

‘‘(F) include— 

‘‘(i) a description of the funding required by the National Coordination Office to perform the functions specified under section 102(b) for the next fiscal year by category of activity; 

‘‘(ii) a description of the funding required by such Office to perform the 

functions specified under section 102(b) for the current fiscal year by category of activity; and 

‘‘(iii) the amount of funding provided for such Office for the current fiscal 

year by each agency participating in the Program; and’’. 

(f) DEFINITION.—Section 4 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5503) is amended— 

(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (7) as paragraphs (2) through (8), 

respectively; 

(2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new 

paragraph: 

‘‘(1) ‘cyber-physical systems’ means physical or engineered systems whose networking and information technology functions and physical elements are deeply 

integrated and are actively connected to the physical world through sensors, actuators, or other means to perform monitoring and control functions;’’; 

(3) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; 

(4) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated— 

(A) by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking 

and information technology’’; and 

(B) by striking ‘‘supercomputer’’ and inserting ‘‘high-end computing’’; 

(5) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘network referred to as’’ 

and all that follows through the semicolon and inserting ‘‘network, including advanced computer networks of Federal agencies and departments;’’; and 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
4 

(6) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘National High-Performance Computing Program’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology research and development program’’. 

SEC. 3. LARGE-SCALE RESEARCH IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE. 

Title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended by adding at the end the following 

new section: 

‘‘SEC. 104. LARGE-SCALE RESEARCH IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE. 

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Program shall encourage agencies identified in section 

101(a)(3)(B) to support large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research and development activities in networking and information technology directed toward application areas that have the potential for significant contributions to national economic 

competitiveness and for other significant societal benefits. Such activities, ranging 

from basic research to the demonstration of technical solutions, shall be designed 

to advance the development of research discoveries. The advisory committee established under section 101(b) shall make recommendations to the Program for candidate research and development areas for support under this section. 

‘‘(b) CHARACTERISTICS.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Research and development activities under this section 

shall— 

‘‘(A) include projects selected on the basis of applications for support 

through a competitive, merit-based process; 

‘‘(B) involve collaborations among researchers in institutions of higher 

education and industry, and may involve nonprofit research institutions 

and Federal laboratories, as appropriate; 

‘‘(C) when possible, leverage Federal investments through collaboration 

with related State initiatives; and 

‘‘(D) include a plan for fostering the transfer of research discoveries and 

the results of technology demonstration activities, including from institutions of higher education and Federal laboratories, to industry for commercial development. 

‘‘(2) COST-SHARING.—In selecting applications for support, the agencies shall 

give special consideration to projects that include cost sharing from non-Federal 

sources. ‘‘(3) AGENCY COLLABORATION.—If 2 or more agencies identified in section 

101(a)(3)(B), or other appropriate agencies, are working on large-scale research 

and development activities in the same area of national importance, then such 

agencies shall strive to collaborate through joint solicitation and selection of applications for support and subsequent funding of projects. 

‘‘(4) INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTERS.—Research and development activities under this section may be supported through interdisciplinary research 

centers that are organized to investigate basic research questions and carry out 

technology demonstration activities in areas described in subsection (a). Research may be carried out through existing interdisciplinary centers, including 

those authorized under section 7024(b)(2) of the America COMPETES Act (Public Law 110–69; 42 U.S.C. 1862o–10).’’. 

SEC. 4. CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS. 

(a) ADDITIONAL PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS.—Section 101(a)(1) of such Act (15 

U.S.C. 5511(a)(1)) is amended— 

(1) in subparagraph (H), by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; 

(2) in subparagraph (I), by striking the period at the end and inserting a 

semicolon; and 

(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: 

‘‘(J) provide for increased understanding of the scientific principles of cyberphysical systems and improve the methods available for the design, development, and operation of cyber-physical systems that are characterized by high 

reliability, safety, and security; and 

‘‘(K) provide for research and development on human-computer interactions, 

visualization, and big data.’’. 

(b) TASK FORCE.—Title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended further by adding after section 104, as added by section 3 of this Act, the following new section: 

‘‘SEC. 105. UNIVERSITY/INDUSTRY TASK FORCE. 

‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the 

Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012, the Director of the National Coordination Office shall convene 

a task force to explore mechanisms for carrying out collaborative research and development activities for cyber-physical systems, including the related technologies 

required to enable these systems, through a consortium or other appropriate entity 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
5 

with participants from institutions of higher education, Federal laboratories, and industry. 

‘‘(b) FUNCTIONS.—The task force shall— 

‘‘(1) develop options for a collaborative model and an organizational structure 

for such entity under which the joint research and development activities could 

be planned, managed, and conducted effectively, including mechanisms for the 

allocation of resources among the participants in such entity for support of such 

activities; 

‘‘(2) propose a process for developing a research and development agenda for 

such entity, including guidelines to ensure an appropriate scope of work focused 

on nationally significant challenges and requiring collaboration and to ensure 

the development of related scientific and technological milestones; 

‘‘(3) define the roles and responsibilities for the participants from institutions 

of higher education, Federal laboratories, and industry in such entity; 

‘‘(4) propose guidelines for assigning intellectual property rights and for the 

transfer of research results to the private sector; and 

‘‘(5) make recommendations for how such entity could be funded from Federal, 

State, and non-governmental sources. 

‘‘(c) COMPOSITION.—In establishing the task force under subsection (a), the Director of the National Coordination Office— 

‘‘(1) shall appoint an equal number of individuals with knowledge and expertise in cyber-physical systems from— 

‘‘(A) institutions of higher education, including minority-serving institutions and community colleges; and 

‘‘(B) industry; and 

‘‘(2) may appoint not more than 2 individuals from Federal laboratories. 

‘‘(d) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Advancing 

America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act 

of 2012, the Director of the National Coordination Office shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 

on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report describing the findings and recommendations of the task force. 

‘‘(e) TERMINATION.—The task force shall terminate upon transmittal of the report 

required under subsection (d). 

‘‘(f) COMPENSATION.—Members of the task force shall serve without compensation.’’. 

SEC. 5. CLOUD COMPUTING SERVICES FOR RESEARCH. 

Title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended further by adding after section 

105, as added by section 4(b) of this Act, the following new section: 

‘‘SEC. 106. CLOUD COMPUTING SERVICES FOR RESEARCH. 

‘‘(a) INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012, the Director of the National Coordination Office, working through the National Science and Technology Council, shall convene 

an interagency working group to examine— 

‘‘(1) the research and development needed— 

‘‘(A) to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of cloud computing environments; 

‘‘(B) to increase the trustworthiness of cloud applications and infrastructure; and 

‘‘(C) to enhance the foundations of cloud architectures, programming models, and interoperability; and 

‘‘(2) the potential use of cloud computing for federally-funded science and engineering research, including issues around funding mechanisms and policies 

for the use of cloud computing services for such research. 

‘‘(b) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the tasks in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), the working group shall consult with academia, industry, Federal laboratories, and other relevant organizations and institutions, as appropriate. 

‘‘(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Advancing 

America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act 

of 2012, the Director of the National Coordination Office shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing the findings and any recommendations of the working group. 

‘‘(d) TERMINATION.—The interagency working group shall terminate upon transmittal of the report required under subsection (c).’’. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
6 

SEC. 6. NATIONAL COORDINATION OFFICE. 

Section 102 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5512) is amended to read as follows: 

‘‘SEC. 102. NATIONAL COORDINATION OFFICE. 

‘‘(a) OFFICE.—The Director shall continue a National Coordination Office with a 

Director and full-time staff. 

‘‘(b) FUNCTIONS.—The National Coordination Office shall— 

‘‘(1) provide technical and administrative support to— 

‘‘(A) the agencies participating in planning and implementing the Program, including such support as needed in the development of the strategic 

plan under section 101(e); and 

‘‘(B) the advisory committee established under section 101(b); 

‘‘(2) serve as the primary point of contact on Federal networking and information technology activities for government organizations, academia, industry, professional societies, State computing and networking technology programs, interested citizen groups, and others to exchange technical and programmatic information; 

‘‘(3) solicit input and recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders during the development of each strategic plan required under section 101(e) 

through the convening of at least 1 workshop with invitees from academia, industry, Federal laboratories, and other relevant organizations and institutions; 

‘‘(4) conduct public outreach, including the dissemination of findings and recommendations of the advisory committee, as appropriate; and 

‘‘(5) promote access to and early application of the technologies, innovations, 

and expertise derived from Program activities to agency missions and systems 

across the Federal Government and to United States industry. 

‘‘(c) SOURCE OF FUNDING.— 

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The operation of the National Coordination Office shall be 

supported by funds from each agency participating in the Program. 

‘‘(2) SPECIFICATIONS.—The portion of the total budget of such Office that is 

provided by each agency for each fiscal year shall be in the same proportion as 

each such agency’s share of the total budget for the Program for the previous 

fiscal year, as specified in the report required under section 101(a)(3).’’. 

SEC. 7. IMPROVING NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION. 

Section 201(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5521(a)) is amended— 

(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as paragraphs (3) through (5), 

respectively; and 

(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: 

‘‘(2) the National Science Foundation shall use its existing programs, in collaboration with other agencies, as appropriate, to improve the teaching and 

learning of networking and information technology at all levels of education and 

to increase participation in networking and information technology fields, including by women and underrepresented minorities;’’. 

SEC. 8. CONFORMING AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS. 

(a) SECTION 3.—Section 3 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5502) is amended— 

(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; 

(2) in paragraph (1)— 

(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; 

(B) in subparagraphs (A), (F), and (G), by striking ‘‘high-performance 

computing’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; and 

(C) in subparagraph (H), by striking ‘‘high-performance’’ and inserting 

‘‘high-end’’; and 

(3) in paragraph (2)— 

(A) by striking ‘‘high-performance computing and’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology and’’; and 

(B) by striking ‘‘high-performance computing network’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’. 

(b) TITLE I.—The heading of title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended by 

striking ‘‘HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING’’ and inserting ‘‘NETWORKING 

AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY’’. 

(c) SECTION 101.—Section 101 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended— 

(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING’’ and 

inserting ‘‘NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT’’; 

(2) in subsection (a)— 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
7 

(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘NATIONAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE

COMPUTING’’ and inserting ‘‘NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT’’; 

(B) in paragraph (1) of such subsection— 

(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘National 

High-Performance Computing Program’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and 

information technology research and development program’’; 

(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing, 

including networking’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; 

(iii) in subparagraphs (B) and (G), by striking ‘‘high-performance’’ 

each place it appears and inserting ‘‘high-end’’; and 

(iv) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing 

and networking’’ and inserting ‘‘high-end computing, distributed, and 

networking’’; and 

(C) in paragraph (2) of such subsection— 

(i) in subparagraphs (A) and (C)— 

(I) by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; and 

(II) by striking ‘‘development, networking,’’ each place it appears 

and inserting ‘‘development,’’; and 

(ii) in subparagraphs (F) and (G), as redesignated by section 2(c)(1) 

of this Act, by striking ‘‘high-performance’’ each place it appears and 

inserting ‘‘high-end’’; 

(3) in subsection (b)— 

(A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ both places it appears and inserting 

‘‘networking and information technology’’; and 

(B) in paragraph (2), in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘2’’ and inserting 

‘‘3’’; and 

(4) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’. 

(d) SECTION 201.—Section 201(a)(1) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5521(a)(1)) is amended 

by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and all that follows through ‘‘networking;’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information research and development;’’. 

(e) SECTION 202.—Section 202(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5522(a)) is amended by 

striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information 

technology’’. 

(f) SECTION 203.—Section 203(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5523(a)(1)) is amended— 

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing and networking’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; and 

(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ‘‘high-performance’’ and inserting ‘‘highend’’. 

(g) SECTION 204.—Section 204 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5524) is amended— 

(1) in subsection (a)(1)— 

(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing systems and networks’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology 

systems and capabilities’’; 

(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘interoperability of high-performance 

computing systems in networks and for common user interfaces to systems’’ 

and inserting ‘‘interoperability and usability of networking and information 

technology systems’’; and 

(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and 

inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; and 

(2) in subsection (b)— 

(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING AND

NETWORK’’ and inserting ‘‘NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY’’; 

and 

(B) by striking ‘‘sensitive’’. 

(h) SECTION 205.—Section 205(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5525(a)) is amended by 

striking ‘‘computational’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’. 

(i) SECTION 206.—Section 206(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5526(a)) is amended by 

striking ‘‘computational research’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology research’’. 

(j) SECTION 207.—Section 207(b) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5527(b)) is amended by 

striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information 

technology’’. 

(k) SECTION 208.—Section 208 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5528) is amended— 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
8 

(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING’’ and 

inserting ‘‘NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY’’; and 

(2) in subsection (a)— 

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘High-performance computing and associated’’ and inserting ‘‘Networking and information’’; 

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technologies’’; 

(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘high-performance’’ and inserting ‘‘highend’’; 

(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘high-performance computers and associated’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information’’; and 

(E) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing and associated’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information’’. 

II. PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

The purpose of H.R. 3834 is to advance America’s networking 

and information technology research and development by updating 

the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991. H.R. 3834 requires 

the development and periodic update of a strategic plan for the federal government Networking and Information Technology Research 

and Development (NITRD) program and codifies work currently 

conducted by the National Coordination Office (NCO) of the NITRD 

program. The bill requires the NCO Director to convene a university/industry task force to explore mechanisms for carrying out collaborative research and development activities for cyber-physical 

systems. Additionally, the bill requires the NCO Director to convene an interagency working group to examine issues around cloud 

computing services. 

III. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION

Advances in networking and information technology (NIT) continue to transform the world in which we live. We increasingly rely 

on the systems, tools, and services of this ever-growing and everchanging domain. It is not only as a matter of convenience in our 

daily lives, but critical to our future economic prosperity, health, 

and security. 

Federal support for research and development (R&D) in NIT 

originally stemmed from an interest in and the challenge of developing computers capable of addressing complex problems, primarily 

those focused on national security and global competition. Today, 

NIT encompasses a broad array of technologies from smart phones 

to digital libraries and cloud computing. Having changed the way 

we listen to music, drive our cars, and communicate with each 

other, this ever-growing field has led to the creation of many of the 

technologies and systems we rely on daily. 

Additionally, NIT R&D provides a greater understanding of how 

to protect essential systems and networks, systems and networks 

that support fundamental sectors of our economy, from emergency 

communications and power grids to air-traffic control networks and 

national defense systems in an effort to support a more stable and 

secure Nation. NIT R&D works to prevent or minimize disruptions 

to critical information infrastructure, to protect public and private 

services and to detect and respond to threats while mitigating the 

severity of and assisting in the recovery from those threats. 

The NITRD program is the main Federal R&D investment portfolio in networking, computing, software, cyber security, and related information technologies. NITRD coordinates this unclassified 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
9 

1 About the Subcommittee on Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD Subcommittee), http://www/nitrd.gov/subcommittee/program.aspx. 2 NITRD Program PCA Definitions, http://www.nitrd.gov/subcommittee/pca-definitions.aspx. 3 About the Subcommittee on Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD Subcommittee), http://www.nitrd.gov/subcommittee/program.aspx. 

R&D across 14 contributing federal agencies. A number of additional agencies do not contribute funding, but also participate in 

NITRD planning activities. 

The NITRD program has played a role in several important technological advances including the computational decoding of the 

human genome; modeling and simulation of complex physical systems (aircraft, automobiles, power grids, and pharmaceuticals); unmanned aerial vehicles, search-and-rescue robots; and computerbased education and training. 

The Subcommittee on NITRD of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is the internal deliberative organization for 

NITRD policy, program, and budget guidance. The NITRD Subcommittee includes representatives from each participating agency, 

as well as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Subcommittee coordinates the planning, budgeting, implementation, 

and reviews of NIT R&D across the NITRD member agencies to 

help assure continued U.S. leadership, satisfy the needs of the federal government for advanced IT capabilities, and accelerate development and deployment of new technologies.1

NITRD research activities are organized in eight Program Component Areas (PCAs). The PCAs also align the NITRD program 

budget categories. The eight PCAs include: Cyber Security Information Assurance (CSIA); Human Computer Interaction and Information Management (HCI & IM); High Confidence Software and Systems (HCSS); High End Computing Infrastructure and Applications (HEC I&A); High End Computing Research and Development 

(HEC R&D); Large Scale Networking (LSN); Software Design and 

Productivity (SDP); and Social, Economic, and Workforce Implications of IT and IT Workforce Development (SEW).2 However, 

NITRD research areas and activities shift regularly as the NIT 

field creates and develops new R&D challenges. 

The NITRD National Coordination Office (NCO) provides staff 

support for the NITRD program. The NCO provides program and 

financial management services, technical and subject matter expertise in facilitation, strategic planning, technical writing, networking 

and information technology services, and administrative staff support for the NITRD Subcommittee and other NITRD subgroups. 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) serves as the host agency 

for the NCO.3

Congress originally authorized the Networking and Information 

Technology Research and Development (NITRD) program in the 

High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (P.L. 102–194), after recognizing that a number of federal agencies had ongoing high-performance computing programs without a coordinating body. The 

Act established that coordinating body to improve interagency coordination, cooperation, and planning among those agencies with 

high-performance computing programs. In addition, it authorized a 

multi-agency research effort, called the High-Performance Computing and Communications program, to accelerate progress in the 

advancement of computing and networking technologies and to 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
10 

4President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Report to the President and Congress December 2010, Designing a Digital Future: Federally Funded Research and Development 

in Networking and Information Technology, p. v. 5President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Report to the President and Congress December 2010, Designing a Digital Future: Federally Funded Research and Development 

in Networking and Information Technology, p. vii. 6 Ibid, p. x. 

7 Ibid, p. xiii. 

support leading edge computational research in a range of science 

and engineering fields. The statute established a set of mechanisms 

and procedures to provide for the interagency planning, coordination, and budgeting of the research and development activities carried out under the program. The Act has since been amended 

through the Next Generation Internet Research Act of 1998 and 

the America COMPETES Act of 2007. 

In December 2010, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science 

and Technology (PCAST) completed a legislatively required report 

on NITRD. The report, Designing a Digital Future: Federally Funded Research and Development in Networking and Information Technology, found that ‘‘NITRD is well coordinated and that the U.S. 

computing research community, coupled with a vibrant Networking 

and Information Technology (NIT) industry, has made seminal discoveries and advanced new technologies that are helping meet 

many societal challenges.’’ 4

The 2010 report made several assessments about the role of the 

NIT field in answering the Nation’s challenges and priorities: 

• Advances in NIT are a key driver of economic competitiveness. 

They create new markets and increase productivity. 

• Advances in NIT are crucial to achieving our major national 

and global priorities in energy and transportation, education and 

life-long learning, healthcare, and national and homeland security. 

• Advances in NIT accelerate the pace of discovery in nearly all 

other fields. 

• Advances in NIT are essential to achieving the goals of open 

government.5

Stressing the need that federal investments be in NIT basic research, since the private sector is heavily involved in the development side, the report suggests that an investment of at least $1 billion annually will be required for new, potentially transformative 

research. The report also recognizes that in the current economic 

uncertainty, repurposing and reprioritization of funding will be 

necessary, but does not rule out new funding and indicates a lower 

level of investment ‘‘could seriously jeopardize America’s national 

security and economic competitiveness.’’ 6

The PCAST report includes recommendations for increased investments in long-term, multi-agency research initiatives in health, 

energy, transportation, and cybersecurity. It emphasizes, ‘‘Where 

fundamental NIT advances are needed to support these initiatives, 

mission agencies should invest in fundamental research in NIT, either alone or in collaboration with NSF, and should not limit their 

programs to application-specific research.’’ 7

The report also calls for exercising leadership to bring about 

changes in K–12 STEM education; enhancing the effectiveness of 

government coordination of NIT research and development; and redefining NITRD budget categories to separate NIT infrastructure 

for R&D in other fields from NIT R&D. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
11 

8The FY13 Budget Request was released on February 13, 2012, after the Full Committee 

mark-up of H.R. 3834, but prior to the filing of the Committee Report. 

In February 2011, NITRD released its Supplement to the President’s Budget request. The Supplement is a summary of the 

NITRD research activities planned and coordinated for Fiscal Year 

2012 (FY12) for each of the participating agencies. The NITRD request totals $3.9 billion for FY12, a 1.9 percent increase from FY10 

expenditures, and reflects many spending priorities recommended 

in the PCAST report. 

In February 2012, NITRD released its Supplement to the President’s Budget request for FY13. The NITRD request totals $3.8 billion, a 1.8 percent increase from FY11 expenditures, and continues 

to reflect the spending priorities in the PCAST report.8

IV. HEARING SUMMARY

In the 111th Congress, H.R. 2020, the Networking and Information Technology Act of 2009, was introduced and favorably reported 

by the Committee on Science and Technology in April 2009. The 

House passed the measure on May 12, 2009, by voice vote. The 

Senate did not act on this measure prior to the adjournment of the 

111th Congress. H.R. 2020 was also made a part of the Housepassed America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, but the 

language was removed by the Senate before enactment. 

In the 112th Congress, the Subcommittee on Research and 

Science Education held a hearing on September 21, 2011, to review 

the networking and information technology research and development (NITRD) program to ensure U.S. leadership in networking 

and information technology and to receive input on legislative language for reauthorization of the program. The hearing examined 

the NITRD program’s ability to address the most critical information technology research and development (R&D) issues; whether 

there are any significant research opportunities that the NITRD 

program is not pursuing; if the research community—both academia and industry—influence the research priorities under the 

NITRD program; the workforce outlook for the networking and information technology sector; and whether or not Federal investments in networking and information technology are important to 

the United States. 

The Subcommittee heard from four witnesses: Dr. George 

Strawn, Director, National Coordination Office, Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program; Dr. Edward Lazowska, Bill & Melinda Gates Chair in Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington; Dr. Robert 

Sproull, Director of Oracle Labs, retired; and Dr. Robert Schnabel, 

Dean, School of Informatics, Indiana University. 

V. COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

On January 27, 2012, H.R. 3834, the Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development 

Act of 2012 was introduced by Rep. Ralph Hall, Rep. Eddie Bernice 

Johnson, Rep. Mo Brooks, Rep. Daniel Lipinski, Rep. Judy Biggert, 

and Rep. Ben Ray Luja ́n and referred to the Committee on Science, 

Space, and Technology. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
12 

On February 7, 2012, the Committee on Science, Space, and 

Technology met in open markup session and adopted H.R. 3834, as 

amended, by voice vote. Further, the Committee ordered H.R. 3834 

favorably reported to the House, as amended, by voice vote. 

VI. COMMITTEE VOTES

Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes on the motion 

to report legislation and amendments thereto. A motion to order 

H.R. 3834 favorably reported to the House, as amended, was 

agreed to by voice vote. 

During Full Committee consideration of H.R. 3834, the following 

amendments were considered: 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
13 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTSInsert graphic folio 17 HR420.001
14 

9President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Report to the President and Congress December 2010, Designing a Digital Future: Federally Funded Research and Development 

in Networking and Information Technology, p. 85. 

VII. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE BILL

H.R. 3834 requires the development and periodic update of a 

strategic plan for the NITRD program. The strategic plan shall 

specify near-term and long-term objectives of the program and the 

timeframe and metrics for achieving those objectives. The bill also 

authorizes NITRD agencies to support large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research in areas of national importance. 

The bill requires the NCO Director to convene a task force, with 

representatives from universities, industries, and federal laboratories, to explore mechanisms for carrying out collaborative research and development activities for cyber-physical systems. 

Additionally, the bill requires the NCO Director to convene an 

interagency working group to examine the research and development needed to enhance cloud computing environments; increase 

the trustworthiness of cloud applications and infrastructure; and 

enhance the foundations of cloud architectures, programming models, and interoperability. The working group is also required to examine the potential use of cloud computing for federally-funded 

science and engineering research. 

Finally, H.R. 3834 codifies the existing NCO; delineates the office’s responsibilities; mandates annual operating budgets; specifies 

the source of funding for the office (consistent with current practice); and stresses the role of the NCO in developing the strategic 

plan and in public outreach and communication with outside communities of interest. 

VIII. COMMITTEE VIEWS

PROGRAM PLANNING AND COORDINATION

The Committee believes that while the NITRD program has been 

largely successful in coordinating networking and information R&D 

activities across the Federal government, the continued success and 

strength of the program depends on the willingness of all relevant 

agencies to be fully engaged in the program. While the Department 

of Education is listed as one of the original agencies in the 1991 

statute establishing the program, its involvement in NITRD has 

been limited. Given the PCAST report finding that ‘‘NIT is the 

dominant factor in America’s science and technology employment, 

and that the gap between the demand for NIT talent and the supply of that talent is and will remain large,’’ 9 the Committee encourages the Department of Education to become an active participant. 

STRATEGIC PLAN

The Committee expects the strategic plan to be a useful guide for 

setting program priorities, estimating time scales for reaching program objectives, and establishing metrics for assessing objectives. 

The strategic plan should include near-term and long-term objectives for the program and identify how the program will support 

interdisciplinary research and development, address long-term 

challenges of national importance, and emphasize innovative highVerDate Mar 15 2010 01:34 Mar 24, 2012 Jkt 019006 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR420.XXX HR420

PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
15 

risk projects. Furthermore, the Committee intends for NITRD 

agencies to periodically assess the NITRD program to ensure that 

it includes large-scale, long-term interdisciplinary research and development activities. The Committee intends for the development of 

the plan to be informed by the research needs of industry and academia and expects the NCO to actively solicit stakeholder input 

through meetings, requests for information, and other appropriate 

means. 

RESEARCH IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

The Committee encourages the NITRD agencies to continue to 

identify a few focused research and development areas for which 

large-scale, multi-agency projects or activities would be appropriate 

and have the potential to provide significant contributions to national economic competitiveness. These areas may be more speculative and high-risk basic research opportunities that have the potential to offer substantial payoff and therefore justify the investment 

and risk. 

The NITRD agencies are responsible for selecting the research 

areas to pursue, with advice from the NITRD Advisory Committee. 

The Committee recognizes that these research needs can change. 

The Committee intends that the areas selected have relevance to 

the mission responsibilities of more than one agency so that the 

level of resources provided will enable multiple projects and a variety of modes of research to be supported, including multiple investigator awards and interdisciplinary research centers. The Committee intends that the agencies treat planning and reporting on 

research areas under this section in a similar manner to the program component areas. 

CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS

Computer-driven systems connected with the physical world— 

also called embedded, engineered, or cyber-physical systems 

(CPS)—are already in widespread use, but growing demand for 

new capabilities and applications continue to require significant 

technical advances. Such systems can be difficult and costly to design, build, test, and maintain. The Committee encourages continued investment in CPS. 

BIG DATA

Information management, or big data, continues to be a challenge. The Committee encourages big data science and engineering 

research that would focus on advancing the management, analysis, 

visualization, and extraction of useful information from large, diverse, distributed, and heterogeneous data sets. 

CLOUD COMPUTING

The Committee recognizes there is a growing need for researchers to be able to use, analyze, and store large data sets for scientific purposes. Cloud computing technologies may hold potential 

for providing broader analysis, collaboration, sharing, and storing 

of these ever-increasing data sets. The Committee expects the 

interagency working group established under section 5 to examine 

further cloud computing research needs, including cybersecurity 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
16 

implications, as well as the potential for using the cloud for federally-funded research and the funding issues surrounding the use of 

the cloud for such research. These somewhat distinct tasks may be 

addressed separately as appropriate. 

NITRD ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The NITRD Advisory Committee was originally established by 

P.L. 102–194 to review, assess, and make recommendations regarding the administration, priorities, and content of the program. This 

function is currently assigned by the President to PCAST. The 

Committee recognizes the benefits of having a straightforward 

pathway for providing advice to the President on national technology issues, scientific research priorities, and math and science 

education. Consequently, the Committee has specified that the 

NITRD Advisory Committee co-chairs must meet the same expertise criteria as the Advisory Committee membership and may also 

be members of PCAST. The Committee expects the co-chairs to 

come from different sectors of the NIT community. The Committee 

further expects the Advisory Committee to have an open line of 

communication with PCAST to ensure full sharing of concerns and 

questions in both directions. 

The Committee expects the Advisory Committee to provide recommendations on the content of the strategic plan and to make recommendations for areas of research to be pursued by the NITRD 

agencies in accordance with section 3 of the bill. The Committee 

has changed the reporting requirements of the Advisory Committee 

from two years to three years and expects the NITRD NSTC Committee to stagger the strategic plan updates with the Advisory 

Committee reports such that the Advisory Committee recommendations inform the strategic plans in a timely manner. In addition, 

the Committee encourages the Advisory Committee to consult with 

subject matter experts in instances when sufficient expertise does 

not exist on the Advisory Committee and to convene public meetings to gather information from all communities of interest regarding NIT R&D in order to assist it in its assessments of the priorities and content of the program. 

NIT WORKFORCE NEEDS

The Committee recognizes that the demand for new and existing 

NIT jobs in the United States will continue to grow and, as such, 

encourages efforts to increase the number of American NIT graduates at all degree levels. 

IX. COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the Committee held an oversight hearing and 

made findings that are reflected in the descriptive portions of this 

report. 

X. STATEMENT ON GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the performance goals and objectives of 

the Committee are reflected in the descriptive portions of this report, including the goal to improve networking and information 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
17 

technology research and development in the Federal, private, and 

public sectors. 

XI. NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY, ENTITLEMENT AUTHORITY, AND TAX

EXPENDITURES

In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the Committee adopts as its own the estimate of new budget authority, entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or revenues contained in the cost estimate prepared by 

the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 

402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 

XII. ADVISORY ON EARMARKS

In compliance with clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI, the 

Committee finds that H.R. 3834, the Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development 

Act of 2012, contains no earmarks. 

XIII. COMMITTEE COST ESTIMATE

The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared by 

the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 

402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 

XIV. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is the cost estimate provided by 

the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 

MARCH 14, 2012. 

Hon. RALPH M. HALL, 

Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 

House of Representatives, Washington, DC. 

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 3834, the Advancing 

America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and 

Development Act of 2012. 

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased 

to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Martin von Gnechten. 

Sincerely, 

DOUGLAS W. ELMENDORF. 

Enclosure. 

H.R. 3834—Advancing America’s Networking and Information 

Technology Research and Development Act of 2012 

H.R. 3834 would expand the activities of the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) program, which coordinates the federal government’s advanced computing, networking, and software development goals. The bill 

would codify the activities of the program’s existing national coordination office. Activities currently include creating a strategic plan, 

soliciting input from various stakeholders, and coordinating periodic reviews of agencies’ information technology activities. H.R. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
18 

3834 also would establish an interagency working group to examine potential uses of cloud computing. Finally, the legislation would 

require that a task force of industry and academic experts develop 

certain information technology systems. 

Based on information from the NITRD program office, CBO esti- mates that implementing H.R. 3834 would cost about $2 million 

over the 2012–2017 period, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. That amount includes the costs to support the task 

force and the interagency working group. Enacting H.R. 3834 

would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-yougo procedures do not apply. 

H.R. 3834 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would 

not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments. 

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Martin von Gnechten. 

The estimate was approved by Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis. 

XV. FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT

The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office 

pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. 

XVI. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) of the 

Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by this legislation. 

XVII. APPLICABILITY TO LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to the 

terms and conditions of employment or access to public services or 

accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act. 

XVIII. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Sec. 1. Short title 

This section sets for the short title as Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development 

Act of 2012. 

Sec. 2. Program planning and coordination 

Requires the Networking and Information Technology Research 

and Development Program (NITRD) agencies to periodically assess 

the program contents and funding levels and to update the program accordingly. 

Requires the NITRD agencies to develop and periodically update 

(at 3-year intervals) a strategic plan for the program. Describes the 

characteristics and content of the strategic plan, including how the 

program will foster technology transfer; encourage innovative, 

large-scale, and interdisciplinary research; address long-term challenges of national importance; emphasize innovative and high-risk 

projects; and strengthen NIT education and the workforce. 

Encourages a more active role for the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in ensuring that the strategic plan is develVerDate Mar 15 2010 01:34 Mar 24, 2012 Jkt 019006 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR420.XXX HR420

PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
19 

oped and executed effectively and that the objectives of the program are met. Provides for the Director to establish goals and priorities for Federal NIT education. 

Ensures that the advisory committee for NITRD retains the necessary breadth and depth of expertise in NIT fields, provides guidance on the committee’s co-chairs, and allows that it may be linked 

to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. 

Specifies that the annual report now required for the NITRD program explicitly describes how the program activities planned and 

underway relate to the objectives specified in the strategic plan. 

Specifies that the annual report now required for the NITRD program include a description of research areas supported in accordance with section 3, including the same budget information as is 

required for the Program Component Areas. 

Adds a definition for cyber-physical systems and amends existing 

definitions to incorporate networking and information technology 

terminology. 

Sec. 3. Large-scale research in areas of national importance 

Authorizes NITRD agencies to support large-scale, long-term, 

interdisciplinary research with the potential to make significant 

contributions to society and U.S. economic competitiveness and to 

encourage collaboration between at least two agencies as well as 

cost-sharing from non-federal sources. Characteristics of the 

projects supported include: collaborations among researchers in institutions of higher education and industry, and may involve nonprofit research institutions and Federal laboratories; leveraging of 

federal investments through collaboration with related State initiatives, when possible; and plans for fostering technology transfer. 

Authorizes support of activities under this section through existing interdisciplinary research centers that are organized to investigate basic research questions and carry out technology demonstration activities. 

Sec. 4. Cyber-physical systems 

Requires the program to support research and development in 

cyber-physical systems; human-computer interactions, visualization, and big data. 

Convenes a university/industry task force to explore mechanisms 

for carrying out collaborative research and development activities 

for cyber-physical systems with participants from universities, industry, and Federal laboratories. 

Requires the task force to develop options for an entity to plan, 

manage and conduct cyber-physical systems research and development activities; propose a process for developing a research and development agenda for the entity which would include guidelines to 

ensure work focused on nationally significant challenges and which 

would require collaboration on the development of scientific and 

technological milestones; define roles and responsibilities for participants; propose guidelines for assigning intellectual property 

rights; and make recommendations for funding the entity from federal, state and non-government sources. 

Requires a report to Congress on any findings and recommendations from the task force on models for collaborative research and 

development. The task force would terminate upon transmittal of 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
20 

the report, and members of the task force would not be compensated for participation. 

Sec. 5. Cloud computing services for research 

Provides for an interagency working group to examine research 

and development needs for cloud computing and the potential use 

of the cloud for federally-funded research, including issues around 

funding mechanisms and policies for such research. The working 

group would consult with academia, industry, federal laboratories 

and other relevant organizations and institutions. Within one year 

the working group would be required to report to Congress on its 

findings and any recommendations for guidelines. The working 

group would terminate upon transmittal of the report. 

Sec. 6. National Coordination Office 

Formally codifies the existing National Coordination Office 

(NCO); delineates the office’s roles and responsibilities; and specifies the source of funding for the office, consistent with current 

practice. 

Sec. 7. Improving networking and information technology 

Requires NSF to use existing programs to improve the teaching 

and learning of networking and information technology. 

Sec. 8. Conforming and technical amendments 

Strikes and replaces instances of out-dated ‘‘high-performance 

computing’’ language with ‘‘networking and information technology’’ and ‘‘high-end computing’’ as appropriate. 

Provides for the Advisory Committee to report not less frequently 

than once every three years, versus two years. 

XIX. CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, 

existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): 

HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING ACT OF 1991 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 3. PURPOSES. 

The purposes of this Act are to help ensure the continued leadership of the United States in øhigh-performance computing¿ networking and information technology and its applications by— 

(1) expanding Federal support for research, development, 

and application of øhigh-performance computing¿ networking 

and information technology in order to— 

(A) expand the number of researchers, educators, and 

students with training in øhigh-performance computing¿ 

networking and information technology and access to 

øhigh-performance computing¿ networking and information technology resources; 

* * * * * * * 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
21 

(F) provide for the application of øhigh-performance computing¿ networking and information technology to Grand 

Challenges; 

(G) invest in basic research and education, and promote 

the inclusion of øhigh-performance computing¿ networking 

and information technology into educational institutions at 

all levels; and 

(H) promote greater collaboration among government, 

Federal laboratories, industry, øhigh-performance¿ highend computing centers, and universities; 

(2) improving the interagency planning and coordination of 

Federal research and development on øhigh-performance computing and¿ networking and information technology and maximizing the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s øhighperformance computing network¿ networking and information 

technology research and development programs; 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. 

As used in this Act, the term— 

(1) ‘‘cyber-physical systems’’ means physical or engineered systems whose networking and information technology functions 

and physical elements are deeply integrated and are actively 

connected to the physical world through sensors, actuators, or 

other means to perform monitoring and control functions; 

ø(1)¿ (2) ‘‘Director’’ means the Director of the Office of 

Science and Technology Policy; 

ø(2)¿ (3) ‘‘Grand Challenge’’ means a fundamental problem 

in science or engineering, with broad economic and scientific 

impact, whose solution will require the application of øhighperformance computing¿ networking and information technology resources and multidisciplinary teams of researchers; 

ø(3)¿ (4) ‘‘øhigh-performance computing¿ networking and information technology’’ means advanced computing, communications, and information technologies, including øsupercomputer¿ 

high-end computing systems, high-capacity and high-speed networks, special purpose and experimental systems, applications 

and systems software, and the management of large data sets; 

ø(4)¿ (5) ‘‘Internet’’ means the international computer network of both Federal and non-Federal interoperable data networks; 

ø(5)¿ (6) ‘‘Network’’ means a computer ønetwork referred to 

as the National Research and Education Network established 

under section 102;¿ network, including advanced computer networks of Federal agencies and departments; 

ø(6)¿ (7) ‘‘Program’’ means the øNational High-Performance 

Computing Program¿ networking and information technology 

research and development program described in section 101; 

and 

ø(7)¿ (8) ‘‘Program Component Areas’’ means the major subject areas under which related individual projects and activities carried out under the Program are grouped. 

* * * * * * * 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
22 

TITLE I—øHIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING¿ NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 

SEC. 101. NATIONAL øHIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING¿ NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH 

AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. 

(a) øNATIONAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING¿ NETWORKING

AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.—(1) The President shall implement a øNational High-Performance Computing Program¿ networking and information technology research and development program, which shall— 

(A) provide for long-term basic and applied research on 

øhigh-performance computing, including networking¿ networking and information technology; 

(B) provide for research and development on, and demonstration of, technologies to advance the capacity and capabilities of 

øhigh-performance¿ high-end computing and networking systems, and related software; 

(C) provide for sustained access by the research community 

throughout the United States to øhigh-performance computing 

and networking¿ high-end computing, distributed, and networking systems that are among the most advanced in the 

world in terms of performance in solving scientific and engineering problems, including provision for technical support for 

users of such systems; 

* * * * * * * 

(G) provide for the technical support of, and research and development on, øhigh-performance¿ high-end computing systems and software required to address Grand Challenges; 

(H) provide for educating and training additional undergraduate and graduate students in software engineering, computer science, computer and network security, applied mathematics, library and information science, and computational 

science; øand¿ 

(I) provide for improving the security of computing and networking systems, including Federal systems, including providing for research required to establish security standards 

and practices for these systemsø.¿; 

(J) provide for increased understanding of the scientific principles of cyber-physical systems and improve the methods available for the design, development, and operation of cyber-physical systems that are characterized by high reliability, safety, 

and security; and 

(K) provide for research and development on human-computer 

interactions, visualization, and big data. 

(2) The Director shall— 

(A) establish the goals and priorities for Federal øhigh-performance computing¿ networking and information technology 

research, ødevelopment, networking,¿ development, education, 

and other activities; 

* * * * * * * 

(C) provide for interagency coordination of Federal øhighperformance computing¿ networking and information techVerDate Mar 15 2010 01:34 Mar 24, 2012 Jkt 019006 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR420.XXX HR420

PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
23 

nology research, ødevelopment, networking,¿ development, and 

other activities undertaken pursuant to the Program; 

* * * * * * * 

(E) encourage and monitor the efforts of the agencies participating in the Program to allocate the level of resources and 

management attention necessary to ensure that the strategic 

plan under subsection (e) is developed and executed effectively 

and that the objectives of the Program are met; 

ø(E)¿ (F) develop and maintain a research, development, and 

deployment roadmap covering all States and regions for the 

provision of øhigh-performance¿ high-end computing and networking systems under paragraph (1)(C); and 

ø(F)¿ (G) consult with academic, State, industry, and other 

appropriate groups conducting research on and using øhighperformance¿ high-end computing. 

(3) The annual report submitted under paragraph (2)(D) shall— 

(A) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(C) describe the levels of Federal funding for the fiscal year 

during which such report øis submitted,¿ is submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal year, and the levels proposed for the 

fiscal year with respect to which the budget submission applies, for øeach Program Component Area;¿ each Program 

Component Area and research area supported in accordance 

with section 104; 

(D) describe the levels of Federal funding for each agency 

and department participating in the Program, and for øeach 

Program Component Area,¿ each Program Component Area 

and research area supported in accordance with section 104, for 

the fiscal year during which such report øis submitted,¿ is submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal year, and the levels proposed for the fiscal year with respect to which the budget submission applies; øand¿ 

(E) include a description of how the objectives for each Program Component Area, and the objectives for activities that involve multiple Program Component Areas, relate to the objectives of the Program identified in the strategic plan required 

under subsection (e); 

(F) include— 

(i) a description of the funding required by the National 

Coordination Office to perform the functions specified 

under section 102(b) for the next fiscal year by category of 

activity; 

(ii) a description of the funding required by such Office 

to perform the functions specified under section 102(b) for 

the current fiscal year by category of activity; and 

(iii) the amount of funding provided for such Office for 

the current fiscal year by each agency participating in the 

Program; and 

ø(E)¿ (G) include an analysis of the progress made toward 

achieving the goals and priorities established for the Program 

and the extent to which the Program incorporates the recommendations of the advisory committee established under 

subsection (b). 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
24 

(b) ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—(1) The President shall establish an 

advisory committee on øhigh-performance computing¿ networking 

and information technology, consisting of geographically dispersed 

non-Federal members, including representatives of the research, 

education, and library communities, network and related software 

providers, and industry representatives in the Program Component 

Areas, who are specially qualified to provide the Director with advice and information on øhigh-performance computing¿ networking 

and information technology. The co-chairs of the advisory committee 

shall meet the qualifications of committee membership and may be 

members of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and 

Technology. The recommendations of the advisory committee shall 

be considered in reviewing and revising the Program. The advisory 

committee shall provide the Director with an independent assessment of— 

(A) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(D) whether the research and development undertaken pursuant to the Program is helping to maintain United States 

leadership in øhigh-performance¿ high-end computing, networking technology, and related software; and 

* * * * * * * 

(2) In addition to the duties outlined in paragraph (1), the advisory committee shall conduct periodic evaluations of the funding, 

management, coordination, implementation, and activities of the 

Program. The advisory committee shall report not less frequently 

than once every ø2¿ 3 fiscal years to the Committee on Science and 

Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 

Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on its findings and recommendations. The first report shall be due within 1 

year after the date of enactment of the America COMPETES Act. 

* * * * * * * 

(c) OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET.—(1) Each Federal 

agency and department participating in the Program shall, as part 

of its annual request for appropriations to the Office of Management and Budget, submit a report to the Office of Management and 

Budget which— 

(A) identifies each element of its øhigh-performance computing¿ networking and information technology activities 

which contributes directly to the Program Component Areas or 

benefits from the Program; and 

* * * * * * * 

(d) PERIODIC REVIEWS.—The agencies identified in subsection 

(a)(3)(B) shall— 

(1) periodically assess the contents and funding levels of the 

Program Component Areas and restructure the Program when 

warranted, taking into consideration any relevant recommendations of the advisory committee established under subsection (b); 

and 

(2) ensure that the Program includes large-scale, long-term, 

interdisciplinary research and development activities, including 

activities described in section 104. 

(e) STRATEGIC PLAN.— 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
25 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The agencies identified in subsection 

(a)(3)(B), working through the National Science and Technology 

Council and with the assistance of the National Coordination 

Office described under section 102, shall develop, within 12 

months after the date of enactment of the Advancing America’s 

Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012, and update every 3 years thereafter, a 5-year 

strategic plan to guide the activities described under subsection 

(a)(1). 

(2) CONTENTS.—The strategic plan shall specify near-term 

and long-term objectives for the Program, the anticipated time 

frame for achieving the near-term objectives, the metrics to be 

used for assessing progress toward the objectives, and how the 

Program will— 

(A) foster the transfer of research and development results into new technologies and applications for the benefit 

of society, including through cooperation and collaborations 

with networking and information technology research, development, and technology transition initiatives supported 

by the States; 

(B) encourage and support mechanisms for interdisciplinary research and development in networking and information technology, including through collaborations across 

agencies, across Program Component Areas, with industry, 

with Federal laboratories (as defined in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 

U.S.C. 3703)), and with international organizations; 

(C) address long-term challenges of national importance 

for which solutions require large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research and development; 

(D) place emphasis on innovative and high-risk projects 

having the potential for substantial societal returns on the 

research investment; 

(E) strengthen all levels of networking and information 

technology education and training programs to ensure an 

adequate, well-trained workforce; and 

(F) attract more women and underrepresented minorities 

to pursue postsecondary degrees in networking and information technology. 

(3) NATIONAL RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE.—The strategic 

plan developed in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by milestones and roadmaps for establishing and 

maintaining the national research infrastructure required to 

support the Program, including the roadmap required by subsection (a)(2)(E). 

(4) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The entities involved in developing 

the strategic plan under paragraph (1) shall take into consideration the recommendations— 

(A) of the advisory committee established under subsection (b); and 

(B) of the stakeholders whose input was solicited by the 

National Coordination Office, as required under section 

102(b)(3). 

(5) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Director of the National Coordination Office shall transmit the strategic plan required 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
26 

under paragraph (1) to the advisory committee, the Committee 

on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and 

the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 

of Representatives. 

øSEC. 102. NATIONAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION NETWORK. 

ø(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—As part of the Program, the National 

Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, the Department of 

Energy, the Department of Commerce, the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration, and other agencies participating in the 

Program shall support the establishment of the National Research 

and Education Network, portions of which shall, to the extent technically feasible, be capable of transmitting data at one gigabit per 

second or greater by 1996. The Network shall provide for the linkage of research institutions and educational institutions, government, and industry in every State. 

ø(b) ACCESS.—Federal agencies and departments shall work with 

private network service providers, State and local agencies, libraries, educational institutions and organizations, and others, as appropriate, in order to ensure that the researchers, educators, and 

students have access, as appropriate, to the Network. The Network 

is to provide users with appropriate access to high-performance 

computing systems, electronic information resources, other research facilities, and libraries. The Network shall provide access, to 

the extent practicable, to electronic information resources maintained by libraries, research facilities, publishers, and affiliated organizations. 

ø(c) NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS.—The Network shall— 

ø(1) be developed and deployed with the computer, telecommunications, and information industries; 

ø(2) be designed, developed, and operated in collaboration 

with potential users in government, industry, and research institutions and educational institutions; 

ø(3) be designed, developed, and operated in a manner which 

fosters and maintains competition and private sector investment in high-speed data networking within the telecommunications industry; 

ø(4) be designed, developed, and operated in a manner which 

promotes research and development leading to development of 

commercial data communications and telecommunications 

standards, whose development will encourage the establishment of privately operated high-speed commercial networks; 

ø(5) be designed and operated so as to ensure the continued 

application of laws that provide network and information resources security measures, including those that protect copyright and other intellectual property rights, and those that control access to data bases and protect national security; 

ø(6) have accounting mechanisms which allow users or 

groups of users to be charged for their usage of copyrighted 

materials available over the Network and, where appropriate 

and technically feasible, for their usage of the Network; 

ø(7) ensure the interoperability of Federal and non-Federal 

computer networks, to the extent appropriate, in a way that allows autonomy for each component network; 

ø(8) be developed by purchasing standard commercial transmission and network services from vendors whenever feasible, 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
27 

and by contracting for customized services when not feasible, 

in order to minimize Federal investment in network hardware; 

ø(9) support research and development of networking software and hardware; and 

ø(10) serve as a test bed for further research and development of high-capacity and high-speed computing networks and 

demonstrate how advanced computers, high-capacity and highspeed computing networks, and data bases can improve the national information infrastructure. 

ø(d) DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY.—As part of the Program, the Department of Defense, 

through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, shall 

support research and development of advanced fiber optics technology, switches, and protocols needed to develop the Network. 

ø(e) INFORMATION SERVICES.—The Director shall assist the President in coordinating the activities of appropriate agencies and departments to promote the development of information services that 

could be provided over the Network. These services may include 

the provision of directories of the users and services on computer 

networks, data bases of unclassified Federal scientific data, training of users of data bases and computer networks, access to commercial information services for users of the Network, and technology to support computer-based collaboration that allows researchers and educators around the Nation to share information 

and instrumentation. 

ø(f) USE OF GRANT FUNDS.—All Federal agencies and departments are authorized to allow recipients of Federal research grants 

to use grant moneys to pay for computer networking expenses. 

ø(g) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall report to the Congress on— 

ø(1) effective mechanisms for providing operating funds for 

the maintenance and use of the Network, including user fees, 

industry support, and continued Federal investment; 

ø(2) the future operation and evolution of the Network; 

ø(3) how commercial information service providers could be 

charged for access to the Network, and how Network users 

could be charged for such commercial information services; 

ø(4) the technological feasibility of allowing commercial information service providers to use the Network and other federally funded research networks; 

ø(5) how to protect the copyrights of material distributed 

over the Network; and 

ø(6) appropriate policies to ensure the security of resources 

available on the Network and to protect the privacy of users 

of networks.¿ 

SEC. 102. NATIONAL COORDINATION OFFICE. 

(a) OFFICE.—The Director shall continue a National Coordination 

Office with a Director and full-time staff. 

(b) FUNCTIONS.—The National Coordination Office shall— 

(1) provide technical and administrative support to— 

(A) the agencies participating in planning and implementing the Program, including such support as needed in 

the development of the strategic plan under section 101(e); 

and 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
28 

(B) the advisory committee established under section 

101(b); 

(2) serve as the primary point of contact on Federal networking and information technology activities for government 

organizations, academia, industry, professional societies, State 

computing and networking technology programs, interested citizen groups, and others to exchange technical and programmatic information; 

(3) solicit input and recommendations from a wide range of 

stakeholders during the development of each strategic plan required under section 101(e) through the convening of at least 1 

workshop with invitees from academia, industry, Federal laboratories, and other relevant organizations and institutions; 

(4) conduct public outreach, including the dissemination of 

findings and recommendations of the advisory committee, as 

appropriate; and 

(5) promote access to and early application of the technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from Program activities to agency missions and systems across the Federal Government and to United States industry. 

(c) SOURCE OF FUNDING.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The operation of the National Coordination 

Office shall be supported by funds from each agency participating in the Program. 

(2) SPECIFICATIONS.—The portion of the total budget of such 

Office that is provided by each agency for each fiscal year shall 

be in the same proportion as each such agency’s share of the 

total budget for the Program for the previous fiscal year, as 

specified in the report required under section 101(a)(3). 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 104. LARGE-SCALE RESEARCH IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Program shall encourage agencies identified in section 101(a)(3)(B) to support large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research and development activities in networking and 

information technology directed toward application areas that have 

the potential for significant contributions to national economic competitiveness and for other significant societal benefits. Such activities, ranging from basic research to the demonstration of technical 

solutions, shall be designed to advance the development of research 

discoveries. The advisory committee established under section 101(b) 

shall make recommendations to the Program for candidate research 

and development areas for support under this section. 

(b) CHARACTERISTICS.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Research and development activities under 

this section shall— 

(A) include projects selected on the basis of applications 

for support through a competitive, merit-based process; 

(B) involve collaborations among researchers in institutions of higher education and industry, and may involve 

nonprofit research institutions and Federal laboratories, as 

appropriate; 

(C) when possible, leverage Federal investments through 

collaboration with related State initiatives; and 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
29 

(D) include a plan for fostering the transfer of research 

discoveries and the results of technology demonstration activities, including from institutions of higher education and 

Federal laboratories, to industry for commercial development. 

(2) COST-SHARING.—In selecting applications for support, the 

agencies shall give special consideration to projects that include 

cost sharing from non-Federal sources. 

(3) AGENCY COLLABORATION.—If 2 or more agencies identified 

in section 101(a)(3)(B), or other appropriate agencies, are working on large-scale research and development activities in the 

same area of national importance, then such agencies shall 

strive to collaborate through joint solicitation and selection of 

applications for support and subsequent funding of projects. 

(4) INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTERS.—Research and 

development activities under this section may be supported 

through interdisciplinary research centers that are organized to 

investigate basic research questions and carry out technology 

demonstration activities in areas described in subsection (a). 

Research may be carried out through existing interdisciplinary 

centers, including those authorized under section 7024(b)(2) of 

the America COMPETES Act (Public Law 110–69; 42 U.S.C. 

1862o–10). 

SEC. 105. UNIVERSITY/INDUSTRY TASK FORCE. 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 

enactment of the Advancing America’s Networking and Information 

Technology Research and Development Act of 2012, the Director of 

the National Coordination Office shall convene a task force to explore mechanisms for carrying out collaborative research and development activities for cyber-physical systems, including the related 

technologies required to enable these systems, through a consortium 

or other appropriate entity with participants from institutions of 

higher education, Federal laboratories, and industry. 

(b) FUNCTIONS.—The task force shall— 

(1) develop options for a collaborative model and an organizational structure for such entity under which the joint research 

and development activities could be planned, managed, and 

conducted effectively, including mechanisms for the allocation 

of resources among the participants in such entity for support 

of such activities; 

(2) propose a process for developing a research and development agenda for such entity, including guidelines to ensure an 

appropriate scope of work focused on nationally significant 

challenges and requiring collaboration and to ensure the development of related scientific and technological milestones; 

(3) define the roles and responsibilities for the participants 

from institutions of higher education, Federal laboratories, and 

industry in such entity; 

(4) propose guidelines for assigning intellectual property 

rights and for the transfer of research results to the private sector; and 

(5) make recommendations for how such entity could be funded from Federal, State, and non-governmental sources. 

(c) COMPOSITION.—In establishing the task force under subsection 

(a), the Director of the National Coordination Office— 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
30 

(1) shall appoint an equal number of individuals with knowledge and expertise in cyber-physical systems from— 

(A) institutions of higher education, including minorityserving institutions and community colleges; and 

(B) industry; and 

(2) may appoint not more than 2 individuals from Federal 

laboratories. 

(d) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 

the Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology 

Research and Development Act of 2012, the Director of the National 

Coordination Office shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, 

Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 

Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report describing the findings and recommendations of the task force. 

(e) TERMINATION.—The task force shall terminate upon transmittal of the report required under subsection (d). 

(f) COMPENSATION.—Members of the task force shall serve without 

compensation. 

SEC. 106. CLOUD COMPUTING SERVICES FOR RESEARCH. 

(a) INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.—Not later than 180 days 

after the date of enactment of the Advancing America’s Networking 

and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 

2012, the Director of the National Coordination Office, working 

through the National Science and Technology Council, shall convene an interagency working group to examine— 

(1) the research and development needed— 

(A) to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of cloud 

computing environments; 

(B) to increase the trustworthiness of cloud applications 

and infrastructure; and 

(C) to enhance the foundations of cloud architectures, 

programming models, and interoperability; and 

(2) the potential use of cloud computing for federally-funded 

science and engineering research, including issues around funding mechanisms and policies for the use of cloud computing 

services for such research. 

(b) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the tasks in paragraphs (1) 

and (2) of subsection (a), the working group shall consult with academia, industry, Federal laboratories, and other relevant organizations and institutions, as appropriate. 

(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 

the Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology 

Research and Development Act of 2012, the Director of the National 

Coordination Office shall transmit to the Committee on Science, 

Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 

a report describing the findings and any recommendations of the 

working group. 

(d) TERMINATION.—The interagency working group shall terminate upon transmittal of the report required under subsection (c). 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
31 

TITLE II—AGENCY ACTIVITIES 

SEC. 201. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES. 

(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—As part of the Program described in title I— 

(1) the National Science Foundation shall provide computing 

and networking infrastructure support for all science and engineering disciplines, and support basic research and human resource development in all aspects of øhigh-performance computing and advanced high-speed computer networking;¿ networking and information research and development; 

(2) the National Science Foundation shall use its existing programs, in collaboration with other agencies, as appropriate, to 

improve the teaching and learning of networking and information technology at all levels of education and to increase participation in networking and information technology fields, including by women and underrepresented minorities; 

ø(2)¿ (3) to the extent that colleges, universities, and libraries cannot connect to the Network with the assistance of the 

private sector, the National Science Foundation shall have primary responsibility for assisting colleges, universities, and libraries to connect to the Network; 

ø(3)¿ (4) the National Science Foundation shall serve as the 

primary source of information on access to and use of the Network; and 

ø(4)¿ (5) the National Science Foundation shall upgrade the 

National Science Foundation funded network, assist regional 

networks to upgrade their capabilities, and provide other Federal departments and agencies the opportunity to connect to 

the National Science Foundation funded network. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 202. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES. 

(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—As part of the Program described in title I, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall conduct basic and applied research in øhigh-performance 

computing¿ networking and information technology, particularly in 

the field of computational science, with emphasis on aerospace 

sciences, earth and space sciences, and remote exploration and experimentation. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 203. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ACTIVITIES. 

(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—As part of the Program described in title I, the Secretary of Energy shall— 

(1) conduct and support basic and applied research in øhighperformance computing and networking¿ networking and information technology to support fundamental research in science 

and engineering disciplines related to energy applications; and 

(2) provide computing and networking infrastructure support, including— 

(A) the provision of øhigh-performance¿ high-end computing systems that are among the most advanced in the 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
32 

world in terms of performance in solving scientific and engineering problems; and 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 204. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACTIVITIES. 

(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—As part of the Program described in title I— 

(1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

shall— 

(A) conduct basic and applied measurement research 

needed to support various øhigh-performance computing 

systems and networks¿ networking and information technology systems and capabilities; 

(B) develop and propose standards and guidelines, and 

develop measurement techniques and test methods, for the 

øinteroperability of high-performance computing systems 

in networks and for common user interfaces to systems¿ 

interoperability and usability of networking and information technology systems; and 

(C) be responsible for developing benchmark tests and 

standards for øhigh-performance computing¿ networking 

and information technology systems and software; and 

* * * * * * * 

(b) øHIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING AND NETWORK¿ NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY.—Pursuant to 

the Computer Security Act of 1987 (Public Law 100–235; 101 Stat. 

1724), the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall be 

responsible for developing and proposing standards and guidelines 

needed to assure the cost-effective security and privacy of øsensitive¿ information in Federal computer systems. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 205. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACTIVITIES. 

(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—As part of the Program described in title I, the Environmental Protection Agency shall conduct basic and applied research directed toward the advancement 

and dissemination of øcomputational¿ networking and information 

technology techniques and software tools which form the core of 

ecosystem, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric dynamics models. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 206. ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. 

(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—As part of the Program described in title I, the Secretary of Education is authorized to conduct basic and applied research in øcomputational research¿ networking and information technology research with an emphasis on 

the coordination of activities with libraries, school facilities, and 

education research groups with respect to the advancement and 

dissemination of computational science and the development, evaluation and application of software capabilities. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 207. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. 

(a) * * * 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
33 

(b) ACQUISITION OF PROTOTYPE AND EARLY PRODUCTION MODELS.—In accordance with Federal contracting law, Federal agencies 

and departments participating in the Program may acquire prototype or early production models of new øhigh-performance computing¿ networking and information technology systems and subsystems to stimulate hardware and software development. Items of 

computing equipment acquired under this subsection shall be considered research computers for purposes of applicable acquisition 

regulations. 

SEC. 208. FOSTERING UNITED STATES COMPETITIVENESS IN øHIGHPERFORMANCE COMPUTING¿ NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND RELATED ACTIVITIES. 

(a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds the following: 

(1) øHigh-performance computing and associated¿ Networking and information technologies are critical to the United 

States economy. 

(2) While the United States has led the development of 

øhigh-performance computing¿ networking and information 

technologies, United States industry is facing increasing global 

competition. 

(3) Despite existing international agreements on fair competition and nondiscrimination in government procurements, 

there is increasing concern that such agreements are not being 

honored, that more aggressive enforcement of such agreements 

is needed, and that additional steps may be required to ensure 

fair global competition, particularly in high-technology fields 

such as øhigh-performance¿ high-end computing and associated technologies. 

(4) It is appropriate for Federal agencies and departments to 

use the funds authorized for the Program in a manner which 

most effectively fosters the maintenance and development of 

United States leadership in øhigh-performance computers and 

associated¿ networking and information technologies in and for 

the benefit of the United States. 

(5) It is appropriate for Federal agencies and departments to 

use the funds authorized for the Program in a manner, consistent with the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. 2501 

et seq.), which most effectively fosters reciprocal competitive 

procurement treatment by foreign governments for United 

States øhigh-performance computing and associated¿ networking and information technology products and suppliers. 

* * * * * * * 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
34 

XX: PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE ON 

SCIENCE, SPACE AND TECHNOLOGY’S 

MARKUP OF H.R. 3834, ADVANCING 

AMERICA’S NETWORKING AND 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH 

AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2012; 

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 

The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:06 a.m., in Room 

2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Ralph Hall 

[Chairman of the Committee] presiding. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY, 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

Chairman HALL. Good morning. The Committee on Science, 

Space, and Technology will come to order. 

Pursuant to notice, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology meets today to consider the following measures: H.R. 3479, 

the Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology 

Research and Development Act of 2012, and H.R. 3199, to provide 

a comprehensive assessment of the scientific and technical research 

on the implications of the use of mid-level ethanol blends. So we 

will start with opening statements, and pursuant to Committee 

Rule 6–D and House Rule 11284, the Chair announces that he may 

postpone further proceedings today on any question of approving 

any measure or matter or adopting an amendment on which a recorded vote or the yeas or nays are ordered. However, it is hoped 

that we can dispense with votes as they are requested, and we expect a good turnout for today’s markup. 

It turns out we need to roll votes—if it turns out, we will attempt 

to take these votes at the end of the markup. Let us proceed with 

the markup beginning with opening statements, and I will begin. 

I am pleased to call the markup this morning for consideration 

of H.R. 3834, Advancing America’s Networking and Information 

Technology Research and Development Act of 2012, and H.R. 3199, 

a bill to provide a comprehensive assessment of the scientific and 

technical research on the implications of the use of mid-level ethanol blends. 

With very few alterations, H.R. 3834 is essentially the same bill 

that we passed twice in the last Congress, only to see it languish 

in the Senate. I hope this time we have a little better luck in that. 

I would like to point out that our efforts on this bill have been 

a true illustration of the bipartisan work for which this Committee 

and the Congress is capable. Mrs. Johnson, it is my understanding 

that our staffs have worked very well together to ensure this measure reflects good policy for our Nation’s networking and information technology research and development program, and I want to 

thank you for your work on this bill. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
35 

Additionally, I would also like to thank Chairman Brooks, as 

Chairman of the Research and Science Education Subcommittee, 

for his leadership on the bill, and Mrs. Biggert for her many years 

of championing this issue. 

The NITRD program is a product of the High Performance Computing Act of 1991 and represents the Federal Government’s main 

R&D investment portfolio for unclassified networking, computing, 

software, cybersecurity, and related information technologies. It 

serves as the mechanism for interagency coordination of this R&D. 

The bill before us today simply updates the under-going High 

Performance Computing statute that has been in place for 20 years 

and codifies some of the work the NITRD National Coordination 

Office already undertakes. Incidentally, the NITRD program is 

celebrating this 20-year milestone next week, and we applaud them 

for that success. 

Networking and information technology includes a broad range of 

technologies from smart phones to cloud computing. NIT innovations stem from numerous disciplines and have led to advances in 

search-and-rescue robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, digital libraries, devices for assisted living, and computer-based education and 

training. R&D in this field seeks to minimize and prevent disruptions to critical infrastructures like power grids and emergency 

communication systems. 

Another key emphasis of the NITRD program is cybersecurity. 

Mrs. Johnson and I both believe this is a critically important aspect of this program. I am pleased that this will be the second cybersecurity-related legislation this Committee is reporting. 

Most importantly, networking and information technology supports and boosts U.S. competitiveness, enhances national security, 

and helps strengthen the economy through the creation of NIT 

jobs. The bill helps address that. 

The other bill we will be marking up today is H.R. 3199, introduced by Vice Chairman Sensenbrenner. This bipartisan legislation 

would prevent damage to the vehicles and engines owned by hundreds of millions of Americans by requiring a more vigorous assessment of the state of the science on mid-level ethanol blends. Specifically, the bill requires the EPA to contract with the National 

Academies to undertake a thorough review of current science to ensure that any EPA action to increase ethanol in gasoline will not 

result in widespread misfueling or engine damage. 

I appreciate Mr. Sensenbrenner’s work on this legislation, including his outreach that showed grave warranty concerns among all 

major automobile, boat and engine manufacturers. This is a good 

bill that does not oppose biofuels, but simply makes certain that we 

get the science right before moving ahead on this important decision. I hope it will share the same broad bipartisan support as H.R. 

3834. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN RALPH M. HALL

I am pleased to call the markup this morning for consideration of H.R. 3834, Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012, and H.R. 3199, a bill to provide a comprehensive assessment of 

the scientific and technical research on the implications of the use of mid-level ethanol blends. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
36 

With very few alterations, H.R. 3834 is essentially the same bill that we passed 

twice in the last Congress, only to see it languish in the Senate. Hopefully, the third 

time will be the charm. 

I would like to point out that our efforts on this bill have been a true illustration 

of the bipartisan work for which this Committee and this Congress is capable. Mrs. 

Johnson, it is my understanding that our staffs have worked well together to ensure 

this measure reflects good policy for our nation’s networking and information technology research and development (R&D) program, and I want to thank you for your 

work on this bill. 

Additionally, I would also like to thank Chairman Brooks, as Chairman of the Research and Science Education Subcommittee, for his leadership on this bill and Mrs. 

Biggert for her many years of championing this issue. 

The NITRD program is a product of the High Performance Computing Act of 1991 

and represents the Federal government’s main R&D investment portfolio for unclassified networking, computing, software, cybersecurity, and related information technologies. It serves as the mechanism for interagency coordination of this R&D. 

The bill before us today simply updates the underlying High-Performance Computing statute that’s been in place for 20 years and codifies some work the NITRD 

National Coordination Office already undertakes. Incidentally, the NITRD program 

is celebrating this 20-year milestone next week, and we applaud them for that success. 

Networking and information technology (NIT) includes a broad range of technologies from smart phones to cloud computing. NIT innovations stem from numerous disciplines and have led to advances in search-and-rescue robots; unmanned 

aerial vehicles; digital libraries; devices for assisted living; and computer-based education and training. R&D in this field seeks to minimize and prevent disruptions 

to critical infrastructures like power grids and emergency communication systems. 

Another key emphasis of the NITRD program is cybersecurity. Mrs. Johnson and 

I both believe this is a critically important aspect of this program, and I am pleased 

that this will be the second cybersecurity-related legislation this Committee is reporting. 

Most importantly, networking and information technology supports and boosts 

U.S. competitiveness, enhances national security, and helps strengthen the economy 

through the creation of NIT jobs. This bill helps address that. 

The other bill we will be marking up today is H.R. 3199, introduced by ViceChairman Sensenbrenner. This bipartisan legislation would prevent damage to the 

vehicles and engines owned by hundreds of millions of Americans by requiring a 

more vigorous assessment of the state of the science on mid-level ethanol blends. 

Specifically, the bill requires the EPA to contract with the National Academies to 

undertake a thorough review of current science to ensure that any EPA action to 

increase ethanol in gasoline will not result in widespread misfueling or engine damage. 

I appreciate Mr. Sensenbrenner’s work on this legislation, including his outreach 

that showed grave warranty concerns among all major automobile, boat, and engine 

manufacturers. This is a good bill that does not oppose biofuels, but simply makes 

certain that we get the science right before moving ahead on this important decision. 

I hope it will share the same broad bipartisan support as H.R. 3834. 

Chairman HALL. I now recognize Mrs. Johnson for five minutes 

to present her opening remarks. Mrs. Johnson. 

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you very much, Chairman Hall, and thank 

you for holding the markup today. 

As noted, today we are marking up two bills: H.R. 3834, a good 

bill which is the product of a bipartisan negotiation, and H.R. 3199, 

which, unfortunately, is neither of those things. 

H.R. 3834, the Advancing American’s Networking and Information Technology R&D Act, is an important bill. It continues to 

strengthen and build upon the interagency initiative launched 20 

years ago with the High Performance Computing Act of 1991. H.R. 

3834 is an updated version of the bill our Committee passed in 

2009 that appropriately reflects changes to the networking and information technology landscape that have occurred since Congress 

last enacted amendments to the program in 2007. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
37 

Advances in NIT are a key driver of our economy, increasing productivity in existing industries and opening the door for the formation of new ones. Small businesses use NIT to connect to a wider 

consumer base, allowing them to grow. Internet companies such as 

Google and Facebook are now worth billions of dollars and show 

how quickly NIT R&D can translate into real-world products. The 

wireless devices we all carry have changed our lives in profound 

ways. 

NIT will improve health care by lowering costs and creating better treatment options through the use of electronic health records, 

advanced surgical tools, and improved medical research. NIT protects our brave men and women in the military by improving intelligence gathering and sharing as well as making unmanned aerial 

missions possible. NIT is truly pervasive in our society. 

H.R. 3834 ensures that the Federal Government develops a coherent vision and strategy for federal investments in NIT R&D, including all of the applications made possible by NIT. The bill also 

contains provisions that would help facilitate and strengthen public-private partnerships for the benefit of our economy, national security; and overall quality of life. I urge my colleagues to support 

this bill. 

Mr. Chairman, it has been my hope that this second session of 

Congress would begin with a constructive markup, of bipartisan 

and non-controversial legislation by our Committee that could be 

enacted into law. The productive development of 3834 provides an 

example that we would do well to follow in the remaining months 

of this Congress. 

Unfortunately, the second bill we will consider today at today’s 

markup provides us with nothing more than political theater. H.R. 

3199 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. What looks to be an innocent attempt to provide a scientific assessment on mid-level blends of ethanol is nothing more than an effort to obstruct EPA from finishing 

their activities related to an existing Clean Air Act regulatory process already underway. Nothing about delaying EPA’s regulatory 

authority is non-controversial. This attack on the EPA is not just 

an attack on the EPA’s regulatory process, it is also an attack on 

increasing our supply of clean domestic energy. This country cannot continue to rely solely on fossil fuels for our energy needs. We 

must work to develop new transportation fuels like ethanol, renewable diesel and other clean fuels that have not yet been invented. 

We have to develop all the energy sources we have if we want to 

have a secure energy future. 

I am disappointed that we are not considering—that we are considering this bill today. I think this bill is less about ethanol and 

more about attacking the EPA. This bill has no chance of going 

anywhere in the Senate. It has no chance of being signed by the 

President. So all we are doing today is engaging in political theater 

at the expense of the EPA and at the expense of our clean energy 

future. Such political theater is not the best use of this Committee’s time, and I hope that this will be the last such bill we consider. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back. 

[The prepared statement of Ms. Johnson follows:] 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
38 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF RANKING MEMBER EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

Thank you Chairman Hall, and thank you for holding this markup today. As 

noted, today we are marking up two bills: H.R. 3834, a good bill which is the product of bipartisan negotiation, and H.R. 3199, which, unfortunately, is neither of 

those things. 

H.R. 3834, the Advancing American’s Networking and Information Technology 

R&D Act is an important bill. It continues to strengthen and build upon the interagency initiative launched 20 years ago with the High Performance Computing Act 

of 1991. 

H.R. 3834 is an updated version of the bill our Committee passed in 2009 that 

appropriately reflects changes to the networking and information technology landscape that have occurred since Congress last enacted amendments to the program 

in 2007. 

Advances in NIT are a key driver of our economy, increasing productivity in existing industries and opening the door for the formation of new ones. Small businesses 

use NIT to connect to a wider consumer base, allowing them to grow. Internet companies such as Google and Facebook are now worth billions of dollars and show how 

quickly NIT R&D can translate into real world products. The wireless devices we 

all carry have changed our lives in profound ways. NIT will improve health care by 

lowering costs and creating better treatment options through the use of electronic 

health records, advanced surgical tools, and improved medical research. 

NIT protects our brave men and women in the military by improving intelligence 

gathering and sharing as well as making unmanned aerial missions possible. NIT 

is truly pervasive in our society. 

H.R. 3834 ensures that the federal government develops a coherent vision and 

strategy for federal investments in NIT R&D, including all of the applications made 

possible by NIT. The bill also contains provisions that would help facilitate and 

strengthen public-private partnerships for the benefit of our economy, national security, and overall quality of life. 

I am pleased with a new provision in H.R. 3834 that requires federal agencies to 

come together to examine the R&D needed to make cloud computing a viable, secure, and efficient tool for science and engineering research and for many sectors 

of our economy. It is important that this Committee continue to be a leader in this 

emerging area. 

Finally, I want to thank the Chairman for preserving an important amendment 

offered by Ms. Woolsey in 2009 to ensure that the NITRD program strengthens its 

role in NIT education and diversity. According to the most recent data available, 

the number of American students pursuing degrees in computer science continues 

to fall, with the percentages of female and black students pursuing those degrees 

falling even further. 

In the meantime, IT companies are coming to Congress and telling us that they 

can’t find enough skilled workers, and computer science professors are telling us 

their students are snatched up into good jobs the moment they graduate. The STEM 

education problem in this country is much broader than just computer science. But 

given the importance of IT to every sector of our economy, we cannot afford to leave 

computer science out of the conversations around STEM at any level. 

The private sector spends much more overall in NIT R&D than the federal agencies do. But industry research and innovation is built on the foundation of R&D supported by the agencies and largely carried out in our universities and federal laboratories. And industry hires the students trained in our universities under federal research grants. The NITRD program plays a central role in this ecosystem and this 

bill continues to strengthen the NITRD program and ensure that the federal agencies can respond quickly to emerging R&D and education needs as the industry continues to grow and evolve. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3834. 

Mr. Chairman, it had been my hope that this second session of Congress would 

begin with a constructive markup of bipartisan and non-controversial legislation by 

our Committee that could be enacted into law. 

The productive development of H.R. 3834 provides an example that we would do 

well to follow in the remaining months of this Congress. Unfortunately, the second 

bill we will consider at today’s markup provides us with nothing more than political 

theater. 

H.R. 3199 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. What looks to be an innocent attempt to 

provide a scientific assessment on mid-level blends of ethanol is nothing more than 

an effort to obstruct EPA from finishing their activities related to an existing Clean 

Air Act regulatory process already underway. Nothing about delaying EPA’s regulatory authority is non-controversial. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
39 

This attack on the EPA is not just an attack on the EPA’s regulatory process, it 

is also an attack on increasing our supply of clean domestic energy. This country 

cannot continue to rely solely on fossil fuels for our energy needs. 

Chairman HALL. The gentlelady yields back, and I thank her for 

it. 

Without objection, all Members’ opening statements will be 

placed in the record at this time. 

Chairman HALL. We will now consider the bill H.R. 3834, the Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012. 

At this time, does anyone else wish to comment on this bill? You 

will have time to comment on the bill that Mrs. Johnson is not in 

love with. 

Without objection I ask unanimous consent that the bill is considered as read and open to amendment at any point and that 

Members proceed with amendments in the order listed on the roster, and that is so ordered. 

[H.R. 3834 appears in the Appendix:] 

Chairman HALL. Okay. The bill is open for amendment. The first 

amendment on the roster is a Manager’s Amendment that I am offering. The clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment number 399, amendment to H.R. 3839, 

offered by Mr. Hall of Texas. 

[The amendment appears in the Appendix:] 

Chairman HALL. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the 

reading. Without objection, it is so ordered. 

I recognize myself for five minutes to explain my amendment. 

The Manager’s Amendment is mostly a perfecting amendment. 

The Ranking Member and I both attest that as times change, so 

does the vocabulary. Apparently the same is true for the computing 

world. The amendment simply updates the language in the underlying statute to better reflect today’s terminology. 

In addition, the one new section in the bill calls for an interagency working group to look at funding issues surrounding the 

cloud computing services for research. Use of the cloud holds great 

potential for researchers, but we recognize that there is still R&D 

areas that need improvement. So we are asking the interagency 

group to examine those as well as in this amendment. 

Lastly, the amendment moves the statutory reporting requirement for the advisory committee from two years to three years so 

as to better align in with the three-year requirement for the bill’s 

strategic plan and so no one can better inform—one can better inform the other. 

I believe these changes make for a stronger bill, and I thank Ms. 

Johnson for working with me on these improvements. 

I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the reading. Excuse 

me. 

Is there further discussion on the amendment? 

Ms. JOHNSON. Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman HALL. Ms. Johnson, you are recognized. 

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you very much, Chairman Hall, and majority Committee staff for working with me and my staff to continue 

to refine this bill through the Manager’s Amendment. 

While it does consist primarily of technical and conforming 

amendments, there are also a few small substantive changes in the 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
40 

amendment that were recommended by the agency and program officials, and I am happy the short delay in this markup from its 

original date last week allowed us to take all of those recommendations into consideration. 

I also want to take this opportunity to commend the Chairman 

for including in this bill a new provision on cloud computing R&D. 

This is an important emerging issue both for scientific research 

and for many important sectors of our economy, and I am pleased 

that our Committee is continuing to assert a leadership role in this 

area. 

I urge my colleagues to support this very good amendment, and 

with that, I yield back. 

Chairman HALL. The gentlelady yields back. 

Is there further discussion? Hearing no further discussion, a vote 

occurs on the amendment number 399 offered by the chairman. All 

in favor, say aye. Those opposed, say no. The ayes have it and the 

amendment is agreed to. 

Are there any other amendments? Hearing no further amendments, the question now is on House Bill 3834, the Advancing 

America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and 

Development Act of 2012 as amended. All those in favor will say 

aye. All those opposed, say no. In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes 

have it. The clerk will call the roll—the clerk will not call the roll. 

I will now——— 

Ms. JOHNSON. Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman HALL. I now recognize Mrs. Johnson to offer a motion. 

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Committee favorably report H.R. 3834 as amended to the House with 

the recommendation that the bill do pass. Furthermore, I move 

that staff be instructed to prepare the legislative report and make 

necessary technical and conforming changes and that the chairman 

take all necessary steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration. Thank you. Yield back. 

Chairman HALL. The gentlelady yields back. 

All right. The question is the motion to report the bill. Those in 

favor will say aye. Those opposed, say no. The ayes have it and the 

resolution is favorably reported. 

Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. 

Members may have two subsequent calendar days in which to submit supplemental minority or additional views on the measure. I 

move pursuant to clause 1 of Rule 22 of the Rules of the House of 

Representatives that the Committee authorizes the chairman to 

offer such motions as may be necessary in the House to adopt and 

pass H.R. 3834, the Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012 as amended. Without objection, it is so ordered. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
(41) 

XXI. Appendix I: 

H.R. 3199, SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS, AMENDMENTS, 

AMENDMENT ROSTER


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
42 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.029
43 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.030
44 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.031
45 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.032
46 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.033
47 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.034
48 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.035
49 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.036
50 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.037
51 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.038
52 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.039
53 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.040
54 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.041
55 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.042
56 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.043
57 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.044
58 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.045
59 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.046
60 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.047
61 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.048
62 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.049
63 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.050
64 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.051
65 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.052
66 

SECTION-BY-SECTION: H.R. 3834, ADVANCING AMERICA’S

NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2012 

Section 1. Short Title. 

This section sets for the short title as Advancing America’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2012. 

Sec. 2. Program Planning And Coordination. 

Requires the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development 

Program (NITRD) agencies to periodically assess the program contents and funding 

levels and to update the program accordingly. 

Requires the NITRD agencies to develop and periodically update (at three-year intervals) a strategic plan for the program. Describes the characteristics and content 

of the strategic plan, including how the program will foster technology transfer; encourage innovative, large-scale, and interdisciplinary research; address long-term 

challenges of national importance; emphasize innovative and high-risk projects; and 

strengthen NIT education and the workforce. 

Encourages a more active role for the Office of Science and Technology Policy 

(OSTP) in ensuring that the strategic plan is developed and executed effectively and 

that the objectives of the program are met. 

Ensures that the advisory committee for NITRD retains the necessary breadth 

and depth of expertise in NIT fields, provides guidance on the committee’s co-chairs, 

and allows that it may be linked to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science 

and Technology. 

Specifies that the annual report now required for the NITRD program explicitly 

describes how the program activities planned and underway relate to the objectives 

specified in the strategic plan. 

Specifies that the annual report now required for the NITRD program include a 

description of research areas supported in accordance with section 3, including the 

same budget information as is required for the Program Component Areas. 

Adds a definition for cyber-physical systems and amends existing definitions to incorporate networking and information technology terminology. 

Sec. 3. Large-Scale Research In Areas Of National Importance. 

Authorizes NITRD agencies to support large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research with the potential to make significant contributions to society and U.S. economic competitiveness and to encourage collaboration between at least two agencies 

as well as cost-sharing from non-federal sources. 

Characteristics of the projects supported include: collaborations among researchers in institutions of higher education and industry, and may involve nonprofit research institutions and Federal laboratories; leveraging of federal investments 

through collaboration with related State initiatives, when possible; and plans for 

fostering technology transfer. 

Authorizes support of activities under this section through existing interdisciplinary research centers that are organized to investigate basic research questions and 

carry out technology demonstration activities. 

Sec. 4. Cyber-Physical Systems. 

Requires the program to support research and development in cyber-physical systems; human-computer interactions, visualization, and big data. 

Convenes a university/industry task force to explore mechanisms for carrying out 

collaborative research and development activities for cyber-physical systems with 

participants from universities, industry, and Federal laboratories. 

Requires the task force to develop options for an entity to plan, manage and conduct cyber-physical systems research and development activities; propose a process 

for developing a research and development agenda for the entity which would include guidelines to ensure work focused on nationally significant challenges and 

which would require collaboration on the development of scientific and technological 

milestones; define roles and responsibilities for participants; propose guidelines for 

assigning intellectual property rights; and make recommendations for funding the 

entity from federal, state and non-government sources. 

Requires a report to Congress on any findings and recommendations from the 

task force on models for collaborative research and development. The task force 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
67 

would terminate upon transmittal of the report, and members of the task force 

would not be compensated for participation. 

Sec. 5. Cloud Computing Services for Research. 

Provides for an interagency working group to examine issues around funding 

mechanisms and policies for the use of cloud computing in federally-funded science 

and engineering research and to recommend guidelines, as needed, to agencies on 

those policies. The working group would consult with academia, industry, federal 

laboratories and other relevant organizations and institutions. Within one year the 

working group would be required to report to Congress on its findings and any recommendations for guidelines. The working group would terminate upon transmittal 

of the report. 

Sec. 6. National Coordination Office. 

Formally codifies the existing National Coordination Office (NCO); delineates the 

office’s roles and responsibilities; and specifies the source of funding for the office 

(consistent with current practice). 

Sec. 7. Improving Networking and Information Technology 

Requires NSF to use existing programs to improve the teaching and learning of 

networking and information technology. 

Sec. 8. Conforming and Technical Amendments 

Strikes and replaces instances of out-dated ‘‘high-performance computing’’ language with ‘‘networking and information technology’’ and ‘‘high-end computing’’ as 

appropriate. 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
68 

AMENDMENTS


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS
69 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.020
70 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.021
71 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.022
72 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.023
73 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.024
74 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.025
75 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.026
76 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.027
77 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTS66924.028
78 

AMENDMENT ROSTER

Æ 


PWALKER on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REPORTSRoster3834.eps