Advisory Committees provide each directorate with input on direction and performance at two formal meetings during the year, while the Committees of Visitors meet every three years to assess the longer term progress of each program in a directorate's investment portfolio. In setting priorities for any research field, consideration is also given to resource limitations, policy concerns, and GPRA requirements. During this process, NSF focuses on identifying the most promising unmet opportunities and giving them increased attention. Final determinations are made by NSF staff and management and the National Science Board. The final stage of priority setting occurs when OMB considers NSF's request in the context of the overall Administration budget.
Congressional guidance is an integral part of the planning process as well.
These views are manifest through hearings, testimony, committee reports, and other interactions reflected in authorization and appropriations legislation. Congress ultimately has the final input in the priority setting process through review of program plans and budget proposals. Through this process NSF seeks to maintain an integrated portfolio that makes the wisest investments in the most promising fields while allowing new areas of opportunity and innovation to emerge. Mr. Chairman, I have addressed how NSF broadly sets priorities across the agency. Today I am accompanied by Dr. Mary Clutter, the Assistant Director for the Directorate for Biology.