In the Senate of the United States,
May 12, 1998.
Resolved, That the bill from the House of Representa-
tives (H.R. 1273) entitled ‘‘An Act to authorize appropria-
tions for fiscal years 1998 and 1999 for the National Science
Foundation, and for other purposes.’’, do pass with the fol-
lowing
AMENDMENT:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Science Foun-
dation Authorization Act of 1998’’.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means the
Director of the National Science Foundation estab-
lished under section 2 of the National Science Foun-
dation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
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(2) 
FOUNDATION.—The 
term 
‘‘Foundation’’
means the National Science Foundation established
under section 2 of the National Science Foundation
Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
(3) BOARD.—The term ‘‘Board’’ means the Na-
tional Science Board established under section 2 of
the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42
U.S.C. 1861).
(4) UNITED STATES.—The term ‘‘United States’’
means the several States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or
possession of the United States.
(5) NATIONAL RESEARCH FACILITY.—The term
‘‘national research facility’’ means a research facility
funded by the Foundation which is available, subject
to appropriate policies allocating access, for use by all
scientists and engineers affiliated with research insti-
tutions located in the United States.
TITLE I—NATIONAL SCIENCE
FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION
SEC. 101. FINDINGS; CORE STRATEGIES.
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following:
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(1) The United States depends upon its scientific
and technological capabilities to preserve the military
and economic security of the United States.
(2) America’s leadership in the global market-
place is dependent upon a strong commitment to edu-
cation, basic research, and development.
(3) A nation that is not technologically literate
cannot compete in the emerging global economy.
(4) A coordinated commitment to mathematics
and science instruction at all levels of education is a
necessary component of successful efforts to produce
technologically literate citizens.
(5) Professional development is a necessary com-
ponent of efforts to produce system wide improve-
ments in mathematics, engineering, and science edu-
cation in secondary, elementary, and postsecondary
settings.
(6)(A) The mission of the National Science
Foundation is to provide Federal support for basic
scientific and engineering research, and to be a pri-
mary contributor to mathematics, science, and engi-
neering education at academic institutions in the
United States.
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(B) In accordance with such mission, the long-
term goals of the National Science Foundation in-
clude providing leadership to—
(i) enable the United States to maintain a
position of world leadership in all aspects of
science, mathematics, engineering, and tech-
nology;
(ii) promote the discovery, integration, dis-
semination, and application of new knowledge in
service to society; and
(iii) achieve excellence in United States
science, mathematics, engineering, and tech-
nology education at all levels.
(b) CORE STRATEGIES.—In carrying out activities de-
signed to achieve the goals described in subsection (a), the
Foundation shall use the following core strategies:
(1) Develop intellectual capital, both people and
ideas, with particular emphasis on groups and re-
gions that traditionally have not participated fully in
science, mathematics, and engineering.
(2) Strengthen the scientific infrastructure by in-
vesting in facilities planning and modernization, in-
strument acquisition, instrument design and develop-
ment, and shared-use research platforms.
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(3) Integrate research and education through ac-
tivities that emphasize and strengthen the natural
connections between learning and inquiry.
(4) Promote partnerships with industry, elemen-
tary and secondary schools, community colleges, col-
leges and universities, other agencies, State and local
governments, and other institutions involved in
science, mathematics, and engineering to enhance the
delivery of math and science education and improve
the technological literacy of the citizens of the United
States.
SEC. 102. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) FISCAL YEAR 1998.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be ap-
propriated to the Foundation $3,505,630,000 for fis-
cal year 1998.
(2) SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS.—Of the amount au-
thorized under paragraph (1)—
(A) $2,576,200,000 shall be made available
to carry out Research and Related Activities, of
which—
(i) $370,820,000 shall be made avail-
able for Biological Sciences;
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(ii) $289,170,000 shall be made avail-
able for Computer and Information Science
and Engineering;
(iii) $360,470,000 shall be made avail-
able for Engineering;
(iv) $455,110,000 shall be made avail-
able for Geosciences;
(v) $715,710,000 shall be made avail-
able 
for 
Mathematical 
and 
Physical
Sciences;
(vi) $130,660,000 shall be made avail-
able for Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Sciences, of which up to $1,000,000 may be
made available for the United States-Mexico
Foundation for Science;
(vii) $165,930,000 shall be made avail-
able for United States Polar Research Pro-
grams;
(viii) $62,600,000 shall be made avail-
able for United States Antarctic Logistical
Support Activities;
(ix) $2,730,000 shall be made available
for the Critical Technologies Institute; and
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(x) $23,000,000 shall be made avail-
able for the Next Generation Internet pro-
gram;
(B) $632,500,000 shall be made available to
carry out Education and Human Resources Ac-
tivities;
(C) $155,130,000 shall be made available
for Major Research Equipment;
(D) $136,950,000 shall be made available
for Salaries and Expenses; and
(E) $4,850,000 shall be made available for
the Office of Inspector General.
(b) FISCAL YEAR 1999.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be ap-
propriated to the Foundation $3,773,000,000 for fis-
cal year 1999.
(2) SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS.—Of the amount au-
thorized under paragraph (1)—
(A) $2,846,800,000 shall be made available
to carry out Research and Related Activities, of
which—
(i) $417,820,000 shall be made avail-
able for Biological Sciences;
(ii) $331,140,000 shall be made avail-
able for Computer and Information Science
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and Engineering, including $25,000,000 for
the Next Generation Internet program;
(iii) $400,550,000 shall be made avail-
able for Engineering;
(iv) $507,310,000 shall be made avail-
able for Geosciences;
(v) $792,030,000 shall be made avail-
able 
for 
Mathematical 
and 
Physical
Sciences;
(vi) $150,260,000 shall be made avail-
able for Social, Behavioral, and Economic
Sciences, of which up to $2,000,000 may be
made available for the United States-Mexico
Foundation for Science;
(vii) $182,360,000 shall be made avail-
able for United States Polar Research Pro-
grams;
(viii) $62,600,000 shall be made avail-
able for United States Antarctic Logistical
Support Activities;
(ix) $2,730,000 shall be made available
for the Critical Technologies Institute; and
(B) $683,000,000 shall be made available to
carry out Education and Human Resources Ac-
tivities;
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(C) $94,000,000 shall be made available for
Major Research Equipment;
(D) $144,000,000 shall be made available
for Salaries and Expenses; and
(E) $5,200,000 shall be made available for
the Office of Inspector General.
(c) FISCAL YEAR 2000.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be ap-
propriated to the Foundation $3,886,190,000 for fis-
cal year 2000.
(2) SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS.—Of the amount au-
thorized under paragraph (1)—
(A) $2,935,024,000 shall be made available
to carry out Research and Related Activities, of
which up to—
(i) $2,000,000 may be made available
for the U.S.-Mexico Foundation for Science;
(ii) $25,000,000 may be made avail-
able for the Next Generation Internet pro-
gram;
(B) $703,490,000 shall be made available to
carry out Education and Human Resources Ac-
tivities;
(C) $94,000,000 shall be made available for
Major Research Equipment;
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(3) SPECIAL RULE.—The plan shall include cost
estimates in the categories of construction, repair, and
upgrades—
(A) for the year in which the plan is sub-
mitted to Congress; and
(B) for not fewer than the succeeding 4
years.
(b) STATUS OF FACILITIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION.—
The plan required under subsection (a) shall include a sta-
tus report for each uncompleted construction project in-
cluded in current and previous plans. The status report
shall include data on cumulative construction costs by
project compared with estimated costs, and shall compare
the current and original schedules for achievement of mile-
stones for the major phases of the construction.
SEC. 202. ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS.
(a) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACT OF 1950
AMENDMENTS.—The National Science Foundation Act of
1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.) is amended—
(1) in section 4(g) (42 U.S.C. 1863(g))—
(A) by striking ‘‘the appropriate rate pro-
vided for individuals in grade GS–18 of the Gen-
eral Schedule under section 5332’’ and inserting
‘‘the maximum rate payable under section
5376’’; and
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(B) by redesignating the second subsection
(k) as subsection (l);
(2) in section 5(e) (42 U.S.C. 1864(e)) by strik-
ing paragraph (2), and inserting the following:
‘‘(2) Any delegation of authority or imposition of con-
ditions under paragraph (1) shall be promptly published
in the Federal Register and reported to the Committee on
Labor and Human Resources, and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation, of the Senate and the
Committee on Science of the House of Representatives.’’;
(3) in section 14(c) (42 U.S.C. 1873(c))—
(A) by striking ‘‘shall receive’’ and inserting
‘‘shall be entitled to receive’’;
(B) by striking ‘‘the rate specified for the
daily rate for GS–18 of the General Schedule
under section 5332’’ and inserting ‘‘the maxi-
mum rate payable under section 5376’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘For the purposes of determining the payment of
compensation under this subsection, the time
spent in travel by any member of the Board or
any member of a special commission shall be
deemed as time engaged in the business of the
Foundation. Members of the Board and members
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of special commissions may waive compensation
and reimbursement for traveling expenses.’’; and
(4) in section 15(a) (42 U.S.C. 1874(a)), by
striking ‘‘Atomic Energy Commission’’ and inserting
‘‘Secretary of Energy’’.
(b) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION
ACT, 1976 AMENDMENTS.—Section 6(a) of the National
Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976 (42 U.S.C.
1881a(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘social,’’ the first place
it appears.
(c) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION
ACT OF 1988 AMENDMENTS.—Section 117(a) of the Na-
tional Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42
U.S.C. 1881b(a)) is amended—
(1) by striking paragraph (1)(B)(v) and insert-
ing the following:
‘‘(v) from schools established outside the several
States and the District of Columbia by any agency of
the Federal Government for dependents of the employ-
ees of such agency.’’; and
(2) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ‘‘Science
and Engineering Education’’ and inserting ‘‘Edu-
cation and Human Resources’’.
(d) SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EQUAL OPPORTUNI-
TIES ACT AMENDMENTS.—The Science and Engineering
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Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885 et seq.) is amend-
ed—
(1) in section 34 (42 U.S.C. 1885b)—
(A) by striking the section heading and in-
serting the following:
‘‘PARTICIPATION IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING OF
MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES’’;
and
(B) by striking subsection (b) and inserting
the following:
‘‘(b) The Foundation is authorized to undertake or
support programs and activities to encourage the participa-
tion of persons with disabilities in the science and engineer-
ing professions.’’; and
(2) in section 36 (42 U.S.C. 1885c)—
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘minori-
ties,’’ and all that follows through ‘‘in scientific’’
and inserting ‘‘minorities, and persons with dis-
abilities in scientific’’;
(B) in subsection (b)—
(i) by striking ‘‘with the concurrence of
the National Science Board’’; and
(ii) by striking the second sentence and
inserting the following: ‘‘In addition, the
Chairman of the National Science Board
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may designate a member of the Board as a
member of the Committee.’’;
(C) by striking subsections (c) and (d);
(D) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol-
lowing:
‘‘(c) The Committee shall be responsible for reviewing
and evaluating all Foundation matters relating to opportu-
nities for the participation in, and the advancement of,
women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in edu-
cation, training, and science and engineering research pro-
grams.’’;
(E) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f)
as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and
(F) in subsection (d), as so redesignated by
subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘additional’’.
(e) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—The second subsection
(g) of section 3 of the National Science Foundation Act of
1950 is repealed.
SEC. 203. INDIRECT COSTS.
(a) MATCHING FUNDS.—Matching funds required pur-
suant to section 204(a)(2)(C) of the Academic Research Fa-
cilities 
Modernization 
Act 
of 
1988 
(42 
U.S.C.
1862c(a)(2)(C)) shall not be considered facilities costs for
purposes of determining indirect cost rates under Office of
Management and Budget Circular A–21.
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(b) REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with
other Federal agencies the Director deems appro-
priate, shall prepare a report—
(A) analyzing the Federal indirect cost re-
imbursement rates (as the term is defined in Of-
fice of Management and Budget Circular A–21)
paid to universities in comparison with Federal
indirect cost reimbursement rates paid to other
entities, such as industry, government labora-
tories, research hospitals, and nonprofit institu-
tions;
(B)(i) analyzing the distribution of the Fed-
eral indirect cost reimbursement rates by cat-
egory (such as administration, facilities, utili-
ties, and libraries), and by the type of entity;
and
(ii) determining what factors, including the
type of research, influence the distribution;
(C) analyzing the impact, if any, that
changes in Office of Management and Budget
Circular A–21 have had on—
(i) the Federal indirect cost reimburse-
ment rates, the rate of change of the Federal
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indirect cost reimbursement rates, the dis-
tribution by category of the Federal indirect
cost reimbursement rates, and the distribu-
tion by type of entity of the Federal indirect
cost reimbursement rates; and
(ii) the Federal indirect cost reim-
bursement (as calculated in accordance with
Office of Management and Budget Circular
A–21), the rate of change of the Federal in-
direct cost reimbursement, the distribution
by category of the Federal indirect cost re-
imbursement, and the distribution by type
of entity of the Federal indirect cost reim-
bursement;
(D) analyzing the impact, if any, of Federal
and State law on the Federal indirect cost reim-
bursement rates;
(E)(i) analyzing options to reduce or con-
trol the rate of growth of the Federal indirect
cost reimbursement rates, including options such
as benchmarking of facilities and equipment cost,
elimination of cost studies, mandated percentage
reductions in the Federal indirect cost reim-
bursement; and
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(ii) assessing the benefits and burdens of the
options to the Federal Government, research in-
stitutions, and researchers; and
(F) analyzing options for creating a data-
base—
(i) for tracking the Federal indirect
cost reimbursement rates and the Federal
indirect cost reimbursement; and
(ii) for analyzing the impact that
changes in policies with respect to Federal
indirect cost reimbursement will have on the
Federal Government, researchers, and re-
search institutions.
(2) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The report prepared
under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to Congress
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 204. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Persons temporarily employed by or at the Foundation
shall be subject to the same financial disclosure require-
ments and related sanctions under the Ethics in Govern-
ment Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) as are permanent em-
ployees of the Foundation in equivalent positions.
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SEC. 205. NOTICE.
(a) NOTICE OF REPROGRAMMING.—If any funds ap-
propriated pursuant to the amendments made by this Act
are subject to a reprogramming action that requires notice
to be provided to the Committees on Appropriations of the
Senate and the House of Representatives, notice of that ac-
tion shall concurrently be provided to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the
Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate,
and the Committee on Science of the House of Representa-
tives.
(b) NOTICE OF REORGANIZATION.—Not later than 15
days before any major reorganization of any program,
project, or activity of the National Science Foundation, the
Director of the National Science Foundation shall provide
notice to the Committees on Science and Appropriations of
the House of Representatives and the Committees on Com-
merce, Science and Transportation, Labor and Human Re-
sources of the Senate, and Appropriations of the Senate.
SEC. 206. ENHANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
PROGRAMS.
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) EDUCATIONALLY
USEFUL
FEDERAL
EQUIP-
MENT.—The term ‘‘educationally useful Federal
equipment’’ means computers and related peripheral
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tools and research equipment that is appropriate for
use in schools.
(2) SCHOOL.—The term ‘‘school’’ means a public
or private educational institution that serves any of
the grades of kindergarten through grade 12.
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—It is the sense of the Congress
that the Director should, to the greatest extent prac-
ticable and in a manner consistent with applicable
Federal law (including Executive Order No. 12999),
donate educationally useful Federal equipment to
schools in order to enhance the science and mathe-
matics programs of those schools.
(2) REPORTS.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, and an-
nually thereafter, the Director shall prepare and
submit to the President a report that meets the
requirements of this paragraph. The President
shall submit that report to Congress at the same
time as the President submits a budget request to
Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31,
United States Code.
(B) CONTENTS
OF
REPORT.—The report
prepared by the Director under this paragraph
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shall describe any donations of educationally
useful Federal equipment to schools made during
the period covered by the report.
SEC. 207. REPORT ON RESERVIST EDUCATION ISSUES.
(a) CONVENING APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATIVES.—
The Director of the National Science Foundation, with the
assistance of the Office of Science and Technology Policy,
shall convene appropriate officials of the Federal Govern-
ment and appropriate representatives of the postsecondary
education community and of members of reserve compo-
nents of the Armed Forces for the purpose of discussing and
seeking a consensus on the appropriate resolution to prob-
lems relating to the academic standing and financial re-
sponsibilities of postsecondary students called or ordered to
active duty in the Armed Forces.
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of
the National Science Foundation shall transmit to the Con-
gress a report summarizing the results of the convening in-
dividuals under subsection (a), including any consensus
recommendations resulting therefrom as well as any signifi-
cant opinions expressed by each participant that are not
incorporated in such a consensus recommendation.
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SEC. 208. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INSTITUTE.
(a) AMENDMENT.—Section 822 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (42 U.S.C. 6686)
is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘Critical Technologies Institute’’
in the section heading and in subsection (a), and in-
serting in lieu thereof ‘‘Science and Technology Policy
Institute’’;
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ‘‘As determined
by the chairman of the committee referred to in sub-
section (c), the’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘The’’;
(3) by striking subsection (c), and redesignating
subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g) as subsections (c), (d),
(e), and (f), respectively;
(4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated by para-
graph (3) of this subsection—
(A) by inserting ‘‘science and’’ after ‘‘devel-
opments and trends in’’ in paragraph (1);
(B) by striking ‘‘with particular emphasis
on’’ in paragraph (1) and inserting ‘‘including’’;
(C) by inserting ‘‘and developing and main-
taining relevant informational and analytical
tools’’ before the period at the end of paragraph
(1);
(D) by striking ‘‘to determine’’ and all that
follows through ‘‘technology policies’’ in para-
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(6) by striking ‘‘Committee’’ in each place it ap-
pears in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph
(3) of this subsection, and inserting ‘‘Institute’’;
(7) by striking ‘‘subsection (d)’’ in subsection (f),
as redesignated by paragraph (3) of this subsection,
and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘subsection (c)’’; and
(8) by striking ‘‘Chairman of Committee’’ each
place it appears in subsection (f), as designated by
paragraph (3) of this subsection, and inserting ‘‘Di-
rector of Office of Science and Technology Policy’’.
(b) CONFORMING USAGE.—All references in Federal
law or regulations to the Critical Technologies Institute
shall be considered to be references to the Science and Tech-
nology Policy Institute.
SEC. 209. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE YEAR 2000 PROB-
LEM.
With the year 2000 fast approaching, it is the sense
of Congress that the Foundation should—
(1) give high priority to correcting all 2-digit
date-related problems in its computer systems to en-
sure that those systems continue to operate effectively
in the year 2000 and beyond;
(2) assess immediately the extent of the risk to
the operations of the Foundation posed by the prob-
lems referred to in paragraph (1), and plan and
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budget for achieving Year 2000 compliance for all of
its mission-critical systems; and
(3) develop contingency plans for those systems
that the Foundation is unable to correct in time.
Attest:
Secretary.
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