Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984
PL 98-373 (S.373), enacted 07/31/1984

98 STAT. 1242 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
Public Law 98-373 
98th Congress 
An Act 
To provide for a comprehensive national policy dealing with national research needs 
Jul SI 1984 
^"^ objectives in the Arctic, for a National Critical Materials Council, for develop-
ment of a continuing and comprehensive national materials policy, for programs 
[S. 373] 
necessary to carry out that policy, including Federal programs of advanced materi-
als research and technology, and for innovation in basic materials industries, and 
for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, 
Arctic Research 
TITLE I—ARCTIC RESEARCH AND POLICY 
and Policy Act of 
1984. 
SHORT TITLE 
15 use 4101 
SEC. 101. This title may be cited as the "Arctic Research and 
note. 
poii^jy Act of 1984". 
FINDINGS AND PURPOSES 
15 use 4101. 
SEC. 102. (a) The Congress finds and declares that— 
(1) the Arctic, onshore and offshore, contains vital energy 
resources that can reduce the Nation's dependence on foreign 
oil and improve the national balance of payments; 
(2) as the Nation's only common border with the Soviet 
Union, the Arctic is critical to national defense; 
(3) the renewable resources of the Arctic, specifically fish and 
other seafood, represent one of the Nation's greatest commer-
cial assets; 
(4) Arctic conditions directly affect global weather patterns 
and must be understood in order to promote better agricultural 
management throughout the United States; 
(5) industrial pollution not originating in the Arctic region 
collects in the polar air mass, has the potential to disrupt global 
weather patterns, and must be controlled through international 
cooperation and consultation; 
(6) the Arctic is a natural laboratory for research into human 
health and adaptation, physical and psychological, to climates 
of extreme cold and isolation and may provide information 
crucial for future defense needs; 
(7) atmospheric conditions peculiar to the Arctic make the 
Arctic a unique testing ground for research into high latitude 
communications, which is likely to be crucial for future defense 
needs; 
(8) Arctic marine technology is critical to cost-effective recov-
ery and transportation of energy resources and to the national 
defense; 
(9) the United States has important security, economic, and 
environmental interests in developing and maintaining a fleet 
of icebreaking vessels capable of operating effectively in the 
heavy ice regions of the Arctic; 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
98 STAT. 1243 
(10) most Arctic-rim countries, particularly the Soviet Union, 
possess Arctic technologies far more advanced than those cur-
rently available in the United States; 
(11) Federal Arctic research is fragmented and uncoordinated 
at the present time, leading to the neglect of certain areas of 
research and to unnecessary duplication of effort in other areas 
of research; 
(12) improved logistical coordination and support for Arctic 
research and better dissemination of research data and infor-
mation is necessary to increase the efficiency and utility of 
' 
f 
national Arctic research efforts; 
(13) a comprehensive national policy and program plan to 
organize and fund currently neglected scientific research with 
respect to the Arctic is necessary to fulfill national objectives in 
Arctic research; 
(14) the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and 
local governments, should focus its efforts on the collection and 
characterization of basic data related to biological, materials, 
geophysical, social, and behavioral phenomena in the Arctic; 
(15) research into the long-range health, environmental, and 
social effects of development in the Arctic is necessary to miti-
gate the adverse consequences of that development to the land 
and its residents; 
(16) Arctic research expands knowledge of the Arctic, which 
can enhance the lives of Arctic residents, increase opportunities 
for international cooperation among Arctic-rim countries, and 
facilitate the formulation of national policy for the Arctic; and 
(17) the Alaskan Arctic provides an essential habitat for 
marine mammals, migratory waterfowl, and other forms of 
wildlife which are important to the Nation and which are 
essential to Arctic residents. 
(b) The purposes of this title are— 
(1) to establish national policy, priorities, and goals and to 
provide a Federal program plan for basic and applied scientific 
research with respect to the Arctic, including natural resources 
and materials, physical, biological and health sciences, and 
social and behavioral sciences; 
(2) to establish an Arctic Research Commission to promote 
Arctic research and to recommend Arctic research policy; 
(3) to designate the National Science Foundation as the lead 
agency responsible for implementing Arctic research policy; and 
(4) to establish an Interagency Arctic Research Policy Com-
mittee to develop a national Arctic research policy and a five 
year plan to implement that policy. 
ARCTIC RESEARCH COMMISSION 
Establishment. 
SEC. 103. (a) The President shall establish an Arctic Research 
15USC4102. 
Commission (hereafter referred to as the "Commission"). 
(b)(1) The Commission shall be composed of five members ap-
pointed by the President, with the Director of the National Science 
Foundation serving as a nonvoting, ex officio member. The members 
appointed by the President shall include— 
(A) three members appointed from among individuals from 
academic or other research institutions with expertise in areas 
of research relating to the Arctic, including the physical, biolog-
ical, health, environmental, social, and behavioral sciences; 
98 STAT. 1244 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
President 
of U.S. 
Federal 
Register, 
publication. 
5 u s e 8101 et 
seq. 
28 u s e 2671 et 
seq. 
(B) one member appointed from among indigenous residents 
of the Arctic who are representative of the needs and interests 
of Arctic residents and who live in areas directly affected by 
Arctic resource development; and 
(C) one member appointed from among individuals familiar 
with the Arctic and representative of the needs and interests of 
private industry undertaking resource development in the 
Arctic. 
(2) The President shall designate one of the appointed members of 
the Commission to be chairperson of the Commission. 
(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the 
term of office of each member of the Commission appointed under 
subsection (b)(1) shall be four years. 
(2) Of the members of the Commission originally appointed under 
subsection (b)(1)— 
(A) one shall be appointed for a term of two years; 
(B) two shall be appointed for a term of three years; and 
(C) two shall be appointed for a term of four years. 
(3) Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Commission 
shall be filled, after notice of the vacancy is published in the Federal 
Register, in the manner provided by the preceding provisions of this 
section, for the remainder of the unexpired term. 
(4) A member may serve after the expiration of the member's 
term of office until the President appoints a successor. 
(5) A member may serve consecutive terms beyond the member's 
original appointment. 
(d)(1) Members of the Commission may be allowed travel expenses, 
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 
5703 of title 5, United States Code. A member of the Commission not 
presently employed for compensation shall be compensated at a rate 
equal to the daily equivalent of the rate for GS-16 of the General 
Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, for each 
day the member is engaged in the actual performance of his duties 
as a member of the Commission, not to exceed 90 days of service 
each year. Except for the purposes of chapter 81 of title 5 (relating to 
compensation for work injuries) and chapter 171 of title 28 (relating 
to tort claims), a member of the Commission shall not be considered 
an employee of the United States for any purpose. 
(2) The Commission shall meet at the call of its Chairman or a 
majority of its members. 
(3) Each Federal agency referred to in section 107(b) may desig-
nate a representative to participate as an observer with the Commis-
sion. These representatives shall report to and advise the Commis-
sion on the activities relating to Arctic research of their agencies. 
(4) The Commission shall conduct at least one public meeting in 
the State of Alaska annually. 
DUTIES OF COMMISSION 
15 use 4103. 
SEC. 104. (a) The Commission shall— 
(1) develop and recommend an integrated national Arctic 
research policy; 
(2) in cooperation with the Interagency Arctic Research Policy 
Committee established under section 107, assist in establishing 
a national Arctic research program plan to implement the 
Arctic research policy; 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
98 STAT. 1245 
(3) facilitate cooperation between the Federal Government 
and State and local governments with respect to Arctic re-
search; 
(4) review Federal research programs in the Arctic and sug-
gest improvements in coordination among programs; 
(5) recommend methods to improve logistical planning and 
support for Arctic research as may be appropriate and in ac-
cordance with the findings and purposes of this title; 
(6) suggest methods for improving efficient sharing and dis-
semination of data and information on the Arctic among inter-
ested public and private institutions; 
(7) offer other recommendations and advice to the Inter-
agency Committee established under section 107 as it may find 
appropriate; and 
(8) cooperate with the Governor of the State of Alaska and 
with agencies and organizations of that State which the Gover-
nor may designate with respect to the formulation of Arctic 
research policy. 
(b) Not later than January 31 of each year, the Commission 
shall— 
(1) publish a statement of goals and objectives with respect to 
Arctic research to guide the Interagency Committee established 
under section 107 in the performance of its duties; and 
(2) submit to the President and to the Congress a report 
describing the activities and accomplishments of the Commis-
sion during the immediately preceding fiscal year. 
Report. 
COOPERATION WITH THE COMMISSION 
SEC. 105. (a)(1) The Commission may acquire from the head of any is use 4i04. 
Federal agency unclassified data, reports, and other nonproprietary 
information with respect to Arctic research in the possession of the 
agency which the Commission considers useful in the discharge of 
its duties. 
(2) Each agency shall cooperate with the Commission and furnish Confidentiality. 
all data, reports, and other information requested by the Commis-
sion to the extent permitted by law; except that no agency need 
furnish any information which it is permitted to withhold under 
section 552 of title 5, United States Code. 
(b) With the consent of the appropriate agency head, the Commis-
sion may utilize the facilities and services of any Federal agency to 
the extent that the facilities and services are needed for the estab-
lishment and development of an Arctic research policy, upon reim-
bursement to be agreed upon by the Commission and the agency 
head and taking every feasible step to avoid duplication of effort. 
(c) All Federal agencies shall consult with the Commission before 
undertaking major Federal actions relating to Arctic research. 
ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMMISSION 
SEC. 106. The Commission may— 
(1) in accordance with the civil service laws and subchapter 
III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, appoint and fix 
the compensation of an Executive Director and necessary addi-
tional staff personnel, but not to exceed a total of seven compen-
sated personnel; 
15 u s e 4105. 
5 u s e 5331. 
98 STAT. 1246 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
(2) procure temporary and intermittent services as authorized 
by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code; 
(3) enter into contracts and procure supplies, services, and 
personal property; and 
(4) enter into agreements with the General Services Adminis-
tration for the procurement of necessary financial and adminis-
trative services, for which payment shall be made by reimburse-
ment from funds of the Commission in amounts to be agreed 
upon by the Commission and the Administrator of the General 
Services Administration. 
LEAD AGENCY AND INTERAGENCY ARCTIC RESEARCH POLICY COMMITTEE 
15 use 4106. 
SEC 107. (a) The National Science Foundation is designated as the 
lead agency responsible for implementing Arctic research policy, 
and the Director of the National Science Foundation shall insure 
that the requirements of section 108 are fulfilled. 
Establishment. 
(b)(1) The President shall establish an Interagency Arctic Re-
search Policy Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Inter-
agency Committee"). 
(2) The Interagency Committee shall be composed of representa-
tives of the following Federal agencies or offices: 
(A) the National Science Foundation; 
(B) the Department of Commerce; 
(C) the Department of Defense; 
(D) the Department of Energy; 
(E) the Department of the Interior; 
(F) the Department of State; 
(G) the Department of Transportation; 
(H) the Department of Health and Human Services; 
(I) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; 
(J) the Environmental Protection Agency; and 
(K) any other agency or office deemed appropriate. 
(3) The representative of the National Science Foundation shall 
serve as the Chairperson of the Interagency Committee. 
DUTIES OF THE INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE 
15 use 4107. 
SEC 108. (a) The Interagency Committee shall— 
(1) survey Arctic research conducted by Federal, State, and 
local agencies, universities, and other public and private institu-
tions to help determine priorities for future Arctic research, 
including natural resources and materials, physical and biologi-
cal sciences, and social and behavioral sciences; 
(2) work with the Commission to develop and establish an 
integrated national Arctic research policy that will guide Fed-
eral agencies in developing and implementing their research 
programs in the Arctic; 
(3) consult with the Commission on— 
(A) the development of the national Arctic research 
policy and the 5-year plan implementing the policy; 
(B) Arctic research programs of Federal agencies; 
(C) recommendations of the Commission on future Arctic 
research; and 
(D) guidelines for Federal agencies for awarding and 
administering Arctic research grants; 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
98 STAT. 1247 
(4) develop a 5-year plan to implement the national policy, as 
provided for in section 109; 
(5) provide the necessary coordination, data, and assistance 
for the preparation of a single integrated, coherent, and multi-
agency budget request for Arctic research as provided for in 
section 110; 
(6) facilitate cooperation between the Federal Government 
and State and local governments in Arctic research, and recom-
mend the undertaking of neglected areas of research in accord-
ance with the findings and purposes of this title; 
(7) coordinate and promote cooperative Arctic scientific re-
search programs with other nations, subject to the foreign 
policy guidance of the Secretary of State; 
(8) cooperate with the Governor of the State of Alaska in 
fulfilling its responsibilities under this title; 
(9) promote Federal interagency coordination of all Arctic 
research activities, including— 
(A) logistical planning and coordination; and 
(B) the sharing of data and information associated with 
Arctic research, subject to section 552 of title 5, United 
States Code; and 
(10) provide public notice of its meetings and an opportunity 
for the public to participate in the development and implemen-
tation of national Arctic research policy. 
(b) Not later than January 31, 1986, and biennially thereafter, the 
Interagency Committee shall submit to the Congress through the 
President, a brief, concise report containing— 
(Da statement of the activities and accomplishments of the 
Interagency Committee since its last report; and 
(2) a description of the activities of the Commission, detailing 
with particularity the recommendations of the Commission with 
respect to Federal activities in Arctic research. 
Public 
information. 
Report. 
5-YEAR ARCTIC RESEARCH PLAN 
SEC. 109. (a) The Interagency Committee, in consultation with the 
15 use 4108. 
Commission, the Governor of the State of Alaska, the residents of 
the Arctic, the private sector, and public interest groups, shall 
prepare a comprehensive 5-year program plan (hereinafter referred 
to as the "Plan") for the overall Federal effort in Arctic research. 
The Plan shall be prepared and submitted to the President for 
transmittal to the Congress within one year after the enactment of 
this Act and shall be revised biennially thereafter. 
(b) The Plan shall contain but need not be limited to the following 
elements: 
(1) an assessment of national needs and problems regarding 
the Arctic and the research necessary to address those needs or 
problems; 
(2) a statement of the goals and objectives of the Interagency 
Committee for national Arctic research; 
(3) a detailed listing of all existing Federal programs relating 
to Arctic research, including the existing goals, funding levels 
for each of the 5 following fiscal years, and the funds currently 
being expended to conduct the programs; 
(4) recommendations for necessary program changes and 
other proposals to meet the requirements of the policy and goals 
98 STAT. 1248 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
as set forth by the Commission and in the Plan as currently in 
effect; and 
(5) a description of the actions taken by the Interagency 
Committee to coordinate the budget review process in order to 
ensure interagency coordination and cooperation in (A) carrying 
out Federal Arctic research programs, and (B) eliminating un-
necessary duplication of effort among these programs. 
15 u s e 4109. 
Report. 
COORDINATION AND REVIEW OF BUDGET REQUESTS 
SEC. 110. (a) The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall— 
(1) review all agency and department budget requests related 
to the Arctic transmitted pursuant to section 108(a)(5), in ac-
cordance with the national Arctic research policy and the 5-year 
program under section 108(a)(2) and section 109, respectively; 
and 
(2) consult closely with the Interagency Committee and the 
Commission to guide the Office of Science and Technology 
Policy's efforts. 
(b)(1) The Office of Management and Budget shall consider all 
Federal agency requests for research related to the Arctic as one 
integrated, coherent, and multiagency request which shall be re-
viewed by the Office of Management and Budget prior to submission 
of the President's annual budget request for its adherence to the 
Plan. The Commission shall, after submission of the President's 
annual budget request, review the request and report to Congress on 
adherence to the Plan. 
(2) The Office of Management and Budget shall seek to facilitate 
planning for the design, procurement, maintenance, deployment, 
and operations of icebreakers needed to provide a platform for 
Arctic research by allocating all funds necessary to support ice-
breaking operations, except for recurring incremental costs associ-
ated with specific projects, to the Coast Guard. 
AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; NEW SPENDING AUTHORITY 
15 use 4110. 
SEC. 111. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as 
may be necessary for carrying out this title. 
(b) Any new spending authority (within the meaning of section 401 
2 use 651. 
of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974) which is provided under 
this title shall be effective for any fiscal year only to such extent or 
in such amounts as may be provided in appropriation Acts. 
15 u s e 4111. 
National eritical 
Materials Act of 
1984. 
30 u s e 1801 
note. 
DEFINITION 
SEC. 112. As used in this title, the term "Arctic" means all United 
States and foreign territory north of the Arctic Circle and all United 
States territory north and west of the boundary formed by the 
Porcupine, Yukon, and Kuskokwim Rivers; all contiguous seas, 
including the Arctic Ocean and the Beaufort, Bering, and Chukchi 
Seas; and the Aleutian chain. 
TITLE II—NATIONAL CRITICAL MATERIALS ACT OF 1984 
SHORT TITLE 
SEC. 201. This title may be cited as the "National Critical Materi-
als Act of 1984". 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
98 STAT. 1249 
FINDINGS AND PURPOSES 
SEC. 202. (a) The Congress finds that— 
30 use I80i. 
(1) the availability of adequate supplies of strategic and criti-
cal industrial minerals and materials continues to be essential 
for national security, economic well-being, and industrial pro-
duction; 
(2) the United States is increasingly dependent on foreign 
sources of materials and vulnerable to supply interruption in 
the case of many of those minerals and materials essential to 
the Nation's defense and economic well-being; 
(8) together with increasing import dependence, the Nation's 
industrial base, including the capacity to process minerals and 
materials, is deteriorating—both in terms of facilities and in 
terms of a trained labor force; 
(4) research, development, and technological innovation, espe-
cially related to improved materials and new processing tech-
nologies, are important factors which affect our long-term capa-
bility for economic competitiveness, as well as for adjustment to 
interruptions in supply of critical minerals and materials; 
(5) while other nations have developed and implemented spe-
cific long-term research and technology programs to develop 
high-performance materials, no such policy and program evolu-
tion has occurred in the United States; 
(6) establishing critical materials reserves, by both the public 
and private sectors and with proper organization and manage-
ment, represents one means of responding to the genuine risks 
to our economy and national defense from dependency on for-
eign sources; 
(7) there exists no single Federal entity with the authority 
and responsibility for establishing critical materials policy and 
for coordinating and implementing that policy; and 
(8) the importance of materials to national goals requires an 
organizational means for establishing responsibilities for mate-
rials programs and for the coordination, within and at a suit-
ably high level of the Executive Office of the President, with 
other existing policies within the Federal Government. 
(b) It is the purpose of this title— 
(1) to establish a National Critical Materials Council under 
and reporting to the Executive Office of the President which 
shall— 
(A) establish responsibilities for and provide for necessary 
coordination of critical materials policies, including all 
facets of research and technology, among the various agen-
cies and departments of the Federal Government, and make 
recommendations for the implementation of such policies; 
(B) bring to the attention of the President, the Congress, 
and the general public such materials issues and concerns, 
including research and development, as are deemed critical 
to the economic and strategic health of the Nation; and 
(C) ensure adequate and continuing consultation with the 
private sector concerning critical materials, materials re-
search and development, use of materials. Federal materi-
als policies, and related matters; 
(2) to establish a national Federal program for advanced 
materials research and technology, including basic phenomena 
through processing and manufacturing technology; and 
98 STAT. 1250 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
(3) to stimulate innovation and technology utilization in basic 
as well as advanced materials industries. 
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL CRITICAL MATERIALS COUNCIL 
30 use 1802. 
SEC. 203. There is hereby established a National Critical Materials 
Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Council") under and report-
ing to the Executive Office of the President. The Council shall be 
composed of three members who shall be appointed by the President 
and who shall serve at the pleasure of the President. Members so 
appointed who are not already Senate-confirmed officers of the 
Government shall be appointed by and with the advice and consent 
of the Senate. The President shall designate one of the members to 
serve as Chairman. Each member shall be a person who, as a result 
of training, experience, and achievement, is qualified to carry out 
the duties and functions of the Council, with particular emphasis 
placed on fields relating to materials policy or materials science and 
engineering. In addition, at least one of the members shall have a 
background in and understanding of environmentally related issues. 
RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE COUNCIL 
30 use 1803. 
SEC. 204. (a) It shall be the primary responsibility of the Council-
C
D to assist and advise the President in establishing coherent 
national materials policies consistent with other Federal poli-
cies, and making recommendations necessary to implement 
such policies; 
(2) to assist in establishing responsibilities for, and to coordi-
nate. Federal materials-related policies, programs, and research 
and technology activities, as well as recommending to the Office 
of Management and Budget budget priorities for materials ac-
tivities in each of the Federal departments and agencies; 
(3) to review and appraise the various programs and activities 
of the Federal Government in accordance with the policy and 
directions given in the National Materials and Minerals Policy, 
Research and Development Act of 1980 (30 U.S.C. 1601), and to 
determine the extent to which such programs and activities are 
contributing to the achievement of such policy and directions; 
(4) to monitor and evaluate the critical materials needs of 
basic and advanced technology industries and the Government, 
including the critical materials research and development needs 
of the private and public sectors; 
(5) to advise the President of mineral and material trends, 
both domestic and foreign, the implications thereof for the 
United States and world economies and the national security, 
and the probable effects of such trends on domestic industries; 
(6) to assess through consultation with the materials academic 
community the adequacy and quality of materials-related edu-
cational institutions and the supply of materials scientists and 
engineers; 
(7) to make or furnish such studies, analyses, reports, and 
recommendations with respect to matters of materials-related 
policy and legislation as the President may request; 
Report. 
(8)(A) to prepare a report providing a domestic inventory of 
critical materials with projections on the prospective needs of 
Government and industry for these materials, including a long-
range assessment, prepared in conjunction with the Office of 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
98 STAT. 1251 
Science and Technology Policy in accordance with the National 
Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act 
of 1980, and in conjunction with such other Government depart-
ments or agencies as may be considered necessary, of the pro-
spective major critical materials problems which the United 
States is likely to confront in the immediate years ahead and 
providing advice as to how these problems may best be ad-
dressed, with the first such report being due on April 1, 1985, 
and (B) review and update such report and assessment as 
appropriate and report thereon to the Congress at least bienni-
ally; and 
(9) to recommend to the Congress such changes in current 
policies, activities, and regulations of the Federal Government, 
and such legislation, as may be considered necessary to carry 
out the intent of this title and the National Materials and 
Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980. 
(b) In carrying out its responsibilities under this section the 
Council shall have the authority— 
(1) to establish such special advisory panels as it considers 
necessary, with each such panel consisting of representatives of 
industry, academia, and other members of the private sector, 
not to exceed ten members, and being limited in scope of subject 
and duration; and 
(2) to establish and convene such Federal interagency commit-
tees as it considers necessary in carrying out the intent of this 
title. 
(c) In seeking to achieve the goals of this title and related Acts, the 
Council and other Federal departments and agencies with responsi-
bilities or jurisdiction related to materials or materials policy, in-
cluding the National Security Council, the Council on Environmen-
tal Quality, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy, shall work collaboratively and in 
close cooperation. 
30 u s e 1601 
note. 
Advisory panels 
and interagency 
committees. 
PROGRAM AND POLICY FOR ADVANCED MATERIALS RESEARCH AND 
TECHNOLOGY 
SEC. 205. (a) In addition to the responsibilities described in section 
204, the Council shall be responsible for coordination with appropri-
ate agencies and departments of the Federal Government relative to 
Federal materials research and development policies and programs. 
Such policies and programs shall be consistent with the policies and 
goals described in the National Materials and Minerals Policy, 
Research and Development Act of 1980. In carrying out this respon-
sibility the Council shall— 
(1)(A) establish a national Federal program plan for advanced 
materials research and development, recommend the designa-
tion of the k-ey responsibilities for carrying out such research, 
and to provide for coordination of this plan with the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy, the Office of Management and 
Budget, and such other Federal offices and agencies as may be 
deemed appropriate, and (B) annually review such plan and 
report thereon to the Congress; 
(2) review annually the materials research, development, and 
technology authorization requests and budgets of all Federal 
agencies and departments; and in this activity the Council shall 
make recommendations, in cooperation with the Office of Sci-
30 u s e 1804. 
98 STAT. 1252 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
ence and Technology Policy, the Office of Management and 
Budget, and all other Federal offices and agencies deemed 
appropriate, to ensure close coordination of the goals and direc-
tions of such programs with the policies determined by the 
Council; and 
(3) assist the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the 
preparation of such long-range materials assessments and re-
ports as may be required by the National Materials and Miner-
30 use 1601 
als Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980, and assist 
"ote. 
other Federal entities in the preparation of analyses and report-
ing relating to critical and advanced materials, 
(b) The Office of Management and Budget, in reviewing the 
materials research, development, and technology authorization re-
quests of the various Federal departments and agencies for any 
fiscal year, and the recommendations of the Council, shall consider 
all of such requests and recommendations as an integrated, coher-
ent, multiagency request which shall be reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget for its adherence to the national Federal 
materials program plan in effect for such fiscal year under subsec-
tion (a). 
INNOVATION IN BASIC AND ADVANCED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES 
Centers for 
SEC. 206. (a)(1) In Order to promote the use of more cost-effective, 
Industrial 
advanced technology and other means of providing for innovation 
so use 1805 
^^^ increased productivity within the basic and advanced materials 
industries, the Council shall evaluate and make recommendations 
regarding the establishment of Centers for Industrial Technology as 
provided in Public Law 96-480 (15 U.S.C. 3705). 
(2) The activities of such Centers shall focus on, but not be limited 
to, the following generic materials areas: corrosion; welding and 
joining of materials; advanced processing and fabrication technol-
ogies; microfabrication; and fracture and fatigue. 
(b) In order to promote better use and innovation of materials in 
design for improved safety or efficiency, the Council shall establish 
in cooperation with the appropriate Federal agencies and private 
industry, an effective mechanism for disseminating materials prop-
erty data in an efficient and timely manner. In carrying out this 
responsibility, the Council shall consider, where appropriate, the 
establishment of a computerized system taking into account, to the 
maximum extent practicable, existing available resources. 
COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS AND REIMBURSEMENTS 
30 use 1806. 
SEC. 207. (a) The Chairman of the Council, if not otherwise a paid 
officer or employee of the Federal Government, shall be paid at the 
rate not to exceed the rate of basic pay provided for level II of the 
Executive Schedule. The other members of the Council, if not 
otherwise paid officers or employees of the Federal Government, 
shall be paid at a per diem rate comparable to the rate not to exceed 
the rate of basic pay provided for level III of the Executive Schedule, 
(b) Subject to existing law and regulations governing conflicts of 
interest, the Council may accept reimbursement from any private 
nonprofit organization or from any department, agency, or instru-
mentality of the Federal Government, or from any State or local 
government, for reasonable travel expenses incurred by any 
member or employee of the Council in connection with such mem-
v / 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
98 STAT. 1253 
ber's or employee's attendance at any conference, seminar, or simi-
lar meeting. 
POSITION AND AUTHORITIES OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
SEC. 208. (a) There shall be an Executive Director (hereinafter 
30 USC 1807. 
referred to as the "Director"), who shall be chief administrator of 
the Council. The Director shall be appointed by the Council full time 
and shall be paid at the rate not to exceed the rate of basic pay 
provided for level III of the Executive Schedule. 
(b) The Director is authorized— 
(1) to employ such personnel as may be necessary for the 
Council to carry out its duties and functions under this title, but 
not to exceed twelve compensated employees; 
(2) to obtain the services of experts and consultants in accord-
ance with the provisions of section 3109 of title 5, United States 
Code; and 
(3) to develop, subject to approval by the Council, rules and 
regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. 
(c) In exercising his responsibilities and duties under this title, the 
Director— 
(1) may consult with representatives of academia, industry, 
labor. State and local governments, and other groups; and 
(2) shall utilize to the fullest extent possible the services, 
facilities, and information (including statistical information) of 
public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals. 
(d) Notwithstanding section 367(b) of the Revised Statutes (31 
U.S.C. 665(b)), the Council may utilize voluntary and uncompensated 
31 USC 1342. 
labor and services in carrying out its duties and functions. 
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR 
SEC. 209. In carrying out his functions the Director shall assist 
30 use 1808. 
and advise the Council on policies and programs of the Federal 
Government affecting critical and advanced materials by— 
(1) providing the professional and administrative staff and 
support for the Council; 
(2) assisting the Federal agencies and departments in apprais-
ing the effectiveness of existing and proposed facilities, pro-
grams, policies, and activities of the Federal Government, 
including research and development, which affect critical mate-
rials availability and needs; 
(3) cataloging, as fully as possible, research and development 
activities of the Government, private industry, and public and 
private institutions; and 
(4) initiating Government and private studies and analyses, 
including those to be conducted by or under the auspices of the 
Council, designed to advance knowledge of critical or advanced 
materials issues and develop alternative proposals, including 
research and development, to resolve national critical materials 
problems. 
AUTHORITY 
SEC. 210. The Council is authorized— 
30 use 1809. 
(1) to establish such internal rules and regulations as may be Regulations. 
necessary for its operation; 
98 STAT. 1254 
PUBLIC LAW 98-373—JULY 31, 1984 
Contracts with 
(2) to enter into contracts and acquire materials and supplies 
US. 
necessary for its operation to such extent or in such amounts as 
are provided for in appropriation Acts; 
Public 
(3) to publish, consistent with title 44 of the United States 
information. 
Code, or arrange to publish critical materials information that 
it deems to be useful to the public and private industry to the 
extent that such publication is consistent with the national 
defense and economic interest; 
(4) to utilize such services or personnel as may be provided to 
the Council on a reimbursable basis by any agency of the United 
States; and 
(5) to exercise such authorities as may be necessary and 
incidental to carrying out its responsibilities and duties under 
this title. 
AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS 
30 use 1810. 
SEC. 211. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated to carry 
out the provisions of this title a sum not to exceed $500,000 for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 1985, and such sums as may be 
necessary thereafter: Provided, That the authority provided for in 
this title shall expire on September 30, 1990, unless otherwise 
authorized by Congress. 
DEFINITION 
30 use 1811. 
SEC. 212. As used in this title, the term "materials" has the 
meaning given it by section 2(b) of the National Materials and 
30 use 1601. 
Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980. 
Approved July 31, 1984. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 373: 
HOUSE REPORT No. 98-593, Pt. 1 (eomm. on Science and Technology) and Pt. 2 
(Comm. on Merchant Marine and Fisheries). 
SENATE REPORT No. 98-159 (eomm. on Governmental Affairs). 
eONGRESSIONAL REGORD: 
Vol. 129 (1983): June 27, considered and passed Senate. 
Vol. 130 (1984): Apr. 24, considered and passed House, amended. 
June 21, Senate concurred in House amendments with amend-
ment. 
June 26, House concurred in Senate amendments.