42 USC Sec. 1862 01/16/96
TITLE 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
CHAPTER 16 - NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Sec. 1862. Functions
(a) Initiation and support of studies and programs; scholarships;
current register of scientific and engineering personnel
The Foundation is authorized and directed -
(1) to initiate and support basic scientific research and
programs to strengthen scientific research potential and science
education programs at all levels in the mathematical, physical,
medical, biological, social, and other sciences, and to initiate
and support research fundamental to the engineering process and
programs to strengthen engineering research potential and
engineering education programs at all levels in the various
fields of engineering, by making contracts or other arrangements
(including grants, loans, and other forms of assistance) to
support such scientific, engineering, and educational activities
and to appraise the impact of research upon industrial
development and upon the general welfare;
(2) to award, as provided in section 1869 of this title,
scholarships and graduate fellowships for study and research in
the sciences or in engineering;
(3) to foster the interchange of scientific and engineering
information among scientists and engineers in the United States
and foreign countries;
(4) to foster and support the development and use of computer
and other scientific and engineering methods and technologies,
primarily for research and education in the sciences and
engineering;
(5) to evaluate the status and needs of the various sciences
and fields of engineering as evidenced by programs, projects, and
studies undertaken by agencies of the Federal Government, by
individuals, and by public and private research groups, employing
by grant or contract such consulting services as it may deem
necessary for the purpose of such evaluations; and to take into
consideration the results of such evaluations in correlating the
research and educational programs undertaken or supported by the
Foundation with programs, projects, and studies undertaken by
agencies of the Federal Government, by individuals, and by public
and private research groups;
(6) to provide a central clearinghouse for the collection,
interpretation, and analysis of data on scientific and
engineering resources and to provide a source of information for
policy formulation by other agencies of the Federal Government;
and
(7) to initiate and maintain a program for the determination of
the total amount of money for scientific and engineering
research, including money allocated for the construction of the
facilities wherein such research is conducted, received by each
educational institution and appropriate nonprofit organization in
the United States, by grant, contract, or other arrangement from
agencies of the Federal Government, and to report annually
thereon to the President and the Congress.
(b) Contracts, grants, loans, etc., for scientific and engineering
activities; financing of programs
The Foundation is authorized to initiate and support specific
scientific and engineering activities in connection with matters
relating to international cooperation, national security, and the
effects of scientific and engineering applications upon society by
making contracts or other arrangements (including grants, loans,
and other forms of assistance) for the conduct of such activities.
When initiated or supported pursuant to requests made by any other
Federal department or agency, including the Office of Technology
Assessment, such activities shall be financed whenever feasible
from funds transferred to the Foundation by the requesting official
as provided in section 1873(f) of this title, and any such
activities shall be unclassified and shall be identified by the
Foundation as being undertaken at the request of the appropriate
official.
(c) Scientific and engineering research programs at academic and
other nonprofit institutions; applied scientific and
engineering research programs by Presidential directive;
employment of consulting services; coordination of activities
In addition to the authority contained in subsections (a) and (b)
of this section, the Foundation is authorized to initiate and
support scientific and engineering research, including applied
research, at academic and other nonprofit institutions. When so
directed by the President, the Foundation is further authorized to
support, through other appropriate organizations, applied
scientific research and engineering research relevant to national
problems involving the public interest. In exercising the
authority contained in this subsection, the Foundation may employ
by grant or contract such consulting services as it deems
necessary, and shall coordinate and correlate its activities with
respect to any such problem with other agencies of the Federal
Government undertaking similar programs in that field.
(d) Promotion of research and education in science and engineering
The Board and the Director shall recommend and encourage the
pursuit of national policies for the promotion of research and
education in science and engineering.
(e) Balancing of research and educational activities in the
sciences and engineering
In exercising the authority and discharging the functions
referred to in the foregoing subsections, it shall be an objective
of the Foundation to strengthen research and education in the
sciences and engineering, including independent research by
individuals, throughout the United States, and to avoid undue
concentration of such research and education.
(f) Annual report to the President and Congress
The Foundation shall render an annual report to the President for
submission on or before the 15th day of April of each year to the
Congress summarizing the activities of the Foundation and making
such recommendations as it may deem appropriate. Such report shall
include information as to the acquisition and disposition by the
Foundation of any patents and patent rights.
(g) Support of access to computer networks
In carrying out subsection (a)(4) of this section, the Foundation
is authorized to foster and support access by the research and
education communities to computer networks which may be used
substantially for purposes in addition to research and education in
the sciences and engineering, if the additional uses will tend to
increase the overall capabilities of the networks to support such
research and education activities.
(May 10, 1950, ch. 171, Sec. 3, 64 Stat. 149; July 11, 1958, Pub.
L. 85-510, Sec. 1, 72 Stat. 353; Sept. 8, 1959, Pub. L. 86-232,
Sec. 1, 73 Stat. 467; July 18, 1968, Pub. L. 90-407, Sec. 1, 82
Stat. 360; Aug. 10, 1972, Pub. L. 92-372, Sec. 8, 86 Stat. 528;
Oct. 13, 1972, Pub. L. 92-484, Sec. 10(b), 86 Stat. 802; Apr. 21,
1976, Pub. L. 94-273, Sec. 11(3), 90 Stat. 378; Aug. 15, 1977, Pub.
L. 95-99, Sec. 12(a), formerly Sec. 14(a), 91 Stat. 835, renumbered
Sec. 12(a), Nov. 22, 1985, Pub. L. 99-159, title I, Sec. 109(h), 99
Stat. 890; Nov. 22, 1985, Pub. L. 99-159, title I, Sec. 109(e)(2),
110(a)(1)-(11), 99 Stat. 890, 891; Aug. 21, 1986, Pub. L. 99-383,
Sec. 7(a), 100 Stat. 814; Oct. 23, 1992, Pub. L. 102-476, Sec. 4,
106 Stat. 2300; Nov. 4, 1992, Pub. L. 102-588, title II, Sec. 217,
106 Stat. 5117.)
AMENDMENTS
1992 - Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102-476 and Pub. L. 102-588 amended
section identically, adding subsec. (g).
1986 - Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 99-383 amended par. (6)
generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: ''to
maintain a current register of scientific and engineering
personnel, and in other ways to provide a central clearinghouse for
the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data on the
availability of, and the current and projected need for, scientific
and engineering resources in the United States, and to provide a
source of information for policy formulation by other agencies of
the Federal Government; and''.
1985 - Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(a)(1), struck out
''engineering,'' after ''biological,'' and inserted provisions
relating to research fundamental to the engineering process,
engineering programs, and engineering activities.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(a)(2), substituted ''for
study and research in the sciences or in engineering'' for ''in the
mathematical, physical, medical, biological, engineering, social,
and other sciences''.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(a)(3), inserted
applicability to engineering and engineers.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(a)(4), inserted
applicability to engineering.
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(a)(5), inserted
applicability to fields of engineering.
Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(a)(6), substituted
''engineering'' for ''technical'' in two places.
Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(a)(7), inserted
applicability to engineering.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 109(e)(2), 110(a)(8), inserted
reference to engineering in two places and substituted ''1873(f)''
for ''1873(g)''.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(a)(9), inserted
applicability to engineering research.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(a)(10), substituted
''research and education in science and engineering'' for ''basic
research and education in the sciences''.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99-159, Sec. 110(11), inserted applicability
to engineering.
1977 - Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95-99 substituted ''an objective''
for ''one of the objectives''.
1976 - Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 94-273 substituted ''April'' for
''January''.
1972 - Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 92-372 inserted support of science
education programs at all levels to the functions of the Foundation
and substituted ''scientific and educational activities'' for
''scientific activities''.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 92-484 inserted provisions authorizing the
Foundation to initiate and support specific scientific activities
in connection with matters relating to the effects of scientific
applications upon society, and substituted provisions relating to
the initiation or support pursuant to requests of activities by any
other Federal department or agency, including the Office of
Technology Assessment, for provisions relating to the initiation or
support pursuant to requests of activities by the Secretary of
State or Secretary of Defense.
1968 - Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated par. (2) as
(1) and added social sciences to the enumerated list of sciences.
Former par. (1) redesignated subsec. (d).
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated par. (4) as (2) and
added social sciences to the enumerated list of sciences. Former
par. (2) redesignated (1).
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated par. (5) as (3).
Former par. (3) redesignated subsec. (b).
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 90-407 added par. (4). Former par. (4)
redesignated subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated par. (6) as (5) and
provided for the employment of consulting services, by grant or
contract, to assist in the evaluation of the status and needs of
the various sciences as evidenced by the programs and studies
undertaken by agencies of the government, by individuals, and by
public and private research groups, and provided for the
consideration of the results of such evaluations in the correlation
of the Foundation's programs with those undertaken by agencies of
the government, as well as those undertaken by individuals and by
public and private research groups. Former par. (5) redesignated
(3).
Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated par. (8) as (6) and
provided that the register of scientific and technical personnel
shall be current, and authorized the Foundation to analyze and
interpret the collected data on the availability of, and the
current and projected need for, scientific and technical resources
in the United States and to make such information available to
other agencies of the government for policy formulation. Former
par. (6) redesignated (5).
Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 90-407 added par. (7). Former par. (7),
which provided for the establishment of such special commissions as
the Board may from to time deem necessary for the purposes of this
chapter, was struck out.
Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated par. (8) as (6).
Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 90-407 struck out par. (9) which
authorized the Foundation to initiate and support a program of
study, research, and evaluation in the field of weather
modification, with particular attention to areas experiencing
floods, drought, etc., and to report annually to the President and
the Congress thereon.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated former subsec. (a)(3) as
(b) and substituted provisions authorizing the Foundation to
initiate and support specific scientific activities in matters
related to international cooperation or national security for
provisions authorizing the Foundation to initiate and support only
scientific research activities, only in matters related to national
defense and only when requested to do so by the Secretary of
Defense, and inserted provisions specifying the manner of financing
such scientific activities. Former subsec. (b) redesignated (e).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90-407 added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c)
redesignated (f).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated former subsec. (a)(1) as
(d) and substituted provisions authorizing the Board and the
Director to recommend and encourage national policies promoting
basic research and education in the sciences for provisions
authorizing and directing the Foundation to develop and encourage
such policies.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated former subsec. (b) as
(e), substituted ''the foregoing subsections'' for ''subsection (a)
of this section'', ''strengthen research'' for ''strengthen basic
research'', and struck out reference to the territories and
possessions of the United States.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 90-407 redesignated former subsec. (c) as
(f) and struck out provision requiring the report to include the
minority views and recommendations if any, of members of the Board.
1959 - Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 86-232 clarified the Foundation's
authority to support programs to strengthen scientific research
potential.
1958 - Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 85-510 added par. (9).
TRANSFER OF NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
For transfer of all programs relating to science education of the
National Science Foundation or the Director thereof under this
chapter, with certain exceptions, to the Secretary of Education,
see section 3444 of Title 20, Education.
STATUS OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION; CURRENT AND PROJECTED NEEDS
FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INSTRUMENTATION; DEVELOPMENT OF
INDICES, CORRELATES, OR OTHER SUITABLE MEASURES OR INDICATORS
Pub. L. 96-44, Sec. 7, Aug. 2, 1979, 93 Stat. 334, provided that:
''In partial fulfillment of the established statutory requirement
that the National Science Foundation evaluate the status of and
current and projected need for scientific resources (section
3(a)(5) and (6) of Public Law 81-507, as amended (subsec. (a)(5)
and (6) of this section)), the National Science Foundation shall
develop indices, correlates, or other suitable measures or
indicators of the status of scientific instrumentation in the
United States and of the current and projected need for scientific
and technological instrumentation.''
FLOOD HAZARD MITIGATION STUDY
Pub. L. 96-44, Sec. 8, Aug. 2, 1979, 93 Stat. 334, directed
National Science Foundation to conduct a Flood Hazard Mitigation
Study and report to Congress with specific program recommendations
by end of fiscal year 1980.
AUTHORIZED USE OF FUNDS UNDER SCIENCE AND SOCIETY PROGRAM
Section 5 of Pub. L. 95-99 provided that:
''(a) From the funds authorized under the program 'Science and
Society', the National Science Foundation is authorized to provide
support which is designed to -
''(1) improve public understanding of public policy issues
involving science and technology;
''(2) facilitate the participation of qualified scientists and
engineers and of undergraduate and graduate students in public
activities aimed at the resolution of public policy issues having
significant scientific and technical aspects; and
''(3) assist nonprofit, citizens, and bona fide public interest
groups to acquire necessary scientific and technical expertise in
order to improve their comprehension of scientific and technical
aspects of public policy issues.
''(b) Awards made pursuant to this section shall, to the extent
feasible, include support for -
''(1) qualified scientists and engineers to work on public
policy issues with significant scientific and technical
components in conjunction with units of State and local
government, nonprofit organizations, or bona fide public interest
groups;
''(2) internship programs for science and engineering
undergraduate or graduate students to work on public policy
issues with significant scientific and technical components in
conjunction with units of State and local government, nonprofit
organizations, or bona fide public interest groups as part of
their academic training;
''(3) forums, conferences, and workshops on public policy
issues with significant scientific and technical components;
''(4) training in the presentation of scientific and technical
studies in a manner which (A) improves public understanding of
the ways in which science and technology influence contemporary
life, (B) improves public access to the results of scientific and
technical research, (C) encourages and facilitates interaction
between laypersons and scientists on public issues with important
scientific and technological components, and (D) increases public
knowledge and understanding of the ethical and value implications
of scientific and technological developments;
''(5) new and existing programs using radio or television to
increase public understanding of public policy issues with
significant scientific and technical components; and
''(6) bona fide public interest groups to acquire necessary
scientific and technical expertise relating to the scientific and
technical aspects of public policy issues and to enable such
groups to bring together in appropriate forums experts whose
research has been directed to the resolution of such issues.''
ESTABLISHMENT OF ''SCIENCE FOR CITIZENS PROGRAM'' CONDUCTED IN
CONJUNCTION WITH ''PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE PROGRAM''
Section 5 of Pub. L. 94-471 provided that:
''(a) The National Science Foundation is authorized and directed
to conduct an experimental 'Science for Citizens Program' and an
augmented Public Understanding of Science Program under which funds
will be available for pilot projects to:
''(1) improve public understanding of science, engineering and
technology and their impact on public policy issues;
''(2) facilitate the participation of experienced scientists
and engineers as well as graduate and undergraduate students in
helping the public understand science, engineering and technology
and their impact on public policies; and
''(3) assist nationally recognized professional societies and
groups serving important public purposes in conducting a limited
number of forums, conferences, and workshops to increase public
understanding of science and technology, and of their impact on
public policy issues, after consideration of the following
eligibility factors:
''(A) the extent to which the proposal of the society or
group will contribute to the development of facts, issues, and
arguments relevant to public policy issues having significant
scientific and technical aspects, and
''(B) the ability of the society or group, using its own
resources, to conduct such forums, conferences, and workshops.
''(b) One or more review panels shall be established for the
purpose of evaluating applications for awards under this section.
The membership of each review panel shall have balanced
representation from the scientific and nonscientific communities
and the public and private sectors.
''(c) No contract, grant or other arrangement shall be made under
this Section without the prior approval of the National Science
Board.
''(d) To assist the Congress in evaluating activities initiated
pursuant to this Section, the Director of the National Science
Foundation, in consultation with a review panel having a balanced
representation from the scientific and nonscientific community and
the public and private sectors, is directed to prepare a
comprehensive analysis and assessment of such activities to be
submitted to the House Committee on Science and Technology and the
Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare (now the Committee on
Labor and Human Resources), not later than October 31, 1977. An
interim report is required no later than March 1, 1977.''
DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRAM PLAN FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION IN SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING
Section 6 of Pub. L. 94-471 required the National Science
Foundation to develop a program plan for continuing education in
science and engineering and, not later than Oct. 31, 1977, provide
specific committees of the House of Representatives and Senate a
report on the plan developed with recommendations for
implementation in fiscal year 1978.
DENIAL OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO CAMPUS DISRUPTERS
Section 7 of Pub. L. 93-96, Aug. 16, 1973, 87 Stat. 316, provided
that:
''(a) If an institution of higher education determines, after
affording notice and opportunity for hearing to an individual
attending, or employed by, such institution, that such individual
has been convicted by any court of record of any crime which was
committed after the date of enactment of this Act (Aug. 16, 1973)
and which involved the use of (or assistance to others in the use
of) force, disruption, or the seizure of property under control of
any institution of higher education to prevent officials or
students in such institution from engaging in their duties or
pursuing their studies, and that such crime was of a serious nature
and contributed to a substantial disruption of the administration
of the institution with respect to which such crime was committed,
then the institution which such individual attends, or is employed
by, shall deny for a period of two years any further payment to, or
for the direct benefit of, such individual under any of the
programs specified in subsection (c). If an institution denies an
individual assistance under the authority of the preceding sentence
of this subsection, then any institution which such individual
subsequently attends shall deny for the remainder of the two-year
period any further payment to, or for the direct benefit of, such
individual under any of the programs specified in subsection (c).
''(b) If an institution of higher education determines, after
affording notice and opportunity for hearing to an individual
attending, or employed by, such institution, that such individual
has willfully refused to obey a lawful regulation or order of such
institution after the date of enactment of this Act (Aug. 16,
1973), and that such refusal was of a serious nature and
contributed to a substantial disruption of the administration of
such institution, then such institution shall deny, for a period of
two years, any further payment to, or for the direct benefit of,
such individual under any of the programs specified in subsection
(c).
''(c) The programs referred to in subsections (a) and (b) are as
follows:
''(1) The programs authorized by the National Science
Foundation Act of 1950 (this chapter); and
''(2) The programs authorized under title IX of the National
Defense Education Act of 1958 (sections 1876 to 1879 of this
title) relating to establishing the Science Information Service.
''(d)(1) Nothing in this Act (Pub. L. 93-96), or any Act amended
by this Act, shall be construed to prohibit any institution of
higher education from refusing to award, continue, or extend any
financial assistance under any such Act to any individual because
of any misconduct which in its judgment bears adversely on his
fitness for such assistance.
''(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting or
prejudicing the rights and prerogatives of any institution of
higher education to institute and carry out an independent,
disciplinary proceeding pursuant to existing authority, practice,
and law.
''(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the
freedom of any student to verbal expression of individual views or
opinions.''
Similar provisions were contained in the following National
Science Foundation Authorization Acts:
Pub. L. 92-372, Sec. 7, Aug. 10, 1972, 86 Stat. 527.
Pub. L. 92-86, Sec. 7, Aug. 11, 1971, 85 Stat. 309.
Pub. L. 91-356, Sec. 5, July 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 471.
CONTINUATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR WEATHER MODIFICATION PROGRAMS;
REPEAL
Section 11(1) of Pub. L. 90-407 provided in part that the
authorization for the programs initiated under former subsec.
(a)(9) of this section shall continue in effect until Sept. 1, 1968
for the purposes of section 1872a of this title.
CONTINUATION OF EXISTING OFFICES, PROCEDURES, AND ORGANIZATION OF
THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Section 16 of Pub. L. 90-407 provided that: ''Except as otherwise
specifically provided therein, the amendments made by this Act
(enacting section 1864a of this title, amending sections 1862 to
1866, 1868 to 1870, 1872 to 1875, and 1877 of this title, sections
5313, 5314, and 5316 of Title 5, Government Organization and
Employees, repealing sections 1867 and 1872a of this title, and
enacting provisions set out as a note under section 5313 of Title
5) are intended to continue in effect under the National Science
Foundation Act of 1950 (this chapter) the existing offices,
procedures, and organization of the National Science Foundation as
provided by such Act, (this chapter) part II of Reorganization Plan
Numbered 2 of 1962, and Reorganization Plan Numbered 5 of 1965 (set
out as a note under section 1861 of this title). From and after
the date of the enactment of this Act (July 18, 1968), part II of
Reorganization Plan Numbered 2 of 1962, and Reorganization Plan
Numbered 5 of 1965, shall be of no force or effect; but nothing in
this Act shall alter or affect any transfers of functions made by
part I of such Reorganization Plan Numbered 2 of 1962.''
INVESTIGATION OF NEED FOR GEOPHYSICAL INSTITUTE IN TERRITORY OF
HAWAII
Act Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 865, 70 Stat. 922, directed the National
Science Foundation to conduct an investigation into the need for
and the feasibility and usefulness of a geophysical institute
located in the Territory (now State) of Hawaii. The Foundation was
required to report the results of its investigations, together with
its recommendations based thereon, to the Congress not later than 9
months after Aug. 1, 1956.
EX. ORD. NO. 10521. ADMINISTRATION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Ex. Ord. No. 10521, Mar. 17, 1954, 19 F.R. 1499, as amended by
Ex. Ord. No. 10807, Sec. 6(b), Mar. 13, 1959, 24 F.R. 1899,
provided:
Section 1. The National Science Foundation (hereinafter referred
to as the Foundation) shall from time to time recommend to the
President policies for the promotion and support of basic research
and education in the sciences, including policies with respect to
furnishing guidance toward defining the responsibilities of the
Federal Government in the conduct and support of basic scientific
research.
Sec. 2. The Foundation shall continue to make comprehensive
studies and recommendations regarding the Nation's scientific
research effort and its resources for scientific activities,
including facilities and scientific personnel, and its foreseeable
scientific needs, with particular attention to the extent of the
Federal Government's activities and the resulting effects upon
trained scientific personnel. In making such studies, the
Foundation shall make full use of existing sources of information
and research facilities within the Federal Government.
Sec. 3. The Foundation, in concert with each Federal agency
concerned, shall review the basic scientific research programs and
activities of the Federal Government in order, among other
purposes, to formulate methods for strengthening the administration
of such programs and activities by the responsible agencies, and to
study areas of basic research where gaps or undesirable overlapping
of support may exist, and shall recommend to the heads of agencies
concerning the support given to basic research.
Sec. 4. As now or hereafter authorized or permitted by law, the
Foundation shall be increasingly responsible for providing support
by the Federal Government for general-purpose basic research
through contracts and grants. The conduct and support by other
Federal agencies of basic research in areas which are closely
related to their missions is recognized as important and desirable,
especially in response to current national needs, and shall
continue.
Sec. 5. The Foundation, in consultation with educational
institutions, the heads of Federal agencies, and the Commissioner
of Education of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
(now Secretary of Education), shall study the effects upon
educational institutions of Federal policies and administration of
contracts and grants for scientific research and development, and
shall recommend policies and procedures which will promote the
attainment of general national research objectives and realization
of the research needs of Federal agencies while safeguarding the
strength and independence of the Nation's institutions of learning.
Sec. 6. The head of each Federal agency engaged in scientific
research shall make certain that effective executive,
organizational, and fiscal practices exist to ensure (a) that the
Foundation is consulted on policies concerning the support of basic
research, (b) that approved scientific research programs conducted
by the agency are reviewed continuously in order to preserve
priorities in research efforts and to adjust programs to meet
changing conditions without imposing unnecessary added burdens on
budgetary and other resources, (c) that applied research and
development shall be undertaken with sufficient consideration of
the underlying basic research and such other factors as relative
urgency, project costs, and availability of manpower and
facilities, and (d) that, subject to considerations of security and
applicable law, adequate dissemination shall be made within the
Federal Government of reports on the nature and progress of
research projects as an aid to the efficiency and economy of the
overall Federal scientific research program.
Sec. 7. Federal agencies supporting or engaging in scientific
research shall, with the assistance of the Foundation, cooperate in
an effort to improve the methods of classification and reporting of
scientific research projects and activities, subject to the
requirements of security of information.
Sec. 8. To facilitate the efficient use of scientific research
equipment and facilities held by Federal agencies:
(a) the head of each such agency engaged in scientific research
shall, to the extent practicable, encourage and facilitate the
sharing with other Federal agencies of major equipment and
facilities; and
(b) a Federal agency shall procure new major equipment or
facilities for scientific research purposes only after taking
suitable steps to ascertain that the need cannot be met adequately
from existing inventories or facilities of its own or of other
agencies; and
(c) the Interdepartmental Committee on Scientific Research and
Development shall take necessary steps to ensure that each Federal
agency engaged directly in scientific research is kept informed of
selected major equipment and facilities which could serve the needs
of more than one agency. Each Federal agency possessing such
equipment and facilities shall maintain appropriate records to
assist other agencies in arranging for their joint use or exchange.
Sec. 9. The heads of the respective Federal agencies shall make
such reports concerning activities within the purview of this order
as may be required by the President.
Sec. 10. The National Science Foundation shall provide leadership
in the effective coordination of the scientific information
activities of the Federal Government with a view to improving the
availability and dissemination of scientific information. Federal
agencies shall cooperate with and assist the National Science
Foundation in the performance of this function, to the extent
permitted by law.
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 10807
Ex. Ord. No. 10807, Mar. 13, 1959, 24 F.R. 1897, as amended Ex.
Ord. No. 11381, Nov. 8, 1967, 32 F.R. 15629, which established the
Federal Council for Science and Technology, provided for a chairman
and membership, specified the functions of the Council, provided
for assistance from other Federal agencies and the establishment of
standing committees and panels, revoked Ex. Ord. No. 9912 of Dec.
24, 1947, entitled ''Establishing the Interdepartmental Committee
on Scientific Research and Development'', and amended Ex. Ord. No.
10521, set out above, was omitted from the Code in view of Pub. L.
94-282, title IV, Sec. 402, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 472, set out
below, which abolished the Federal Council for Science and
Technology.
ABOLITION OF FEDERAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Pub. L. 94-282, title IV, Sec. 402, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 472,
provided that: ''The Federal Council for Science and Technology,
established pursuant to Executive Order No. 10807, Mar. 13, 1959,
24 F.R. 1897, as amended by Executive Order No. 11381, Nov. 8,
1967, 32 F.R. 15629, is hereby abolished.''
SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS
This section is referred to in sections 1862b, 1873 of this
title; title 20 section 1135b.