Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Source Description
Records pertain to the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
285790767
label
Science & Technology [1]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
285790767
contentType
document
title
Science & Technology [1]
description
Records pertain to the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
citationUrl
identifierLocal
04296-001
collections
Records of the Economic Policy Council (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Olin Lewis Wethington Subject Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
285790767
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
8cd2c04c22fc4d62
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
2005-0336-F
2005-0336-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin: Economic Policy Council
Series:
Wethington, Olin, Files
Subseries:
Subject Files
OA/ID Number:
04296
Folder ID Number:
04296-001
Folder Title:
Science & Technology [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
13
28
4
2
Siteve
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Richard
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
Olin
MPJ
March 27, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR DISTRIBUTION
FROM:
FCCSET DIRECTORATE
SUBJECT: WEEKLY FCCSET CALENDAR
Attached for your information is the latest edition of the schedule of events for
the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology
Committee meetings.
Attachment
as of March 27, 1991
FCCSET COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR MARCH-JULY 1991
MARCH
28 Noon
Committee on Industry and Technology, COMAT
Working Group on Planning, National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce,
Gaithersburg, MD, Materials Building (#223), Room B307
(until 5:00 pm)
28 2:00 pm
Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences, Working
Group on Mitigation and Adaptation Research Strategies
(MARS), Auditors Bldg., 14th & Independence Ave., SW (until
5:00 pm)
28 2:00 pm
Committee on Education and Human Resources, FY 1991
Program Review Working Group, Dept. of Education, 555 New
Jersey Ave., NW, Room 326 (until 4:00 pm)
APRIL
1 1:00 pm
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy
Coordination, Science Panel Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW,
Suite 700 (until 4:00 pm)
8 9:00 am
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy
Coordination, Public Education Subpanel Meeting, 1019
Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700 (until 5:00 pm)
8 1:00 pm
CIT Steering Group on Materials, National Science
Foundation, 1800 G St., NW, Room 537 (until 2:00 pm)
11 10:00 am
Committee on Food, Agricultural, and Forestry Research,
USDA, 12th & Jefferson Drive, SW, Room, 104-A (until noon)
11 2:00 pm
Committee on Life Sciences and Health, Room 729-G, Hubert
Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Ave., SW (until 4:00
pm)
12 10:00 am
CIRRPC/HHS Agency Visit (until Noon)
12 2:00 pm
Committee on Education and Human Resources, FY 1991
Program Review Working Group, NASA Headquarters, 400
Maryland Ave., SW, Room to be announced (until 4:00 pm)
16 11:00
Committee on Industry and Technology, Department of
Commerce, 14th & E Sts., NW, Room 5843 (until 2:00 pm)
18 Noon
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy
Coordination, Science Panel Executive Committee, 1019
Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700
18 2:00 pm
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy
Coordination, Executive Committee, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW,
Suite 700
19 2:00 pm
Committee on Education and Human Resources, FY 1991
Program Review Working Group, Dept. of Education, 555 New
Jersey Ave., NW, Room 326 (until 4:00 pm)
22 1:00 pm
CIT Steering Group on Materials, National Science
Foundation, 1800 G St., NW, Room 537 (until 2:00)
MAY
6 1:00 pm
CIT Steering Group on Materials, National Science
Foundation, 1800 G St, NW, Room 537 (until 2:00 pm)
9 9:30 am
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy
Coordination, CIRRPC Policy Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth St.,
NW, Suite 700 (until noon) (TENTATIVE DATE)
20 1:00 pm
CIT Steering Group on Materials, National Science
Foundation, 1800 G St., NW, Room 537 (until 2:00 pm)
28-31
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy
Coordination, Public Education Subpanel Workshop,
Emittsburg, Maryland
JUNE
3 1:00 pm
CIT Steering Group on Materials, National Science
Foundation, 1800 G St., NW, Room 537 (until 2:00 pm)
17 1:00 pm
CIT Steering Group on Materials, National Science
Foundation, 1800 G St., NW, Room 537 (until 2:00 pm)
JULY
1 1:00 pm
CIT Steering Group on Materials, National Science
Foundation, 1800 G St., NW, Room 537 (until 2:00 pm)
** This FCCSET calendar is published weekly. Please note that the meeting
information is often changed. It is advised that you confirm information on
meetings of interest. If you become aware of any changes, please phone the
FCCSET office at 395-5101.
OFFICE OF CABINET AFFAIRS STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Date: 4-3-91
Due by: 4:00 Fridas, April 5
Subject: Annual Report of the National Critical Technologies
From: Holly Williamson
Panel
ACTION CONCUR FYI
ACTION CONCUR FYI
HOLIDAY
FITZHENRY
DANZANSKY
MCMUNN
ADAIR
PORTER
BUCHHOLZ
SCHALL
CASSE
SECHLER
EVANS
WETHINGTON
FARRAR
WILLIAMSON
GUNN
HEIMBACH
JACKSON
Comments:
I am not planning to send to
ans Departments, Please review
d provide comments to me by
4:00 on Friday, april S, Thanks.
(Note Todd has the entire report)
Document No. 223092SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 3/22/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
4/5/91
SUBJECT: ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES PANEL
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT concer
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
BROMLEY n/c
DEMAREST
CLERK
FITZWATER
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments on the Annual Report directly
to our office no later than Friday, April 5. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PLEASE RETURN THE ANNUAL REPORT
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
To the Congress of the United States:
In accordance with Title VI of the National Science and Technology Policy,
Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-282), as amended by Section
841 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 (Public
Law 101-189), I am transmitting the first biennial report of the National Critical
Technologies Panel.
TRANSMIT HEREWITH
The Panel, consisting of both public and private sector representatives, has dealt with
a complex subject and produced a well-reasoned and balanced report. Their charge
was to identify those technologies deemed critical to the satisfaction of national needs
in both defense and economic competitiveness. The technologies recommended by the
Panel meet those requirements very well.
Having identified the critical technologies, the Panel also points out that identification
is only one step in the progress toward improved national security and economic
competitiveness. As a nation we must emphasize the development and deployment of
technologies as well, so that we can improve the speed with which ideas are converted
into high-quality, cost-effective, viable products for military as well as commercial
uses. This effort will require determination and diligence on the part of all
Americans and especially those who are responsible for our science, technology, and
industry. I believe that by working together toward a common goal we can continue
to enhance our international stature in technology for which we are justly proud.
George Bush
The White House,
April 22, 1991
WHY IS THIS DATED ?
CLERKS EDITS
FCCSET
COMMITTEES, SUBCOMMITTEES AND
WORKING GROUPS
WITH
FCCSET SECRETARIAT AND OSTP
POINTS OF CONTACT
revised JUNE 26, 1990
S00
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
15:47
13/21/91
COMMITTEE ON EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
FCCSET POC: Maryanne C. Bach
OSTP POC:
Nancy Maynard/Bill Busch
Subcommittees:
Atmospheric Research (Bill Busch)
Ground Water (Bill Busch)
Federal Oceanographic Fleet Coordinating Committee (Bill Busch)
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (Bill Busch)
Working Groups:
Global Change (Nancy Maynard/Bill Busch)
Mitigation and Adaptation Technologies for Global Change (Bill Busch)
COMMITTEE ON LIFE SCIENCE AND HEALTH
FCCSET POC:
Maryanne Bach
OSTP POC:
Dr. Wyngaarden
Subsctivities:
Biotechnology Science Coordinating Committee (Rachel Levinson)
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research
and Policy Coordination (Alicia Dustria)
*Decade of the Brain (Alicia Dustria)
Protection of Human Subjects (Alicia Dustria)
Other Suggested:
Neurological and Behavioral Science
Risk Assessment Research
*Proposed by Chair to be part of FCCSET
900
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
15:47
13/21/19
Other Suggested cont
International Research
Computational Biology
Plant Biology
Social Sciences
Ecology/Environmental Biology
Support for Basic Biological Research
Global Ecological Health
COMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY RESEARCH
FCCSET POC:
Maryanne Bach
OSTP POC:
James Wyngaarden
Subcommittee:
TBD
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
FCCSET POC:
Hugh Stringer
OSTP POC:
Sara Bowden
Subcommittees:
Title V Report (Sara Bowden)
International Science and Technology Cooperation (Sara Bowden)
Science and Technology Cooperation with Developing Countries (Sara Bowden)
International Cooperation in Big Science (Kathy Yuracko)
Technology and Competitiveness (Sara Bowden)
International Environment (Sara Bowden)
200
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
15:47
12/21/19
COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRY
FCCSET POC:
Hugh Stringer
OSTP POC:
TBD
Subcommittee:
Materials (Robert Post/Perry Lindstrom)
Working Groups:
High Temperature Superconductivity
Structural Ceramics
Versailles Advanced Materials Study
Interagency Materials
Nondestructive Inspection/Evaluation
Automated Materials Processing
Composites
Electronic Materials
Others TBD (Possibly Regulation, Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property Rights)
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES
FCCSET POC:
Charles Dickens
OSTP POC:
Katherine Yuracko
Working Group:
FY 1992 EHR Budget Proposal (Kathy Yuracko)
COMMITTEE ON PHYSICAL, MATHEMATICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES
FCCSET POC:
Charles Dickens
OSTP POC:
Eugene Wong
Working Groups:
High Performance Computing Initiative (Eugene Wong)
Access and Representation (Karl Erb)
Structure/Support of Science (Kari Erb)
800
3953165 OR 3954817 #XBE DSE/8WO
15:48
12/21/19
Assistant to the President for
Science and Technology
Chairman,
Chairman,
Federal Coordinating
Director,
President's Adviser on
Committee on Science,
Office of Science and
Science & Technology
Engineering & Technology
Technology Policy (OSTP)
(PCAST)
(FCCSET)
(private sector panel)
(Interagency council)
Committee on
Associate Director for
Physical, Mathematical
Life Sciences
Engineering Sciences
Committee on
Associate Director for
Sciences
Industrial Technology
Earth and Environment
Committee on
Associate Director for
Life Science and Health
Policy and
International Affairs
Committee on
International Science,
Engineering and
Technology
Committee on
Associate Director for
Education and
Physical Science and
Human Resources
Engineering
Committee on
Assistant Director for
Radiation Research and
National Security
Policy Coordination
Committee on
Assistant Director for
Industry and Technology
Environment
PROPOSED AGENDA FOR S&T WORKING GROUP
Review Pending Legislation on Technology Policy
American Technology Preeminence Act
High Performance Computing Initiative
Prospective Critical Technologies Legislation
Develop Guidelines Regarding Industry/Government Cost
Sharing and Joint R&D
Initial focus: electric car consortium in the National
Energy Strategy
Develop Plan for the National Critical Technologies
Institute
Develop position on Uruguay Round disciplines on Government
support for R&D (perhaps better suited as TPRG issue)
EPC APPROACH TO S&T ISSUES
Goal: bring S&T policy issues affecting competitiveness
into the EPC orbit.
Vehicle: activate the Science & Technology EPC Working
Group chaired by Dr. Bromley.
Rely on the mid-1990 understanding with Bromley that
significant S&T policy issues requiring decision go through
the EPC or DPC.
Abandon the "comprehensive strategy" approach articulated in
March 1989.
Instead, focus on specific, manageable issues.
Seek to establish credibility of the S&T Working Group as an
available forum for future S&T issues.
Assistant to the President for
Science and Technology
Chairman,
Chairman,
Federal Coordinating
Director,
President's Adviser on
Committee on Science,
Office of Science and
Science & Technology
Engineering & Technology
Technology Policy (OSTP)
(PCAST)
(FCCSET)
(private sector panel)
(Interagency council)
Committee on
Associate Director for
Physical, Mathematical
Life Sciences
Engineering Sciences
Committee on
Associate Director for
Sciences
Industrial Technology
Earth and Environment
Committee on
Associate Director for
Life Science and Health
Policy and
International Affairs
Committee on
International Science,
Engineering and
Technology
Committee on
Associate Director for
Education and
Physical Science and
Human Resources
Engineering
Committee on
Assistant Director for
Radiation Research and
National Security
Policy Coordination
Committee on
Assistant Director for
Industry and Technology
Environment
PROPOSED AGENDA FOR S&T WORKING GROUP
Review Pending Legislation on Technology Policy
American Technology Preeminence Act
High Performance Computing Initiative
Prospective Critical Technologies Legislation
Develop Guidelines Regarding Industry/Government Cost
Sharing and Joint R&D
Initial focus: electric car consortium in the National
Energy Strategy
Develop Plan for the National Critical Technologies
Institute
Develop position on Uruguay Round disciplines on Government
support for R&D (perhaps better suited as TPRG issue)
EPC APPROACH TO S&T ISSUES
Goal: bring S&T policy issues affecting competitiveness
into the EPC orbit.
Vehicle: activate the Science & Technology EPC Working
Group chaired by Dr. Bromley.
Rely on the mid-1990 understanding with Bromley that
significant S&T policy issues requiring decision go through
the EPC or DPC.
Abandon the "comprehensive strategy" approach articulated in
March 1989.
Instead, focus on specific, manageable issues.
Seek to establish credibility of the S&T Working Group as an
available forum for future S&T issues.
as of February 26, 1991
FCCSET COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FEBRUARY-MAY 1991
FEBRUARY
28
2:00 pm
Committee on Physical, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences,
Working Group on Access and Representation, National Science
Foundation, 1800 G St., NW, Room 1225 (until 4:00 pm)
28
3:00 pm
Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences, Subcommittee on
Mitigation and Adaptation Research Strategies (MARS), Auditors Bldg.,
14th and Independence Ave., SW (until 5:00 pm)
MARCH
1
10:00 am
Committee on Life Sciences and Health, Biotechnology Research
Subcommittee, Room 180, Old Executive Office Building (until 12:00
noon)
1
10:30 am
Committee on International Science, Engineering and Technology,
Subcommittee on Megascience, National Science Foundation, 1800 G St.,
NW, Room 520
1
2:00 pm
Committee on Education and Human Resources, FY 1991 Program
Review Working Group, Dept. of Education, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW,
Room 326 (until 4:00 pm)
1
3:00 pm
Committee on International Science, Engineering and Technology, U.S.
Department of State, Room 6909
4
9:00 am
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Recommendations on Radiological Protection Subpanel Meeting, 1019
Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700 (until Noon)
4
1:00 pm
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Science Panel Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth Street, N.W., Suite 700 (until
4:00 pm)
5
2:00 pm
Committee on Physical, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences,
Executive Committee of Working Group on High Performance
Computing and Communications, Department of Energy, 1000
Independence Ave., SW, Room 6A092 (until 4:00 pm)
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7021 ; 2-26-91 12:19PM ;
2023951575-
202 577 4017,# J
7
1:00 pm
Committee on Physical, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences,
Working Group on the Structure of Science Support in the U.S., U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Administration Building, 14th St. and
Independence Ave., NW, Room 116E (until 3:00 pm)
8
10:00 am
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Use of BEIR V and UNSCEAR 1988 in Risk Assessment Subpanel
Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700 (until 4:00 pm)
8
1:00 pm
Committee on Industry and Technology, COMAT Meeting, New Executive
Office Building, 725 17th St., NW, Room 5104 (until 5:00 pm)
8
2:00 pm
Committee on Education and Human Resources, FY 1991 Program
Review Working Group, Dept. of Education, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW,
Room 326 (until 4:00 pm)
11
9:00 am
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Public Education Subpanel Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700
(until 5:00 pm)
12
1:00 pm
Committee on Physical, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences, General
Services Administration, 18th & F Sts., NW, Room 3210 (until 3:00 pm)
14
2:00 pm
Risk Assessment Ad Hoc Working Group, Environmental Protection
Agency, 401 M St., SW, Room 1103, West Tower (until 4:00 pm)
15
2:00 pm
Committee on Education and Human Resources, FY 1991 Program
Review Working Group, Dept. of Education, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW,
Room 326 (until 4:00 pm)
19
11:00 am
Committee on Industry and Technology, Department of Commerce, 14th
& E Sts., NW, Room 5843 (until 2:00 pm)
21
Noon
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Science Panel Executive Committee Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW,
Suite 700
21
2:00 pm
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Executive Committee Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700
22
2:00 pm
Committee on Education and Human Resources, FY 1991 Program
Review Working Group, Dept. of Education, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW,
Room 326 (until 4:00 pm)
28
1:00 pm
Committee on Industry and Technology, COMAT Subcommittee, Working
Group on Planning, National Institutes of Standards and Technology
(NIST), Gaithersburg, MD, Materials Building (#223), Room B307 (until
5:00 pm)
29
2:00 pm
Committee on Education and Human Resources, FY 1991 Program
Review Working Group, Dept. of Education, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW,
Room 326 (until 4:00 pm)
APRIL
1
1:00 pm
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Science Panel Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700
(until 4:00 pm)
8
9:00 am
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Public Education Subpanel Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700
(until 5:00 pm)
11
2:00 pm
Committee on Life Sciences and Health, Room 729-G, Hubert Humphrey
Building, 200 Independence Ave., SW (until 4:00 pm)
18
Noon
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Science Panel Executive Committee, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700
18
2:00 pm
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Executive Committee, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700
MAY
9
9:30 am
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
CIRRPC Policy Meeting, 1019 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 700 (until
noon) (TENTATIVE DATE)
28-31
Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination,
Public Education Subpanel Workshop, Emittsburg, Maryland
** This FCCSET calendar is published weekly. Please note that the meeting information
is often changed. It is advised that you confirm information on meetings of interest. If
you become aware of any changes, please phone the FCCSET office at 395-5101.
OFFICE OF CABINET AFFAIRS STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Date: 3-20-91
Due by: 11:00 Friday, March 22
Subject: amBcllarance: DSTP Progress Report
From: Holiswilliamson
ACTION
CONCUR
FYI
ACTION CONCUR FYI
HOLIDAY
FITZHENRY
DANZANSKY
MCMUNN
ADAIR
PORTER
BUCHHOLZ
SCHALL
CASSE
SECHLER
EVANS
WETHINGTON
FARRAR
WILLIAMSON
GUNN
HEIMBACH
JACKSON
Comments:
& will submit no comment unless
l hear otherwise fromyou by
11:00 on Fridas, March 22, Thanks.
03/20/91
15:45
OMB LRD/LWP
001
THE
6 pgo pgo
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
STATE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
STATE
SPECIAL
March 19, 1991
LEGISLATIVE REFERRAL MEMORANDUM
TO:
Legislative Liaison Officer
Department of Agriculture-Marvin Shapiro-382-1516
Department of Commerce-Michael Levitt-377-3151
Department of Defense-Sam Brick-697-1305
Department of Education-John Kristy-401-2670
Department of Energy-Bob Rabben-586-6718
Department of Health and Human Services-Frances White-
245-7760
Department of Housing and Urban Development-Edward
Murphy-755-7093
Department of Interior-Pam Somers-343-6706
Department of Justice-Paul McNulty-514-4606
Department of Labor-Bob Shapiro-523-8201
Department of Transportation-Tom Herlihy-366-4687
Department of Veterans Affairs-Raoul Carro11-233-3832
National Science Foundation-Charles Herz-357-9435
Environmental Protection Agency-Christopher Hoff-
382-5414
National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Lynn
Heninger-453-1948
Smithsonian Institution-Margaret Gaynor-357-2962
SUBJECT: Draft Office of Science and Technology Policy progress
report. A list of members of the FCCSET Committee on
Education and Human Resources is also attached for your
information.
The Office of Management and Budget requests the views of your
agency on the above subject before advising on its relationship
to the program of the President, in accordance with OMB Circular
A-19. A response to this request for your views is needed no
later than noon on Friday, March 22, 1991. Questions should be
referred to Jack Fellows (202-395-3935).
Jaxet R Forsonen
Janet Rice Forsgren for
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Enclosure
cc: Rae Nelson, OPD
Bob Grady
Kathy Burchard
Doreen Torgerson, OPD
Norine Noonan
Janet Forsgren
Holly Williamson, OCA
Joe Hezir
Tom Scully
John Morrall
Barry White
Dan Chenok
03/20/91
15:46
OMB LRD/LWP
002
FCCSET COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Name
Telephone
FAX
Admiral James Watkins, DOE, Chairman
202-586-6210
202-586-9988
Dr. Ted Sanders, Education, Vice-Chairman
202-401-1000
202-401-3093
Dr. Luther Williams, NSF, Vice-Chairman
202-357-7557
202-357-9813
Mr. John Schrote, Interior
202-208-6182
202-208-5048
Dr. Charles E. Hess, USDA
202-447-5923
202-755-7842
Mr. Roberts T. Jones, Labor
202-523-6050
202-523-6827
Mr. John C. Weicher, HUD
202-708-1600
202-619-8000
Ms. Kate Moore, Transportation
202-366-9191
202-366-6031
Ms. Nancy Mason, Commerce
202-377-1091
202-377-4498
Mr. Erich W. Bretthauer, EPA
202-382-7676
202-475-9761
Ms. Ann I. Bay, Smithsonian
202-357-2425
202-357-2116
Mr. William G. Myers, III, Justice
202-514-3116
202-514-4699
Dr. Frederick K. Goodwin, HHS/ADAMHA
301-443-4797
301-443-0284
Mrs. Margaret Finarelli, NASA
202-453-8310
202-755-3741
Dr. Ted G. Berlincourt, DOD
703-697-3228
703-697-3762
Mr. D' Wayne Gray, Veterans Affairs
202-233-2455
202-233-5584
Mr. Charles E. M. Kolb, OPD
6515
2878
Mr. Joseph Hezir, OMB
3404
4817
Mr. Barry White, OMB
4532
3910
Ms. Peggy Dufour, DOE, Executive Secretary
202-586-7970
202-586-9988
03/20/91
15:46
OMB LRD/LWP
003
DRAFT
March 19, 1991
Dear Madam Chair:
I am pleased to send you this progress report describing efforts, developed under
OSTP leadership, to accomplish the following: (A) The establishment and
restructuring of offices of education in mission agencies to support science and
mathematics education and to make the agencies fully responsive to the plan of the
Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (FCCSET)
Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR); and (B) OSTP activities,
working with the National Science Foundation, the Department of Education, and
Federal mission agencies, to coordinate agency efforts to improve mathematics,
science, and engineering education, particularly in the area of developing laboratory-
education partnerships. I am also pleased to report on progress of Federal agencies
with research and development activities toward establishment of education offices at
each Federal laboratory under its control.
FCCSET COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), through the
Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology, established
the Committee on Education and Human Resources in the spring of 1990. The
Committee played a central role in preparing the Presidential Initiative on
mathematics and science education included in The President's FY 1992 Budget.
The CEHR is chaired by Secretary of Energy James Watkins, with the Deputy
Secretary of Education, Ted Sanders, and the Assistant Director for Education and
Human Resources of the National Science Foundation (NSF), Luther Williams, serving
as vice chairmen. The Committee includes sixteen departments and independent
agencies, each represented by a senior policy-level official, generally at the Assistant
Secretary level. The CEHR has representation from all Federal agencies with
significant responsibilities in the area of science, mathematics, engineering, and
technological education, including those with jurisdiction over the education of
scientists, mathematicians, and engineers, as well as those with responsibilities for
technician training and science literacy for the general public. The Committee also
includes those agencies that are major users of scientific and engineering personnel.
03/20/91
15:47
OMB LRD/LWP
004
2
SENATE REQUEST (A): MISSION AGENCY EDUCATION OFFICES
This progress report is submitted in response to the Senate Appropriation
Committee's request, as set forth in its Report No. 101-474 to accompany H.R. 5158.
The request appears on page 114 of the Committee Report:
The Committee directs the OSTP to guide the mission agencies in
establishing and restructuring their offices of education to support
science and mathematics education and to make the agencies fully
responsive to the FCCSET Education Committee's plan. Also,
OSTP shall ensure that each agency's office of education has
programs directed at student and teacher segments from K
through graduate school.
Summary of Departmental and Agency Actions
Each of these departments and agencies has programs related to mathematics and
science education. Descriptions of these programs are provided in the enclosed
report, By the Year 2000, First in the World, which was prepared by the Committee
on Education and Human Resources. The report includes a separate chapter for each
of these departments and independent agency, beginning on page 67 and continuing
through page 301. (Although it is not a member of the CEHR, the report includes
information about programs of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in
Education Foundation, which awards undergraduate scholarships for study in the
fields of mathematics and the natural sciences.)
The names of the departmental and agency officials who are contacts for mathematics
and science education programs are included with the descriptive materials for each
agency. In a number of the departments and agencies, there are several offices that
share in these responsibilities, and more than one contact is provided where
appropriate to facilitate inquiries from educators and the public. Most agencies have
programs that span the educational spectrum from kindergarten through graduate
school.
SENATE REQUEST (B): LABORATORY-EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS
This progress report is submitted in response to the Senate Appropriation
Committee's request, as set forth in its Report No. 101-474 to accompany H.R. 5158.
The request appears on page 115 of the Committee Report:
The Committee strongly encourages efforts within the Federal
Government to strengthen the educational activities of Federal
research laboratories. Further, the Committee believes that the
OSTP should require all Federal agencies with research and
03/20/91
15:48
OMB LRD/LWP
005
3
development activities to establish education offices at each
particular Federal laboratory under its control. The goal of such
an effort is to improve internal Federal agency science,
mathematics and engineering education programs, as well as
foster education partnerships between various Federal labs and
schools and academic institutions which are located near them.
The Committee notes there is a need to coordinate and
disseminate information on these programs among the various
Federal mission agencies, as well as between the National Science
Foundation [NSF] and the Department of Education. Therefore,
the Committee directs OSTP to work with the NSF, the
Department of Education, and Federal mission agencies to
coordinate agency efforts to improve math, science, and
engineering education, particularly in the area of developing
laboratory education partnerships. The OSTP shall report the
status of this effort and the agencies' funding needs for this
activity to the Committee by March 15, 1991.
Summary of Departmental and Agency Actions
A number of these departments and agencies have research and development activities
that are conducted through in-house and/or sponsored Federal laboratories. Many of
the laboratories, particularly the larger ones, have established education offices or
have designed certain staff to carry out this function. Furthermore, a number of
partnerships between the departments and agencies and their laboratories have been
established to bring their resources, especially the expertise of their scientists and
engineers, to bear on efforts to improve mathematics, science, and engineering
education. Funds to initiate or continue partnership activities are included in each
department's and agency's FY 1992 budget request under the President's Initiative.
The CEHR report, By the Year 2000, First in the World, provides descriptions of a
number of these partnerships. Mathematics and science education activities
conducted by Federal laboratories, including examples of specific partnership
agreements for some departments and agencies, are described in the respective
chapters for the following departments and agencies:
Department of Agriculture (pages 75-79);
Department of Commerce/National Institute of Standards and Technology
(pages 84-85) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (pages 88-
92);
Department of Defense (pages 95-109);
Department of Energy (pages 132-146);
03/20/91
15:48
OMB LRD/LWP
006
4
Department of Health and Human Services (pages 153-161);
Department of Housing and Urban Development (pages 161-169);
Department of the Interior (pages 175-181);
Department of Transportation (pages 222-230);
Environmental Protection Agency (pages 255-259);
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (pages 266-271); and
Smithsonian Institution (pages 292-297).
OSTP has worked with the Department of Education, the National Science
Foundation, and the mission departments and agencies to further interagency
cooperation with the goal of improving mathematics and science education. These
activities are summarized in the chapters on the Department of Education (page 118)
and the National Science Foundation (page 280).
Under the leadership of OSTP, and with the assistance of the FCCSET Committee on
Education and Human Resources, departments and agencies will continue to
strengthen their activities related to mathematics and science education. OSTP
intends to continue to foster the advances being made in terms of partnerships and in
tapping the resources of the Federal laboratories to help improve mathematics and
science education. We much appreciate the support for these efforts provided by you
and your colleagues and look forward to working with you as we work on this vitally
important topic.
Sincerely,
D. Allan Bromley
Director
Enclosure
The Honorable Barbara A. Mikulski
Chair, Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs,
Housing and Urban Development, and
Independent Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
03/25/91
11:49
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
001
THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE arthe TAXIS OF THE UNITED
Office of Management and Budget
Energy and Science Division
395-3165
Telecopier Numbers
395-4817
Date: 3/25/91
Please deliver to
Name: Todd Buchholz
Agency: OCA
Fax was sent from
Name:
Norine Noonan
Phone number (voice): 395-3534
Total number of pages including this page:
17
Message: For your information:
House $ Senate FY 91 Rept. Lang on OSTP c. notations
Eo. É current list of PCAST Members
Summary of US-EC EC consultative Group m S&T
I hope this is helpful.
House Report 100-556
Fy 1991
52
53
NATIONAL SPACE COUNCIL
by the Federal government to harness our knowledge about brain
physiology and function during the "Decade of the Brain."
1990 appropriation
$983,000
Estimate, 1991
1,363,000
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Recommended in bill
1,000,000
Decrease below estimate
-363,000
1990 appropriation
$1,790,320,000
The National Space Council was established by Public Law 100-
Estimate, 1991
819,272,000
Recommended in bill
656,787,900
685, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authori-
Decrease below estimate
-162,485,009
zation Act of 1989. The Council provides advice and assistance to
the President on national space policy and strategy. The Vice
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was cro-
President is the President's principal advisor on national space
ated by reorganization plan no. 3 of 1978. The Agency carries a
policy and serves as the Council Chairman. Other Council members
wide range of program responsibilities for emergency planning and
include: the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, Commerce,
preparedness, disaster response and recovery, and hazard mitiga-
and Transportation, the Directors of the Office of Management and
tion under the following authorities
03/25/91
Budget and the Central Intelligence Agency, the Administrator of
-Under the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended, re-
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Chief of
sponsibility for administering a national program for popula-
Staff to the President, the Amistant to the President for National
tion protection preparedness and response in emergency condi-
Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Science and
tions.
-Under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, pro-
Technology. The budget request for fiscal year 1991 is $1,363,000 and 7 full-
grams designed to identify and reduce earthquake vulnerabili-
ties and consequences.
11:50
time equivalents for the National Space Council. The bill provides
for $1,000,000, the same level as provided for in the fiscal year 1990
-Under Executive Order 12148, responsibility for oversight of
appropriation before the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings sequestration
the national dam safety program.
and section 517 reductions. This amount is $363,000 below the re-
-In accordance with provisions of the Nuclear Regulatory Com-
quest. The bill language also continues a proviso requiring reim-
mission 1980 Appropriations Act and other statutes, Executive
bursement to other agencies for at least one-half of the cost of de-
Order 12657, and by Presidential directive, responsibility for
tailed individuals.
offsite emergency preparedness for fixed nuclear facilities.
-Under the National Security Act of 1914, as amended, and the
OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, programs to pro-
vide for continuity of government M well as emergency re-
1990 appropriation
$2,829,000
3,300,990
sources assessment, management, and recovery.
Estimate, 1991
3,300,000
-Under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974,
Recommended in bill
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was created
programs to reduce national fire loas, including training and
education.
by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and
-Under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended,
Priorities Act of 1976. OSTP provides advice to the President con-
and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, administration
cerning policies on science and technology and supports other orga-
nizations within the Executive Office of the President. In addition
of a national program to provide flood insurance and to en-
to being the source of science and technology analysis, the Office
courage better flood plain management.
-Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
coordinates research and development programs for the Federal
Assistance Act. programs to provide assistance to individuals
Government. The Committee recommends the Administration's request of
and State and local governments in Presidentially-declared
$3,330,000 and 43 fulltime equivalents for the Office of Science and
major disaster or emergency areas.
Technology Policy in fiscal year 1991. The bill language also contin-
-Under the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, agency-
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
ues a proviso requiring reimbursement to other agencies for at
wide audit and investigative functions to identify and correct
least one-half of the cost of detailed individuals.
management and administrative deficiencies which create con-
Last year, the Committee took action to designate the Office of
ditions for existing or potential instances of fraud, waste and
Science and Technology Policy as the lead agency to coordinate ac-
mismanagement.
tivities pertaining to the "Decade of the Brain." The Committee
-Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compen-
understands that OSTP is developing an interagency program and
sation, and Liability Act, as amended, and Executive Order
budget for government-sponsored research relating to the diseases
12316, responsibility for specific emergency response activities.
and disorders of the brain and nervous system. The Committee
-Under Title III of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assist-
commends OSTP for undertaking this activity and urges the Office
ance Act, a program to provide food and shelter to the home-
200
to complete its plan as quickly 86 possible. The Committee hopes
less through a National Board chaired by FEMA and composed
that this effort leads to a coordinated and comprehensive approach
of representatives of various charities.
Senate Report 100-474
112
113 F41991
Until this policy is established, the Committee believes It would be
on space policy and related Issues, and the status of its efforts to
inappropriate to fund this new Initiative.
coordinate the implementation of space policy by the executive de-
The Committee directs the Council to prepare a strategic plan for
partments and agencies.
the environment, including how it will improve coordination with
The Committee is concerned about the ability of the United
the myried of Federal agencies involved in environmental protec-
States to service polar-orbiting satellites launched from the west
tion. This report is due to the Committee by January 4, 1991.
coast. Since this requirement may affect both civilian and national
The Committee is encouraged by improvements in the Council's
security payloads, the Committee directs the Council to prepare a
ability to produce its annual environmental quality report in a
report that outlines options, cost estimates, Agency roles, and reo-
timely manner. The Committee wishes to underscore its concern
ommendations for addressing this problem. The report should be
that this report be issued expeditiously each year in a manner that
submitted to the Committee by April 1, 1991.
is useful to the Congress. The Committee urges CEQ to incorporate
into this report its strategic plan for the environment.
OFFICE or SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
The Committee has not included bill language requested by the
administration to increase representation expenses from $500 to
Appropriations, 1990
$2,829,000
$2,000.
Budget estimate, 1991
2,300,000
03/25/91
House allowance
8,300,600
Committee recommendation
3,500,000
NATIONAL SPACE COUNCIL
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Appropriations, 1990
$983,600
Budget estimate, 1991
1,363,000
The Office of Science and Technology Policy [OSTP] was created
House allewance
1,000,000
by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and
Committee recommendation
1,363,000
Priorities Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-282) and provides advice to
11:51
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
the President concerning policies in science and technology and on
the utilization of science and technology in addressing important
The National Space Council was reestablished by section 501 of
national problems. OSTP also supports other organizations within
Public Law 100-685. Its primary function is to provide advice and
the Executive Office of the President with regard to issues invoiv-
assistance to the President on national space policy and strategy.
ing science and technology considerations; reviews and analyzes
The Council has been directed by the President to review U.S. Gov.
the research and development budgets and programs of the Federal
ernment space policy, including long-range goals, and develop a
Government, in concert with the Office of Management and
strategy for national space activities. The Council will also develop
Budget; coordinates research and development programs of the
recommendations for the President on space policy and space-relat-
Federal Government; and fulfills other obligations, duties, fune-
ed issues and will encourage cooperation and exchange among the
tions, and activities mandated by the National Science and Tech-
civil, national security, and commercial space sectors. In addition,
nology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976.
it will monitor and coordinate implementation of the President's
OSTP chairs and provides both administrative and fiscal support
national space policy by executive departments and agencies, and
for the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
will resolve differences concerning major space and space-related
[PCAST]
policy issues. The Council in composed of the Vice President as
Chairman, the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, Commerce,
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Transportation, and Energy, the Director of the Office of Manage-
The Committee recommends $3,560,000 for the Office of Science
ment and Budget, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Assistant
and Technology Policy [OSTP]. This amount is $260,000 more than
to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the
the administration's request and the House allowance, and an in-
President for Science and Technology, the Director of Central Intel-
ligence, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
crease of $731,000 above the fiscal year 1990 appropriation.
The Committee directs the OSTP to report by January 81, 1991,
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
Space Administration.
its recommendations for simplifying and institutionalising the re-
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
sponsibilities (currently shared with CEQ) for focusing and coordi-
Band
nating the R&D agencies' global climate change programs.
The Committee recommends $1,363,000 for the National Space
The Committee directs the OSTP with NSF to report as part of
Council. This amount in the same as the administration's request,
$363,000 more than the House allowance, and $380,000 more than
do
its 1992 budget request its recommendations for stimulating specif-
ic civilian R&D sectors, ranked by priority within the overall Fed-
the fiscal year 1990 appropriation.
eral budget request, that will make real contributions to the Na-
The Committee expects by January 81, 1991, a progress report on
tion's economic competitiveness. For supercomputers and bioengin-
the Council's review of the Nation's space policy, its strategy for
eering, which the OSTP has identified as high-priority sectors, the
003
national space activities, specific recommendations to the Premdent
report should describe the administration's approach to help
115
114
strengthen U.S. economic Interests in both areas, and how efforts
The Committee strongly encourages efforts within the Federal
in both areas will enhance U.S. civilian research capabilities. Also,
Government to strengthen the educational activities of Federal re-
done
the OSTP shall identify the top 20 civilian science projects In the
search laboratories. Further, the Committee believes that the
Federal budget, ranked according to the administration's priority,
OSTP should require all Federal agencies with research and devel-
and show their life-cycle cost projections.
opment activities to establish education offices at each particular
The Committee is deeply concerned about the tremendous need
Federal laboratory under its control. The goal of such en effort is
for funds for the modernization and rehabilitation of the Nation's
to improve internal Federal agency science, mathematics and engi-
academic research facilities. The 1986 Bromley-Packard report,
neering education programs, as well as foster education partner
done at the request of the OSTP, estimated that the current back-
ships between various Federal labs and schools and academic insti-
log of facilities modernization needs, just for those institutions of
tutions which are located near them. The Committee notes there is
higher education dealing with the National Science Foundation,
a need to coordinate and disseminate information on these pro-
was a staggering $10,000,000,000, and that a $500,000,000 B year
grams among the various Federal mission agencies, as well BB be-
Federal investment, matched by an equal amount from non-Feder-
tween the National Science Foundation [NSF] and the Department
al sources, was need to reduce this shortfall over the next decade.
of Education. Therefore, the Committee directs OSTP to work with
Unfortunately, this 1986 report, whose results have since been con-
the NSF, the Department of Education, and Federal mission agen-
firmed by additional studies by the National Science Foundation,
cies to coordinate agency efforts to improve math, science, and en-
has not led to the development of a Federal strategy on academic
gineering education, particularly in the area of developing labora-
research facilities. Only the National Science Foundation, with a
tory education partnerships. The OSTP shall report the status of
03/25/91
modest $20,000,000 a year program, has attempted to address this
this effort and the agencies' funding needs for this activity to the
glaring deficiency in higher education. As a result, the Committee
Committee by March 15, 1991.
waiting
directs OSTP to develop a policy on academic research facilities
Last year the Congress authorized funds for OSTP to establish
modernization that includes all Federal research and development
the national critical technologies panel, and a Critical Technologies
agencies and a 5-year funding projection of the Federal contribu-
Institute, a federally funded research and development center
tion to this effort. This interagency policy should be submitted to
under the OSTP, to support it. The Congress took this step in the
belief that there was a need for the Federal Government to help
11:52
the Committee by April 1, 1991, and its funding profile should be
clearly identified in the fiscal year 1992 budget submission for all
focus the Nation's efforts in developing precompetitive technologies
to support our knowledge-based economy, without picking winners
agencies. The Committee applauds the establishment of the Federal Co-
and losers in the marketplace. The Committee notes its strong sup-
ordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology
port for this investment, and directs the OSTP to move forward in
[FCCSET] interagency Committee on Science Education and
establishing the Critical Technologies Institute, and to report to the
Human Resources. The Committee requests that this FOCSET com-
Committee on its efforts in this area by February 1, 1991.
mittee prepare and submit a strategy document with its 1992
The Committee is aware that a recent study by the National
budget request that will describe how the President intends the
Academy of Sciences Council strongly endorsed the U.S. Global
Nation will achieve the objective that by the year 2000, U.S. stu-
Change Research Program [USGCRP] At the same time, the Acad-
dents will be first in the world in science and mathematics achieve-
emy's review raised concerns about the program which are shared
ments. The Committee expects that the report will be modeled
by the Committee. The Committee directs the OSTP to respond to
after the strategy document prepared by the FCCSET Committee
the review by February 1, 1991, with an emphasis on providing
on Earth Sciences, and it shall include measurable objectives sup-
stronger program management to: (a) use extramural advisory
porting the national goals.
expert panels for defining and evaluating the USGCRP's various
In addition, it shall include a multilevel priority-setting frame-
programs and the products they are designed to develop; (b) focus
done
work that will focus, integrate, and where necessary, reassign
agencies to produce research results specifically agreed upon by the
agency roles and responsibilities, along with the requisite program
USGCRP interagency committee; (c) assure greater interagency co-
development and budget proposals. The Committee requests that
operation; (d) broaden involvement at the project level by the aca-
this report specifically include milestones and assessment methods
demic community, local, and State governments, and other nations;
that will be used to chart the Nation's progress in meeting the ob-
and (e) schedule and report interim assessments of the USGCRP in
done
public forums.
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
1
lectives. The OSTP should provide a draft report to the Committee
by November 30, 1990.
Despite the Committee's strong support for the current global cli-
The Committee directs the OSTP to guide the mission agencies
mate research program, the Committee believes that additional
in establishing and restructuring their offices of education to sup-
global climate policy action needs to take place. In that light, the
port science and mathematics education and to make the agencies
Committee directs the OSTP to submit to it a report by March 1,
fully responsive to the FOCSET Education Committee's plan. Also,
OSTP shall ensure that each agency's office of education has pro-
siders to be the maximum concentration of greenhouse gases which
1991, that addresses several key issues. First, what the OSTP con-
grame directed at student and teacher segments from K through
is acceptable, and the date by which those concentrations will be
reached and stabilized. Second, what is the U.S. contribution to the
dearauce
graduate school.
004
117
116
mitigating the effects of potential disasters with the programs de-
concentration of greenhouse gases, and what specific policy meas-
signed to deal with the disesters once they occur; coordinates and
ures does the administration intend to propose that would reduce
plans for the emergency deployment of resources that are used on
levels of emissions consistent with the levels of concentration
a routine basis by Federal agencies; and helps to coordinate pre-
which they expect to occur. Third, what in the administration's de
paredness programs with State and local governments, private in-
elsionmaking process on the greenhouse issue, what are the steps
dustry, and voluntary organizations.
which the administration has already taken to reduce emissions
FEMA's budget submission describes several principal activities,
and what quantifiable reductions have taken place, and how is re-
sponsibility for the control of gréenhouse gases divided among Fed-
Including: Civil defense-This activity provides for the development of
oral agencies. Finally, what in the administration's plan, if any, for
plans and functional emergency capabilities to mitigate, prepare
achieving an international consensus on the proper strategy for
for, respond to, and recover from attack and natural disasters, in-
coping with the potential of the greenhouse effect, and what is the
cluding technological hazards. It has financial and technical assist-
timetable, if any, for Implementation of that strategy.
ance programs which support State and local organization require-
ments, and operating costs. Federal civil defense objectives and
POINTS OF Laone INITIATIVE FOUNDATION
support are integrated with State and local emergency operational
requirements, thereby enhancing overall emergency preparedness
Appropriations, 1990
for all hazards. Under the administration's new civil defense
Budget estimate, 1991
policy, this activity places emphasis on ensuring a basic emergency
03/25/91
Howe allowance
Committee recommendation
$6,000,000
response infrastructure with potential for rapid enhancement of CA-
pabilities when necessary (the surge concept). Included in this so-
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
tivity are preparedness programs that address functions including
The Foundation is a Government, nonprofit corporation within
planning, warning, communications, direction and control, shelter,
movement of people, and provision of food and medical resources.
the Executive Office of the President, which will receive grants
This activity also provides for development of training materials
11:53
from the private sector and departments and agencies in the Feder-
and training programs, and for research and development activities
al Government for the purpose of integrating community service
into the work and life of each individual in the country. The Foun-
that provide the technical basis for national planning for such so
dation in to accomplish this by such means as set forth in S. 1430,
tivities as population protection.
National Earthquake Program and other hazards.-This activity
including: encouraging Americans and American institutions to
volunteer their time and services to community services projects;
provides for the enhancement of Federal, State, and local govern-
ments' capability to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate potential
identify successful community service projects and disseminate in-
formation on them to other communities; and to discover and en-
impact of disasters and emergencies. Programs include the follow-
courage individuals that serve as a strong example of commitment
Ing: National Earthquake Program, which provides for technical
and financial assistance to State and local governments to develop
to serving others.
and implement hazard reduction programs, development and adop-
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
tion of improved seismic design and construction standards, public
education and information transfer, and Federal response plan-
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,000,000. The
ning; hurricane, which provides technical and financial assistance
Committee has included bill language that requires the President
for the development of population preparedness and property pro-
to report to the Congress within 6 months of the date of enactment
tection; dam safety, which provides for coordination and monitor-
on the use of these funds.
ing of activities to enhance the safety of Federal and non-Fedetal
dams, including provision of technical assistance on design, con-
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
struction, maintenance, and operation of safe dams; and hazard
Appropriations, 1990
$1,799,320,000
mitigation assistance, which funds planning efforts to reduce poten-
Budget estimate, 1991
819,272,000
tial hazards. FEMA is also designated as lead Agency for the No.
House allowance
656,787,000
tional Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and is responsible
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
Committee recommendation
$46,793,000
for planning, coordinating, and recommending goals and priorities
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
for the multiagency program.
Radiological emergency preparedness.-This activity is focused on
FEMA is responsible for coordinating Federal efforts to anticl-
improvement of Federal, State, and local planning for emergencies
pate, prepare for and respond to a spectrum of major civil emer-
in areas surrounding nuclear power reactors and enhanced cape-
gencies. The Agency also works to secure the effectiveness of the
bilities to cope with radiological accidents at fixed nuclear facili-
National Civil Defense Program and the availability of civil de-
ties, including commercial nuclear powerplants, and nuclear mate-
fense systems and resources in coping with all manmadé and natu-
rials license holders. The activity provides amistance to State and
ral disasters; consolidates the programs aimed at preventing and
005
03/25/91
11:54
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
006
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Knoxville, Tennessee)
For Immediate Release
February 2, 1990
The President today announced the appointment of the President's
Council of Advisers on Science and Technology (PCAST), comprised
of 12 distinguished scientists and engineers. This panel will
provide high-level advice directly to the President on a wide
range of important issues concerning science and technology.
PCAST will be the first Presidential scientific advisory group in
many years to report directly to the President. Its
establishment is a measure of the Bush Administration's high
esteem for science and a recognition that advances in science
and technology contribute in a major way to increased economic
competitiveness. It also reflects the President's desire to
strengthen Federal science and technology policy, enhance Federal
research and development activities, and encourage private sector
involvement in research and development.
The United States scientific community leads the world in
creating new knowledge. Through PCAST, the President is seeking
to provide the best obtainable private sector advice to Executive
Branch decision-making in science and technology.
PCAST will be chaired by Dr. D. Allan Bromley, Assistant to the
President for Science and Technology. A list of the members and
their affiliations is attached, along with a fact sheet on
science and technology accomplishments in the Bush
Administration.
PCAST was established January 19, 1990, by Executive Order 12700.
Its members will be sworn in later today by the Vice President at
the White House.
-more-
03/25/91
11:55
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
007
- 2 5
MORMAN 2. BORLAUG
Nobel Laureate Borlaug, of Texas, is currently leader of the
Sasakawa-Global-2000 agricultural program in sub-Saharan Africa,
Distinguished Professor of International Agriculture at Texas A&M
University, and a senior Consultant to CIMMYT. He was Director
of the Wheat Research and Production Program of the International
Maize and wheat Improvement Center, Mexico, from 1964 until his
retirement in 1979.
Dr. Borlaug's career began in 1935 in the U.S. Forest Service,
and he subsequently worked as an instructor in plant pathology at
the University of Minnesota in 1941, where he received his Ph.D.
From 1942 through 1944 he was a microbiologist with the E. I.
DuPont de Nemours & co.. He also served as research scientist in
charge of wheat improvement with the Cooperative Mexican
Agricultural Program, Mexican Ministry of Agriculture and the
Rockefeller Foundation, 1944-60, and later, as Associate Director
of the Foundation assigned to the Inter-American Food Crop
Program, 1960-63.
D. ALLAN BROMLEY. CHAIRMAN
D. Allan Bromley, of connecticut, is Assistant to the President
for Science and Technology and Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy (OSTP).
Dr. Bromley carried out pioneering studies on both the structure
and dynamics of nuclei and is considered the father of modern
heavy ion science. He has played major roles in the development
of accelerators, of detection systems, and in computer based data
acquisition and analysis systems. He is currently on leave from
his position as Henry Ford II Professor of Physics at Yale
University, where he was founder and Director of the A.W. Wright
Nuclear Structure Laboratory.
Dr. Bromley has been a leader in the national and international
science and science policy communities for more than 20 years,
serving as a member of the White House Science Council throughout
the Reagan Administration and as a member of the National Science
Board in 1988-89. He received the President's National Medal of
Science in 1988 and the Presidential Medal of the New York
Academy of Sciences in 1989. He has served as President of the
American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the
International Union of Pure and Applied Physics.
Dr. Bromley received the B.Sc. degree in 1948 at Queen's
University, Canada, the M.Sc. degree from Queen's University in
1950, and the Ph.D. degree in nuclear physics from the University
of Rochester in 1952. He has since been awarded 10 honorary
doctorates.
SOLOMON J. BUCHSBAUM
Solomon J. Buchsbaum, of New Jersey, has been Senior Vice
President, Technology Systems, at AT&T Bell Laboratories since
1979. His early career included work at the MIT Research
Laboratory of Electronics. He received his Ph.D. in physics from
MIT in 1957. He joined Bell Laboratories in 1958 as a member of
the technical staff and later became department head and director
of the Electronics Research Laboratory. In 1968, he was named
Vice President for Research at the Sandia Laboratories and served
in a number of different capacities. He returned to Bell
Laboratories in 1971 as an Executive Director. In 1976 he became
Vice President, Network Planning and Customer Systems.
Dr. Buchsbaum is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and
of the National Academy of Engineering. He was the recipient of
the President's National Medal of Science in 1986.
- more -
03/25/91
11:56
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
008
- 3 -
CHARLES L. DRAKE
Charles L. Drake, of Vermont, has been the Albert Bradley
Professor of Earth Sciences at Dartmouth since 1984 and Professor
of Geology since 1969. Dr. Drake's professional career began at
Columbia University in 1953. He joined the staff at Dartmouth
in 1958 after receiving his Ph.D. in geology from Columbia
University where he has continued his career, including service
as Professor and Chairman of the Department, 1967-59; as Dean of
Graduate Studies and as Associate Dean of the Science Department,
1978-81.
Dr. Drake is a recipient of the G. P. Woollard Award, Geophysical
Division of the Geological Society of America.
RALPH E. GONORY
Ralph E. Gomory, of New York, is President of the Sloan
Foundation and, until his recent retirement, was Senior vice
President for science and Technology, IBM Corporation. He
received his Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton in 1954.
Dr. Gomory's professional experience includes teaching and
research at Princeton from 1957-59. In 1959, he joined the
Research Division of IBM and was named Director of the
Mathematical Sciences Department in 1965. In 1970 he became IBM
Director of Research and held that position until 1985, becoming
IBM Vice President in 1973, Senior Vice President in 1985, and
IBM Senior Vice President for Science and Technology in 1986. He
has been awarded a number of honorary degrees and prizes,
including the John von Neumann Theory Prize in 1984 and the
National Medal of Science in 1988.
BERNADINE HEALY. VICE CHAIRMAN
Bernadine Healy, of Ohio, is Chairman of the Research Institute'
of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, a position she assumed in
1985, and is a staff member of the Clinic's Department of
Cardiology. Prior to that time, she was Deputy Director of the
going
Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House, and
until that appointment had been a Professor at The Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine and Hospital. Dr. Healy received
Director
as
her medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1970. Her
medical career continued at Johns Hopkins from 1976 to 1984,
designate,
where she was Professor of Cardiology and Medicine, Director of
the Coronary Care Unit, and Assistant Dean for Postdoctoral
NIN
Programs and Faculty Development.
Dr. Healy is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the
National Academy of Sciences. She is the immediate Past
President of the American Heart Association and a former
President of the American Federation for Clinical Research.
PETER W. LIKINS
Peter W. Likins, of Pennsylvania, has been President of Lehigh
University since 1982. His professional career began as a
development engineer with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory,
California Institute of Technology, in 1958. In 1964 he joined
the faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles, where
he became Professor of Engineering and later, Associate Dean.
Dr. Likins received his Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from
Stanford in 1965. In 1976 he became Professor and Dean of
Columbia University, serving until 1980, when he became Provost
of the University.
- more -
03/25/91
11:56
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
009
THOMAS 3. LOVEJOY
Thomas E. Lovejoy, of Virginia, is the Assistant Secretary for
External Affairs, The Smithsonian Institution. His previous
experience includes service as a research assistant at the
University of Pennsylvania, 1971-74, after receiving his Ph.D. in
biology from Yale University in 1971; as Executive Assistant to
the Science Director and as Assistant to the vice President for
Resources and Planning of the Academy of Natural Sciences,
1972-73; as the Vice President for Science of the World Wildlife
Fund-U.S., 1973-87; and as Executive Vice President, 1985-89.
Dr. Lovejoy is President of the Society for Conservation Biology.
WALTER E. MASSEY
Walter E. Massey, of Illinois, has been the Vice President of the
as Somg
University of Chicago for Research and for Argonne National
Laboratory since 1984. He has also been Professor of Physics at
the University since 1979.
Director,
Dr. Massey previously served as a physics instructor at Morehouse
NSF
College, 1958-59; and after receiving his Ph.D. in physics from
Washington University in 1966, as a staff physicist with the
Argonne National Laboratory until 1968; as Assistant Professor of
Physics, University of Illinois, Urbana, 1968-70; Associate
Professor of Physics and Dean of the College, Brown University,
1975-79. He is Vice President, and President-elect, of the
American Physical Society and is the Past President and Chairman
of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
JOHN P. MCTAGUE
John P. McTague, of Michigan, is Vice President-Research, Ford
Motor Company, and has served in that position since 1986.
In 1983 Dr. McTague was appointed Deputy Director of the Office
of Science and Technology Policy, becoming Acting Science Advisor
to the President and Acting Director of OSTP in 1986. Prior to
that, he was Chairman of the National Synchrotron Light Source
Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, 1982-83. He was
Professor of Chemistry and a member of the Institute of
Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los
Angeles, 1970-82. Dr. McTague began his professional career as a
member of the Technical Staff, North American Aviation Science
Center, on receiving his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Boston
University, and remained there until 1970. He is U.S. Chairman
of the U.S. Japan Joint High Level Advisory Panel on Cooperation
in Research and Development in Science and Technology.
DANIEL NATHANS
Nobel Laureate Nathans, of Maryland, is Professor of Molecular
Biology and Genetics at The Johns Hopkins University Medical
School and Senior Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical
Institute. He has been on the faculty of The Johns Hopkins
University Medical School since 1962.
After receiving his Medical Degree from Washington University in
1954, he served as Medical Resident at the Columbia-Presbyterian
Medical Center in New York, 1955, 1957-59; as Clinical Associate
at the National Cancer Institute, 1955-57, and Guest Investigator
in biochemistry at the Rockefeller University, 1959-62.
Dr. Nathans received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in
1978 for his research with enzymes that cut DNA into specific
pieces, one of the basic tools of genetic enginsering.
- more -
03/25/91
11:57
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
010
- 5 -
DAVID PACKARD
David Packard, of California, has been Chairman of the Board of
the Hewlett-Packard Co. since 1972. Mr. Packard received his
B.A. and B.S.E.E. degrees from Stanford University in 1934 and
1939, respectively.
His professional experience includes service as an engineer with
the Vacuum Tube Engineering Department, GE co., 1936-38; co-
founder and partner, the Hewlett-Packard co., 1939-47; President,
1947-64; and Chairman and Chief Executive officer, 1964-69.
Prior to his present position, Mr. Packard served as U.S. Deputy
Secretary of Defense from 1969-71.
Mr. Packard received the Vannevar Bush Award of the National
Science Board in 1987 and the President's National Medal of
Technology and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988.
HAROLD T. SHAPIRO
Harold T. Shapiro, of New Jersey, has been President of Princeton
University since 1988.
Dr. Shapiro's previous academic experience has been with the
University of Michigan, after receiving his Ph.D. in economics
from Princeton in 1964, first as an Assistant Professor of
Economics. His career progressed from Associate Professor,
1967-70; Professor, 1970-76; Chairman of the Department of
Economics, 1974-77; Professor of Economics and Public Policy,
1977; Vice President for Academic Affairs, 1977-79.
Dr. Shapiro was President of the University of Michigan from 1980
until 1987. He has served as a member of many industrial,
governmental and academic boards and commissions.
# # #
03/25/91
11:57
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
011
office of the Press Secretary
(Miami, Florida)
For Immediate Release
January 19, 1990
# 12700
EXECUTIVE ORDER
PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL OF ADVISORS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
By the authority vested in as as President by the
Constitution and laws of the United States of America, and in
order to establish, in accordance with the provisions of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended ($ U.S.C. APP. 2),
an advisory committee on science and technology, it is hereby
ordered as follows:
Section 1. Establishment. There is established the
President's council of Advisors on science and Technology
("Council"). The Council shall be composed of not more than
15 members, one of whom shall be the Director of the Office
of Science and Technology Policy, and 14 of whom shall be
distinguished individuals from the private sector to be
appointed by the President. The Director of the Office of
science and Technology Policy shall serve as Chairman of the
Council. The Vice Chairman shall be appointed by the
President from among the 14 private sector members. The
Chairman shall report directly to the President.
Sec. 2. Functions. (a) The Council shall advise the
President on matters involving all areas or science and
technology.
(b) In the performance of its advisory duties the
Council shall conduct & continuing review and assessment of
developments in science and technology, and shall, through the
Chairman, report thereon to the President whenever requested.
(c) The Chairman may, from time to time, invite experts
to investigate and report to the Council on specific issues or
national consequence.
Sec. 3. Administration. (a) The heads of Executive
agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the
Council and its panels such information with respect to
scientific and technological matters as required for the
purpose of carrying out its functions.
(b) Members of the Council shall serve without any
compensation for their work on the Council. However, members
appointed from among private citizens of the United States may
be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving
intermittently in the Government service ($ U.S.C. 5701-5707).
(c) Any expenses of the Council shall be paid from the
funds available for the expenses of the Office of science and
Technology Policy.
(d) The Office of Administration shall, on a
reimbursable basis, provide such administrative services
as may be required.
03/25/91
11:58
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
012
2
Executive Advisory Committee Act, as amended, except to the of
sec.4. order, the functions of the President that the
General. (a) Notwithstanding any under other
Federal to the Congress, which are applicable
reporting shall be performed by the Office of Administration established by
Council, in accord with the guidelines and procedures
the Administrator of General Services.
(b) The Council shall terminate on June 30, 1991, unless
sconer extended.
GEORGE BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 19, 1990.
1 # #
-
03/25/91
11:58
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
013
services
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
&
STATEMENT
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
December 3, 1990
TO:
CISET Subcommittee on S&T Cooperation with
Industrialized Countries
FROM:
Dr. Philip Schambra, Chairman
SUBJECT: Next Subcommittee Meeting, December 10, 1990
The first meeting of the U.S.-E.C. Joint Consultative Group on
Science and Technology (JCG), has been scheduled for the week of
February 18, 1991 in Washington, D.C. Dr. Bromley has requested
that our Subcommittee provide recommendations concerning the
agenda and preparations for this meeting and advice on the
preferred scope of the JCG discussions. Dr. Bromley's memorandum
containing this request is attached, as is a background paper
prepared by OSTP to facilitate our discussion. You will note
that Dr. Bromley would appreciate our recommendations covering
several administrative matters as well.
Our meeting also will provide an opportunity to discuss topics
which the Subcommittee might address in the future including S&T
cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries. The
meeting will be held December 10, from 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. at
the National Science Foundation, Room 540.
Please phone Ms. Nanette Hawk at (301) 496-4784 to confirm your
attendance.
I look forward to seeing you again.
Lils sm Krann (acting)
Philip E. Schambra, Ph.D.
Director
Fogarty International Center
and
Chairman
CISET Subcommittee on S&T
Cooperation with
Industrialized Countries
Attachment
03/25/91
11:59
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
014
Addressees:
Dr. Thomas Ratchford
Ms. Sara Bowden
Dr. William Tallent
Ms. Susan Lipsky
Mr. Stuart Schwartzstein
Dr. Harold Jaffe
Mr. Harlan Watson
Dr. John Boright
Mr. Mark Dowis
Dr. Alan Hecht
Mr. James A. Nix
Mr. Peter G. Smith
Mr. Dan V. Jacobs
Mr. Peter Allgeier
Mr. Stephen Litwin
Dr. Richard Ries
Dr. Richard Bradshaw
Mr. Ron Morony
RE:NH 12/3/90
DOC:SUB
DISK:ROB3
03/25/91
11:59
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
015
SENT BY:Xerox lelecopier 7021 11-30-00 9 0.40PM ,
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
November 26, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR REGINALD BARTHOLOMEW
FROM:
D. ALLAN BROMLEY
Deram
SUBJECT:
CISET SUBCOMMITTEE ON S&T COOPERATION WITH
INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES AND PREPARATION FOR
FIRST MEETING OF U.S.-E.C. JOINT CONSULTATIVE
GROUP
Thank you for your memorandum of November 17 outlining current activities of the
CISET and enclosing the excellent report prepared by the CISET Subcommittee on
S&T Cooperation with Industrialized Countries entitled "Implications of European
Integration for Science and Technology in Europe and the United States." I found it
to be one of the most informative pieces I have read in some time on the state of
science and technology in the E.C. and our relations with the Community. Over the
next few weeks I will review the report more fully and discuss with you and others the
recommendations contained therein.
The report provides an excellent basis from which we can begin our activities under
the newly formed Joint Consultative Group on Science and Technology (JCG). As you
know, the first meeting of that group is tentatively planned for the week of February
18 here in Washington. The Executive Secretary of CISET or his designee will serve
as Executive Secretary for the JCG. However, Dr. Schambra's Subcommittee can be
particularly helpful in preparations for meetings of the JCG. Drawing on their
recently completed work, I would like to request that Subcommittee reconvene 1) to
recommend an agenda for the meeting which I could then propose to the E.C., 2) to
recommend which other FCCSET Committees or agencies within the USG might
develop position and briefing papers for the meeting, and 3) to advise me as to the
preferred scope of discussions for the JCG. Members of my staff will participate in
the Subcommittee's deliberations in order to facilitate preparations for the meeting.
Attached you will find a short summary of the status of the Joint Consultative Group
as well as my decisions concerning preparations for the first meeting. This should
assist the Subcommittee in its deliberations.
Again, many thanks for your update. I appreciate the excellent work of the
Committee and welcome your new and ongoing initiatives.
Attachment
CCI Philip Schambra
03/25/91
12:00
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
016
JERI
STATUS REPORT ON JOINT CONSULTATIVE GROUP
BACKGROUND
On November 14, Dr. Bromley and Mr. Pandolfi, formally concluded an agreement
through an exchange of letters (attached) to establish a Joint Consultative Group on
Science and Technology (JCG). The JCG will serve as a forum for discussion on
science and technology issues, enhance the exchange of Information, and facilitate
cooperation with the aim of increasing mutual understanding of U.S. and E.C.
activities and programs related to science and technology. The group will not engage
in, sponsor, or support new or existing cooperative R&D activities, or address ongoing
bilateral relations with the member states of the European Communities. The group
will only discuss issues which do not fall within the purview of other mechanisms,
including bilateral groups such as the U.S.-E.C. High Technology Working Group.
On the U.S.-side, it has been determined that the executive secretary for the JCG will
be the executive secretary for the CISET. The executive secretary will be responsible
for coordinating preparation for JCG meetings and will ensure necessary follow-up.
As necessary, the executive secretary may request assistance from USG agencies, the
CISET and its Subcommittees, request from other FCCSET Committees will be
coordinated with the Executive Secretary of FCCSET. For example, in the field of
biotechnology, the executive secretary may ask for briefing material, reports, or other
information from the U.S. side of the U.S.-E.C. Task Force on Biotechnology which is
associated with the FCCSET Committee on Life and Health Sciences.
Dr. Bromley and Mr. Pandolfi have tentatively agreed that the first meeting of the
JCG will be held in Washington the week of February 18, 1991. Dr. Bromley intends
to propose to Mr. Pandolfi that the JCG consist of three permanent members and up
to five associate members to be determined by the agenda items for the specific JCG
meeting. Associate members may be drawn from the public or private sector as
appropriate. On the U.S. side, the three permanent members will be the Assistant to
the President for Science and Technology (chairman), OSTP Associate Director for
Policy and International Affairs, and the Director of the National Science Foundation.
It may be necessary to revise U.S. membership, both permanant and associate,
depending up the E.C. response to our proposal.
Several issues remain to be decided prior to conveying an agenda for the first meeting
to the E.C. These issues, which will be initially addressed by the CISET
Subcommittee on S&T Cooperation with Industrialized Countries, are outlined below.
03/25/91
12:01
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
017
SENT DTIABROX 7021 1 VIVIPM
ISSUES
1) Proposed agenda: Mr. Pandolfi suggested five areas for initial consultation. These
are:
prenormative research in biotechnology
information technologies
energy and environment
large scale scientific projects
research and development in Eastern Europe.
Dr. Bromley suggested one additional item:
o
mobility and supply of human resources.
The Subcommittee should consider whether this is an appropriate list for the first
meeting. Then, based on its recommendations concerning the agenda, the
Subcommittee should recommend which FCCSET Committee or USG agencies should
prepare position papers and other briefing materials for the U.S. members of the JCG
for the meeting. In addition, the Subcommittee should consider what issues and
topics might be discussed in future meetings of the JCG.
2) Preferred scope: The Subcommittee should consider the following issues related to
scope and make recommendations based upon its discussions.
0
Degree of policy vs. technical content of discussions
0
Depth and breadth of discussions. For example, to what extent does the
JCG consider ongoing activities
0
Horizon for discussion-short, medium and long term perspective
3) Administrative: Subcommittee recommendations on the following issues would be
helpful:
How are activities of the JCG to be coordinated with other bilateral
activities such as the U.S.-E.C. High Technology Working Group?
o
What should be the frequency of the meetings?
0
Where should the first meeting be located in Washington?
0
While costs should not be great, how should meetings of the JCG be
financed?
Attachments
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4- 2-91 :10:35AM ;
2024566221-
OPD:# 9
Executive Office of the President
Office of Legislative Affairs
Science of
Technology Issues
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER
3
DATE 4/2/91
TO
Todd Buckholtz
FAX NUMBER
7739
OFFICE NUMBER
COMMENTS
FROM
Jack Howard
FAX NUMBER
OFFICE NUMBER
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4- 2-91 :10:36AM ;
2024566221-
OPD;# 2
. 15 -
SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY
Whereas the Senate has preferred single year authorizations for science and technology programs, the
House has preferred multiyear authorizations to provide sound long-term planning of capital intensive
projects, and will likely continue to seek such multiyear authorizations.
Emerging Technology Bill..The 101st Congress reached a final agreement on an emerging
technology bill, but failed to bring it before both bodies before adjournment. The final agreement (1)
set the authorization for the advanced technology program (ATP) at $100.0 million annually with
paybacks required and (2) established a National Capital Cost Reduction Commission chaired by the
Vice-President with three members appointed by the President, House and Senate. It is likely that
this legislation will move through both bodies quickly, provided it is based on the agreement reached
at the end of the 101st Congress.
National Atmospheric and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization-Although the
House passed a multi-year NASA authorization bill, the final agreement provided funding only
through FY 1991 ($15.0 billion). The 102nd Congress will therefore need to provide funding beyond
the current fiscal year. As a result of the Report of the Augustine Advisory Committee on the Future
of the U.S. Space Program, debate during reauthorization will likely focus on questions of reorgani-
zation and reform within NASA, as well as specific project funding.
Space Commercialization Bill--Republican Chairman Walker has submitted legislation designed
to bring America's entrepreneurial skills to bear upon the exploration and industrial development of
outer space. The bill requires an inventory of federal space launch support facilities which may be
surplus to public or national security needs and makes such facilities available for auction to the
private sector.
Additionally, the bill: (1) creates commercial space zones; (2) offers tax incentives to the private
sector for building space zones and for space launches and manufacturing undertaken from or in such
zones; (3) requires the government to procure launch services from the private sector when such
services are not related to national security or government-sponsored research; (4) includes antitrust
exemptions to permit private sector collaboration in space R&D and production; and (5) authorizes
non-federal cash awards for persons who have substantially advanced space transportation, manufac-
turing, or R&D.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)--Although the House sent two
NOAA multi-year reauthorization bills to the Senate during the 101st Congress, neither bill was
considered on the Senate floor. The 102nd is expected to take up a multiyear NOAA reauthorization
measure providing over $1.0 billion annually for: (1) "dry" NOAA activities; (2) stable, long-term
support for weather service modernization including the replacement of aging satellites; and (3) global
change research. The Science Committee's standing proposal is consistent with current Commerce
Department planning and could serve as the basis for early action.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Research and Development (R&D)--During the
101st Congress, the Committee passed an EPA R&D bill authorizing $409.1 million in FY 1991,
increasing to $555.1 million in FY 1993. Because of jurisdictional claims by the Committee on Energy
and Commerce, however, the measure failed to reach the House floor. Legislation is to include, among
other things: (1) the R&D provisions required under the Clean Air Act (P.L. 101-549); (2) pollution
prevention technology R&D; and (3) groundwater and indoor air quality and radon research
Department of Energy (DOE) Civilian Research and Development-During the 101st Con.
gress, the Committee only marked up two civilian DOE R&D programs renewables-conservation
and the Super Conducting Supercollider (SSC) project. The Committee's jurisdiction over DOE's
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 4- 2-91 :10:37AM ;
2024566221-
OPD:# 3
. 16-
civilian energy R&D projects totals over $5.0 billion, yet in the 101st Congress other authorizing
legislation was simply not marked up. During the 102nd Congress, the Committee is expected to be
more active in authorizing funding for projects within its jurisdiction (e.g., advanced reactor
legislation) based on the President's National Energy Strategy.
Uranium Enrichment--It was proposed in the 101st Congress that the Uranium Enrichment
program be allowed to operate as & government corporation. The issue of converting the program into
a profitable commercial enterprise with an equitable sharing of existing liabilities that protects the
taxpayer will once again be considered by the Committee.
SMALL BUSINESS
Procurement--Legislation implementing recommendations for small business procurement pro-
grams from a number of White House Conferences on Small Business are anticipated.
Veterans Entrepreneurship Promotion-It is expected that the Veterans Entrepreneurship
Promotion Act of 1991 will be reintroduced during this session. The legislation establishes programs
to assist in the creation, development, and growth of small business concerns owned and controlled by
veterans, targeting these businesses for government contracts as well as private-sector assistance
Oversight Hearings--Oversight hearings are expected to be held regarding the state of a number of
SBA programs, especially those related to trade and exports.
Technology--The Committee will examine technological changes in the marketplace as well as the
affect of these changes on the SBA and its programs.
VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)--The Committee has made it a top priority to take up
legislation related to the disabled veterans COLAs. The Committee anticipates the passage of a clean
5.4% COLA. It has been reported that the leadership is in support of an up-or-down-vote on the COLA
which died in the Senate last year.
Agent Orange--The Committee expects to reconsider legislation to compensate those affected by
Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. The legislation is likely to be similar to that which passed the
House last year.
Soldiers and Sailors Amendments-Due to the need presented by the continuation of Operation
Desert Shield, the Committee anticipates amendments to the Soldiers and Sailors Act. This Act
provides assistance to those serving in the Armed Forces.
Physicians' Pay--The Committee anticipates legislation providing for more competitive recruiting
of physicians and dentists for Veteran's Health care. Also included will be language to streamline
nursing pay scales and provide for more equitable labor relations.
WAYS AND MEANS
Simplification of Tax Code-Over the past year the Committee has collected tax simplification
recommendations from Treasury, the Majority, the Minority and the Joint Committee on Taxation.
It will likely be a top priority this year.
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P01
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
ANYONAL EOUNDATION SCIENCE
TO: TODD BUCKHOLTZ
ADDRESS: WHITE HOUSE ECONOMIC POLICY COUNCIL
FAX PHONE: 456-7739
OFFICE PHONE: 456-7968
FROM: JOEL WIDDER, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
ADDRESS: NSF OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FAX PHONE: 202-357-9869
OFFICE PHONE: 202-357-9730
MESSAGE:
14 pages
HOPE THIS INFORMATION IS USEFUL.
1
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
PO2
NSF AND THE 102nd CONGRESS: ISSUES AND EXPECTATIONS
significant legislative challenges are facing National Science
Foundation in the 102nd Congress (1991-1993). They are subject
to unexpected changes in the international arena, the economy,
the federal budget, Congress, and its committees.
This article is divided into three parts. Part A describes the
budget environment NSF will probably face over the next few
years. Part B focuses on the committees with appropriations and
oversight responsibilities for NSF, their priorities, and recent
changes. Part C describes programmatic issues expected to be
considered by the 102nd Congress and how they might impact on
NSF.
PART A: THE BUDGET ENVIRONMENT
The FY 1991 budget process concluded on November 5, 1990, over a
month after the start of the fiscal year. At that time the
President signed into law a deficit reduction bill that is
expected to reduce the deficit by more than $40 billion in FY
1991 and by almost $500 billion between FY 1991 and 1995. The
deficit reduction bill represented agreements reached between the
White House and the Congressional leadership.
What the Budget Agreement is Supposed to Accomplish
The five-year budget agreement seeks to reduce the deficit
through a combination of revenue increases ($137.2 billion),
outlay reductions ($281.4 billion), and debt service savings.
Over one-third of the spending reductions ($99 billion) will come
from mandatory programs, including some increased user fees. The
remaining two-thirds ($182.4 billion) will come from cuts in
discretionary appropriations.
Discretionary spending reductions fall principally on defense, at
least for the first three years of the agreement. The summit
establishes "spending caps" for FYs 1991, 1992 and 1993 for the
three major categories that make up discretionary spending --
defense, non-defense, and international. The agreement sets a
single ceiling on total discretionary spending for FYs 1994 and
1995. The ceilings will be enforced by an end-of-session seques-
ter applied across-the-board to any of the three categories which
exceed their "spending cap."
2
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P03
FY 1991-93 NON-DEFENSE DISCRETIONARY SPENDING
($ in billions)
FISCAL YEAR
BUDGET AUTHORITY
OUTLAYS
1991
182.7
198.1
1992
191.1
210.0
1993
198.3
221.7
Implications of the spending Caps for NSF
The non-defense discretionary spending ceilings enacted as part
of the summit are of critical to NSF. This portion of the budget
includes not only NSF, but also other high-priority areas,
including the space program, environmental protection, trans-
portation, housing, health, energy, research, and education.
Over the next three years, total non-defense discretionary spend-
ing will increase by almost $40 billion over the comparable level
for FY 1990. However, over $25 billion, or 60%, of this
allowable growth was already included in the current FY 1991
budget. This will limit annual incremental growth for ALL non-
defense discretionary spending will be limited to only about 5%
in budget authority and 6% in outlays in FY 1992, and by only
3.7% in budget authority and 5.6% in outlays in FY 1993.
The limitation on all non-defense discretionary spending impacts
the non-defense discretionary allocation that is made to the VA,
HUD, and Independent Agencies Appropriation Subcommittee. This
Subcommittee funds NSF, NASA, the Housing and Urban Development
Department, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Environmen-
tal Protection Agency, and 17 other agencies.
The Subcommittee -- and consequently many of the agencies within
its jurisdiction -- have received major funding increases over
the last few years. For example, the Subcommittee's allocation
for non-defense discretionary spending increased by more than 20%
in FY 1991 to $60.4 billion. This particular subcommittee has
responsibility for one-third of all non-defense discretionary
programs -- the largest of any non-defense subcommittee.
Meanwhile, the average growth in other appropriations subcommit-
tees for non-defense resources was about 15% in FY 1991.
The ability of the Foundation to continue to receive double-digit
percentage increases depends upon the increases the VA, HUD, and
Independent Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee is able to
achieve within the parameters of the budget summit agreement.
The Subcommittee anticipates a difficult time ahead, as clearly
indicated in its conference report accompanying the FY 1991
3
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P04
appropriations act:
"The five-year budget agreement assumes an annual
growth rate in domestic discretionary spending, and
therefore, in the VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies
Appropriations bill, of approximately five to seven
percent."
PART B: THE CONGRESSIONAL PLAYERS
Traditional and Non-traditional Congressional Audiences
The basic budgetary and programmatic oversight functions are the
responsibility of five congressional committees:
o
The House and Senate Budget Committees prepare the congres-
sional budget resolution, in which NSF appears under Func-
tion 250, "General Science, Space, and Technology." Func-
tion 250 also includes NASA and the basic research programs
of the Department of Energy (including the Superconducting
Super Collider).
o
The House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Veter-
ans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development. and Independent
Agencies are responsible for preparing NSF's appropriations
bills. Other agencies included in the VA/HUD appropriations
bill, and hence competitors for subcommittee funds, are the
Housing and Urban Development Department, the Veterans'
Department, NASA, EPA, and OSTP.
o
In the Senate, responsibility for NSF's authorization bills
is shared by the Labor and Human Resources Committee and the
Commerce, science, and Transportation Committee. The Labor
Committee has primary responsibility for NSF as a whole and
sole responsibility for NSF's education and human resource
activities. In addition, The Senate Labor and Human Re-
sources Committee has sole responsibility for the confirma-
tion of NSF and NSB nominations. The Commerce Committee has
a more limited oversight function, but has been active in
some specific areas, such as academic research facilities,
global change and high-performance computing.
o
Finally, in the House, responsibility for NSF's authoriza-
tion lies solely with the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology (HSST), which also has responsibility for most of
NASA, NIST, EPA's research programs, and the civilian re-
search programs of DOE.
As NSF's visibility has increased in recent years, so has its
interactions with other congressional committees. For example,
4
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P05
o
Increasing concern over the protection of the Antarctic
environment has required that the Foundation work closely
with the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee. These contacts will remain important
in the 102nd Congress.
o
Over the past few years, NSF has participated in hearings
and legislative activities of the Senate Rules Committee,
the House Education and Labor Committee, the Senate Govern-
mental Affairs Committee, the Joint Economic Committee, and
others. Issues have ranged from science education and
competitiveness to peer review, scientific fraud and miscon-
duct, and international science.
Changing Chairmen
During the last four years, virtually every committee with
jurisdiction over NSF has experienced changes in its leadership.
While the pace of change is likely to slow in coming years, the
Foundation must continue to work closely with new chairmen and
senior members to ensure favorable reception of the agency.
A sample of these leadership changes includes the following:
0
Both chairpersons of the House and Senate VA/HUD appropria-
tions subcommittees were replaced within the last three
years. In the House, Representative Edward Boland, who
chaired the subcommittee for close to 20 years, retired and
was replaced by Representative Bob Traxler (D-MI). In the
Senate, William Proxmire was replaced two years ago by
Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD). The chairman of the full
Senate Appropriations Committee was replaced two years ago,
as Senator John Stennis retired making way for Senator
Robert Byrd (D-WV) to assume the chairmanship.
o
The chairmen of the House and Senate Budget Committees were
both replaced two years ago. The ranking minority member in
the House has also recently changed. Today, Representative
Leon Panetta (D-CA) and Senator James Sasser (D-TN) head
these House and Senate panels, respectively.
o
The chairmanship of the House science, Space and Technology
Committee has changed hands three times over the last five
years. The most recent change was in December 1990, when
Representative George Brown (D-CA) was elected by his col-
leagues as the Science Committee's new chairman. Mr. Brown
replaced Robert Roe (D-NJ), who become chairman of the House
Public Works and Transportation Committee.
o
The chairmanship of the HSST Subcommittee on Science, Re-
search and Technology, which has primary jurisdiction over
5
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P06
NSF in the House, has changed twice in the last year.
Representative Doug Walgren gave up the post for another
House Subcommittee chairmanship and was then defeated in the
1990 election. Representative Tim Valentine (D-NC) then
assumed the chairmanship, but yielded it to Representative
Rick Boucher (D-VA) when the House Science, Space, and
Technology Committee reorganized on February 7, 1991.
o
The responsibilities of the HSST Science Subcommittee have
also changed. In order to distribute the workload among the
subcommittees more evenly, Chairman Brown split the science
and technology functions of the old Subcommittee on Science,
Research and Technology. The science functions, which
include primarily NSF, were retained by the new Subcommittee
on Science. The technology functions, which include primar-
ily the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST), were combined with the old Subcommittee on Transpor-
tation, Aviation, and Materials to form the new Subcommittee
on Technology and Competitiveness, now chaired by Represen-
tative Valentine (D-NC).
The membership roster for each of the Committees/Subcommittees in
this new Congress is attached at the end of this report.
Committee Interests
Each committee has its own set of interests and priorities for
the National Science Foundation. These priorities are briefly
described below, and the issues themselves are addressed in more
detail later in this discussion.
Both the House and Senate VA/HUD appropriations subcommittees
have historically taken a keen interest in NSF's education and
human resources activities, particularly those aimed at the
precollege level. The subcommittees typically provide more than
NSF's request for these activities, usually targeting additional
funds for precollege teacher preparation and enhancement, infor-
mal science education, women and minorities programs, and, in FY
1990, the new Statewide Systemic Initiative in math and science
education.
The new House Science Subcommittee, which retains jurisdiction
over NSF, has a broad range of interests regarding NSF and
science policy. In 1990, the Subcommittee contributed to the
enactment of the "Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engi-
neering Education Act" and reauthorized the interagency National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. In 1991, the Subcommittee
will likely reopen the existing five year (1989-1993) NSF autho-
rization act for the purpose of making the authorization levels
consistent with appropriations, new initiatives, and organiza-
tional changes. The Subcommittee continues to be concerned about
long-range planning and priority-setting in federal science and
6
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P07
technology policy, the balance between support for individual
investigators and multidisciplinary centers, and precollege and
undergraduate science education.
The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on science, Technology, and
Space has been particularly interested in high-performance
computing, technology policy, and global change. These issues
are discussed below in more detail.
Finally, the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee can be
expected to continue its oversight of NSF's math and science
education programs, having recently completed a major science
education authorization bill. In addition, the Committee will
continue to press for more aggressive implementation of the
Academic Research Facilities Modernization Act. The Committee
views that program, and others, as important for providing all
kinds of science institutions, research as well as teaching, with
improved access to NSF programs.
PART C: ISSUES AND LEGISLATION
The challenges facing the Foundation are changing. Although some
themes, such as competitiveness and science education, will
continue to be heard in Congress, their tone will be moderated as
new issues, such as the environment, come to the fore.
The idea that research and development is critical for any
strategy to improve economic competitiveness is generally accept-
ed. Attention is now turning to the theme of generic or precom-
petitive technologies. Supporters argue that to be truly compet-
itive, the Nation must do a much better job of more quickly and
efficiently getting its research results into practical applica-
tion. To convince the public and the Congress to increase
support for research, many in the Congress are saying it must be
shown that U.S. tax dollars spent on research are benefitting
U.S. industry and not further fueling the economic expansion of
foreign competitors.
What follows is a capsule summary and analysis of various policy
and program issues NSF has faced and will probably continue to
face as the new Congress opens for business.
NSF Authorisation Act
The House Science Subcommittee, which has primary jurisdiction
over NSF in the House, is expected to reopen NSF's authorization
act in 1991. Although the act does not expire until FY 1993, the
Subcommittee may make budgetary adjustments and revisit particu-
lar issues.
The authorization act (P.L. 100-570), passed in 1988, is the
Foundation's first five-year authorization. The centerpiece of
7
04.
02.
91
12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P08
the act is the doubling of the Foundation's budget by 1993. The
act also included a five-year, $892 million authorization to
establish an Academic Research Facilities Modernization program.
Finally, the act authorized several specific programs, including
the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
(EPSCOR), undergraduate science education activities, and Presi-
dential Awards for Teaching Excellence.
The Science Subcommittee is expected to revise the authorization
figures throughout the act. In particular, the science education
figures will have to be substantially increased in order to
accommodate the rapid growth in this particular program area.
Similarly, the authorization for the U.S. Antarctic Program
(USAP) may be adjusted to recognize substantial growth occurring
in the USAP's Safety, Environmental, and Health Initiative.
The Science Subcommittee will probably also add more detail to
the authorizations for the research directorates. The act
currently provides line-item authorizations for the individual
research directorates until FY 1991, after which time the act
authorizes only a single sum for research and related activities.
The Subcommittee is expected to add line-item authorizations for
FY 1992 and FY 1993 within the total amounts authorized for
research and related activities.
As part of the reauthorization process, the Science Subcommittee
can be expected to focus on a number of specific issues, which
may include the following:
o
The need to set priorities in science and the subsequent
impacts on the allocation of NSF resources. "Prioritization"
is a theme commonly sounded by the Subcommittee, which has
long advocated a strong role for the Office of Science and
Technology Policy.
O
Long-range planning and the effectiveness of the five-year
authorization process. NSF advocated passage of a five-year
bill based on the need for stability in programs and plan-
ning.
o
The balance between centers and individual investigator
research, and the effectiveness of the centers programs.
Like the appropriations subcommittees, the Science Subcom-
mittee has advocated a "go slow" approach toward new cen-
ters. In addition, the Subcommittee is likely to request
assessments of the first few years of the Science and Tech-
nology and Engineering Research Centers programs.
0
The state of existing specialized centers, such as astronomy
facilities and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
The Science Subcommittee has expressed concerns that NSF is
too willing to construct new facilities (e.g., LIGO, the 8-
8
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
PO9
meter telescopes) without fully funding or upgrading exist-
ing facilities.
o
Other issues of likely interest to the Science Subcommittee
are discussed below. These include interagency initiatives
involving high-performance computing, global change, educa-
tion and human resources, and the relationship of research
and development to economic competitiveness.
Education and Human Resources
Education will continue to rank among Congress' highest concerns
in science policy. Over thirty pieces of legislation to improve
science education were introduced in the last Congress, to say
nothing of the many hearings, studies, and other activities that
took place. With the passage of a major science education
authorization bill in 1990, attention may turn away from new
legislation toward oversight of NSF programs and the operation of
the interagency FCCSET Committee on Education and Human Resourc-
es.
Today Congress generally considers NSF to be the leading federal
agency in science and mathematics education. Appropriations for
NSF's science education activities have annually increased by 30-
40% in recent years, rising 46% in FY 1991 alone. NSF's programs
and leadership are highly regarded, and the agency is frequently
called to testify before Congress on science education reform.
NSF's leadership in this area was clearly recognized with the
passage of the "Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education
Act" (P.L. 101-589). Over 82% of the funds authorized in the Act
for new and expanded precollege, undergraduate, and graduate
science education programs is authorized to NSF. The Act also
endorses a number of new initiatives by NSF, including statewide
systemic reforms, women and minorities programs, and undergradu-
ate activities.
Science education continues to be an issue of high priority, but
Congress' attention will shift away from authorizations and
toward appropriations and oversight. Some evidence of this
change is being seen already. The House and Senate VA/HUD
appropriations subcommittees have requested NSF to prepare a
number of reports in 1991 on science education programs, priori-
ties, and management. Among them is a request for NSF to conduct
a comprehensive study of the effectiveness of federal science
education programs, including those of NSF. In a similar vein,
the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has requested GAO to
examine NSF's ability to administer effectively its research and
education programs in light of the rapid increases in the Founda-
tion's budget. Similar questions may be asked by the Science
Subcommittee during its hearings on the NSF reauthorization.
9
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P10
Congress may also examine the Administration's structure for
coordinating federal programs in science education. Legislation
had been introduced to create an interagency coordinating commit-
tee similar to the FCCSET Committee on Education and Human
Resources. Although Congress did not pass the bill, interest in
effective interagency coordination is probably undiminished.
Such interests could be fueled with the Administration's major
interagency science education initiative included in the FY 1992
budget request.
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Several members in the Congress have expressed increasing concern
over the perceived inattention by NSF to the behavioral and
social sciences. The issue is one that may receive increased
attention in the 102nd Congress, especially with the upcoming
release of a report by a BBS task force that is expected to call
for the creation of a separate directorate for the behavioral and
social sciences.
Competitiveness and Technology Policy
During the 1980's, NSF repeatedly stressed the importance of
basic research and science education to economic competitiveness.
That message has been favorably received by many members in
Congress, who have responded by supporting double-digit increases
for NSF's budget.
NSF's message is aided by the long-awaited release of the White
House's report on "U.S. Technology Policy." This brief report
emphasizes the importance of basic research and science educa-
tion, both areas of strength for NSF. In addition, NSF supports
research in all five of the "advanced technologies" listed in the
report as necessary for defense and civilian agency needs. One
of these areas, high-performance computing, is the subject of a
major new initiative in FY 1992, spearheaded by the National
Science Foundation. Finally, NSF is working actively with state
governments, another important area of interaction identified by
the technology policy report.
Congressional interest in technology and applied research is
expected to continue. The 101st Congress strongly supported
legislation to authorize a three-year, $400-million "Advanced
Technology Program" within the Department of Commerce. Last-
minute wrangling prevented final passage of the bill, but will
very likely be reconsidered in 1991.
Environmental Protection in Antarctica and Impacts on the Re-
search Program
Protection of the Antarctic environment will continue to get
10
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB AFRS
P 1 1
Congressional attention this year. In 1990, Congress enacted
legislation that imposed an indefinite ban on minerals develop-
ment in Antarctic. Having "finished" this work for the time
being, Congress has the opportunity to address certain unresolved
issues, such as the imposition of U.S. environmental and historic
preservation laws on Antarctic operations; creation of an Antarc-
tic "World Park" safe from any development; regulation of tourism
and fishing in the region; and a reevaluation of whether NSF is
fully capable of operating the U.S. Antarctic program along with
all its emerging environmental and regulatory functions.
The results of the meeting of the Antarctic Treaty parties in
Chile in November and December 1990 will also affect congressio-
nal interest and activities. The meeting was convened to consid-
er environmental issues. Congress may attempt to enact legisla-
tion based upon the agreements reached by the treaty parties.
A major debate on the Hill will focus on whether NSF -- a scien-
tific, non-regulatory agency -- can or should run the non-scien-
tific aspects of the Antarctic program. Some members believe
that a regulatory agency should be given responsibility for
policing compliance with environmental requirements under the
Antarctic Conservation Act and other international accords.
There is concern that NSF lacks the commitment or resources to
carry out this important oversight function.
Some members feel that all domestic U.S. environmental laws
should apply wherever federal agencies conduct "major federal ac-
tions." The Administration has steadfastly opposed the extension
of domestic environmental laws outside the confines of the U.S.
NSF, along with the State and Justice Departments, has strongly
objected to legislation that would make the National Environmen-
tal Policy Act (NEPA) applicable to the Antarctic.
NSF has emphasized that it is in the process of implementing an
environmental protection agenda. The Foundation expects to spend
$30 million by 1995 to clean up past problems and institute
procedures to minimize future impacts on the Antarctic environ-
ment. This agenda will be implemented while NSF continues to
support important scientific research, including global change,
ozone depletion, and other environmental research.
NSF is concerned that NEPA would allow private litigants wishing
to limit or prevent human activity in Antarctica to seek injunc-
tions and halt important research projects regardless of NSF's
compliance with its current environmental regulations. The
potential for court injunctions would also lessen international
cooperation among U.S. and foreign scientists.
Oversight of NSF's Internal Operations
The last Congress passed several pieces of legislation to in-
11
C4. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P 1 2
crease openness and disclosure among federal agencies. These
acts directly affect NSF's internal operations.
The first is the Federal Financial Management Act. A key feature
of this bill is the establishment within each agency of a cen-
tralized, coordinated financial management structure, headed by a
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Deputy CFO. In addition,
Congress intends to establish a uniform financial system through-
out the federal government. A five-year, government-wide finan-
cial management plan is now required, as well
as financial statements for revolving funds, trust funds, and
commercial operations. NSF's Inspector General currently has the
responsibility for auditing these financial statements.
Congress has also become more interested in general oversight
over NSF's operations. Currently, the oversight committees are
concerned with the ability of the Foundation to administer
effectively its expanding budget and responsibilities. GAO has
been asked to review NSF's grant management and administration
procedures.
NSF will also be affected by any amendments to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and regulations subsequently issued
by the Office of Government Ethics. Legislation probably will be
introduced to tighten controls, accountability, and use of
government advisory committees. Due to its merit review process,
NSF probably uses more advisory committees than any other federal
agency.
Indirect costs remain a major concern for the Foundation. OMB
has set out principles and procedures to govern indirect cost
calculations. Problems, however, arise with the reliability of
cost estimates and tracking. In addition, the scientific commu-
nity is concerned that indirect costs are draining their research
to underwrite university expenses. The Department of Health and
Human Services, the Department of Defense, OMB, and five
university associations have organized a working group to examine
the problems associated with indirect costs. Representative John
Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Commit-
tee, has begun a series of oversight hearings to examine the
indirect cost rate issue. The recent controversy surrounding
Stanford University will underscore the indirect cost issue.
Global Change and the Environment
The 1990's is witnessing a reawakening of public concern for the
environment, with global change being at the top of the list.
Congress will expect the Foundation to assume a leadership role
in some of these areas.
Congress and the President may disagree over the urgency of
responding to global change, but there is no disagreement on the
12
04. 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P13
importance of scientific research to understand this problem.
Congress has generally supported the Administration's request for
increasing funding in this area.
Congress also strongly supports the Administration's efforts to
coordinate federal global change research through the FCCSET
process. The organization charged with providing such interagen-
cy coordination is the Committee on Earth and Environmental
Sciences (CEES). In 1990, Congress passed legislation writing
the CEES charter into law, an indication of the importance
Congress attaches to this issue and to CEES.
High-Performance Computing and Communications
High-performance computing and communications will receive
increased congressional attention in 1991, possibly resulting in
a separate authorization for this activity.
For the past several years, NSF and other federal mission agen-
cies, working through FCCSET, have been developing a coordinated,
interagency program in high-performance computing. The center-
piece of the program would be the development of a multigigabit
National Research and Education Network (NREN) that would link
researchers and educators throughout the Nation.
The attention to the NREN and high-performance computing may
contribute positively to discussions on NSF's other research and
education programs. The NREN will avoid the "big science"
stigma, because it will primarily serve individual investigators,
including those in the traditionally "have-not" institutions that
do not host major research facilities. Furthermore, the NREN
will improve scientific and technological productivity, and hence
competitiveness. Finally, the NREN will assist NSF's science
education and dissemination efforts at the graduate, undergradu-
ate, and possibly even precollege levels.
The NREN's strongest supporter is Senator Al Gore (D-TN), who in
1989 introduced legislation authorizing a multi-agency effort in
high-performance computing. Progress on the bill was slowed
considerably because of intercommittee wrangling over the leader-
ship of the NREN. The Senate Commerce Committee and the Energy
and Natural Resources Committee finally negotiated a compromise
bill, which passed the Senate during the last week of the 1990
session -- too late for House action.
Senator Gore and House science Committee Chairman George Brown
(D-CA) have reintroduced the legislation, which is expected to
move quickly in 1991.
Federal Organization and Support for Ecological Research
Ecologists have been leading the fight to create a National
13
04: 02. 91 12:07 PM *NSF LEG&PUB. AFRS
P 1 4
Institute for the Environment (NIE). This new agency would
primarily fund ecological studies, which some scientists contend
has been ignored by other agencies and thus underfunded.
Several bills to establish a NIE were introduced in the last
Congress. Although hearings were held in both the House and
Senate, the legislation did not move. In the end, Congress
appropriated $400,000 to the National Academy of sciences,
through the Environmental Protection Agency, to fund a study in
the feasibility of establishing such an Institute. The 18-month
study will make recommendations regarding the criteria and
mechanisms for supporting basic and applied research and training
in the environmental sciences. The annual budget of the Insti-
tute is estimated to be approximately $500 million.
The environmental community is sensitive to the fact that ecology
research is underfunded but is not overly optimistic that new
funds will be forthcoming. There are at least a dozen agencies,
including NSF, that already fund environmental research. Ques-
tions have been raised as to whether funding for the NIE would
merely divert funding from other sources or would duplicate
support already offered by NSF to academic researchers. Advo-
cates of the NIE respond that NSF is too dedicated to basic
research to support the kind of research that is needed to
address pressing environmental problems.
14
APR. 1 '91 11:12 FROM S.S. T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE. 001
FAXmail FROM:
REPUBLICAN STAFF Office
FAX Number (202) 225-3170
COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY
U.S. House of Representatives
Date:
4-2-91
TO: TODO BUCKHOLTZ At FAX No: 456-7739
ATTN:
FROM: DATE CLEMENT
Republican Staff
FAX No. (202) 225-3170
Number of Pages sent: 11
(includes cover sheet)
COMMENTS:
Any Problems, call 225-8772 or
APR 1 '91 11:12 FROM S.S.T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE. 002
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS AND OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY
Agenda for the 102nd Congress
THEME I: PURSUING EFFICIENCY. For too long conventional wisdom
has held that the goals of economic growth and environmental
protection are mutually exclusive. However, pollution and wasted
energy are simply indications of inefficiency. It should
therefore be understood that industrial energy conservation and
pollution prevention--both industrial and agricultural--are
"win-win" situations: American business becomes more productive
and competitive while environmental protection is enhanced.
A. Industrial Energy conservation. An analysis of the
Department of Energy's industrial energy conservation activities
will seek to answer a number of questions: What role does
industrial energy conservation play in the Administration's
National Energy Strategy (NES) Why does the NES highlight
industrial waste reduction in the Industrial Energy Use chapter?
What are independent estimates of potential energy savings in the
industrial sector? What contribution can increased efficiency
make to the competitiveness of U.S. industry? Links between
efficiency improvements and pollution prevention will be explored.
B. Pollution Prevention R&D. The passage of the Pollution
Prevention Act of 1990 and the anticipated reauthorization of the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act raise numerous questions:
Where is EPA targeting its R&D priorities? Do these priorities
reflect the passage of the Pollution Prevention Act? Why has DOE
placed such an emphasis upon hazardous waste reduction in the NES?
What is DOE doing with its waste reduction R&D program? Are these
R&D efforts coordinated with EPA? What is the role of waste-to-
energy projects in both waste management and energy policy? Are
there both hazardous and solid waste reduction issues that should
be addressed in the R&D title of RCRA? It is possible that this
investigation could lead to a single hearing incorporating the
findings of this and the previous entry.
C. Low-Input Agriculture. Both agricultural subsidies
and research programs sponsored by USDA encourage the
proliferation of large farms which practice monoculture farming
and employ chemically intensive techniques. This approach has
contributed to the high costs of farming, the demise of small and
medium sized farms, and the growing contamination of groundwater
supplies. For several years Congress has tried to force USDA to
put more resources into the development and promotion of low-
input, alternative farming methods less dependent upon intensive
use of chemicals and crop specialization and more dependent on
post-planting tillage practices. Congress has also encouraged
USDA and EPA to cooperate more closely, so that low-input
techniques will be taken into account when developing groundwater
policies and conducting pesticide reviews. To date, USDA has
moved very slowly and reluctantly on low-input farming -- a
APR. 1 '91 11:14 FROM S.S.T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE. 004
3
3. Oversight of Contractors at Federal Technical
Agencies. Because of hiring ceilings, many technical agencies
under the Committee's jurisdiction, including NASA, EPA, and DOE,
have become increasingly reliant on contractors. The Subcommittee
will conduct a series of hearings and investigations on this
trend, focused both on the effectiveness of the system in
procuring technical products and services and on the ability of
the agencies to maintain adequate oversight and accountability for
their contractors.
a. For NASA, issues examined will include the effect
of recent changes in procurement policies and procedures, GAO
studies on cost and schedule overruns in NASA in general and in
the Space Station in particular, a recent study by the National
Academy of Public Administration on NASA's problems in managing
its contractors, and the bias toward "low-bidders" in
procurements. Related issues include the ability of technical
agencies to attract and retain qualified personnel and the role of
independent validation and verification in computer software
procurements.
b. For EPA, issues examined will include the use and
control of contractors in the formulation and implementation of
EPA policies and programs and the emerging scandal of fraud at EPA
contract laboratories, whose analyses are used to guide cleanup
strategies at CERCLA sites and to support prosecution and claim
recovery efforts.
c. The entire DOE complex, most importantly its
weapons production facilities and its national laboratories, is
managed and operated by private contractors. Historically, these
operations have been virtually autonomous, with little management
or control exercised by DOE. Moreover, government and agency
policies uniformly shielded such contractors from any liability,
effectively establishing a situation where there was no
accountability or control. The problems associated with such a
"least interference" policy have been manifested in a large number
of contractor scandals, in addition to numerous management,
environmental and safety problems at weapons facilities and
national labs. The Subcommittee will be closely monitoring
activities at these facilities to ensure that DOE is taking a more
direct management role in the operation of its facilities, and
that its contractors are adequately performing their assigned
duties. The review will also cover DOE reform efforts related to
contractor control and accountability, including award fees,
indemnification policies, and implementation of Price-Anderson
amendments authorizing DOE to levy civil penalties for violation
of Department rules.
B. COST ACCOUNTABILITY
1. Superconducting Super Collider. The Subcommittee
will hold hearings to investigate several issues related to the
SSC: 1) reliability of cost estimates for SSC construction and
operations; 2) status of efforts to secure international
APR. 1 '91 11:13 FROM S.S. T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE. 003
2
perfect example of the "pollution prevention" approach to
environmental protection. The Subcommittee will examine the
extent and severity of the threat to groundwater posed by
agricultural chemical use; the potential economic and
environmental benefits of low-input farming; the barriers to
widespread implementation of low-input practices, with an accent
on EPA/USDA policies and practices; and potential administrative
and legislative initiatives which could eliminate those barriers.
THEME II: SEEKING ACCOUNTABILITY. Government agencies are
entrusted with billions of dollars to manage and execute
increasingly complex environmental and scientific programs and
policies. A critical mission of the Subcommittee is to ensure
that the agencies under its jurisdiction are making wise and
reasonable use of the limited funds available to address these
pressing issues. The subcommittee will focus on the following
inter-related areas: management of specific high-cost scientific
projects (such as the SSC and the Space Station) and of
environmentally critical projects such as the cleanup of the DOE
Weapons complex; management and control of contractors hired to
perform critical agency functions and to develop agency policies;
and agency policies to ensure contractor accountability.
A. CONTRACTOR ACCOUNTABILITY
1. Nuclear Weapons Clean-Up. Estimates of the costs of
correcting the environmental and safety problems at DOE weapons
plants, and modernizing the facilities to ensure environmental
compliance in the future, range as high as $150 billion. In
recent years DOE Secretary Watkins has initiated a number of
programs and organizational changes designed to improve the
"culture" at DOE and to effect an efficient and responsible
restoration program. To date, the program has made little
measurable headway. The Subcommittee will monitor the
Department's policies and programs in these areas to identify
problems that are obstacles to thorough and timely cleanup and
restoration of the weapons complex and to the development of
responsible attitudes and practices towards management and safety.
2. Performance/Liability Issues in NASA Contracting.
The CHALLENGER accident and the Hubble Space Telescope highlight
the lack of exposure for NASA contractors whose products fail to
live up to design specifications. NASA is generally incapable of
recovering damages unless fraud is proven. The Subcommittee will
investigate the incentives and disincentives that NASA has in
place to ensure that its contractors deliver products as promised.
The investigation will focus on issues raised by the "NASA Quality
Assurance and Contracting Reform Act of 1991" (H.R. 672), on GAO's
findings with respect to the Morton-Thiokol settlement on
CHALLENGER, on the Inspector General's findings on the Hubble
contract, on ongoing studies of "award fees" by IG and GAO, and on
investigations by the IG into counterfeit electrical parts.
APR . 1 '91 11:14 FROM S.S.T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE. 005
4
contributions to the project; 3) technical and management
challenges; 4) evaluation of other options for meeting the
scientific goals of the SSC, including participation in foreign
high-energy physics projects; and 5) effect of SSC funding on
other basic fields of science.
2. Space Station. By May of this year, NASA will
submit to the Congress its final plan for Space Station redesign.
There are a number of critical questions regarding the Station
that the Subcommittee may investigate in conjunction with the
Space Subcommittee. Is the final design sensible in terms of
scientific goals and technological feasibility? Is it a
cost-effective expenditure? Have repair time and EVA time been
brought under control? Are the cost estimates reliable? Have we
honored our international commitments? Has NASA implemented
management initiatives as suggested or implied by the Augustine
Commission and other observers. What will be done to reduce the
bloated management in the program? What is the role if any of
advanced launch vehicles in construction of the Station? Are
there alternative designs to the Station that should be considered
in the short term (e.g., Industrial Space Facility)
3. Cost Estimations and Cost Controls in NASA. The
Augustine Commission found that, by consistently underestimating
program costs (e.g., the cost of the Space Station has risen from
$8 billion to $38 billion in 6 years), NASA is chronically
over-committed in terms of the projects that it is pursuing. A
related problem is that NASA also tends to grossly underestimate
operational program costs. Shuttle operational costs, for
example, are eating up huge amounts of resources that might be
available for other projects. In response to these problems, the
Commission recommended that an independent cost-analysis group be
formed within NASA to provide the Administrator with reliable cost
estimates. The Subcommittee will examine NASA's implementation of
this recommendation, in addition to recent related studies by the
RAND Corporation, the Congressional Budget office, and NASA. In
addition, GAO has produced several studies on life-cycle costs of
NASA projects and is scheduled to provide the Committee, within
the next few weeks, an historical study of Space Station cost
estimates.
C. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
1. NSF/Antarctica. Last year, in response to criticism
regarding the environmental impact of U.S. operations in
Antarctica, the National Science Foundation launched a Special
Initiative for Safety, Environment, and Health in Antarctica. The
Subcommittee will undertake a critical review of the effectiveness
of this and other programs designed to reverse the growing
environmental degradation of the ice-bound continent.
2. Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). As the nation's
first geologic repository for radioactive waste, WIPP will store
transuranic waste from weapons programs. DOE has continually
billed WIPP as an "R&D" facility, insisting that a decision on
APR 1 '91 11:15 FROM S.S.T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE. 006
5
whether to utilize the facility as a permanent repository will
only occur after a five-year testing program. Since 1988, DOE has
tried to obtain Congressional authorization to withdraw the land
from public use and emplace waste in the facility. However, the
project has been plagued by a series of management, technical and
scientific difficulties. DOE has been unable to prove that the
in-situ tests it wants to conduct will yield data that will be
helpful in making a determination on the facility's compliance
with EPA radiation protection standards. It has been unable to
justify the need for the vast quantities of waste it has proposed
to use for its "experimental program". The project management has
had difficulty complying with the Department's own Safety Analysis
Report requirements to verify that the facility's design is sound
and that the construction was carried out as planned. There are
questions about compliance with RCRA standards governing land
disposal of mixed wastes, and EPA's resolve in enforcing those
standards against DOE. WIPP undermines DOE claims that it has
sufficiently changed its management style and approach to
environmental and safety compliance. The Subcommittee will
closely monitor this project to ensure that DOE complies with all
regulations and internal requirements before WIPP is allowed to be
opened.
THEME III: GOVERNMENT IN THE ENERGY MARKETPLACE. Two-thirds of
U.S. petroleum consumption occurs in the transportation sector,
while only five percent of oil consumption occurs in the
generation of electricity. What federal R&D activities will
result in displacing petroleum in the fastest, cheapest, and
cleanest manner possible? If increased electrical capacity is in
fact required, what federal R&D activities will encourage the most
cost-effective and clean technologies to meet demand?
A. New Electric Technologies. Brown-outs are forecast for
parts of the U.S. by the end of this decade. What technologies
offer the best hope of meeting demand at the lowest economic and
environmental costs? What contribution can increased efficiency
make in meeting expected demand? How would electricity demand be
affected by the widespread use of electric vehicles? What are the
priorities of DOE's R&D programs in the electric supply area? Is
nuclear electricity the only near-term option for meeting this
demand, as recently asserted by Dr. Bromley? Is the
administration's heavy emphasis upon nuclear power dictated by
hard-headed analysis of the options or by special interest
pressure? Could photovoltaics reach the commercial market place
sooner than the administration predicts if given additional R&D
support?
B. Electric Vehicles R&D. Clean-air requirements and the
national debate over energy strategies have highlighted the need
for cost-effective electric vehicles. What is the short-term and
long-term potential for electric vehicles to displace petroleum in
the transportation sector? What progress has been made in
APR. 1 '91 11:16 FROM S.S.T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE. 007
6
developing promising alternatives to lead-acid batteries? Can
government and industry research be effectively coordinated? How
is U.S. industry positioned to capture export markets?
C. Energy Forecasting and Policy. Policy makers rely upon
forecasts of future energy requirements to establish federal
energy R&D priorities. How accurate have these forecasts been
over the past 20 years? What is the range of forecasts for the
next 40 years? Do these forecasts determine policy, and do
desired policy directions influence the forecasts?
D. Uranium Enrichment. The administration and Congressional
initiatives propose to restructure the U.S. Uranium Enrichment
Enterprise (UEE) in an attempt to make it competitive in the world
market. The success of such an effort will be determined by a
number of factors: cost; development and implementation of Avlis
technology; capacity; and future demand. The subcommittee will
carefully review the status of and progress made on each of these
factors.
E. Synfuels. The Synthetic Fuels Corporation ceased to
exist on April 16, 1986. A multi-billion dollar effort to create
a commercial industry from scratch ended a dismal failure. This
is the perfect example of how not to displace petroleum use. Five
years later, what is the status of the handful of projects funded
by the SFC? What has happened to the Great Plains and Dowsyn
projects? What is the current status of oil shale development?
As we consider a new National Energy Strategy, what lessons can be
learned from the SFC fiasco?
THEME IV: THE ROLE OF SCIENCE IN THE REGULATORY PROCESS.
"Policy-for-Science" refers to policies and activities that affect
the way the scientific enterprise is conducted. An equally
important, and often neglected, realm is "science-for-policy",
which refers to the ways in which scientific findings and
processes are used or abused in the formulation of policy. In a
series of hearings, the Subcommittee will examine the interaction
of science, economics, and politics in the formulation of public
policy.
A. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Concern has grown that
magnetic fields generated by electrical power lines and appliances
may be related to cases of childhood leukemia and cancer in
utility workers. In a series of joint hearings with the
Environment Subcommittee, the Subcommittee will review current
research to determine the level of consensus in the scientific
community (including the recent EPA report on EMF and cancer) and
will examine the future program of research needed to clarify
health effects from exposure to these fields. The hearings will
include discussion of research funded by the Electric Power
Research Institute and of mitigation techniques.
APR. 1 '91 11:17 FROM S.S. T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE.008
7
B. Global Change. The "Global Change Research Act of 1990",
an initiative of the Committee, created an interagency U.S. global
change research effort and pointed toward the development of
effective international linkages in research and in technology
transfer. Oversight of the U.S. research program should be
undertaken, especially in light of criticisms that land and ocean
studies are being squeezed out in favor of the $17 billion
space-based Earth Observing System (EOS). While EOS will no doubt
produce interesting science, the project is very vulnerable to
launch and mission failures and will require an as-yet unproven
data management system to be effective. EOS should receive the
same level of intense oversight as other "mega-projects" like the
Space Station and the SSC. In addition to these research
management issues, the linkages between scientific consensus and
the U.S. position in international negotiations on climate change
should be examined.
C. USGS/Groundwater. The USGS is the repository of
expertise and information on geology and hydrology in the U.S.
Government. Despite this position, and the resources provided to
it each year, the USGS has historically not been used as a source
of expertise and advice for the development of policies and
regulations to protect groundwater supplies in the U.S. - an
increasingly important task. The Subcommittee will review the
mission and activities of the USGS to determine if the resources
of this agency are being utilized in the most efficient manner.
THEME V: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS.
As competition in the international marketplace intensifies
(particularly in high-technology areas), there has been a growing
appreciation of the importance of science and technology to
national competitiveness. A critical factor in competitiveness is
the close cooperation between the Federal government, State and
local governments, and industry in formulating and implementing
effective policies. The Subcommittee will conduct a series of
hearings examining the effectiveness of these linkages.
A. Science Education. The subcommittee will explore ways to
strengthen science education in America. Special attention will
be given to problems facing historically black colleges and
universities.
B. Technology Transfer
1. Technology Extension Programs in manufacturing and
energy efficiency. Hearings will be held to examine the
performance and promise of the extension program approach in the
areas of manufacturing technology and industrial energy
efficiency. An "extension service" approach promises to be an
effective way for the federal government to assist small and
medium-sized firms in getting access to expert advice and exposure
to the most modern technologies.
APR 1 '91 11:17 FROM S.S.T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE.009
8
2. State Technology Transfer Programs. The Subcommittee
will hold hearings on technology transfer efforts by the states,
examining both the range of state programs and how states view
Federal support -- i.e. what does the federal government do well
and what might be done better? How can the federal government
shape its emerging technology transfer programs in ways that are
responsive and supportive of state efforts?
3. Protecting the federal government's investment in R&D
at national labs. The Subcommittee will focus on federal policies
and practices governing the transfer of technologies developed at
government labs, to ensure that the public's interests and
investments are protected and that the potential for conflicts of
interest in the direction of future research is eliminated.
C. SEMATECH. Five years ago, Congress authorized the
expenditure of $500 million to support a government-industry
consortium intended to regain U.S. leadership in semiconductor
manufacturing. At the Committee's request, GAO is investigating
SEMATECH'S progress toward achieving the goals established in
1987, with a final report to be delivered in September. Since
SEMATECH could be a model for further cooperation in improving
industrial competitiveness, the Subcommittee should evaluate the
consortium's success and identify lessons which might be applied
to similar efforts in the future.
D. The Relation between Federally Funded Military and
Civilian R&D. Hearings may be held to examine: the
appropriateness of the balance between military and civilian R&D;
the effect of both this balance and of DOD dual-use programs in
promoting U.S. competitiveness; budget cuts at DARPA; and the
implementation of DOD's environmental R&D initiatives.
E. Export of Renewable Energy Technologies. The Committee
on Renewable Energy Commerce and Trade (CORECT) was established
under P.L. 98-370 "to assist the U.S. renewable energy industry in
developing international markets and to improve the coordination
of Federal agency programs relating to industry marketing
efforts". Yet overall, the collective efforts of the U.S.
government can only be characterized as piecemeal. Successes in
funding and exporting projects which are alternatives to fossil
fuels are rare, and the global market share of U.S. companies in
the renewables market is dwindling. The Subcommittee could
convene hearings, in conjunction with the Environment or
Technology Subcommittees, to assess renewables exports in general
and CORECT in particular. The Subcommittees should consider: 1)
how scattered successes in renewables could be leveraged into a
comprehensive program of greater scope and impact; 2) policies
that might bring about a quantum leap in the number of successful
projects initiated by CORECT; and 3) new opportunities for
government-industry joint ventures in the area of renewable
energy.
F. Internationalization of the Aerospace Industry. The
Committee held hearings in the 101st Congress on the proposal to
APR 1 '91 11:18 FROM S.S.T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE. 010
9
codevelop a next-generation fighter aircraft with Japan (FSX).
Congress later passed a joint resolution disapproving the program
on the grounds that the balance in transferred technologies was
unfavorable to the United States. President Bush vetoed the
resolution. Although commercial aircraft represents one of the
few areas where the United States maintains clear competitive
advantages in the international economy, U.S. airframe and engine
manufacturers are forging closer ties with foreign firms due to
the rising costs of development and to the need to protect foreign
markets. The Subcommittee should examine Boeing/Japanese
cooperation in the 777 and 7J7 development, the agreement between
McDonnell-Douglas and Samsung in the Korean Fighter Program, and
the dispute between the United States and the European Community
involving subsidies to the Airbus consortium, to assure that
commercial firms are not seeking short-term advantages at the
expense of long-term U.S. economic security.
VI: MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES
Great Lakes Issues. Hearing issues could include: 1)
oversight of technology development required for cleaning up
contaminated sediments in the Great Lakes, with an emphasis on
cleanup costs and amelioration of human health risks; 2)
oversight of ecosystem research and control technologies related
to exotic species unintentionally released into the Great Lakes
(zebra mussel, spiny water flea, and ten others).
Scientific Misconduct. The Subcommittee should continue and
enhance its involvement in the issue of scientific misconduct.
This involves reviewing NIH and NSF guidelines for investigating
misconduct as well as examining legislative solutions to problems
related to institution's monitoring of and investigations into
scientific misconduct.
Miscellaneous Space Issues. The Subcommittee could examine a
number of space issues, including: 1) need for the space nuclear
program, including a review of the recent purchase by DOE of a
Soviet space reactor; 2) Space Shuttle issues, including safety,
reliability, component fatigue (e.g., the current problem with
cracks in fuel line door hinges), operational costs, and the
status of "civilians in space"; and 3) the future of the Landsat
program.
Aircraft Flight Management Systems. Northwest Airlines is the
first U.S. airline to operate the Airbus A-320, a twinjet with new
computer-controlled "fly-by-wire" technology. America West is
preparing to introduce the A-320 on some of its routes. Some in
the computer science community question the safety of these
systems, since failure of the digital computers might disconnect
the pilot from the aircraft's control surfaces and rudder.
American Airlines is not satisfied with the performance of the new
McDonnell-Douglas MD-11 it is now testing for certification.
APR 1 '91 11:19 FROM S.S. T-REPUBLICAN COMM
PAGE. 011
10
Aircraft manufacturers are applying computers in "glass cockpits"
and "fly-by-wire" to assist pilots as airlines reduce crew sizes
to save money. Have the airlines considered the "human factors"
involved as pilots become passive monitors in the cockpit? Does
the FAA certification process for commercial aircraft adequately
address the new technologies? Are FAA inspectors ready to deal
with next-generation aircraft? The Subcommittee staff is working
with GAO to design studies of these questions.
[3/14/91]
GOVERNMENT & COMMERCE
SCIENCE
Proponents of Technology R&D
Emphasize Competitiveness
The U.S. must look to commercial applications
to keep its edge, industry groups contend
A
mericans felt proud of the coun-
technology development.
try's technological prowess
when Patriot missiles started
West Germany 15.3%
The administration proposed
shooting down deadly Iraqi Scuds. They
spending $150 million to develop a
may not be so pleased to know that, if
way to link the nation's largest com-
those Patriots were built today, defense
puters, which is supposed to help the
contractors would likely rely on com-
United States maintain its interna-
puter parts made in Japan.
tional leadership in high-speed com-
The vaunted Patriot technology
France
puter technology. It also recom-
10.6%
mended a $36 million budget for the
not only represents the United States'
Advanced Technology Program =
military and scientific expertise but
Britain
three times the level President Bush
symbolizes the country's widening
8.7%
requested last year for the Commerce
technology gap.
Department program that invests in
Driven by this concern, a formida-
embryonic high-technology projects.
ble array of interest groups - ranging
These proposals are modest in
from aerospace and computer-chip
comparison with the multibillion-dol.
manufacturers to tool- and die-makers
Japan
lar subsidies that Japan, West Ger-
- are seeking to reframe the national
4.8%
many and many other Western Euro-
debate on technology development.
pean countries spend on technology
They have latched onto a competitive-
and product development.
ness slogan that puts virtually every
But they represent a dramatic shift
issue in terms of whether it helps the
in the administration's thinking
United States compete in the world
U.S.
Throughout the 1980s, the Reagan ad-
economy.
0.2%
ministration dismissed any subsidy of
"Electronics is the crude oil of the
PATT CHISHOLM
non-defense industry as blatant govern-
information age," says Michael
Maibach, a lobbyist for Intel Corp.,
Share of R&D spending on industrial
ment interference in the workings of the
free market. If government were to en-
the U.S. company that made com-
development of new technologies (1987),
according to the Organization for
courage some sectors of industry and
puter parts for the Patriot. "Mr. Bush
Economic Cooperation and Development.
discourage others, the thinking went, it
is not going to be able to fight another
would be "picking winners and losers"
gulf war unless he and this country
Hughes, president of the Council on
among specific products, which Reagan
face up to the fact that we need com-
Competitiveness, a Washington-based
officials viewed as a step down the so-
mercial goals, and certain technologies
think tank that was an outgrowth of
cialist road to state-run industries.
are critical."
the Reagan administration's Commis-
The Bush administration's willing-
Indeed, some industry represen-
sion on Industrial Competitiveness.
ness to temper the Reagan team's
tatives would like the federal govern-
staunch opposition is an important
ment to do for competitiveness what
Administration Interest
first step, say industry groups. They
the Sierra Club did for environmental
Many members of Congress -
also believe such positive signals from
issues in the 1970s: make it part of
Democrats in particular - are also
the White House could encourage
every policy debate. Some go so far as
worried about the nation's ebbing
Congress to push the administration
to say that Congress should require a
technological edge. Surprisingly, it
even further toward promoting the
"competitiveness impact statement"
now appears that even the Republican
technology aspects of science research
on all new legislation.
Bush administration is acknowledging
and development.
"The single most important thing
the need for the government to do
"We've been getting soundings
Congress needs to do when it is mak-
something about it - up to a point.
from both Democrats and Republi-
ing law is put on a pair of competitive-
Last September, the White House
cans that the white paper is a starting
ness glasses and think about how it
issued a white paper on technology
point for talking about the competi-
will effect the long-term economic
policy and followed it with fiscal 1992
tiveness issue," says Fred Nichols,
health of the country," says Kent
spending proposals that would take
who represents the recently formed
the first steps toward allowing the
National Coalition for Advanced Man-
By Alissa J. Rubin
government to chart the course of
ufacturing.
534 - MARCH 2, 1991
CQ
GOVERNMENT & COMMERCE
through a separate spend-
The growing cottage in-
ing bill.
dustry of lobbyists carry-
Technology Development
"We don't have the ca-
ing the competitiveness
banner has amazed even
Programs in the federal government's $71 billion R&D
pability to shift priorities
in the R&D budget," says
those who have been famil-
budget that fund research with commercial applications
Brown. "We have to weigh
iar with the issue in Con-
(In millions of dollars):
science projects against
Fiscal 1991
gress. The lobby includes
non-science programs, and
Funding
Program
we cannot make tradeoffs
think tanks and other pub-
between military R&D and
lic-education organiza-
Commerce Department
National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)
civilian R&D."
tions, including the Coun-
Advanced Technology Programs
$36
Given these potential
cil on Competitiveness and
Manufacturing technology centers
10
obstacles, industry lobby-
such venerable business
State technical extension program
1.3
ists and members of Con-
lobbies as the Electronic
gress expect that action on
Industries Association, the
Defense Department
the competitiveness front
National Association of
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
307
this year will focus on
Manufacturers and the
Dual-use technologies
funding for programs run
Aerospace Industries Asso-
Energy Department
by NASA and by the Com-
ciation.
Vehicle/highway system technology
162
merce. Defense and En-
Also on board are a new
Advanced electricity technology
245
ergy departments.
spate of manufacturing
and computer consortia,
Multi-agency
489
Commerce Department
including the National Co-
High-speed computer technology
The Commerce Depart-
alition for Advanced Man-
ment administers the only
ufacturing and the Com-
search.
federal agency, the National Institute
puter Systems Policy Project.
"They just keep popping up," said
But dipping into that pot would
of Standards and Technology (NIST),
one House Science Committee staff
mean taking money from politically
whose primary mission is supporting
member. "We can't schedule all the
entrenched programs, including
industry's technology development.
meetings they want. Every time you
NASA and the superconducting super
NIST's proposed budget for fiscal
turn around, there's another coalition
collider, the Energy Department's
1992 is $248 million.
on the coalition on the council on com-
project to build the world's largest
Within that agency, ATP is the
atom-smasher. It would also mean
most focused on helping industry de-
petitiveness."
modifying somewhat the spending pri-
velop technologies. It is currently
Finding the Money
orities at the Defense Advanced Re-
funded at $36 million.
Nowhere is the competitiveness
search Projects Agency (DARPA), the
As authorized by the Omnibus
question likely to draw more heat than
Pentagon office that helps innovative
Trade Act of 1988 and funded for the
defense technology projects get off the
first time in 1990, ATP funds "pre-
over the funding for existing technol-
ogy-development programs.
ground.
competitive technologies" that can be
According to industry experts and
Looming as large obstacles to such
applied to an array of products being
their congressional allies, these pro-
priority rearrangements are the already
developed by different companies.
huge investments the federal govern-
"If the ATP program had been
grams have the potential to turn tech-
ment has made in the $20 billion-plus
around in the 1950s, it would have
nological advances into money-making
commercial ventures.
space station and the $8.3 billion super
funded research on technology like the
In federal policy-making, that em-
collider. "The most serious problem we
integrated circuit," says George
phasis on applied technology has al-
have will be reconfiguring those big sci-
Uriano, the program's director. Inte-
ways been a poor step-child to pure
ence projects," says Rep. George E.
grated circuits are now a fixture in
scientific research.
Brown Jr., D-Calif., chairman of the
thousands of products, "from watches
Yet experts generally agree that
House Science, Space and Technology
to computers to thermostats to fax
finding ways to apply the country's
Committee.
machines," he says.
technological expertise is central to en-
The other serious problem Con-
So far, the program appears to be
abling the United States to retain its
gress faces is its lack of a convenient
wildly popular with industry. In 1990,
share of the world market in computers,
legislative vehicle to make broad
when it was funded at $10 million, the
electronics, car manufacturing and
changes. It is difficult if not impossi-
agency received 249 grant requests to-
pharmaceuticals. "We need to turn this
ble to make tradeoffs among science
taling $120 million.
juggernaut of our science programs into
programs when there is no single sci-
Last year, both chambers passed
useful, marketable products," says Rep.
ence authorization or appropriations
bills calling for ATP funding of up to
Don Ritter, R-Pa.
bill.
$100 million in fiscal 1991, and House-
One obvious source of government
For example. if the Appropriations
Senate negotiators tentatively agreed
funding for such efforts is the $76 bil-
subcommittee in charge of NASA de-
to increase funding to $200 million in
lion slated in fiscal 1992 for various
cided to reduce space station funding
fiscal 1992. The bill got caught in the
research and development projects.
to free funds for the Commerce De-
legislative gridlock at year's end and
That money is now spent almost ex-
partment's Advanced Technology
did not make it through, but there are
clusively on basic science and space
Program, there is no guarantee the
plans in both chambers to reintroduce
programs; more than half ($43 billion)
money would go to the ATP. which
it this year. (1990 Weekly Report, p.
is spent on defense-related science re-
another subcommittee handles
3697)
CQ
MARCH 2, 1991 535
SCIENCE & GOVERNMENT REPORT
20th Year of Publication
The Independent 19 Bulletin of Science Policy
Niv
40
Volume XX, No. 18
P.O. Box 6226A, Washington, D. C. 20015
November 15, 1990
WHITE
From the Academic Perspective:
On the Science-Policy Circuit
RESE
A Good Budget for Science,
Federal Role in Technology
But Troubles Lie Ahead
Is Becoming the Hot Issue
Robert M. Rosenzweig, President since 1983 of the
The trendy sci-tech issue of the moment in post-Cold
Washington-based lobby for major research universities, the
War Washington is how the federal government can pro-
56-member Association of American Universities, is among
mote the extraction of riches from industrial research.
the capital's most seasoned participants in science-and-
Whether it actually can is the object. of strong doubts,
government politics. A political scientist, he was Vice Presi-
especially at the White House. Nonetheless, the task of
dent for Public Affairs at Stanford University from 1974-83
finding out is shaping up as one of the capital's growth
and is the author of Research Universities and Their Patrons
industries.
(University of California Press, 1982) and many scholarly
The signs are to be seen in money voted by the last
articles. Rosenzweig spoke with SGR Editor Greenberg on
Congress and also on the science-advisóry circuit, some-
November 5, a week after Congress adjourned from its long
times a seedbed for ideas that eventually spread to political
budget turmoil. Following is the text, transcribed and edited
circles, and at other times, a fount of stillborn recommenda-
by SGR.
tions. The latest creation in this sector of the advisory scene
(Continued on Page 5)
SGR. Congress was pretty good to the research agencies.
Rosenzweig. We got the peace dividend. It shows up in
In Brief
education, in NIH, in NSF to a slightly lesser degree. It
Junket Time: Visits to Australia and New Zealand,
showed up in Medicare and Medicaid.
November 8-23, are on the agenda of the House Science,
SGR. After many gloomy forecasts.
Space, and Technology Committee, with Chairman Robert
Rosenzweig. But from now on, if Congress is serious
Roe (D-NJ) leading the delegation. In a Committee press
about what it says, and that's a big qualification, we're
release, Roe explains: "We are long past the time when
talking about three to five years of inflation
science and technology issues were domestic affairs."
W. Glenn Campbell, ex-chief of the Hoover Institution,
An Overview of Budget Shifts-P.4
has safely made it to the National Science Board after
weaseling away from a newspaper report quoting him as
Science Booster Loses Election-P.6
saying, "Frankly, I would eliminate social sciences if I had
the power to do it.' Challenged by Chairman Edward
Kennedy, whose Senate Labor and Human Resources
increases-essentially no real growth in budgets.
Committee has jurisdiction over the nomination, Campbell
SGR. That's not the worst possibility.
didn' deny he said it. But in a response to Kennedy's written
Rosenzweig. True. But there are a couple of things that
questions, he stated, "I do not believe that the social sci-
worry me a lot. One is the extent to which, particularly at
ences should be eliminated from the scientific disciplines
NSF but elsewhere, too, there are systematic attempts being
the National Science Foundation should support."
made to leverage federal dollars by getting more institutional
An open meeting on "Conflicts of Interest in Clinical
dollars or state or business [support], or whatever. One of the
Evaluation of Commercial Products" will be held by the
messages of the fight over the Magnet Lab [awarded to
National Institutes of Health and the Alcohol, Drug
Florida State University in a decision protested by MIT] is
Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, November
that, maybe, there's a lot more leveraging out there that they
30 on the NIH Bethesda, Md., campus. An announce-
intend to get. In this case, it was [Florida] state money.
ment discreetly notes that "Conflict of interest issues
That's a message that scares some places-mostly private
have arisen" from government-supported investigators
institutions and public institutions in states that aren't very
testing drugs in which they have financial interests. For
well off. Another thing that concerns me much more is the
meeting registration: Ms. Bonnie Kaps, 301/402-0854.
dynamic that seems to be set up by the next three to five years
The Gallo camp insists that with the elimination of some
of budget problems. We're going to be fighting among our-
issues, their man has in effect been cleared of suspicions
selves a lot-universities and elements within universities,
that he filched the identification of the AIDS virus (SGR,
and universities and kindergarten through 12th grade. The
October 15). But NIH officials reply that the case is far from
domestic discretionary [budget] pool [established by the last
over. Meanwhile, Rep. John Dingell's staff is following the
(Continued on Page 2)
inquiry with acute interest.
November 15, 1990
SCIENCE & GOVERNMENT REPORT-5
Study of Federal Role Mandated by Congress
(Continued from Page 1)
is an academic-industrial heavyweight Panel on the Govern-
ment Role in Civilian Technology, homebased at the Na-
Technology Panel Members
tional Academy of Sciences. The Chairman is the well-
credentialed Harold Brown, Secretary of Defense under
In addition to Chairman Harold Brown, members
Jimmy Carter, former President of Caltech, and currently
of the National Academy of Sciences Panel on the
Chairman of the Foreign Policy Institute at the Johns Hopkins
Government Role in Civilian Technology are:
School of Advanced International Studies. Serving with
him are 14 members, senior figures mainly from academe
John Armstrong, Vice President for Technology,
IBM
and industry (see box).
The creation of the Panel and its placement at the
C. Fred Bergsten, Director, Institute for Interna-
Academy was a Congressional initiative written into the
tional Economics, Washington, DC
1988 trade bill. But what with rounding up financial support
William F. Brinkman, Executive Director for Re-
and assembling a membership, the first meeting wasn't held
search, Physics Division, AT&T Bell Labs
until October 12-13. Support of some $500,000 has been
Dennis Chamot, Executive Assistant to the Presi-
provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technol-
dent, AFL-CIO Department for Professional Employes
ogy, the Department of Energy, NASA, and NSF.
Richard Cooper, Professor of Economics, Harvard
According to an announcement from the Academy, the
John Deutch, Professor of Chemistry, former Pro-
panel will report to the Congress and Secretary of Com-
vost, MIT
merce in the fall of 1991. Topics to be addressed are:
Kenneth Flamm, Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy
The virtues of the SEMATECH consortium model for
Studies, Brookings Institution
"bolstering the comparative advantage of US firms in
Edward A. Frieman, Director, Scripps Institution
international competition."
of Oceanography
The industrial-research policies and practices of other
Paul MacAvoy, Associate Professor, UC Califor-
countries.
nia, Berkeley, Haas School of Business
The eternal question of whether industrial technology
William J. Perry, CEO, Technology Strategies and
would benefit from a civilian version of the Defense Ad-
Alliances, Menlo Park, Calif., former Under Secretary
vanced Research Projects Agency.
of Defense for Research and Engineering
The effectiveness of various federal programs to trans-
James Brian Quinn, Professor of Business, Dart-
fer technology from national laboratories to civilian indus-
mouth College
try.
Harry B. Schacht, CEO, Cummins Engine, Colum-
"The broad impact of cultural, economic, educational,
bus, Indiana
and corporate management practices on R&D and technol-
Hubert Schoemaker, Chairman, Centocor, Malvern,
ogy commercialization efforts."
Pa., and alternate, Harvey J. Berger, President, Re-
Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats, eager to get on
search Division, Centocor.
with what the Bush-Sununu free-enterprisers disparage as
Serving as Project Director is John S. Wilson,
"industrial policy," are not waiting upon the completion of
formerly with the Committee for Economic Develop-
scholarly studies. Instead, they're pumping substantial
ment and the Congressional Office of Technology
funds into several of their Reagan-era creations that have
Assessment.
languished under presidential policies of malign neglect.
One of these, the Advanced Technology Program (ATP)
generic technologies," which presumably can benefit many
at the National Institute for Standards and Technology
firms.
(NIST), has been funded for this year at $36 million rather
While adding money for the ATP grant program at NIST,
than the $10 million sought by the White House. With a still-
Congress also added additional funds for NIST's internal
unspent $9 million kitty from last year's appropriation,
operations. The President sought $198 million for NIST, an
ATP's first application period ended on September 24 with
increase of $34 million over last year's figure. Congress
249 applications, averaging $500,000 each.
pushed the increase to $51 million, for a record total of $215
Ignored by Reagan, the program has been accorded a
million for the NIST. Of that increase, $14 million was
minimal tolerance by the Bush Administration. But its
earmarked for particular programs, mostly in highly active
managers are ever-mindful of their political bosses' fre-
fields of industrial technology, such as semiconductors,
quent declamations against government trying to "pick
materials processing, composites, and superconductivity.
winners" in technology-a task that Bush and company
The Bush White House is deep in consultations over how
deem beyond the powers of federal employes. Instead, ATP
to revive his politically marred image and sinking fortunes.
is intended to assist with research on "precompetitive,
(Continued on Page 6)
6 -SCIENCE & GOVERNMENT REPORT
November 15, 1990
Surprise Loss for Science-Booster Doug Walgren
The science-affairs contingent on Capitol Hill came
support of science on Capitol Hill is more a matter of faith
through the election unscathed-with one unanticipated ex-
and conviction than political advantage. No scientific or-
ception, Rep. Doug Walgren, a Pittsburgh, Pa., Democrat
ganizations are out there hustling campaign money for
who had been one of the most active members of the
supportive members of Congress. George Brown, who pre-
Science, Space, and Technology Committee. A fellow
ceded Walgren as Chairman of the Science Subcommittee,
committee member who was considered to be in serious
once commented to SGR that scientists display a great deal
danger of defeat, Rep. George Brown (D-Calif.), won by a
of interest in Congress, except at election time. It is doubtful
comfortable margin.
that many scientists who benefited from Walgren's unfail-
Never seriously challenged since he left law practice and
ing support for NSF knew of his existence.
was elected to Congress in 1976, Walgren lost to an aggres-
sive opponent, Rick Santorum, by 80,764 to 85,251. Observ-
Social Sciences Gain Attention
ers of the campaign say the outcome was determined in the
The social and behavioral sciences are making progress
final days by Santorum's vigorous anti-incumbent theme.
in another round of their eternal quest for the recognition
Among other things, he accused Walgren of infrequent visits
that they earnestly feel has been denied them by Washing-
to the home district, a charge that has been the undoing of
ton's granting agencies.
other long-seated members.
At the National Science Foundation, the object is a
Walgren's home in affluent Potomac, Md., a suburb of
directorate of their own, rather than continued submersion
Washington, was featured on TV ads as evidence that he had
within the Directorate for Biological, Behavioral, and So-
strayed from the home folks. Walgren was also accused of
cial Sciences (SGR, October 1). The Directorate had a
trying to boost the National Science Foundation budget
budget last year of $293 million, of which $48 million is for
above the President's request, and his wife's one-time
"behavioral and neural sciences" and $33 million for "social
employment with a high-powered Washington lobbying
and economic sciences." The Directorate issue is under
firm, Cassidy and Associates, was also introduced as some-
review by a task force at the Foundation.
thing unseemly.
Meanwhile, especially strong statements in support of
Starting in 1981, Walgren chaired the Subcommittee on
the behavioral approach to health care are present in the
Science, Research, and Technology, holding that post until
report accompanying the Senate appropriations bill for the
last February, when he took the chairmanship of the Energy
National Institutes of Health. Under the heading "Health
and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer
and Behavior," the report states, "The Committee notes
Protection, and Competitiveness. The new post carried more
that extensive information, gained over the past three dec-
political swat and was a move upward in House hierarchy.
ades from epidemiological studies and clinical trials, indi-
But Walgren retained an active membership on the Science
cates the importance of behavior and lifestyle in placing an
Subcommittee, regularly participating in hearings that often
individual at risk for cardiovascular, lung, and blood disor-
drew very few of his colleagues.
ders."
Among his recent legislative achievements was the Sci-
Without specifying particular sums, the report adds, in
ence Scholarship Bill, which provides $5000 college schol-
reference to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute,
arships for one male and one female student in each Con-
that "Increased funding is included to support research on
gressional district. He was also a leading sponsor of the
preventing unhealthy behaviors, assessing the health effects
newly enacted Hotel, Motel, and Fire Safety Act.
of changes in behavior, and disseminating validated find-
Walgren's Congressional experience shows again that
ings to health professionals and the public." The report
continues: "The Committee expects the Institute to begin
Technology Policy
planning to increase these and other health and behavior
(Continued from Page 5)
research and education efforts especially in the following
In industrial technology, as with most matters, the President
areas: myocardial ischemia, smoking and body weight, risk
has no heartfelt feelings. His Rasputin, Sununu, is an anti-
reduction in children and minorities, stress and lipid me-
industrial policy believer of deep faith. But many of the
tabolism, nonpharmacologic interventions, and interactions
wounds that the President suffered in the last session of
between stress and exercise."
Congress are attributed to the ignorance and arrogance of his
Similar tasks are assigned to other parts of NIH. The
Chief of Staff, a PhD engineer with unshakable belief in his
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development,
own wisdom. Reports circulate that with his halo tarnished,
for example, is directed to undertake research "to expand
Sununu's influence has peaked, and that his tenure may not
our understanding of why some children, particularly ado-
be invincible. If he goes, or suffers a reduction of power, the
lescents, engage in risk-taking behavior, resulting in acci-
White House restraints on "industrial policy" are bound to
dents that cause personal injury, or leading to drug or alcohol
be loosened.-DSG
abuse or to unwise sexual behavior."
OFFICE OF CABINET AFFAIRS STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Date: 3-21-91
Due by: 4:00 Friday march 29
Subject: OMB clearance: OSTP Report on 5 year outlooh on
From:
Holly Williamson
science & sech,
ACTION
CONCUR FYI
ACTION CONCUR FYI
HOLIDAY
FITZHENRY
DANZANSKY
MCMUNN
ADAIR
PORTER
BUCHHOLZ
SCHALL
CASSE
SECHLER
EVANS
WETHINGTON
FARRAR
WILLIAMSON
GUNN
HEIMBACH
JACKSON
Comments:
P lease review & provide
comments to me by 4:00
on Friday march 29, manes
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
23 pager
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
washington, D.C. 20503
total
MAR 20 1991
LEGISLATIVE REFERRAL MEMORANDUM
LRM #M-126
TO: Legislative Liaison Officer:
COMMERCE - Michael A. Levitt - 377-3151 - 324
DEFENSE - Samuel T. Brick, Jr. - 697-1305 - 325
EDUCATION - John Kristy - 401-2670 1 207
HHS - Frances White - 245-7760 - 328
CEA - Francine Obermiller - 395-5036 - 242
EPA - Thomas C. Roberts - 382-5414 - 326
NASA - Martin P. Kress - 453-1948 - 219
NSC - William Sittmann - 456-6534 - 249
NSF - Charles H. Herz - 357-9435 - 248
SUBJECT: OSTP Proposed Report on Five Year Outlook on
Science and Technology
Chapter 8 -- "Funding Research Facilities"
DEADLINE: Friday MAR 29 1991
The Office of Management and Budget requests the views of your
the program of the President, in accordance with OMB Circular A-19.
agency on the above subject before advising on its relationship to
Questions should be referred to Norine Noonan (395-3534)
JAMES
Assistant Director for
James J. JUKES J Julie (for)
Legislative Reference
CC:
Connie Bowers
Greg Henry
Cora Beebe
Barry Clendenin
Barry White
Holly Williamson
Holly Fitter
Janet Forsgren
03/21/91
12:05
OMB LRD/ESGG
002
CHAPTER 8
FUNDING RESEARCH FACILITIES
Research in science and engineering requires laboratories,
sophisticated instruments and equipment, and computing facilities.
These in turn require appropriately-designed buildings to house
them. Thus a concern for the nation's ability to expand the
frontiers of knowledge and to remain competitive in science and
technology with other nations requires ultimately a concern for
bricks and mortar--for expanding and renewing the nation's research
facilities.
Historically, academic institutions have performed more than
half of all basic research conducted in the United States, and they
also have the fundamental responsibility for training the nation's
future scientists and engineers. In the period after Sputnik, in
the 1960's and early 1970's, the Federal government contributed
substantially to building the nation's academic research capacity.
But these programs were phased out and other sources of funding
have also been constrained, while the need has grown in parallel
with the size and sophistication of the nation's research effort.
As a result, the nation's universities have deferred many capital
expenditures and have been unable to modernize and expand research
facilities rapidly enough. Surveys indicate that a significant
portion of U.S. academic research facilities have deteriorated and
that colleges and universities face an estimated $12 billion
03/21/91
12:06
OMB LRD/ESGG
003
Science and Technology
2
backlog in repairs and new construction for these facilities.
Concerns emanating from Congress and the academic community
about the increasingly critical shortage of modern research
facilities in universities and colleges led to extensive hearings
during the 1980's in both the House and the Senate. The Congress
mandated systematic data collection to document the magnitude of
the problem, and the National Science Foundation conducted
full-scale surveys in 1988 and 1990 and reported the results to the
Congress. The Congress also passed legislation in 1988 establishing
an Academic Research Facilities Modernization Program, intended to
provide up to $0.9 billion over five years for renovation and
repair, but so far funded with only $40 million over two years.
A second Congressional response to the growing backlog of
repair and renovation projects and the need for new high-tech
facilities has been an increasing--and controversial--trend to
earmark Federal funds for specific facilities and specific
institutions. While earmarking is a well-entrenched practice in
many areas of government spending, its application to the funding
of academic research facilities is a relatively new phenomenon,
beginning in the early 1980's.
Earmarking is the practice of funding research facilities,
instruments, or projects which have not been subjected to peer
review and are not competitively awarded. It has been controversial
both within the scientific community, where it violates established
practices of expert review of technical merit, and within the
Congress, because earmarks often stem from actions by
03/21/91
12:06
OMB LRD/ESGG
004
Science and Technology
3
appropriations committee that bypass the authorizing committees.
Additional concerns are that the practice may waste scarce national
resources and can disrupt agency budgeting and force inefficient
reallocation of resources.
of particular concern is the perception that the practice of
earmarking is growing rapidly. In fiscal years 1980-1989, over 300
earmarks for academic facilities and projects totalling more than
$900 million have been identified--an average rate of $90 million
per year. In the FY 1991 budget, academic earmarks accounted for
at least $270 million and perhaps as much as $348 million. In
addition, research and development earmarks for non-academic
institutions totalled an estimated $460 million. At this rate of
growth, the practice may rapidly become a serious threat to the
peer review process itself as well as a significant constraint on
the research activities of several agencies. At the same time, the
amounts of funds appropriated through earmarking do not
substantially reduce the backlog of research facilities needs.
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH FACILITIES
In 1990, according to the most recent study by the National Science
Foundation, 116 million square feet was allocated to research use
at the nation's universities and colleges. Research facilities
amounted to 40 percent of all space used for science and
engineering in these institutions. Seventy percent of this research
space was located at the 100 largest research-performing
institutions and more than 85 percent was concentrated in five
03/21/91
12:07
OMB LRD/ESGG
005
Science and Technology
4
major fields: biological, medical, agricultural, and physical
sciences, and engineering.
The quality of existing research facilities varied.
Institutions reported in 1990 that 26 percent of their total
research space was "suitable for use in the most highly developed
and scientifically sophisticated research in its field.' Another
35 percent of space was reported to be "effective for most
purposes
" At same time, 39 percent was reported to be in need
of repair and renovation (Figure 1).
Over the four-year period 1986-1989, institutions spent a $4.5
billion to construct new research facilities and $1.9 billion to
repair and upgrade research space. Facilities spending was heavily
concentrated in medical, biological, physical sciences, and
engineering fields. Over this same period, public universities and
colleges acquired nearly half of their funding for facilities
construction and renovation from state and local government
sources. Private institutions relied mainly on private donations,
institutional funds, and debt financing. The Federal government
provided only 11 percent of total direct funding for facilities at
private institutions and 8 percent at public institutions. Direct
Federal funds for new construction and for repair and renovation
projects at academic institutions more than doubled during 1986-
2989.
Facilities Needs
In 1986, the White House Science Council Panel on the Health of
U.S. Colleges and Universities issued the Packard-Bromley report,
03/21/91
12:07
OMB LRD/ESGG
006
Science and Technology
5
which called for a 10-year, $10 billion program to renovate and
construct scientific research facilities. The report suggested that
$5 billion should come from the Federal government and the other
half from non-Federal sources. Later studies have confirmed a
growing backlog of facilities modernization and new construction
needs.
In 1988, the National Science Foundation estimated that
universities needed $11.6 billion in research facilities
improvements but planned to spend only $3.0 billion over the 1988-
1989 period. By 1990, the gap had widened: $15.6 billion in
research facilities needs compared with planned spending of about
$3.6 billion for the 1990-1991 period, leaving a $12 billion
backlog. Thus for every $1.00 of new facilities construction or
renovation that institutions planned for 1990-1991, they deferred
an additional $3.00 in needed construction spending and $4.00 in
needed repairs.
Academic research institutions ascribe the growing deficit in
research facilities to a variety of factors, including:
the accelerating pace of scientific progress and the
increasing development of new, more powerful instruments;
the high cost of specialized research facilities;
the impact of regulatory, technical, and other requirements
on building standards;
the cost of upgrading older buildings and facilities, many
of which are structurally inflexible and obsolete to the point
where it may be neither cost effective nor possible to renovate
03/21/91
12:08
OMB LRD/ESGG
007
Science and Technology
6
them to meet today's research needs:
* chronic underfunding due to other priorities.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
As early as 1956 there were concerns about the condition of
academic research facilities and the role of the federal government
in providing assistance to improve them. In 1957, a report by the
National Science Foundation concluded that the nation's
laboratories were deteriorating and that rising college enrollments
would place added stress on science laboratory needs. The launching
of Sputnik shortly after the report was published served as a
catalyst for substantially increased Federal support for
facilities. In addition, a 1960 report issued by the President's
Science Advisory Committee recommended expanding the research base
by increasing the number of high quality research universities.
It was in this climate that a number of programs for
construction or renovation of general research facilities were
established. Several Federal agencies, including the National
Institutes of Health, the National science Foundation, and the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration began sizable
programs to expand and enhance research facilities. Most of these
programs required cost sharing or matching funds from non-Federal
sources. Federal research facility support programs and other
initiatives of the 1960's and early 1970's were instrumental in
helping to build and strengthen the nation's academic research
capacity.
03/21/91
12:08
OMB LRD/ESGG
008
Science and Technology
7
Many of these facilities programs were phased out in the late
1970's and early 1980's in response to more austere budgets and
changing national priorities. During the 1980's, there have been
only a few programs for research facilities, mostly aimed at
specific medical problems such as AIDS.
An Academic Research Facilities Modernization Program was
established by the National Science Foundation Authorization Act
of 1988 to "assist in modernizing and revitalizing the nation's
research facilities." While this merit-based competitive program
was authorized at nearly $900 million over five years, only $20
million was appropriated each year for FY 1990 and 1991. The
purpose of the program is explicitly repair and renovation, not
construction of new facilities. Grants totaling $39 million to 78
colleges, universities, and nonprofit institutions nationwide were
made in early 1991. These grants will be combined with over $61
million in required matching funds from the institutions
themselves, from state and local governments, and from private
sources to provide over $100 million in total support for projects
in 37 states. The National Science Foundation is the only agency
with broad research facilities construction authority at this time.
ISSUES IN RESEARCH FACILITIES FUNDING
Two methods have been are used to provide federal support for
science and engineering research projects, facilities, instruments,
or other research-related expenses. The usual method is that of
competitive grants requiring merit review, usually by expert
03/21/91
12:08
OMB LRD/ESGG
009
Science and Technology
8
representatives from the relevant research community; the grants
are awarded by Federal agencies based on levels of program funding
established by Congress. This form of collaboration among the
Congress, the executive agencies, and the science and engineering
community emerged from extensive discussion and debate following
World War II. It defines an informal social contract under which
the government grants to representatives of the scientific
community an unusual role in determining the allocation of funds
for research activities in return for expert advice on its research
investments. The resulting competitive grants are based on
published evaluation criteria and reviews by knowledgeable
scientists and engineers. since most competitive grant programs for
facilities require a substantial matching commitment, federal
funding is leveraged so that other sectors must also determine
priorities and bear their fair share of the costs.
A second method for providing support to research facilities
or projects is direct Congressional appropriations. Direct
Congressional action, or earmarking, is an approach used by a
Congressional committee or subcommittee to designate a certain
portion of an agency's appropriation for a specific facility or
project at a specific institution. Earmarking is a time-honored
practice and widely used political tool in other areas, often as
a redistributive device that addresses fiscal inequalities and
legislative power. It has only recently become prominent as a means
of appropriating Federal funds for academic facilities and
projects. As applied to research facilities, the earmarking
03/21/91
12:09
OMB LRD/ESGG
010
Science and Technology
9
approach usually lacks competitive scientific or technical merit
reviews or comparative analyses based on need or impact.
Substantial matching or cost sharing by the recipient or leveraging
of the public funds also may not be required.
Earmarking appears to have accelerated since the early 1980s.
There are, however, few sources of academic earmarking information,
and longitudinal data of a comprehensive nature do not exist. In
many cases, reports cannot characterize the earmarks fully by
location, institution, and type of activity. Intentional
obfuscation of detail is apparent in some appropriations bills.
Therefore, in systematic listings of earmarks, it is very difficult
to identify amounts going specifically for academic research
facilities. The reports that do exist acknowledge these
deficiencies and point out that the total number of earmarks and
their dollar value are probably underestimated in the data
presented. still, trends in the magnitude and direction of such
earmarks can be ascertained from the few studies that have been
completed.
Data from the Congressional Research Service and the
University of California show that from FY 1980 through FY 1989,
more than $900 million was earmarked for at least 300 academic
facility and research projects in the federal government's
appropriations bills. "Identifiable apparent earmarks" rose
steadily from just over $10 million in FY 1980 to $113 million in
1987, with a doubling to over $200 million in both 1988 and 1989.
Similar earmarks totaled $132 million in FY 1990 and are estimated
03/21/91
12:09
OMB LRD/ESGG
011
Science and Technology
10
in a report by the Office of Technology Assessment to be at least
$270 million in FY 1991.
New study of Direct Congressional Action
A more recent study done for the office of Science and
Technology Policy indicates that in the FY 1991 appropriation
process, Congress earmarked a total of $810 million for R&D items
for specific institutions or locations (See Table 1). A total of
492 such earmarks were identifed, of which 325 were in Agriculture,
48 in Energy, and 28 in DOD. On the basis of the often meager
explanations given, 111 earmarks have been classified as for
construction or provision of facilities and 381 for R&D operations.
A total of 65 of the earmarks were specified in the appropriations
bills; the other 381 appeared in appropriations committee reports
only.
Some qualifications should be noted with respect to this
analysis. The apparent earmarks identified excludes programmatic
earmarks not pointed at particular institutions or locations,
earmarks to established federal and national laboratories, earmarks
for non-R&D related purposes, and "invisible" earmarks communicated
by Congress to the agencies in ways other than the appropriation
bills or reports.
The analysis includes earmarks for R&D operations as well as
for construction of facilities, earmarks for on-going activities
and for new activities specifically authorized by law where the
budget recommended no funding, and earmarks where a specific
03/21/91
12:10
OMB LRD/ESGG
012
Science and Technology
11
institution or location appears to be implied although not named.
In cases where the reports do not characterize the earmarks fully
by location, institution, and type of activity, judgments have been
necessary in classifying them for analysis.
The data available do not support judgments on the merits of
the earmarks or on the motivations for the earmarking. Without a
case-by-case review with agency or Congressional staff directly
involved, it is not possible to determine to what degree each
earmark was a response to advocacy by an institution, a
Congressional initiative, or a recognition by Congress of a
significant national or programmatic need.
Analysis of FY 1991 Earmarking. The FY 1991 data on apparent
earmarking show that academic institutions can be reliably
identified as the beneficiaries of only about half of the earmarks
for which the type of recipient can be established. The data
include 221 earmarks totalling $724.4 million for R&D operations
and facilities, of which only 101 ($348.1 million) are for academic
institutions. The other recipients include non-profit institutions,
and private, state, local, and cooperative federal-state entities.
In addition there are 271 earmarks in operations of the Department
of Agriculture for which the data do not reliably identify the type
of recipient.
For facilities earmarks only, the ratio is somewhat higher.
Including those in the Department of Agriculture, academic
institutions received 67 ($276.3 million) out of the total of 111
($427.5 million). The agency breakdown of the 67 is 30 in the
03/21/91
12:10
OMB LRD/ESGG
013
Science and Technology
12
Department of Agriculture, 15 in the General Services
Administration, 13 in the Department of Energy, 7 in the Department
of Defense, and 2 all others.
There were no earmarks in most of the major programs
supporting science in universities, including the National Science
Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the general science
program of the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, and the Department of Agriculture competitive
grants program. The exceptions are the Department of Energy
programs in basic energy sciences, biological and environmental
research, and energy supply programs (33 earmarks) and the
Department of Defense university research initiative (7 earmarks).
Although comparable data for prior years is not available, it
is apparent that there was a significant increase in Congressional
earmarking in the FY 1991 appropriations. This and other evidence
indicate a major change in FY 1991 in Congressional practices with
respect to R&D earmarks, especially in certain subcommittees of the
Appropriations Committees. The Energy and Water Resources
subcommittees accounted for 33 earmarks. The Defense subcommittees
accounted for 28 earmarks and specifically exempted them from
previously enacted legislative requirements for competition. The
Treasury-Post Office subcommittees inserted funding for 21 earmarks
for R&D construction at non-federal institutions into the
appropriation of the General Services Administration, which
normally provides only for construction of federal office
buildings. The Veterans-HUD subcommittees appear to have inserted
03/21/91
12:11
OMB LRD/ESGG
014
Science and Technology
13
more earmarks than usual in the funds for the Environmental
Protection Agency and for the first time also inserted earmarks
into the construction account of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. It is not clear whether earmarking is on the rise
in the Agriculture and Interior subcommittees or if the FY 1991
earmarks are simply a continuation of their normal practices.
Impacts of FY 1991 Earmarking. Generally, any earmarks within a
constrained total put a corresponding squeeze on the agency's
overall program. Analysis of the budget data cannot isolate the
impact of these earmarks from other factors, but it can indicate
some areas of greater or lesser apparent impact. It is possible,
however, to compare for each program area the amounts earmarked
with the net change made by Congress in the proposed Fy 1991
budget. To the extent Congress has provided a net increase over the
proposed budget for R&D, the squeeze has been applied elsewhere in
the budget and the earmarks can be said to have been covered by
"new money." To the extent that funding increases fall short of
the amounts earmarked, and in all cases where Congress has reduced
the proposed budget, there is a negative impact on the R&D budget
which the agency will have to find ways to absorb.
On this basis, R&D earmarks totaling $283.1 million appear to
have been covered with "new money." Earmarks totalling $403.4
million appear to have been partially covered by $208.9 million in
budget increases, so that the squeeze on them could be as little
as $194.5 million. In the few cases where earmarks were made in
programs reduced by Congress, the budget squeeze will be the full
03/21/91
12:11
OMB LRD/ESGG
015
Science and Technology
14
amount of the earmarks; this is the case, for example, in some
programs within the Department of Defense and in the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration.
In total, this analysis suggests that the impact on R&D
budgets of the $809.6 million of earmarks will be net reductions
totaling at least $332.0 million. The reductions will be greater
to the extent that agencies with budget increases are not able to
apply the increases as offsets to their earmarks, and could be less
to the extent they are able to accept earmarked items as adequate
substitutes for programs in the budget.
From all indications, the most serious budgetary impacts would
appear to be in Department of Energy programs budgeted under Energy
Supply R&D, in the Agricultural Research Service, and in the Forest
service. In the other cases the earmarked amounts are a relatively
small percent of the total budgets.
The FY 1991 earmarks include about 25 instances in which new
centers, institutes, or other entities are to be established. In
most of these instances continued Federal support in future years
seems clearly implied. Most of the operations earmarks also imply
continuing support in future years. Thus FY 1991 earmarks have put
a built-in squeeze on future year budgets, an effect that will be
compounded as additional earmarks are made each year.
Divergent Points of View
Much of the growth in research facilities funding since the mid-
1980's has been due to Congressional earmarking of appropriations.
03/21/91
12:12
OMB LRD/ESGG
016
Science and Technology
15
The practice has been controversial, welcomed by some as an
effective way to confront a serious national problem and deplored
by others concerned that the tendency to use earmarks threatens the
very fabric of academic institutions and the integrity of the U.S.
research enterprise.
Those who support the concept of Congressional earmarking for
research facilities point to the historical presence of this
phenomenon over time and argue that it can be considered a form of
constituent service. They also argue that universities and colleges
who seek earmarks are merely exercising their constitutional rights
to petition Congress on their own behalf. To supporters, the
practice constitutes accepted ethical behavior on the part of
Congress, particularly since everyone in the Congress has the
opportunity to vote on any given earmarked project or facility.
Some who favor earmarking also cite a redistributive rational,
claiming that an "old boys network" is actively at work in the
regular merit-review process of making research awards. In their
opinion, merit review works to the disproportionate advantage of
major research institutions, at the expense of smaller and less
prestigious institutions that would like to establish a stronger
research presence. This argument holds that earmarking is necessary
to correct an unfair situation by allowing the "have nots" to
improve their status relative to the "haves," so that they become
more competitive. In this argument, earmarks are seen as furthering
socially justifiable goals.
Data on earmarking, however, indicate that this may not be
03/21/91
12:12
OMB LRD/ESGG
017
Science and Technology
16
the case. Over the FY 1980-89 period, for example, more than 40
percent of the $900 million in earmarks went to just five states,
while two-thirds of the earmark dollars went to only ten states.
Ten institutions received nearly 40 percent of all earmarked funds
and the top twenty schools received nearly 60 percent of all
earmarked funds. In FY 1990, 71 percent of the $132 million in
apparent academic earmarks went to 10 states, while the "top ten"
earmark recipients accounted for 52 percent of the dollar value of
all academic earmarks. It appears that the practice of earmarking
may in fact be geographically inequitable, primarily benefiting
only a handful of states and academic institutions.
Another rational advanced for Congressional earmarking is
that, more than 20 years, there has been no federal program for
funding of research facilities on a merit-review basis. Before the
implementation of the National Science Foundation facilities
modernization program in FY 1989, there was no alternative for
getting facilities funding, because no competitive federal programs
existed. Proponents of earmarking argue that the current program
is not large enough. If there were substantial competitive programs
for research facilities, they assert, there would be less pressure
from institutions to get earmarked funds and it would be
correspondingly easier for legislators to refuse constituent
demands.
Those who oppose earmarking in the research arena are
concerned about the lack of competition and open debate regarding
the merits of the project or facility to meet national needs and
03/21/91
12:13
OMB LRD/ESGG
018
Science and Technology
17
goals. The 1986 Packard-Bromley report on the health of U.S.
colleges and universities stressed that assessments made by
technically qualified review individuals and panels as to how
reasonable and necessary a research project or budget is are
generally viewed as sound and credible. The report recommendation
that a facilities fund be established was accompanied by the
recommendation that all proposals be subjected to review within the
scientific or technological community involved.
While earmarking attempts to address a real problem, the
limited availability of federal funds for research infrastructure,
it often does it outside the quality control process which has
worked so well in the past. Proponents of merit review cite
instances when Congress has responded to the pressures for
facilities earmarks by approving funds without debate or review by
committees. There have been instances when facilities projects were
added as last minute floor amendments, bypassing peer review, the
agency, and the appropriate Congressional committee.
In a time of scarce resources for research, merit competition
appeals to the American sense of fair play--everyone should compete
fairly for the taxpayers' dollar. The competitive process uses
standardized evaluation criteria to judge the merits of proposed
facilities, the need for such facilities, and the capability of the
institution. Moreover, the 1986 Packard-Bromley report argued that
the system of awarding grants and contracts on the basis of
technical review is essential to the U.S. ability to maintain
excellence in science. The direct appeal to Congress for funding
03/21/91
12:13
OMB LRD/ESGG
019
science and Technology
18
scientific facilities, it can be argued, threatens this process
and, if the practice grows, could seriously undermine the system
of competition for research funding.
Earmarking also upsets the decision-making balance and
division of labor between the Congress, the Executive agencies, and
the science and engineering community. The current tiers of
decision making allow each body to contribute its unique expertise.
Congress is charged with setting national priorities; Federal
agencies evaluate specific activities to meet national objectives;
researchers provide expertise to the agencies in an advisory
capacity, providing merit review. In contrast, earmarking places
all of the responsibility in the hands of Congress.
Partial responsibility for the possible erosion of the merit
review process also lies in the hands of the scientists, engineers,
and university research administrators who have been trusted by the
Federal government to determine the nature of academic research
activity and ensure its excellence. Increased reliance of the
scientific community on direct political measures could destroy the
perception of its objectivity and integrity, erode the trust with
which it has been vested, imperil its autonomy, and forfeit its
right to play a significant role in Federal resource
decision-making.
Finally, it can be argued that bypassing the merit review
process has the quality of being a short term solution to a long
term problem. The major need that exists for research facilities
cannot be satisfied by earmarking, nor is this process an efficient
03/21/91
12:14
OMB LRD/ESGG
020
Science and Technology
19
way to allocate scarce resources to meet this need. In this view,
the Nation needs a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs for
research facilities, preferably a cooperative one involving the
Federal government, the academic community, the states, and other
sponsors of research.
SELECTED ADDITIONAL READING
1. Association of American Universities and National Association
of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, University Research
Facilities: A National Problem Requiring a National Response, The
Ad Hoc Committee on Academic Research Facilities (Washington, D.C.)
June 1989.
2. Congressional Research Service, Bricks and Mortar: A Summary
and Analysis of Proposals to Meet Research Facilities Needs on
College Campuses (Washington, D.C.) March 1987.
3. Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable, Perspectives
on Financing Academic Research Facilities: A Resource for Policy
Formulation, National Academy of Sciences (National Academy Press:
Washington, D.C.) October 1989.
4. Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable, "Research
Facility Financing: Near-Term Options" (Washington D.C.) October
1990.
5. National c-ience Foundation, Scientific and Engineering Research
Facilities at Universities and Colleges: 1988, NSF 88-320
(Washington, D.C.) September 1988.
6. National Science Foundation, Scientific and Engineering Research
03/21/91
13:24
OMB LRD/ESGG
001
Science and Technology
20
Facilities at Universities and Colleges: 1990, NSF 90-318
(Washington, D.C.) September 1990.
7. National Science Foundation, Modernizing Academic Research
Facilities: A Comprehensive Plan, NSF 89-61, (Washington, D.C.)
June 1989.
8. Office of Science and Technology Policy, Report of the White
House Science Council: Panel on the Health of U.S. Colleges and
Universities, Washington, D.C., February 1986.
9. James Savage, "The Distribution of Academic Earmarks in the
Federal Government's Appropriations Bills, FY 1980-1989" (Oakland,
CA: University of California) March 7, 1989.
10. James Savage, "Apparent Academic Earmarks in the FY 1990
Federal Appropriations Bills" (Oakland, CA: University of
California) December 19, 1989.
11. United States Senate, The Committee on Rules and
Administration, Hearing on Senate Resolution 206, "To Establish a
Point of Order against Material that Earmarks Research Monies for
Designated Institutions without Competition" (Washington, D.C.)
June 21, 1990.
FIGURE 1
Institution-assessed quality/condition of academic
research facilities: 1990
03/21/91
16%
26%
13:24
23%
35%
(base = 116.3 million sq. ft.)
OMB LRD/ESGG
Suitable for use in most sophisticated research
Effective for most uses
000
Needs limited repair/renovation
Needs major repair/renovation
use redrown form
002
Source: National Science Foundation, SRS
03/21/91
13:25
OMB LRD/ESGG
003
To b/e/
TABLE 111
CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS OF R&D ITEMS
FOR SPECIFIC INSTITUTIONS OR LOCATIONS
BY 1991 APPROPRIATIONS
A . BY AGENCY
(in millions)
Facilities
Operations
Total
In
Repts.
Agency
No.
Amt.
No.
Amt.
No.
Amt.
Law
Only
Defense
8
106.5
20
146.9
28
253.4
16
12
Energy
15
104.1
33
81.4
48
185.5
16
32
Commerce
2
3.0
12
11.4
14
14.4
4
10
Interior
2
.8
23
16.7
25
17.5
-
25
EPA
4
37.2
16
29.7
20
66.9
1
19
HHS
1
2
1
3.2
2
3.4
1
1
Education
.
.
5
7.6
5
7.6
5
.
NASA
4
18.0
-
-
4
18.0
1
3
NSF
-
.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Smithsonian
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
.
GSA
21
60.7
-
-
21
60.7
21
-
Agriculture
54
97.0
271
85.2
325
182.2
4
325
TOTAL
111
427.5
381
382.1
492
809.6
65
427
OFFICE OF CABINET AFFAIRS STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Date: 3-19-91
Due by: 4:00 Wednesday, March 27
Subject: OMB cleavance: OSTP Report on Five year Outlook on Science
From: Holly Williamson
& Technology
ACTION
CONCUR
FYI
ACTION CONCUR FYI
HOLIDAY
FITZHENRY
DANZANSKY
MCMUNN
ADAIR
PORTER
BUCHHOLZ
SCHALL
CASSE
SECHLER
EVANS
WETHINGTON
FARRAR
WILLIAMSON
GUNN
HEIMBACH
JACKSON
Comments:
Please review and provide
comments to me by 4:00 on
Wednesday, March 27. Thank you.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
Washington, D.C. 20503
MAR 18 1991
LEGISLATIVE REFERRAL MEMORANDUM
LRM #M-121
TO: Legislative Liaison Officer:
COMMERCE - - Michael A. Levitt - 377-3151 - 324
DEFENSE - Samuel T. Brick, Jr. - 697-1305 - 325
EDUCATION - John Kristy - 401-2670 - 207
HHS - Frances White - 245-7760 - 328
CEA - Francine Obermiller - 395-5036 - 242
EPA - Thomas C. Roberts - 382-5414 - 326
NASA - Martin P. Kress - 453-1948 - 219
NSC - William Sittmann - - 456-6534 - 249
NSF - Charles H. Herz - 357-9435 - 248
SUBJECT: OSTP Proposed Report on Five Year Outlook on
Science and Technology
Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 6 of this draft report to
Congress. The remaining sections will be sent to
you separately.
DEADLINE: Wednesday MAR 27 1991
The Office of Management and Budget requests the views of your
agency on the above subject before advising on its relationship to
the program of the President, in accordance with OMB Circular A-19.
Questions should be referred to Norine Noonan. (395-3534).
JAMES
Assistant Director for
James J. JUKES J (for) Julie
Legislative Reference
CC:
Connie Bowers
Greg Henry
Cora Beebe
Barry Clendenin
Barry White
Holly Williamson
Holly Fitter
Janet Forsgren
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
A Report to the Congress
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
I. TRENDS
1. Supporting Science and Technology
An overview of longterm trends and current directions
II. PRIORITIES
2. Creating An Information-Rich Society
The promise of high performance computing, national
networks of data freeways, and other elements of a national
information infrastructure
3. Harnessing the Tools of Life
The prospect of the biotechnology revolution in medicine,
foods, agriculture, energy, and environmental clean-up.
4. Managing the Earth
The challenge of protecting the environment through
understanding, monitoring, and predicting global change
5. Sowing the Seedcorn for a Competitive Economy
The potential of national investment in fundamental
technologies that are critical for future growth
6. Forming the Minds of Tomorrow
The urgent necessity of preparing our youth for an
increasingly high-tech future through strengthing pre-college
education in mathematics, science, and technical skills
III. POLICY ISSUES
7. Investing in Basic Research
The rational for basic research as an societal investment and
research the continuing tension between large scale and small scale
8. Funding Research Facilities
Analysis of the increasing allocation of research funds and
of new research facilities on the basis of constituent
pressure rather than of national need
CHAPTER 2
CREATING AN INFORMATION-RICH SOCIETY
Supercomputers and the data networks that connect them are
becoming increasingly important to scientific advancement, economic
competition, and national security. The technology has the
potential for extraordinarily rapid advances within the next five
years--a 1000-fold improvement in computing speed and a 100-fold
improvement in the capacity of data networks. As such, the
technology is close to the point of having a transforming effect
on industries, educational institutions at all levels, and society
as a whole.
Such a transforming effect is already evident in scientific
research and in engineering practice, where computational methods
have joined, and in some areas displaced, the traditional methods
of theory and experiment. In the design of commercial aircraft, for
example, many engineering issues are resolved through computer
simulation rather than through costly wind tunnel experiments.
Access to supercomputers is already essential in many fields of
research, from theoretical astrophysics to the study of complex
biochemical molecules to climate prediction. Yet despite remarkable
advances over the past 30 years in computer technology, operating
software, and computational techniques, computers are not yet
powerful enough to realize their full potential. Without a 1000-
fold increase in supercomputer speeds, many fundamental scientific
2
Biennial Science and Technology Report
problems will remain unsolveable and many applications of
computational science and engineering will remain out of reach.
Nonetheless, high performance computing is already emerging
as a technology of great economic and social importance, in
sometimes surprising ways. Supercomputers make possible a more
efficient, integrated approach to the design and manufacturing of
many kinds of products. They also make possible new, more powerful
methods of managing or even creating information and the ability
to display it in graphic forms that enable the human brain to grasp
patterns and complexities heretofore unattainable. Supercomputers
also exert a strong leverage on the rest of the computer industry.
Historically, just 15 years separates the appearance of a new
supercomputer and the availability of the same computing power in
desktop machines.
So far, supercomputers are located primarily in major research
laboratories and large companies. But for high performance
computing to realize its potential, supercomputing power must also
be accessible to researchers in all colleges and universities, to
small and medium-sized businesses, and ultimately even to the
classroom at both college and pre-college levels. What would make
such widespread access possible is a national computer network
capable of communicating at supercomputer speeds.
Computer networks are already in place. In a growing number
of science and technology fields, progress and productivity in
intoraction
of people located in distant places. Computer networks, by
3
Biennial Science and Technology Report
providing low cost communication and the essentially instantaneous
transfer of data and graphic information, makes such interaction
possible. Use of existing networks is growing very rapidly,
doubling several times each year. Much higher communication
capacities and speeds will be required to accomodate this growth,
to handle the volume of data that supercomputers generate, and to
expand and link existing networks into a system of national "data
freeways" that can serve as the basis of a national information
infrastructure.
High capacity networks have the capacity to shrink the world,
rendering physical distances less important, and at the same time
expand the world of information available to individuals. Access
to the vast stores of information that already exist--in
laboratories, in government agencies, in museums and libraries--
and the computing power to shape and present that information in
forms appealing to the human mind could enormously enrich American
society.
POLICY RELEVANCE
The national stake in high performance computing includes the
enhancement of research itself, because advances in this
revolutionary technology enables advances in almost every other
science and engineering discipline. Achieving the prospective 1000-
fold leap in computing power is essential to solve critical
problems such as pollution dispersion or climate_prediction. A high
speed network is equally essential to give the nation's scientists
Biennial Science and Technology Report
and engineers ready access to high performance computers and
facilitate the collaboration of physically-distant research group:
thus making the most efficient use of the nation's scientif
talent.
But very fast, very powerful computers and the networks
link them together are tools of vital importance far beyond th
university or the federal research laboratory. These technologie
are economically important because they are becoming central t
virtually every industrial field. Thus high performance computir
can speed the pace of innovation and spur gains in U.S
productivity and industrial competitiveness by transforming th
design and production process.
High performance computing is already important in nationa
security and national defense, in the analysis of intelligence ar
in the development of advanced military technology. Its importanc
will increase as electronic battlefield management and missil
defense become more central to military strategies.
Finally, high performance computing and communications has th
potential to transform and enrich education at all levels, makir
immense libraries of information and powerful learning aid
universally available in every school in the nation. A high-speed
high-capacity network can link students to distant scholars O
master teachers, can offer students at rural schools the sam
wealth of visual materials and advanced curricula that their urba
counternarts have and can make "hands on" science course
available even in schools that lack modern facilities the
5
Biennial Science and Technology Report
simulated laboratories. Ultimately the network can facilitate the
ability of schools at all levels to offer individualized
instruction to every student.
The Bush Administration has proposed a strategic Federal
investment in the frontiers of computing and computer
communications technologies that consists of four components
representing the key areas of high performance computing and
communications:
High Performance Computing Systems: the development of the
underlying technology required for parallel computing systems
capable of sustaining trillions of operations per second on large
problems.
Advanced Software Technology and Algorithms: the development
of generic software technology and algorithms for grand challenge
research applications to realize the performance potential of high
performance computing systems in a networked environment.
National Research and Education Network: the development of
a national high speed network to provide distributed computing
capability to research and educational institutions and to further
advanced research on very high speed networks and applications.
Basic Research and Human Resources: support for fundamental
research in computer and computational science and engineering,
activities to significantly increase the pool of trained personnel,
and support for efforts to accelerate technology transition.
The program provides for development of these revolutionary
technologies within the framework of a partnership among
5
Biennial Science and Technology Report
government, industry, and academe which allows for rapid
translation of laboratory results into new products.
STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY
High performance computing technology is knowledge and innovation
intensive. Its development and use engages the entire scientific
and engineering community. Building upon fundamental research of
the early 1980's, a new computing technology of scalable parallel
processing computers emerged. By the mid-1990's, this innovative
approach to high performance computing systems promises to achieve
sustained performance improvements of a thousand-fold compared to
current systems and a hundred-fold in network speed and capacity.
Hardware
The current generation of supercomputer achieve their performance
through the use of the fastest possible individual components, but
with relatively conservative computer architectures. These
computers use up to eight parallel processors and reach speeds up
to 10 billion operations per second, but their specific
architectures cannot be scaled up significantly. Large scale
parallel processing, in which the computational workload is shared
among many processors, is considered to be the most promising
approach to producing significantly faster supercomputers.
Experiments with parallel computers have demonstrated that
computation speeds can increase almost in direct proportion to the
number of_processors in certain applications. Thus the approach to
large scale parallel processing widely thought to be most likely
Biennial Science and Technology Report
to succeed is based on computer architectures known as "massive
parallelism." Unlike current supercomputers, these architectures
employ 100s to 10,000s of processors and high levels of circuit
integration, albeit with somewhat slower individual components.
Equally important, these architectures are scalable to higher
levels of parallelism, simply by adding additional processors to
the design, with corresponding increase in potential performance.
An important benefit of the scalable architectures is that a
single design, with its attendant components and software, may
prove to be useful and efficient over a performance range of 10 to
100 or more. This allows one design and one set of operating and
applications software to be used for a family of workstations,
mini-supercomputers, and very high performance supercomputers.
The United States is currently the leader in developing
scalable parallel processing computers and the components for these
computers. The first generation of such systems is now commercially
available, constructed for the most part with general purpose
components. This approach keeps overall costs down and can achieve
very substantial speeds. Current or recently-announced general
purpose processors, for example, operate in the range of 20-50
million instructions per second. Thus a parallel computer
incorporating 500 such processors would approach the operating
speeds of today's fastest supercomputers; a computer incorporating
20,000 of these processors would be required to approach the range
First generation scalable parallel systems have demonstrated
Biennial Science and Technology Report
high performance for both numeric and non-numeric applications,
including symbolic processing. Comparable systems do not yet exist
outside the United States. Experience with these systems has shown
that, even with existing software, they are effective for certain
classes of problems. New approaches to software for these large
scale parallel systems, now beginning to emerge, suggest that
parallel computing can be applied to wide classes of scientific and
engineering problems.
Second generation systems that incorporate higher speed
components and more parallelism are already under development.
These depend less on general purpose processors and more on
integrated circuits that are specific to particular applications,
which have become less expensive and more readily available. This
approach may ultimately offer the highest speeds. However,
exploiting parallel processing effectively presents significant
challenges. Major efforts will be required to develop improved
hardware, algorithms, and operating software to the point where
they can be sucessfully applied to a broad range of problems.
Software
Computer hardware, by itself, can do little, until its power is
tapped by the sets of instructions, or software, that guide
computer operations. Historically, advances in software and in
computational methods have proved just as important to advances in
computing as hardware advances. In several classes of scientific
computing problems, for example, hardware improvements yielded a
1000-fold speed-up over 20 years, while improvements in software
Biennial Science and Technology Report
and algorithms yielded a 3000-fold speed-up over the same period.
As high performance computing systems evolve, it is becoming
clear that major advances in software are also essential to realize
their full performance potential. Software development, analysis,
and adaptation remain difficult and costly for traditional computer
architectures, and parallel systems pose even greater challenges.
New computers are often released with weak systems software and
inadequate programming tools, thus slowing the availability of
applications software. Current approaches to software development
provide only limited capabilities for adaptable and reuseable
systems, particularly where specific architectural features of
computers have been used to obtain maximum performance. This focus
on short term needs and the lack of portability significantly
raises the cost of transition to newer architectures for many
applications programs. New approaches that facilitate the reuse
and portability of programs need strong support.
Parallel computers raise some specific software challenges,
such as finding the most efficient distribution of tasks among
processors. Although it is not yet possible to determine the
optimum distribution in general, important progress has been made
in the development of computational models and parallel algorithms
for many key problem areas. Access to high performance parallel
systems is an important element in such progress. Experience has
shown that the quality of systems and applications software
increases rapidly as computing systems are made more available.
Collaboration of computer scientists, mathematicians, and
10
Biennial Science and Technology Report
scientists in critical areas of computing applications is another
imprtant factor, which can be enhanced by enabling geographically
dispersed groups of researchers to work together through the
National Research and Education Network.
Networks
Many educational institutions, government laboratories, and
industrial research facilities are currently connected to the U.S.
portion of a world-wide computer network called the Internet. The
Internet falls short of a high performance national infrastructure.
The National Research and Education Network is intended not only
to provide access to research and educational institutions at all
levels and locations, but also to deliver new capabilities. Some
of these, such as distance learning, may initially be extensions
of current technology. Networks capable of far higher speeds will
be needed to support access to digital libraries and to large scale
distributed computing resources, as well as to permit applications
that require real time visualization of modeling and simulation
results, rapid interrogation and retrieval of scientific data from
specialized data bases, remote control of experiments and
simulations, and teleconferencing.
The development of more powerful computers feeds both the
demand for, as well as the growth of, more powerful data
communications capability. As computing technology progresses,
greater demands are placed on network performance as researchers
conceive of new tasks and modes of use that require even higher
performance. Current developments in large scale scientific
10
Biennial Science and Technology Report
computing are leading to truly distributed computing, allowing a
given job to be executed on several different machines
communicating partial results among themselves, sharing in
different facets of calculations, and jointly assembling a final
result for output. Such intermachine communication can in principle
take place at speeds that are a hundred or more times faster than
are possible on today's long distance networks.
One example of the potential uses for a high speed computer
network is provided the radiology departments of some of the
nation's leading medical centers. These departments have committed
to digital transfer of radiology images on broadband local networks
operating at speeds of 100 million to one billion bits (one
gigabit) per second. In order for the National Research and
Education Network to support these and other demanding
applications, not yet contemplated, a substantial effort is needed
in the areas of protocols (the formal structure of inter-computer
communications), high speed computer interfaces for computers, and
network equipment, such as switches. Another priority need is for
advanced software that exploits the capabilities of the network to
store computer files in a distributed manner and to serve as a
national software library.
Multi-gigabit networks represent a change in kind, not just
in degree, from today's networks. For example, consider that in a
coast-to-coast communication at three gigabits per second there are
at any inatant "in flight" nearly nine megabytes of data. which is
more than the memory of most personal computers and workstations.
12
Biennial Science and Technology Report
Some research on gigabit networks has already begun, but additional
research will be needed to bring the technology to a commercial
stage.
In addition to serving the needs of the scientific and
research communities, the National Research and Education Network
will provide valuable experience necessary for the successful
development of a broader, privately-operated national information
infrastructure. Such an infrastructure would allow consumers,
businesses, and schools and government at all levels to share
quality information and entertainment when and where they want it
at a reasonable cost.
Applications conducted over a computer network vary in their
flow of information from steady, as in a bulk file transfer, to
"bursty," as in human-computer interaction via keyboard. Similarly,
some applications can be carried out at relatively low
communication rates, while others by their nature require high
speeds (Figure 1). Traffic seen in the early days of networks
appears near the bottom of the chart. More advanced applications
are furthest from the origin. The chart illustrates that a gigabit
network is needed not only to carry the aggregation of low speed
traffic, but also to accommodate high speed uses.
People
A growing pool of scientific and engineering talent will be
required if the potential of high performance computing and high
National Science Foundation, however, concludes that the greatest
13
Biennial Science and Technology Report
shortfalls of trained personnel in the United States will be in the
areas of computer science and engineering, amounting to hundreds
of thousands of people over the next decade. Addional efforts are
needed to attract new talent into this field.
ILLUSTRATING THE IMPACT: GRAND CHALLENGES
Computers already play a fundamental role in the process of
scientific discovery is almost every field. Yet scientists and
engineers have long been been limited in their ability to deal with
a group of fundamental problems whose solution is critical to
national needs and to the missions of federal agencies. These
"grand challenge" problems include: prediction of weather and
climate; determination of molecular, atomic, and nuclear
structures; understanding turbulence, pollution dispersion, and
combustion systems; mapping the human genome and understanding the
structure of biological macromolecules; understanding the nature
of new materials; and problems applicable to national security
needs.
Computational or numerical methods have the potential to solve
grand challenge problems. At present, however, such solutions would
require years of calculation with the fastest supercomputers now
available (Figure 2). The implications of this "computation gap"
for a number of grand challenge problems are discussed in this
section.
In Science
One example of the growing role of high performance computing in
19
Biennial Science and Technology Report
science concerns the genetic basis of cancer and other diseases.
The genes are contained in DNA, the molecular thread in the nucleus
of each living cell which guides the assembly of molecules and
complete living organisms. When the DNA code is altered by
mutation, serious diseases can result, such as cancer; this
phenomenon was known to scientists studying animal tumors in the
1970's. They isolated cancer-causing genes, called "oncogenes" from
animal tumors, and later found that similar genes existed in normal
human DNA. This was a profound mystery. Why would people carry the
seeds of their own destruction in their genetic inheritance?
In 1984, two separate research groups used a computerized
searching algorithm to compare a newly discovered oncogene to the
relatively few genes known at the time. To their astonishment, the
cancer causing gene matched a normal gene involved in growth and
development. Suddenly, it became clear that cancer might be caused
by a normal growth gene being switched on at the wrong time. This
fundamental and unexpected insight was an early example of a field
that is now known as Computational Biology, the science of using
computers to store and analyze data from complex molecules in
living cells.
What is pertinent here is how rapidly the potential for--and
the demand on--Computational Biology have expanded. The databases
used in 1984 for the oncogene comparisons contained information
about several thousand molecular units; now they contain over 30
million Mereover the to the entire
human genome will acquire data on tens of billions of molecular
15
Biennial Science and Technology Report
units, ranging from simple organisms to human beings. The best
computer algorithms for determining the similarity of molecules
require time proportional to the length of the molecules being
compared; if the methods used to analyze oncogenes in 1984 were
applied to the three billion base pairs of the human genome, they
would require hundreds of years of computer time on today's fastest
supercomputers.
At the same time, progress in genetic medicine has made clear
the large number of diseases that derive from a genetic defect or
an inherited propensity, from cystic fibrosis to many forms of
heart disease. Rational drug design based on the conscious
alteration of complex biological molecules is increasingly the
focus of pharmaceutical research. New computer designs and software
methods will be essential to cope with the explosive growth of
genetic and molecular data and to exploit it fully to releave human
suffering and disease. Functioning as intellectual amplifiers to
detect similarities and differences in molecules whose size and
complexity are too vast for the unaided human mind, high
performance computer systems will be a critical tool for the life
sciences in the 1990's and the health care systems of the 21st
Century.
A similar phenomenon is occuring in the Earth Science field.
Remote sensing instruments on satellites provide a growing flow of
data and images to characterize the planet, reporting on
temperature and cloudiness, tracking severe storms, assessing crop
yields and the extent of deforestation. Storing, processing, and
16
Biennial Science and Technology Report
analyzing this data already requires substantial computing
resources. To produce a global view of the Earth's ocean
chlorophyll and land vegetation, for example, required the
processing of over 2 terabytes (10¹² bytes) of raw data, accumulated
over several years. By the year 2000, advanced new satellite
systems with higher resolution sensors are expected to increase the
flow of data 1000-fold, sending back to Earth many terabytes of
information every day. To fully utilize this information to
describe and document changes in climate, in biological
productivity, and in land use will require major improvements in
the means for collecting, analyzing, distributing, and archiving
data.
To answer critical questions about the future climate of the
Earth and the impact of human activities requires the ability to
predict, not just describe global change. Current computerized
models of the atmosphere must be extended to include the coupled
behavior of the full Earth System, including land, air, sea, ice,
and biosphere components and to do so with far greater geographical
resolution (see Chapter 4). The computational requirement exceed
the capacity of even the most powerful of present computers by a
factor of a thousand in speed. Also needed are advanced software
and algorithms for handling massive amounts of data and working
with coupled models of the Earth System.
On a regional level, high performance computers will be needed
B
тарош
all
and
predict
the
regulatory control strategies, as mandated in the new Clean Air
Biennial Science and Technology Report
Act. Since the "killer fogs" in London, England and Donora,
Pennsylvania caused the deaths of hundreds of people in the 1950's,
the ability of the atmosphere to absorb and to cleanse itself of
pollutant contaminants is no longer taken for granted. Legislation
has mandated emissions controls on automobiles, factories, and
power plants. However, reduction strategies of individual pollutant
types do not always produce the desired results. In fact, these
simple solutions can even make air quality worse due to complex
chemical interactions of the remaining airborne contaminants.
Unburned hydrocarbons from fuels and oxides of nitrogen
produced in the combustion process can be transformed in the
atmosphere to ozone, the main consituent of urban smog. Pollutants
may travel long distances from urban or industrial centers,
contributing to the haze that obscures some natural wonders or the
acid rain that endangers sensitive upland lakes and forests.
Because these complexities of pollutant transport and
transformation are costly and difficult to study experimentally,
numerical models of the atmosphere have been developed to assess
the effects of man-made emissions on air quality. But present
computing limitations force simplifications in the scientific
descriptions of chemical and physical processes, and slow
examination of alternatives. Control strategies for each pollutant
are often determined independently with little evaluation of
pollutant interactions.
High performance computing will ranid numarical
explorations of pollutant interactions and resulting pollution
18
Biennial Science and Technology Report
levels and distribution. Advanced computer designs and software
methods will also enable the optimization of pollutant control
regimes to find those of lowest cost--an important consideration,
since the potential cost to society of proposed controls is
estimated to reach tens of billions of dollars. Improved
visualization techniques will enhance the interpretation and
evaluation of massive amounts of environmental measurement and
computer simulation data. The result should be a better
understanding of the actions needed to minimize pollutant damage
to materials and environmental damage to crops while making our air
safer to breathe for future generations.
On a local scale, high performance computing will make
possible more accurate predictions of severe storms, hurricanes,
floods, and other weather related phenomena. Current weather
prediction models have been constrained both by inadequate data
sets and by computer power. During the next five years, major
progress will be made on the data using a combination of new
ground-based and remote-observing systems. This leaves inadequate
computer power as the primary stumbling block to operation of the
advanced weather prediction models of the future.
Current weather prediction models have a resolution of about
40 kilometers, and hence must treat many small scale but physically
significant events or processes, such as convection, indirectly.
Fine scale details that may affect the prediction for the
surrounding area--in, for example, thunderstorm evolution--cannot
even be addressed by the model. Improved models with a resolution
18
Biennial Science and Technology Report
of less than five kilometers have already shown significant
advances in the accuracy of predicting a wide variety of weather
events, from severe thunderstorms to lake effect snowfalls. But
each reduction of the model resolution by one-half requires an
increase of computer power of almost a factor of ten, as well as
comparable increases in supporting memory, mass storage and
networks. For example, a model with five kilometer resolution could
require a computer system capable of executing 20 trillion
operations per second to produce forecasts on operational
schedules. Hence high performance computing systems will be
necessary to achieve the economic benefits of improved weather
prediction.
In 1988, the world was excited by the discovery that a
particular yttrium-barium-copper-oxide compound superconducts at
a temperature of 935 Kelvin, still very cold, but much warmer than
any previous superconductor. This discovery sparked a worldwide
effort to expand research to discover new superconducting
materials. The economic benefit of a high-temperature
superconductor is beyond calculation, portending the development
of, for example, much more efficient power transmission and
lightweight, powerful magnets to revolutionize the transportation
business. Advanced computing is a central part of the arsenal of
research tools which will be necessary to reach that payoff.
Despite these early successes, many questions remain before it is
understood
MOIL
amos
materials
-
compounds do not. This understanding will be critical to predicting
20
Biennial Science and Technology Report
new superconductors, which might work at even higher temperatures,
be less expensive, carry more current, or be more amenable to
manufacturing processes. Increasing progress in all these areas is
required before the impact of these new materials will be felt. The
solution of physical models requires intensive calculations to
understand the material structure. High performance computing can
shorten the discovery process by allowing the development of
accurate simulations to point experimenters in the most promising
directions. For example, most of the groups looking for new
superconductors are trying various copper-oxide combinations.
Researchers are using high performance computers to explore the
possibility of various combinations of elements that may lead to
new superconducting materials.
In Industry
Since the invention of the integrated circuit in 1958, the number
of transistors fabricated on a microchip has doubled every two
years. The result is an ever-increasing complexity in the
electronic design of chips, components, and packages. At present,
for example, the complexity of detail incorporated in a single
integrated circuit one centimeter square is equivalent to
representing the map features, at a city block level, of the entire
Eastern United States. The complexity of a five centimeter square
module densely packed with a collection of chips would be the
equivalent of a map of North and South America. Computers are
already part which involves
determining the interconnecting paths, selecting the right modules,
24
Biennial Science and Technology Report.
testing the interfaces, and choosing the mix of technologies.
The complexity is rapidly increasing. The chips containing
one-to-two million transistors of today will evolve in the mid
1990's to chips containing 10 million transistors. The diversity
of microchip technologies combined in a single module will allow
unprecedented flexibility for designers. Managing this complexity
explosion would be overwhelming without the use of computationally
based approaches that reduce the time to develop such systems while
optimising the design itself. Thus, high performance computing
applied to the microelectronic design process is itself an
important tool in the evolution of high performance computing.
Similar examples abound in a wide variety of engineering and
technological fields. Supercomputers are already used to predict
the flow of air around a wing and other aerodynamic characteristics
of aircraft and spacecraft prior to testing in wind tunnels or
actual flight, because computational simulations of a particular
design are faster and less costly. For advanced supersonic and
hypersonic craft, wind tunnels tests will not be able to reach
their designed speeds, making computer simulations even more
important. Modelling the flow of fluids is also important in the
design of automobiles and ships.
Improving the design and efficiency of internal combustion
engines is important for both energy conservation and pollution
control. Indeed, these goals appear to conflict, because automobile
orgines
but
increased temperatures also lead to increased nitrogen oxide
Biennial Science and Technology Report
emissions. What is required to optimise the design of an engine is
a far better understanding of the combustion process, which
involves over 400 chemical reactions of hydrocarbon and nitrogen.
In present numerical models, however, only ten or less of the most
significant reactions are used, and even so the calculations
require several hours on today's large supercomputers. To simulate
the full 400 reactions would require better algorithms running on
a machine 10,000 times more powerful.
In Education
Computers increasingly fill important niches in all phases of the
learning process, providing flexible instruments for interactive
instruction and student based learning experiences. Their use in
education both provides the skills needed to function in our
increasingly technology-intensive world, and aids teaching and
learning of all science and engineering topics. The development of
the National Research and Education Network will accelerate and
transfer the technology of computer communications to the needs of
educators and students. The result will be to empower them to share
resources and ideas on a national scale.
A recent project provides an illustration of educational
collaboration on a national scale that the network would
facilitate. Secondary school classes in many locations chose a day
to measure the length of the sun's shadow from a vertical measuring
stick on the school grounds at 12 noon. Each class consulted maps
and geography books to find its school's latitude, and sent the
results to a shared database located in the U.S. and Canada. All
23
Biennial Science and Technology Report
schools then received the database of measurements from around the
world, and each class used the complete database to calculate the
curvature of the earth, and from that, the earth's diameter. A
normally dry recitation of facts became an engaging problem-
solving exercise because the students themselves derived the answer
from their shared measurements. Along the way they learned
geography, geometry, statistics, and how to collect and share data
over computer networks, which became a learning laboratory without
walls. This project is similar to the way research scientists take
advantage of high speed digital networks to conduct shared research
that is "distance independent." What is needed is to scale up
today's networks and make them not only faster, but also more
"user-friendly," with improved services so that the National
Research and Education Network is readily accessible to all U.S.
educational institutions.
FIGURE LIST AND CAPTIONS
Figure 1. Network Capacities and Speeds Needed for Various
Applications.
Figure 2. Grand Challenge Problems and Projected Computational
Needs.
24
Fig.
origin and require more sophisticated protocols and network
capabilities. This chart illustrates that a gigabit network is needed not
only to carry the aggregation of low speed traffic, but also to
accommodate high speed uses.
Figure
NREN Applications
by Bandwidth and Traffic Characteristics
Bandwidth
Peak Rate
1010
Composite
Distributed
Imaging
Computing
10°
Image
Interactive
Transfer
10ᵉ
Visualization
Collaboration
Technology
10⁷
Multi-Media
Video
Database
Teleconference
Access
10⁶
10⁵
10⁴
Multi-Media
Text
Mail
File
10³
Transfer
Electronic
Mail
Character
10²
Data
Transfer
10'
10°
Steady
Bursty
Traffic
Requirements
for Bandwidth
The vision of the NREN is of an interconnection of the nation's
educational infrastructure to its knowledge and information centers in
this system elementary schools. high schools. two and four year
colleges, and universities will be linked with research centers and
- 18 -
DRAFT
For Official Use Only
File v10
2
25
Fig. 2
Performance Requirements
for Grand Challenge Problems
Grand Challenges
Computer Performance
Climate Modeling
in Billions of Operations
Fluid Turbulence
per Second
Pollution Dispersion
1000
Human Genome
Ocean Circulation
Quantum Chromodynamics
Semiconductor Modeling
Superconductor Modeling
Combustion Systems
100
-
Vision and Cognition
Structural
Biology
Vehicle Signature
Pharmaceutical,
Design
10
ULSI Design
Speech and
Natural Language
72 Hour
Weather
48 Hour
Chemical
1
Estimate of Higgs
Weather
Dynamics
Boson Mass
Airfoil Design
3D Plasma
Modeling
0.1
2D Plasma
Modeling
1980
1990
2000
- 7 -
DRAFT
T
For Official Use Only
File 10-2
Science & Technology Report
1
Chapter 3:
HARNESSING THE SCIENCE OF LIFE
Biotechnology dates back thousands of years, to the time when human beings
unwittingly began using microorganisms to ferment beer or cause bread to rise.
Traditional breeding techniques used to gradually improve livestock or crop cultivars
are also a form of biotechnology. But beginning about 20 years ago, scientists learned
to alter precisely the genetic constitution of living organisms, initiating a new scientific
and industrial revolution.
The new biotechnology is a rapidly expanding collection of tools or technologies
that allow unprecedent control over and manipulation of the genetic material of
organisms. This in turn allows the production of large quantities of rare, medically-
valuable proteins, the modification of plants and animals to carry specific desired
traits, and novel means of detecting disease, producing useful chemicals, and cleaning
up environmental problems.
Biotechnology holds the promise of additional breakthroughs and a profound
industrial transformation in the fields of medicine, food production, agriculture, energy,
and environmental cleanup. It promises a wide array of benefits to humanity, including
the ability to treat previously incurable genetic diseases; healthier meats, diary
products, fruits and vegetables; hardier, more productive crop plants; and additional
production of renewable sources of energy.
Moreover, the nature of biotechnology is inherently attractive in many respects.
Fermentation and most other processes found in the biotechnology industry take place
Science & Technology Report
2
at low temperatures and consequently require much smaller amounts of energy than
traditional chemical operations. Although some applications of biotechnology pose
potential environmental hazards, it also has the potential to reduce environmental
hazards compared to current practices. These characteristics, as well as its broad range
of potential products, make biotechnology potentially applicable in and of benefit to
every nation on Earth. Finally, biotechnology enhances the potential carrying capacity
of the planet without depleting its resources and helps to exploit the richness of its vast
genetic heritage, accumulated over billions of years, for human benefit.
In spite of the rapid growth of biotechnology and of the knowledge base on
which it rests, however, many potential opportunities remain unrealized. There remain
fundamental gaps in scientific knowledge. Because most biological research has focused
on biomedical problems, relatively little is known about the biochemistry of plants,
compared to the far better understanding of microbial or animal cells. The rules that
govern the shapes of proteins, which in turn play a critical role in determining their
biological properties, remain largely a mystery. Researchers still have a long way to go
before the millions of chemical units that comprise the human genome are sorted out
and identified. There are concerns about impending shortages of scientists and other
skilled workers needed to adequately exploit research opportunities and to build the
biotechnology knowledge base.
Even when discoveries are made in the laboratory, translating them into
practical applications is often difficult. There are relatively few sources of funding for
"proof of concept" research--as opposed to discovery--or for scaling up a biotechnology
process from the testtube to a size large enough to attract industrial interest and
support. Transferring new technology from a university or Federal laboratory to the
Science & Technology Report
3
private sector poses additional problems. Certain biomedical applications of
biotechnology raise novel and difficult ethical choices for society, which may take time
and informed public debate to resolve. Additional barriers to commercialization include
an uncertain regulatory environment, imprecise and sometimes ineffective laws and
cumbersome procedures governing patents, antitrust questions, and international trade,
and cautious public attitudes towards biotechnology products.
The potential of biotechnology gives ample human, national, and economic
incentives to overcome barriers and to find ways to hasten the full application of this
diverse group of technologies for human benefit.
POLICY RELEVANCE
The U.S. biotechnology industry is now comprized of more than 400 start-up
firms, more than 200 established companies that have diversified into biotechnology--
including many major chemical and pharmaceutical firms--and more than 200 supply
firms in the United States alone. In just a decade and a half, this nascent industry has
grown to produce U.S. products worth more than $1.5 billion annually. A growing
proportion of new drugs approved for life-threatening diseases are biotechnology
products. Enzymes made in cell culture systems promise to change the way specialty
chemicals are synthesized, making them cheaper and cleaner. Plants engineered to
resist insect damage can reduce dependence on environmentally hazardous chemical
pesticides. Researchers are harnessing some bacteria to produce silk and employing
others to mine ore. In fact, biotechnology already has such an extraordinary range of
uses that it is probably a misnomer to refer to a single "biotechnology industry."
Because of the pervasive role of biologically produced products in everyday life,
Science & Technology Report
4
biotechnology industries have the potential to expand perhaps 25-fold by the end of the
century and in the long run to surpass even the computer industry in size, importance,
and rate of growth. Clearly, no industrial country concerned with its economic well-
being can afford to ignore biotechnology.
American researchers developed much of the basic science of the new
biotechnology, and the United States continues to lead the world in the
commercialization of most emerging biotechnology products. But other countries have
recognized the fundamental importance of biotechnology; their governments have
focused on this area as critical to future economic growth and and their companies are
beginning to challenge the U.S. lead in particular areas. Japan, for example, is
targeting pharmaceutical applications of biotechnology in the same way that it earlier
targeted the semiconductor and consumer electronic areas. Building on Japan's
traditional strengths and strong lead in fermentation technology, its government is
focusing on pre-competitive and applied research and product development. European
investment in the new biotechnology is close to that of the United States, and European
companies lead in the production of some types of biotechnology products, such as
monoclonal antibodies.
The Bush Administration intends to maintain and improve U.S. competitiveness
in biotechnology as an essential element in a growing and vigorous economy. To this
end, it is giving priority attention to actions that can facilitate new discoveries and
bring them to the market place to be available for all Americans and the rest of the
world.
Securing the Science and Technology Base: In addition to the support of the
basic research that undergirds biotechnology, the President's Council on
Science & Technology Report
5
Competitiveness recommends vigorous efforts to transfer technology from federal or
federally-supported laboratories to the market place and to train an expanded pool of
biotechnology scientists and engineers; it is considering the need for expanded efforts in
agricultural and environmental biotechnology research and in support of enabling and
scale-up technologies.
Risk-Based Regulation: The President's Council of Competitiveness has
recommended that Federal regulation should focus on the characteristics and risks of
the biotechnology product, not the process by which it is created; regulation should be
based on performance standards rather than on specifying the specific design or
methods required to achieve a health or environmental goal.
Free Market for Biotechnology: The Bush Administration has proposed the
passage of a capital gains tax rate reduction to help innovative small firms, such as
those in the biotechnology industry, gain access to capital. The Administration is
making improvements to the U.S. Patent Office and pursuing new international trade
agreements in order to increase protection for intellectual property rights through
patents.
STATE OF THE SCIENCE
Fundamental research often leads to unforeseen techniques or products of
immense social and economic value. Past U.S. investment in biological research is in
fact the basis for the present flowering of the biotechnology industry. A case in point is
the group of biological compounds known as growth factors which stimulate cell
growth. In 1959, Dr. Levi-Montalcini received a $53,000 federal to study the first of
Science & Technology Report
6
these compounds to be identified, nerve growth factor. Subsequently, a large array of
growth factors has been identified, purified, cloned, and brought to commercial use. By
1989, just 30 years after Levi-Montalcini's pioneering work, sales of growth hormones
by two U.S. biotechnology companies amounted to $430 million annually.
Medical Applications.
An important use of biotechnology is the development of new, more potent medicines
and the production of purer, more effective versions of existing drugs. As of January,
1991, 12 novel biotechnology products had been approved by the Food and Drug
Administration for medical use in the U.S. More than 1,000 clinical trials of additional
new drugs and biologics are under way.
Revolutionary new medical approaches treatments based on biotechnology, such
as the use of gene therapy to correct inherited genetic defects, are under development.
Children who suffer from the rare and devastating immune disorder known as Severe
Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome, for example, are having corrected genetic
material inserted into their white blood cells in an experimental attempt to restore the
cells' ability to fight infections. Similar gene therapy approaches may be tried for forms
of cancer, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, AIDS and other diseases. The recent
discovery of a possible genetic basis for cystic fibrosis suggests a potential means of
treating this disease.
Biotechnology has also made it easier to detect and diagnose diseases. With
remarkable simplicity and precision, these methods can now detect a variety of
genetically caused and other conditions. They vary from easily usable and inexpensive
home diagnostic kits for pregnancy, to physician performed tests that simplify formerly
complex laboratory procedures. More than 400 clinical diagnostic devices based on
Science & Technology Report
7
biotechnology are used in clinical practice today. Of these, the most important have
been the screening tests for blood products that have safeguarded the blood supply
from contamination by the AIDS and the hepatitis B and C viruses.
Agricultural Applications.
No single industry is more vital to the wellbeing of the Nation and, indeed, that of the
world's population, than agriculture. Moreover, as the largest commercial component of
the U.S. economy, the health of the domestic agriculture industry has enormous
implications for U.S. financial stability and competitiveness abroad. However, the
application of modern biotechnology to agriculture lags far behind medical applications,
which have progressed as a result of the vast knowledge of basic biology relevant to
health sciences accumulated over the years. A comparable knowledge base simply does
not exist in plants, animals, and agriculturally-important microrganisms. Therefore,
assuring a rich science base which can support the development of agricultural
biotechnologies is essential to bring U.S. agriculture into the next century.
Potential applications of biotechnology in agriculture include a better
management of agroecosystems through decreased use of chemicals, maintenance of soil
productivity, and better water management; improved agricultural products such as
better quality food and fiber, higher content of desired nutrients or products, and crops
and animals with higher tolerance to biological and environmental stress; and the
development of new agricultural products. The need for more basic information is
particularly acute in plant systems for which important traits have complex physiology
and genetics, and have few parallels in microbial or animal systems. Recent advances
have provided the opportunity to obtain this information and thus to apply genetic
engineering technologies to benefit agriculture. In addition, the production of fertilizer
Science & Technology Report
8
is a major consumer of energy in the United States. Biotechnology approaches to
nitrogen fixation that would allow plants to grow their own fertilizer promise enormous
savings in energy and benefits to the environment.
The new biotechnology can produce the same benefits as traditional breeding
techniques, only more quickly and with greater precision. Enhancements of certain
characteristics of tomatoes, for example, are expected to provide increased resistance to
pests, thus reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Other enhancements could
improve the texture and produce tomatoes with less spoilage between the farm and the
consumer. Companies are fieldtesting a variety of crops with enhanced resistance to
specific viruses, insect pests, and safer herbicides. Under development are improved
staple crops such as soybean or corn with higher levels of specific nutrients and
vegetable oils with lower levels of saturated fats.
Many manufactured foods such as cheese and yogurt require the use of bacteria
or enzymes in their production. Scientists are modifying existing enzymes, isolating new
varieties, and cloning other enzymes into microorganisms for easier isolation and
purification. For example, chymosin, the enzyme used in the manufacture of cheese, has
traditionally been available from the cow, but can now be made from specially
developed microorganisms. Likewise, scientists are genetically improving the
microorganisms used to ferment many food stuffs and beverages.
In the area of animal husbandry, biotechnology has enabled development of
hormones that increase the ratio of protein to fat in pigs and the milk yield from cows.
Additionally, veterinary diagnostic techniques and new drugs similar to those for
humans are under development with several having reached the marketplace. One
vaccine now under test holds great promise for controlling rabies in wild and domestic
Science & Technology Report
9
animal populations effectively and inexpensively.
Environmental Applications
A healthy environment depends on the interaction of many different living organisms,
from plants and animals to the communities of soil microorganisms that degrade
biological matter and recycle nutrients. Biotechnology can protect these organisms and
their interactions by introducing biological methods to replace toxic chemicals.
Biological pesticides such as the bacterium BT used to control gypsy moths break down
quickly, leaving no harmful residues; genes from BT, inserted into crop seeds, can
confer pest resistance. When toxic chemicals or waste materials do enter the
environment, biotechnology offers an efficient means of dealing with the problem. The
use of biological processes to clean-up wastes from human activities is well established:
bacterial degradation of sewage forms the basis of a substantial portion of the waste
treatment industry. Recent experiments in Prince William Sound and the Gulf of
Mexico have demonstrated the value of microorganisms for clean-up of oil spills in the
sea, on the shore and in wetlands.
Rather than laboriously gathering, screening, and breeding oil-eating bacteria
from around the world, it is possible to create more efficient microorganisms using
genetic engineering techniques. Biotechnology offers the the ability to manipulate one
characteristic at a time in a well-characterized parent strain of bacteria, thus
conferring greater knowledge of the final product. Thus biotechnology has potential
application in breaking down toxic wastes and rendering them harmless through the
action of specially designed microorganisms, enzymes, or catalytic antibodies. Another
potential application of biotechnology is the rehabilitation of areas fouled by pollutants,
such as the removal of chlorinated hydrocarbons from contaminated groundwater by
Science & Technology Report
10
bacterial attack.
Early detection of small quantities of environmental pollutants could decrease
markedly the costs of cleanup and return habitats to acceptable norms more rapidly.
Biotechnology may be able to provide "indicator" organisms, sensitive enzyme assays,
monoclonal antibodies, and other biosensors able to detect minuscule levels of
potentially toxic agents and to provide early detection of ecosystems under stress. The
vast majority of microorganisms in the soil, fresh water, and oceans cannot yet be
cultured and, thus, cannot be isolated or identified by traditional microbiological
methods. Recent advances in biotechnology such as the techniques of DNA
fingerprinting and gene amplification now are making it possible to detect many of
these microorganisms, even when present in low numbers, and to identify their
essential role in the complex cycling of nutrients and gases in the biosphere. Changes
in gene frequencies in near-shore populations of microorganisms, for example, may
provide one of the most sensitive indicators of ocean environmental degradation.
To fulfill biotechnology's potential in environmental applications, however,
further research is needed. Scientific understanding of different kinds of organisms and
the contributions their activities make to the functions of different ecosystems is
rudimentary at best. This is particularly true of microorganisms whose presence and
activities are crucial for the continued viability of the larger, more visible organisms.
Successful bioremediation of polluted areas will require improved processes for getting
microorganisms into direct contact with contaminants, for effecting degradation of
contaminants present in very low concentrations, and for manipulating the ecology of
the treatment environment. In addition to the lack of basic information, there is a
significant shortage of scientists and engineers with training in both biotechnology and
Science & Technology Report
11
environmental disciplines.
Energy and Chemical Process Applications
Environmental and energy security concerns with fossil fuels such as oil are prompting
a new look at renewable energy resources. Scientists are studying the use of
microorganisms, modified plants, plant material, municipal and animal wastes, and
other renewable materials as sources of fuels such as gasoline, alcohol, and natural gas.
Examples include the use of wood to produce gasoline substitutes, and wood waste
products such as bark and sawdust to yield ethanol. Biotechnology promises to
accelerate such efforts by developing genetically-altered organisms and improved
bioconversion processes.
Other energy-related research is focused on the potential of biological systems to
enhance oil recovery, to clean and desulfurize coal before combustion, and to convert
coal to gaseous and liquid fuels. For example, oil that otherwise would remain in the
ground may be recovered through the introduction of certain microorganisms to oil
wells. Biotechnology research aimed at reducing wastes from energy-generating
processes and cleaning up energy-related waste is also underway.
Energy applications are special instances of the larger area of bioprocessing and
bioconversion, in which biological means are used to accomplish chemical
transformations. Examples include production of commercially valuable molecules, such
as specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals, that are often present only in low
concentration in the starting materials. Thus, certain microorganisms are used to refine
copper ores, recovering the metal without the environmental and energy costs of
smelting and making economical the recovery from even low-grade ores. Bacteria have
been recently discovered in the oceans which are capable of directly oxidizing and
Science & Technology Report
12
precipitating iron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and other valuable and strategic metals.
Harnessing the genes and enzymes of these bacteria may make it possible to produce
these metals catalytically from low-grade sources, bypassing other more expensive
industrial approaches presently used. Other bacteria reverse these processes for a
variety of different metals, both strategic and toxic, thus presenting further economic
opportunities for exploitation, as well as the possibility of using engineered organisms
for pollution clean-up.
Another class of applications includes the use of quite diverse biological systems
and bioreactors to recover, produce, or modify novel molecules for commercial
application. An extremely challenging problem in the synthesis of high value molecules
such as pharmaceuticals is that of maintaining the proper stereochemistry in each step.
In some cases the active molecule is only one of several dozen possible molecules
having the same connections between atoms, but different shapes. Enzymes produce a
desired molecule with a specific shape or stereochemical properties with almost perfect
fidelity, so that biotechnological approaches to chemical synthesis have the potential for
both minimizing the use of valuable starting materials and minimizing chemical waste.
Chemzymes, artificial molecules designed to mimic enzymes, are expected to play
important roles in biotechnological approaches to chemical syntheses.
In addition to greater specificity and lower wastes, bioprocessing typically takes
place at lower temperatures than traditional chemical processing, resulting in energy
savings, and can accomodate a wide range of non-petroleum starting materials. Thus
the importance of biotechnology in the chemical and energy industries seems likely to
increase over time.
To fulfill this potential, however, a broader base of fundamental science and
Science & Technology Report
13
engineering knowledge is needed. Improvements must be sought in the biochemical
pathways by which animal, microbial, or plant materials are converted into single-cell
proteins, lipids, feedstocks, surfactants, specific pesticides, or other chemical products.
More experience is needed with commercial-scale processes for transforming organic
raw materials into useful products, including the design of novel bioreactors that can
maintain the viability of living organisms in sometimes harsh environments.
The biochemistry of many important biological reactions, such as those which
harvest the radiant energy of the sun to produce fuels and other biological materials, is
not yet well understood. The biology of organisms that not only survive, but indeed
thrive and multiply at temperatures near that of boiling water, is still a mystery, but
one whose solution is likely to lead to useful enzymes of commercial catalytic value.
A deeper understanding of how enzymes function on a molecular level is needed
to broaden the usefulness of isolated enzymes for chemical synthesis. For example, such
an understanding should allow the production of chemically- or genetically-altered
enzymes capable of carrying out a specific chemical step on a whole family of related
molecules. In order to understand the biological and chemical action of proteins such
as enzymes and receptors, scientists need to be able to predict their three-dimensional
structure and to simulate their interaction with other molecules with powerful
computers.
A fundamental limitation is the supply of scientific and engineering talent. The
nation has an inadequate supply of well-trained microbial physiologists, biochemists,
and geneticists to sort out the basic traits of presently recognized bacteria, let alone the
isolation and characterization of the large number of microorganisms that exist in
nature and that await study. Enabling Technologies
Science & Technology Report
14
Much has been said about the hemorrhage of technology from the United States to
other countries and the nation's seeming inability to translate basic science into
commercial products. Biotechnology is no exception, but appears to be at a critical
juncture. The U.S. lead in the basic sciences is still intact, albeit threatened, and while
means exist to facilitate the "scale-up" process from the laboratory to industrial-scale
production, there appears to be a bottleneck at the first step outside of the laboratory.
In biotechnology, each of the progressive steps of scale-up from test tube to flask
to small fermentation vessel to large scale production facilities involves new scientific
questions. These arise because living cells are vulnerable to shear forces, temperature
and oxygen regulation, growth conditions and nutritional requirements, inhibiting
effects of waste products, and other factors. The answers to these questions are
attainable through fundamental research, the results of which can be applied
generically to the development of myriad products.
Research of this nature is somewhat an orphan. Peer review committees tend to
look down upon the more applied forms of investigation, while companies may feel that
it is too far removed from product development. Smaller companies frequently do not
have the capital to invest in high-risk research. The larger companies, on the other
hand, may conduct such research but maintain the results as proprietary information,
thus withholding its use from others.
The methods and techniques employed to move from laboratory to industrial
scale production are known collectively as enabling technologies. Although they may
vary from field to field, many are common, for instance, in the area of protein
production. In this case, much of the technology employed today is more than 30 years
Science & Technology Report
15
old. For example, human and animal cells are cultured in cumbersome and inefficient
systems unsuitable for commercial scale. Progress in the development of superior
bioreactor systems would achieve rapid increases in cost-efficiency. Another example of
enabling technology is improved understanding of gene expression in a number of
model organism systems. These studies might encompass the organisms most likely to
be employed for scale-up production, including bacteria, viruses, yeast, and
mammalian, insect and plant cells. Progress in enabling technologies
would accelerate the translation of fundamental knowledge into new products and hence
accelerate the benefits of biotechnology for humankind.
CHAPTER 4
MANAGING THE EARTH
During the past century, human society has entered into a new and
momentous relationship with the global environment. As the human
population and the scale of industrial civilization have
increased, so has their impact on the Earth. For the first time
in history, the human species has become an agent capable of
influencing the entire planet. People have altered the face of
the Earth by clearing forests, building cities, and converting
wild lands to agriculture. Human activities have changed the
composition of the Earth's atmosphere through the burning of
fossil fuels, the expansion of agriculture, and the production
and release of industrial compounds.
Already some of these activities have led to the partial
degradation of the atmosphere's protective ozone shield, exposing
both human and other forms of life to higher levels of
ultraviolet radiation. The degradation has been most severe in a
polar region remote from population or industrial centers, where
airborne industrial compounds combined with unique meteorological
conditions to form the Antarctic ozone hole, demonstrating the
global reach of human activities.
A far more complex threat to the global environment is the
possibility, not yet firmly established, that human actions will
lead to an intensification of the "greenhouse effect" and thus to
2
Biennial Science and Technology Report
a significant warming of the Earth's climate. The complexity
arises because changes in climate also occur naturally and
because the response of the climate to human activities involves
the entire Earth system--the land surface, its vegetative cover,
the oceans and their currents, the polar ice caps, as well as the
atmosphere. Thus reliable predictions of how and when the climate
might change and what the practical effects of those changes will
be are not yet possible. Nonetheless, scientists and governments
around the world take seriously the possibility of human-induced
climate change.
Ozone degradation, a warming climate, and other kinds of
global change illustrate a common need. Humankind may have
inherited the Earth, but the planet came without an owner's
manual. Now, for the first time, human society finds itself in
need of such knowledge in order to manage the Earth responsibly
and to live in harmony with the global environment. To acquire an
understanding of the Earth system, the interactions among its
components, and the influence of human activity on them that is
sufficiently detailed to make accurate predictions possible is
the challenge of research on global change.
Scientists have already gained some insights into just how
closely interconnected are the different parts of the Earth
system. The oxygen that comprises nearly 20 percent of the
Earth's atmosphere is so chemically reactive that it persists
only because plants continuously release it in the process of
photosynthesis. If plant life were to cease, the oxygen would
3
Biennial Science and Technology Report
rapidly disappear.
Carbon dioxide- a trace gas present only at about 350 parts
per million in the atmosphere--provides even more subtle
interconnections. Plants remove it and store it as cellulose and
sugars. The oceans remove it too, and tiny lifeforms take it up
and store it as the calcium carbonate in their shells. Some of
those shells end up as debris on the seafloor. Over tens of
millions of years, the seafloor sediments are cycled deep within
the Earth and heated, releasing the carbon dioxide to the
atmosphere again through volcanic vents. This biogeochemical
daisy chain linking the atmosphere, the biota, the oceans, and
the deep interior of the planet might seem a curiosity, were it
not that the cycling of carbon is believed to have served as a
kind of global thermostat, regulating Earth's temperature within
a narrow range over billions of years.
Now human activities--burning carbon in fossil fuels that
came originally from plant matter and hence from atmospheric
carbon dioxide are altering the natural carbon cycle, releasing
carbon dioxide to the air in quantities large enough to increase
atmospheric concentrations 25 percent since the dawn of the
industrial era. The effects of this change--which include
increased greenhouse warming of the atmosphere, but could also
include potentially countervailing effects such an increased
cloudiness or more plant growth--remain uncertain. But scientists
have gained as well a healthy respect for what they do not know
about the interconnections among the parts of the Earth system--
4
Biennial Science and Technology Report
interconnections that could intensify as well as mitigate global
warming.
POLICY RELEVANCE
The global changes of greatest concern to national and
international policy makers are those that could degrade the
Earth's life-support system. Central to this concern are
questions about the Earth's future climate, such as the global
and regional distributions of temperature, precipitation, and
storm frequency and intensity. of equal concern are questions
about how future climates may affect such components of the Earth
system as sea level, biological productivity and diversity, and
the chemical composition and water storage capacity of soils.
To create prudent environmental policies, therefore, will
require a much improved scientific understanding of the Earth
system, how it changes naturally, how human activities change it,
and how it might respond to future changes in environmental
conditions.
The Bush Administration is giving priority attention to
research on global change. The research effort is centered on
four broad problem areas or themes:
Global water and energy cycles: focusing on a better
understanding of the role of clouds, the role of the oceans, the
role of terrestrial ecosystems, and the role of polar ice sheets;
Global carbon cycle: focusing on a more precise knowledge of
terrestrial and oceanic sources and sinks of key carbon
5
Biennial Science and Technology Report
compounds, including the chemical reactions which they
participate in, the processes that control the fluxes of these
compounds within the Earth system, and how these processes might
vary as climatic conditions change;
Ecological systems and populations of living organisms:
focusing on the effects of global change at regional scales,
including the responses of intensively managed and natural
oceanic and terrestrial ecosystems to global change;
Climate modeling: building on all of the above efforts to
develop an improved predictive capability of the Earth as a
coupled system comprising air, land, sea, and biological
components, with an emphasis on modeling regional effects in
greater detail.
Special attention is also directed to research on economic
issues associated with global change and with responses to it and
to the data collection, storage, and analysis systems required to
document the Earth system and support the research effort.
STATE OF THE SCIENCE
What is known beyond all doubt is that there is a natural
greenhouse effect which keeps the Earth warmer by about 33°
Centigrade than it otherwise would be. The geological record
contains clear evidence of natural variations of climate and,
over the past 160,000 years, evidence that changes in Earth's
surfect
temperature
and
with
in
atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. It is also
Biennial Science and Technology Report
undisputed that atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide have gone up
about 25 percent since pre-industrial times due to human
combustion of fossil fuels and other organic matter and that
levels of methane and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have gone up
even faster. These rates of increase are geologically
unprecedented.
Based on a two-year study by an international team of
scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
sponsored by the United Nations, concludes that global mean
surface temperature has increased by 0.3° to 0.6° Centigrade over
the past 100 years. This warming, according to the IPCC, is
broadly consistent with predictions of climate models, but could
also be due to natural climate variability. These same climate
models predict a mean surface temperature increase of between
1.5° and 4.5° Centigrade from a doubling of carbon dioxide or its
equivalent in other greenhouse gases. But these predictions must
be regarded as uncertain, according to the IPCC, particularly
with regard to the timing, magnitude, and regional patterns of
climate change. Regional predictions are particularly important,
since it is the rainfall and temperature in a particular region
that matter to those who live there, not the global average.
The pattern of knowledge at present is one of concrete
observations coupled with uncertain implications. The mechanisms
connecting the parallel rise and fall of global temperature and
obscure, and it is not clear from the geological record whether
Biennial Science and Technology Report
temperatures lead carbon dioxide or the reverse. Likewise the
1980's included five of the warmest years on record, as recorded
by surface measurements, yet satellite measurements show no
consistent warming trend for the decade.
At the same time, scientists caution that the uncertainties
extend in both directions: climate models could understate as
well as overstate the extent of any future climate change, and--
given the incomplete knowledge of the Earth system surprises
cannot be ruled out. The emergence of the Antarctic ozone hole,
neither anticipated or originally understood, was just such a
surprise, and it demonstrated that the atmosphere is not so
large, nor its inertia so great, that human activities cannot
affect it under certain circumstances on human time scales. Human
release of CFCs, combined with unique meteorological conditions,
created the ozone hole in a few decades. Atmosphere-ocean
interactions may harbor the possibility of additional surprises.
If, for example, ocean circulation patterns could shift from one
stable configuration to another, as paleoecological data suggest
but do not yet prove, the potential impacts on climate could be
large.
The risks associated with global environmental change and
the scientific uncertainties surrounding it are both substantial.
So, too, are the economic costs associated with addressing global
change. Research thus provides the best means of assessing the
risks reducing and providing a firmer basis
for national and international policy actions. Only a better
8
Biennial Science and Technology Report
understanding of the many components of the Earth system and
their interactions can lead to an improved ability to predict of
global change.
Global Water Cycles
Water plays a central role in the Earth system, and not only
because of its essential role for all forms of life. Water's
physical properties give it a role as a climatic thermostat and
heat transport mechanism. A quantity of water can absorb more
heat for each degree of temperature rise than the same amount of
most other substances. Thus bodies of water have a large thermal
inertia; lakes and oceans fluctuate little in temperature, making
them the flywheel of the global heat engine. Likewise water
absorbs or gives up more heat when changing among solid, liquid,
and vapor states than do most other substances. Thus water
evaporated by the sun carries heat into the atmosphere, where it
is transported around the world by the atmospheric circulation
and finally released when the water vapor condenses to form a
cloud or precipitation. The world's glaciers and polar ice caps
store more than three-fourths the world's fresh water, and their
advance or retreat has a major impact on sea levels.
The global hydrologic cycle plays a pivotal role in the
Earth's radiation and heat budgets. The distribution of clouds
and water vapor, for example, play a key role in controlling the
amount of solar energy absorbed by the Earth system as well as
the infrared radiation emitted to space, and they strongly
influence the redistribution of heat throughout the Earth system.
Biennial Science and Technology Report
The future availability of adequate water supplies is the most
significant natural resource issue in many regions throughout the
world. Any substantial rise in sea level would have major
economic impact on low-lying coastal areas, resulting in erosion,
inundation, and/or wetland loss.
The research projects accorded a high priority include the
study of atmospheric water vapor (the most important greenhouse
gas in the atmosphere), clouds and their role in climate system
feedbacks, precipitation and its distribution over land and sea,
changes in sea ice extent and amount, the role of the oceanic
circulation in absorbing greenhouse gases and redistributing
heat, and the interaction of terrestrial ecosystems with the
atmosphere.
The flow of energy in the atmosphere is strongly influenced
by the presence of all three phases of water (as water vapor, as
condensed water in clouds, and as ice or snow) in the atmosphere.
Clouds play a major role in the exchange of energy and moisture,
yet are not well understood. For example, small changes in the
distribution of relative humidity can alter the characteristics
of clouds and hence alter the radiation balance of the
atmosphere. Scientific understanding of these processes is held
back by inadequate knowledge of how water in the atmosphere,
forced to condense, is organized into clouds of varying type and
spatial distribution.
The oceans are by far the dominant reservoir on the planet
for both water and heat. Evaporation and precipitation over the
101
Biennial Science and Technology Report
ocean result in the exchange of latent heat, as well as water,
with the atmosphere. In turn, precipitation and evaporation exert
a strong control on salinity, water mass formation, and the deep
circulation of the ocean. A prominent example of the interaction
of the upper ocean and the atmosphere is provided by the
phenomenon known as El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), in which
major shifts in upper ocean and atmospheric circulation in the
tropical Pacific result in changes in the distribution of
rainfall over an area stretching from India and Australia to
North and South America. Changes in the deep circulation of the
ocean can also cause large global changes in the distribution of
rainfall on time scales of decades to centuries, according to
evidence from paleoclimate studies and experiments with coupled
ocean-atmosphere models.
Recent research has shown the importance of land surface
processes in regulating the supply of heat and moisture available
in air masses as they move across continents. Although the basic
processes that govern the movement of water, from precipitation,
infiltration though the soil, ground water recharge and river
runoff are reasonably well understood over small areas, they are
poorly understood over larger regions and continental-sized
areas. It is well known that soil moisture provides a source of
atmospheric water vapor that can then produce precipitation.
Thus a large area of wet soils can enhance precipitation, while a
arought (and the associated ary 50115) can become sen
sustaining. But much better understanding is needed, for example,
Biennial Science and Technology Report
of the role of the release of water to the atmosphere from
vegetation, lakes, and other land cover types, of the growth or
shrinkage of glaciers at high latitudes or elevations, and of the
dynamics of permafrost in polar regions. Plants play an important
part in many of these land surface processes, for example by
regulating the rate at which a land surface returns water vapor
to the atmosphere, as do such human activities as deforestation,
irrigation, urbanization, and the construction of dams.
During the past century, scientists estimate that sea level
has risen about 20 cm from the observed worldwide retreat and
melting of temperate glaciers, especially those in southeastern
Alaska, and from thermal expansion of the oceans. Future sea
level is expected to rise in response to global warming, but
there are enormous uncertainties in both measurement and in the
understanding of the underlying science. For example, there needs
to be a better understanding of the relationship between carbon
dioxide concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere, temperature and
global ice volume.
Representation of the hydrologic cycle is one of the major
acknowledged weaknesses in climate general circulation models.
For example, in several coupled climate models, errors in the
flux of water between ocean and atmosphere result in incorrect
distributions of sea surface salinity and ultimately, unrealistic
model results. On smaller space and time scales, projections of
regional drought using annoars within reach
using extensions of existing weather prediction approaches.
Biennial Science and Technology Report
Global Carbon Cycle
In the chemistry of life, the chemical element carbon plays the
central role. As fossil fuels, carbon compounds have played and
still play the central role in this century's industrial
expansion of human activities. In still another role, carbon
compounds are central to the operation of the greenhouse
mechanism that has maintained the Earth system at a habitable
temperature for billions of years. All three roles interact in
what scientists have described as a "large-scale geophysical
experiment" now underway, an experiment exploring the impact of
human activities on climate change.
The outcome of the experiment is not yet known. But what is
certain is that human activities are altering the global carbon
cycle, increasing the atmospheric concentrations of carbon-
containing gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and
chlorofluorocarbons that absorb infrared radiation and thus
increase the radiative heating of the atmosphere. The
concentrations of other trace gases, such as carbon monoxide and
the oxides of nitrogen, are also increasing, with effects on the
formation or lifetimes of radiatively active gases.
Many of the key processes in the carbon cycle that control
the sources and sinks of these gases are still poorly understood.
of the carbon dioxide emitted from the burning of fossil fuels,
for example, only about half reaches the atmosphere: about half
of the rest is apparently absorbed by the oceans, and the
remainder--fully a quarter of the anthropogenic carbon dioxide-
13
Biennial Science and Technology Report
vanishes into a still unknown sink. Under these circumstances,
predictions are difficult. Reducing these uncertainties will be
essential to develop effective strategies for controlling
anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions or for altering the
natural carbon cycle to enhance natural sinks.
The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide is now about
350 parts per million (ppm), and is increasing about 1.8 ppm per
year. About 6 billion metric tons of carbon is released to the
atmosphere annually as carbon dioxide from human activities. This
amount is very small in comparison to the flux from natural
sources, but it has been large enough to increase atmospheric
carbon dioxide concentrations by 25 percent since pre-industrial
times.
The research challenge is to understand the fate of the
anthropogenic carbon--to determine the sinks that remove carbon
from the atmosphere. The rate of carbon dioxide uptake by the
oceans is controlled by both the exchange rate at the sea-air
interface and the chemical, biological, and physical processes
that transfer carbon-containing surface water to the deep ocean
and sediments, where it is sequestered for long periods. These
processes need to be better understood and the fluxes of carbon
dioxide into and within the oceans more accurately known. There
are suggestions that human influenced sources of nutrients may be
increasing productivity and hence carbon uptake in oceanic
ecosystems.
Similarly, in terrestrial ecosystems, there are suggestions
14
Biennial Science and Technology Report
that warmer conditions, enhanced photosynthesis due to higher
carbon dioxide levels and increased use of nitrogen fertilizers,
and changing land management practices may all have increased
productivity and carbon dioxide uptake or storage. The challenge
is to understand the amount of carbon stored in different
terrestrial ecosystems and their components--including live
biomass, detritus, soil, permafrost, and sediments--and the
cycling and transformation of carbon within these ecosystems. It
is particularly important to understand such factors as the
impact of changing climate conditions, higher carbon dioxide
levels, and the frequency of fires on the growth and carbon
fixation by vegetation.
The atmospheric concentration of methane is 1.72 ppm, more
than double the pre-industrial value, is increasing at a rate of
0.9 percent per year, and is greater today than at any time
during the last 160,000 years. Methane is produced from a wide
variety of human and natural sources, including natural wetlands,
rice cultivation, enteric fermentation in domestic animals,
burning of biomass, deposits of methane-containing materials
known as clathrates, and venting or leaks of natural gas from
wells and pipelines. The research challenge is to improve the
quantitative knowledge of the fluxes of methane from these
sources and the process that control its release.
Oxidation in the lower atmosphere is the major sink for
methane,
E
about 10 years. Photochemical models currently suggest that the
15
Biennial Science and Technology Report
atmospheric oxidizing capacity may be declining, which would
imply a longer residence time for methane. Oxidents for methane
include ozone (from the stratosphere and from manmade smog) and
other chemical species with both natural and man-made sources.
There is now evidence to suggest that, during the past century,
oxidant (primarily ozone) levels in industrialized and remote
areas in the northern hemisphere areas have increased due to
growing pollution. Investigating the atmospheric and physical
chemical processes that affect the atmospheric lifetime is an
important research need.
Ecological Systems and Population Dynamics
The living organisms of the Earth both play a part in and are
affected by climate change. Plants are a major reservoir of
carbon dioxide. Microbial activity is the major source of
methane. Human activities such as the burning of fossil fuel,
deforestation, and agriculture are increasing the levels of
greenhouse gases. To understand these roles and the consequences
of changes in climate on populations of living organisms and on
the ecosystem communities with which they interact is of critical
importance. What is at stake is both the carrying capacity of the
planet and the wealth and diversity of Earth's biological
resources.
At present, the net effects of warming on competing
biological processes cannot be reliably predicted. Higher
tomperatures for tend to increase both photosynthesis-
-which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and
Biennial Science and Technology Report
respiration in plants and microbial decomposition of biomass--
which release carbon dioxide. Present evidence is that
respiration may increase more at higher temperatures, leading to
increased release of carbon dioxide from terrestrial ecosystems.
Increased soil moisture, on the other hand, would tend to
increase plant growth and carbon storage. Higher levels of carbon
dioxide also may increase plant growth in a number of ways, from
stimulating photosynthesis to improving plant's resistance to
water and nutrient stress to prolonging the growing season. There
is considerable uncertainty about the operation of these
processes in natural ecosystems.
Because species respond differently to climatic change,
ecosystems are likely to change in structure and composition
under conditions of global warming. Temperature changes
comparable in magnitude to those predicted by today's climate
models have in the past been associated with significant shifts
in the geographical distribution of terrestrial plants and
animals. During the Medieval Warm Epoch from 800 to 1200 AD, the
boreal forests of Canada extended well north of their present
boundaries and Scandinavian farmers grew grain as far north as
65° latitude.
Deforestation in tropical regions and forest harvesting and
regrowth in temperate zones help to alter the flux of carbon
dioxide between the land and the atmosphere. The net effect of
these human activities are quite uncertain, however. The issue is
further complicated by the over-fertilization of surface waters
12
Biennial Science and Technology Report
in the Northern hemisphere attributable to acid rain and the
runoff of nitrogen fertilizers, which may be promoting carbon
storage in biomass. Proposed reforestation efforts will also
increase carbon storage.
The research need is to understand in a far more
quantitative way both the effects of global change on biological
systems and their contributions to such change. An important
component is the impact of both planned human activities, such as
agricultural pursuits or reforestation, and inadvertent, such as
destruction of wetlands and wildlife habitat through overuse or
alteration of nutrient balances through pollution. The study of
population dynamics provides links among these interacting
social, economic, biological and ecological variables, from
small-scale experiments on how competing plants may grow in high
carbon dioxide atmospheres to larger-scale considerations of how
global food availability may be affected under global change.
National and international decision makers must know how global
change will affect biological resources, and what can be done to
plan for it.
Sampling biological populations and building ecological
databases is one important research focus. Crop yields, fishery
and forestry resources, and the abundances of game and some
non-game species are measured directly in many nations. Remote
sensing from satellites can indicate the distribution of major
plant life-forms. The application of sampling and monitoring
methods needs to be extended over longer periods of time, in
Biennial Science and Technology Report
order to detect projected changes due to global change over a
naturally variable background. The empirical climate records have
made obvious the lack of detailed ecological databases with
comparable data.
A second research focus is the exploration of factors that
govern the response of populations to global change. Key unknowns
include the extent to which climate and carbon dioxide levels
control species composition and abundances, the importance of
interspecific interactions in determining the composition of an
ecological community, and how species interactions are likely to
be altered under global change. In human-impacted environments,
more understanding is needed of the consequences that global
change will have on human health and on the vulnerabilities of
economic institutions nationally, regionally, and worldwide. The
consequences of global change for geographic distributions,
dispersal and migration of populations, both human and otherwise,
are poorly understood.
A more realistic accounting of the true environmental and
economic costs of resource exploitation and management is
necessary for wise stewardship of resources now and in the
future. Better descriptions and models of the links between
energy use, agricultural and forest management practices,
land-use, human migration and gas emissions will be especially
important for predicting both direct and indirect human
contributions to global change.
Populations may collapse after reaching critically low or
19
Biennial Science and Technology Report
high numbers, or if important habitat or food resources are
removed. Human populations and their institutions also show both
continuous and discontinuous responses to environmental stresses.
Greater understanding is needed of the concepts of thresholds in
both economic and ecological systems. Biological and human
populations susceptible to irreversible outcomes should be
identified. The processes that lead to rapid changes in abundance
or distribution, such as forest diebacks or fish population
collapse, must be studied in relation to global change.
The scientific community has many well-developed tools for
simulating the dynamics of single, and in some cases two or more
interacting populations of plants and animals. Models of larger
numbers of interacting populations must be improved, coupled to
the physical environment, and scaled up to larger geographic
regions. Human population and economic models should be
integrated with resource and biological models, in order to
provide a more complete description of the interaction of
resource management and the distribution and abundance of
species.
Climate Modeling and Prediction
Understanding and predicting changes in the Earth system requires
that many distinct components be successfully linked. At present,
models are used that predict separately the atmosphere, the
oceans, the land surface, the terrestrial and marine ecosystems,
other
A
that
the capacity and speed of computers required to simulate the
20
Biennial Science and Technology Report
coupled ocean/atmosphere/land Earth system are presently
inadequate. The estimated improvement in computational
capabilities would require a thousand-fold increase (see Chapter
2). A second reason is that the processes that govern the
interaction of the system's components are insufficiently
understood. Improving the knowledge base and integrating the
predictions from these various models is thus a central goal of
research.
Given the complexity of the Earth system and its many
feedbacks, prediction of climate and environmental changes is not
straightforward. For example, the human-generated increases in
atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is a major factor
potentially causing climate change. However, because carbon
dioxide is the primary raw material for photosynthesis, increased
carbon dioxide concentrations are also likely to have a direct
biological affect manifested as changes in the extent and
distribution of the Earth's vegetative cover. This, in turn,
affects hydrology and surface albedo and could affect climate.
Such complex Earth system processes and interactive feedbacks can
only be understood through model simulations.
Today's global models simulate with acceptable confidence
some of the important processes of global change, such as the
direct response of the climate system to increased atmospheric
concentrations of greenhouse gases, such as the warming of the
troposphere and the cooling of the stratosphere. Many physical
processes, however, are treated only in a rudimentary fashion by
21
Biennial Science and Technology Report
the models. These include the interaction between clouds and
radiation, ocean circulation, changes in the distribution and
abundance of biota, the role of the biosphere in recycling
carbon, and ocean and terrestrial exchanges with the atmosphere
of heat, water, carbon dioxide and other gases.
Today, scientists model individual components or limited
subsystems of climate, such as the atmosphere; the atmosphere and
ocean; or the atmosphere, ocean and prescribed land-surface,
rather than the entire coupled system. More reliable climate
change predictions, especially at the regional scale, will
require representation of the integrated behavior of the climate
system with fully coupled subsystem models.
The primary climate models, called general circulation
models, predict a variety of climatic variables, such as
temperature, precipitation, winds, snow accumulation, and soil
moisture. Integrating these largely atmospheric models with those
for the ocean, the land surface, and the biotic changes in those
regimes will be necessary for improved prediction.
Observations of a wide variety of past and present physical,
geological, chemical, and biological parameters associated with
the atmosphere, land, and ocean will be required to improve
scientific understanding of how the Earth functions as a single
coupled system. Good data and information management are
essential to accomplish this. Data sets must be organized and
assimilated so the model simulations of present and past
environments can be compared to nature as a test of model
22
Biennial Science and Technology Report
accuracy.
Model development requires greater understanding of
processes within each component of the Earth system, such as
cloud-radiation interactions, and of processes that involve
interactions between two or more of the components, such the role
of the oceans and terrestrial biota as sinks for atmospheric
carbon dioxide, together with the changes that may occur in these
processes under different climatic regimes.
Economics Research
Economic activities play a central role in determining the level
of energy, land use, and industrial activity that contribute to
global change. Thus economic research and methods provide an
important tool for evaluating the effects on society of global
changes. Economic considerations are also important in evaluating
the costs and human consequences of actions that might possibly
be taken to alter the timing or magnitude of global change, and
thus to the choice of policy response options.
The key needs for research are to document economic trends
that determine human inputs to global change throughout the
world, to study the economic consequences of responses to global
change, and to develop means of assessing issues that crosscut
the physical, biological, and economic sciences. This includes,
for example, a better understanding of the economic forces
driving technological change and productivity growth and of the
underlying adaptive capability of economic sectors faced with
climate changes and the nature of economic growth, especially in
23
Biennial Science and Technology Report
developing countries. An ability to represent this improved
understanding in economic models is also required, in order to
evaluate international market and trade effects and to develop
consistent scenarios and predictions of trace gas emissions and
global change effects.
Global environmental changes could have profound impacts on
the resources and systems which determine the health, abundance,
distribution, and well-being of human beings and other species.
Irreversibility of species loss and other potential consequences
of global change and the need to consider a time frame of 50 to
100 years or more pose special problems for economics and
decision science research. Researchers must re-examine
discounting and the general topic of valuing future outcomes and
costs, drawing on approaches from both the social and physical
sciences.
Economics research can make several important contributions
to establishing a foundation for policy analysis. First,
economics research can address issues in strategy, gaming,
negotiation, compliance and enforcement that are relevant to the
global change policy process. Second, research can examine the
strengths and weaknesses of the types of generic policy
instruments that are potentially applicable in the global change
context. Finally, research can contribute to the development and
refinement of tools, such as internationally linked macroeconomic
models that will play an important role in policy analysis.
CHAPTER 6
SHAPING THE MINDS OF TOMORROW
America is facing a quiet crisis in science and mathematics
education. Compared to the achievements of students in other
countries, the performance of American students is declining. Many
elementary and secondary school teachers have inadequate
preparation for and lack current knowledge of their subjects.
Quality of education is not the only concern. Too few students
are pursuing courses of study that will qualify them to fill
critical scientific and technical jobs in the future. Unless this
trend is reversed, the prospect is that the United States will
increasingly have to depend on foreign nationals to staff its
university science departments and its industrial laboratories.
Shortages are already evident in the supply of technicians and
technically-inclined workers of all kinds on whom the nation
depends to keep its airplanes flying, its computers on line, and
its production machinery humming. In particular, the number of
women and minorities seeking science courses and careers is very
low. Yet this group comprises the largest share of new entrants to
the workforce and must be drawn on for a larger share of the
nation's scientists and engineers if shortages are to be avoided.
On a broader scale, the American public is not well informed
about science and uncomfortable with quantitative reasoning. Such
= - = (acuares
2
Biennial Science and Technology Report
difficult for many people to function effectively as citizens in
a society marked by growing complexity and technical sophistication
or even to grasp issues that affect their lives, from AIDS to the
environment.
The link between science and mathematics education and U.S.
international competitiveness in science and technology became an
issue overnight in 1957 with the launch of the Soviet space
satellite Sputnik. During the ensuing three decades, American
higher education has retained its position of international
preeminence. By contrast, however, U.S. standing in precollege
mathematics and science education has eroded. This has occurred
even as science and technology have become increasingly common in
the American home and workplace.
The concern, acknowledged in scores of reports, is broader
than science and mathematics alone and puts at risk more than the
future supply of scientists and engineers. The crisis in pre-
college education goes directly to the U.S. ability to compete
economically and hence to provide jobs and a growing standard of
living for its citizens. As the Commission on Excellence reported
just a few years ago in A Nation At Risk, "If an unfriendly foreign
power has attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational
performance that exists today, we might well have viewed it as an
act of war. As it stands, we have allowed this to happen to
ourselves." Yet the nation is only now beginning to respond with
the of urgency annropriate to a problem of this magnitude.
Just such concerns led President Bush, in September of 1989,
3
Biennial Science and Technology Report
to convene the nation's first Educational Summit with the Nation's
Governors. The Summit led to the adoption of National Educational
Goals that established targets for American educational achievement
by the year 2000 and serve as the framework for the national
movement to improve education. Three of the six Goals are directly
related to mathematics and science education (see Box). Perhaps no
goal is more critical to America's future international
competitiveness than Goal #4: "By the year 2000, U.S. students will
be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement."
Improved achievement in science and mathematics education are
central to economic competitiveness because research and
development--and the improved technology and new products and
processes they lead to--play a crucial role in improving economic
productivity. At the same time, more and more jobs--even ordinary
jobs--in the high tech workplaces and automated factories of the
future will require technical skills.
In America, education is a partnership effort. The fundamental
partnership is among teachers, students, and parents. There is a
similar partnership among Federal, State and local governments. In
precollege education, for example, the Federal role is to focus
attention on the need for improvement and to marshal support from
a range of sources, while providing only 6 percent of total
national funding. In graduate education, at the other end of the
education spectrum, Federal dollars are sometimes the only source
of funds for student support.
But improving mathematics, science, engineering, and
4
Biennial Science and Technology Report
technology education will require greater efforts from all
participants, including Federal, State and local governments,
teachers, parents, students, professional associations, business
and industry, community-based organizations, and organizations of
individuals underrepresented in mathematics and science. Each has
a stake in the quality and success of science, mathematics, and
engineering education, and each has a unique and critical role to
play.
box
NATIONAL EDUCATION GOALS
GOAL 1
By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready
to learn.
GOAL 2
By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to
at least 90 percent.
GOAL 3
By the year 2000, American students will leave grades four, eight,
and twelve having demonstrated competency in challenging subject
matter including English, mathematics, science, history, and
and
CONCOL
in
Marica
will
that
all
students learn to use their minds well, so they may be prepared for
In
Biennial Science and Technology Report
responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive
employment in our modern economy.
GOAL 4
By the year 2000, U.S. students will be first in the world in
science and mathematics achievement.
GOAL 5
By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will
possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global
economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of
citizenship.
GOAL 6
By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and
violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to
learning.
POLICY RELEVANCE
Scientists, engineers, and technicians contribute in a critical
way to the nation's economic competitiveness. Yet if present trends
in American education continue, this country will not be able to
produce enough scientists and engineers to meet its workforce
needs. As large numbers of those who entered the scientific
workforce after World War II begin to retire, insufficient numbers
Biennial Science and Technology Report
of students are moving through the science pipeline to take their
places. For example, the number of bachelor's degrees granted to
engineers has declined in recent years (Figure 1). Over the next
17 years, the National Science Foundation estimates a cumulative
shortfall of more than 100,000 Ph.D. scientists and engineers. The
shortage of well-trained technicians is even more acute, with a
shortfall of about 2 million expected by the end of the century.
There is even a shortage of technical competence among new entrants
to the general workforce, with many major industrial corporations
reporting that the majority of employment applicants lack basic
skills and abilities for today's computerized workplace.
One cause of these problems is the bleak state of enrollments
in high school mathematics and science courses, which are
frequently electives. In 1987, less than 50 percent of U.S. high
school graduates took chemistry of any type, and only about 20
percent took physics. Underlying these numbers is a growing
disenchantment with science and technology as prospective careers.
Among freshman entering college, interest in science majors has
declined by one-third over the past two decades; interest in
engineering has fallen by a fourth since 1982; and interest in
computer science has plunged by two-thirds in just four years.
The problem of keeping students in the science pipeline is
even greater for women, persons with disabilities, and minorities
underrepresented in science and technology, who, with foreign
national, will comprise 85 percent of the net new entrants into the
American workforce between now and the year 2000 (Figure 2). These
Biennial Science and Technology Report
individuals, who traditionally have not been part of the technical
workforce, will be called upon to replace the decreasing percentage
of white males seeking engineering and technical jobs. Today, only
8 percent of bachelor's degrees and 4 percent of all doctorate
degrees in science and engineering are awarded to blacks and
Hispanics, who together comprise 20 percent of the total
population. By the turn of the century, minority students will
account for more than 40 percent of our elementary and secondary
school population. Thus it is urgent that the nation take steps to
ensure greater participation by these groups in the scientific and
technical workforce.
Without growth in student interest and ability in science and
technology, America's once-impressive lead in science and
engineering talent may begin to falter. Japan, for example, has
doubled its technical workforce in the last two decades and, with
half the population size of the United States, trains almost as
many engineers each year. Turning around the quality of mathematics
and science education in a decentralized public school system that
involves over 40 million students and 2.3 million teachers in over
80,000 schools and 15,000 school districts will not be easy. But
education is a ticking time bomb at the heart of the U.S. economy:
the nation cannot address its long-term economic and social needs
and may even find itself unable to compete in the emerging global
economy of the 21st century, if it does not educate its children
Instilling excellence in science and mathematics education is,
8
Biennial Science and Technology Report
therefore, an important mission of the Federal government. The Bush
Administration is giving priority attention to precollege
education, focusing resources and attention on the crucial
elementary and secondary years. The program has four goals:
A Stronger Teaching Force. Major efforts will be made to
enhance the skills of teachers. Teachers will gain greater exposure
to cutting-edge science, update their knowledge, and become better
prepared to educate students. More students in the science pipeline
will form a larger pool of future teachers in critical scientific
and technical fields. The teaching force can also be expanded by
offering encouragement and incentives for mid-career professionals
from science and technical disciplines to enter teaching through
innovative programs in alternative certification. In addition,
scientific and technical experts can assist teachers by serving as
classroom resource people.
Better Educated Students. Increased efforts will be directed
to motivate students to stay in the mathematics, science, and
engineering pipeline. The program will link curricula with the real
world of science by increasing student exposure to the latest
scientific and technical developments, using hands-on activities
and contact with Federal experts and facilities. Targeted Federal
programs will help students complete high school with competency
in mathematics and science and encourage them to enter college to
receive further education in these subjects.
A More Scientifically Literate Public. Increased coordination
will better enable Federal agencies to provide science and
Biennial Science and Technology Report
technology information to the public and increase public
understanding. A more scientifically literate population will be
better prepared to make well-informed risk assessment and to
evaluate policy choices on difficult scientific and technical
issues confronting the Nation.
A More Diverse Scientific and Technical Workforce. The
multiple programs reaching groups underrepresented in science, such
as women, minorities, and the disabled, will improve career
awareness and educational opportunities for these groups, integral
to the future workforce of the Nation.
THE STATE OF EDUCATION
Educators regard the precollege years, kindergarten through high
school, as crucial in determining a child's lifetime understanding
and performance in mathematics and science. Research suggests that
attitudes toward mathematics and science are largely established
during the primary school years and solidified in the middle school
years. Fully half of American children conclude by the seventh
grade that these fields are not open to them as options for
continued educational growth or potential employment, thereby
reducing the science pipeline by 50 percent (Figure 3). Precollege
science and mathematics learning is also the foundation of science
literacy in the U.S. population, shaping both the electorate and
the workforce.
wennac uaad aARU In SRAIP трацаб
learning; teachers, instruction, and curriculum materials; and
10
Biennial Science and Technology Report
reforming the broader school system.
Student Performance
A Nation at Risk and many reports that have followed it have called
for the reform of American mathematics and science education,
citing alarming lags in student achievement compared to that of
other nations. In a recent international achievement survey that
compared students in the United States and 15 other nations,
American high school seniors scored among the bottom fourth on
calculus and algebra achievement tests. Even the best American
mathematics students--the top 13 percent--generally placed in the
bottom 25 percent internationally. In a comparison with students
in 12 other countries, U.S. high school students finished ninth in
physics, eleventh in chemistry, and dead last in "advanced
placement" biology. Overall, American high school students
performed below their counterparts in Japan, China, Mexico, Canada,
and Thailand.
In many of our high schools, science and mathematics courses
are frequently ignored electives or, too often, are simply
unavailable. Nearly 30 percent of U.S. high schools offer no
courses in physics, 17 percent offer none in chemistry, and 70
percent offer none in earth or space science. Textbooks for the
courses that do exist are sometimes inadequate. In the midst of a
scientific information explosion, it can still take half a decade
to update textbooks to include current knowledge.
To promote interest in the study of mathematics and science,
educators must begin to reach children at a younger age. For many
11
Biennial Science and Technology Report
students now in school, it may be too late. They may have already
learned that "science is not for them," or that "mathematics is too
hard. " Their teachers may have never had a college-level course in
the subjects they must teach. Many children will never do a science
experiment in class, take a field trip to a museum, or use a
computer during their entire precollege education. Yet, when they
complete their 13 years of basic education, they will enter adult
life in the most technically challenging living and work
environment the world has ever known. A recent study by the Hudson
Institute for the Department of Labor has documented a growing
shift in the labor market toward jobs that require higher skill
levels--better quantitative skill and higher literacy levels.
America's Teachers
Teaching is a profession in crisis. In spite of their tremendous
responsibilities, many teachers endure low salaries and low status,
and recruiting teachers is becoming a great national challenge.
In the United States today, there are 2.3 million public school
teachers in grades K-12. The Department of Education estimates that
over the next decade, schools must hire 1.6 million new teachers,
or an average of 160,000 teachers a year. Yet the primary source
of new teachers, college students majoring in education, has fallen
55 percent since 1972 and today supplies only about half the
teachers needed in the future. If it is becoming difficult to
recruit teachers, it is even harder to retain them. Twenty percent
of new teachers leave during their first year, and more than half
leave before the sixth year. The nation is currently losing
12
Biennial Science and Technology Report
thirteen mathematics and science teachers for each new one entering
the profession.
The numbers of new mathematics and science teachers do not in
any case meet the need. Over 60 percent of junior high and high
school principals say they have difficulty hiring teachers for
physics, chemistry, and computer science classes. With decreasing
enrollments in mathematics and science at the undergraduate level,
the problem is likely to increase.
There is also concern for the quality of mathematics and
science teaching. The American Association for the Advancement of
Science concluded that few elementary school teachers have adequate
preparation in science and mathematics before they begin to teach
these subjects. In many instances such teachers have had only one
or two courses in mathematics and science, and almost 50 percent
have had no additional college coursework in the past 10 years.
Leading professional associations of mathematics and science
educators have established standards for coursework preparation for
teachers. By their estimates, two-thirds or more of the nation's
teachers do not meet these standards (Table 1) :
Table 1
Percentage of teachers meeting standards of preparation
science
mathematics
elementary school teachers
33%
18%
middle School teachers
F
biology
chemistry
physics
13
Biennial Science and Technology Report
high school teachers
29%
31%
12%
This problem is compounded by the fact that too often,
teachers are required to teach out of their fields and work with
outdated or inadequate instructional materials in science and
mathematics. Because teachers have little contact with the
practicing scientific community, they are frequently unable to tie
real-life applications to the basic scientific concepts they must
teach. If student performance is to be improved by the year 2000,
mathematics and science instruction must increase in quality well
before the end of the decade.
The Broader School System
There is growing recognition that teachers and students
individually cannot solve all the difficulties encountered in
mathematics and science education. For example, many
mathematicians, scientists, and educators have advocated the use
of hands-on learning in elementary and secondary classrooms. Yet
studies indicate that little hands-on science is taught at the
elementary school level and that the amount of hands-on assignments
and student experiments has actually declined in recent years. In
secondary schools, instruction in 50 minute periods makes it
impossible to do many kinds of science experiments or to explore
complex mathematical problems in detail. Restructuring efforts are
underway in many parts of the Nation. The Federal government has
recognized
to
support
these
State
and
local
reform efforts.
14
Biennial Science and Technology Report
Public Science Literacy
A high quality basic science and mathematics education is a
prerequisite for those who eventually choose careers in science and
engineering fields, but it is equally necessary for the balance of
our population if our citizens are to understand the scientific and
technical issues that affect their lives: space policy, nuclear
energy, AIDS research, or man's impact on the environment. Media
coverage of important science and mathematics topics must increase
and become better informed as well.
Although Americans have universal access to education and
broad access to information, the state of American public
scientific literacy is distressing. In one recent study, half the
adults questioned did not know that it took one year for the Earth
to orbit the Sun. Science literacy will be critical to an
increasingly wide range of jobs--from repairing heavy machinery to
using a scanning electron microscope, from using computers in the
office to operating an automated production line. In addition,
science literacy is already an important job component in careers
as diverse as food production, transportation, communications,
forestry, water and environmental management, weather monitoring,
national defense, and public health. It is increasingly likely that
each individual will have several jobs during his or her lifetime,
and must have the basic skills and flexibility necessary to change
with the changing job market. In short, the quality of basic
and
education
citizens, workers, educators, and parents.
15,
Biennial Science and Technology Report
NEW INITIATIVES
One key dimension of educational reform is a direct outcome of the
Education Summit: The sense that the time had come for national
goals in education--national goals with local implementation.
An initiative to establish just such goals for mathematics
education has been underway for some time under the auspices of the
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This pioneering grass-
roots effort is leading to a national framework for mathematics
curricula that can be implemented in each state. The Association
of State Supervisors of Mathematics is undertaking additional
programs to translate the national goals into state and local plans
by training over 900 teachers who can then further spread the
reform effort. Similar efforts are underway in science education.
Another initiative comes from innovations and experiments with
new educational technologies that are likely to have a major impact
on schools. These innovations, summarized in a report from the
Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, include satellite
networks that have enormous potential for sharing master teachers
and for teacher training right in the schools. There are already
three different national consortia providing interactive video
instruction on a regional or national scale. There is also
increasing recognition of the power of computers and high speed
computer networks to give students broader access to information
and learning tools, to share vast amounts of data and programs
within a school or across the nation, and ultimately to customize
16
Biennial Science and Technology Report
instruction to the needs of each individual student (See Chapter
2). New educational technologies are likely to intensify pressures
for restructuring the schools and removing antiquated barriers.
A third type of initiatives for educational reform in science
and mathematics might come from closer ties between teachers and
scientists. One aspect of this would be involvement of the nation's
scientists and engineers, and of universities and research
institutions of all kinds, in the educational process. Scientists
and engineers can come to the classroom to teach or serve as
technical resources and mentors to teachers and students. Likewise,
pre-college science and mathematics teachers can be brought closer
to the mainstream of science. Individual Federal agencies can play
an important role in this process, since many agencies conduct
research and maintain laboratories or technical facilities located
in every State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the
Territories. This unparalleled collection of facilities could be
utilized more fully to serve mathematics and science education,
benefiting local communities and the nation as a whole. The
Department of Energy, for example, has developed formal
partnerships between its National Laboratories and rural and urban
school systems. These partnerships provide technical assistance to
the school systems, including short courses and institutes for
teachers on energy-related topics, the loan of equipment, and help
in developing classroom and out-of-classroom science experiments;
they also provide summer research appointments for teachers and
students and mentoring of students by laboratory scientists.
17
Biennial Science and Technology Report
Many initiatives are already underway. More will be needed,
if the nation is to meet its needs in science and mathematics
education and to fulfill its obligation to the next generation.
FIGURE LIST AND CAPTIONS
Figure 1. The Engineering Talent Pool/U.S. Engineering Bachelor's
Degrees, 1980-1989.
Figure 2. The Changing Labor Force/Net New Workers, 1985-2000.
Figure 3. The Science Pipeline/U.S. Students Interested in or
Pursuing Science and Engineering Careers
18
Fig.
Figure 2
Figure 2 indicates a recent four-year decline in
Engineering Degrees, 1966-1989
engineering bachelor's degree recipients, which is
expected to be reflected at the master's level in
Thousands
100
the near future. Figure 2 also shows the low level
of participation by women in these degree
80
programs. In addition, the number of entering
60
freshmen planning to major in engineering has
dropped by 25% since 1982.
40
20
As a result of these and other factors, America's
0
once-impressive lead in science and engineering
0667 68 70 76 78 79 80 81 83 84 85 86 87 $8.89
personnel may begin to falter. Japan, for
YER'S DEGREES
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
example, has doubled its technical workforce in
the last two decades and, with half the population
Engineering Bachelor's Degrees, 1966-1989
size of the United States, trains almost as many
engineers as we do each year. Federal resources
Thousands
100
can help build a stronger technical workforce and
maintain American inventiveness and discovery.
80
60
Underrepresented Groups
40
The problem of keeping students in the science
20
pipeline is even greater for women, persons with
0
disabilities and mindrities underrepresented in
1966
1970
1975
1980
1985
1989
science and technology, who, with foreign
WOMEN
MEN
nationals, will comprise 85% of the net new
entrants into the American workforce between
Engineering Master's Degrees, 1966-1989
now and the year 2000 Figure 3). These
individuals, who traditionally have not been part
Thousands
25
of the technical workforde, will be called upon to
replace the decreasing percentage of white males
20
seeking engineering and technical jobs. Today,
15
only 8% of bachelor's degrees in science and
engineering are awarded to blacks and Hispanics
10
(20.2% of the total population combined);
5
together, these minorities currently earn only 4%
Q
of all science and engineering Ph.D.s. At the turn
1966
1970
1975
1980
1985
1989
of the century, minority students will account for
WOMEN
MEN
more than 40% of our elementary and secondary
Source: National Science Foundation
school population. The Nation must take steps to
19
Fig. 2
ensure greater participation by these groups in
Science literacy will be critical to an increasingly
the scientific and technical workforce.
wide range of jobs-from repairing heavy
machinery to using a scanning electron
Figare 2
microscope, from using computers in the office to
The Changing Labor Force
operating an automated production line. In
Net New Workers, 1985-2000
addition, science Iteracy is already an important
job component in careers as diverse as food
production, transportation, communications,
White Women
42%
forestry, water and environmental management,
White Men
weather monitoring, national defense, and public
15%
health. It is increasingly likely that each
Immigrant Women
Nonwhite Men
individual will have severaliobs during his or her
9%
7%
lifetime, and must have the basic skills and
Immigrant Men
Nonwhite Women
13%
13%
flexibility necessary to change with the changing
job market. In short, the quality of our basic
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
science and mathematics education is an issue we
must all face-as citizens, workers, educators and
Public Science Literacy
parents. Federal resources can play a role in
broadening the base of American science literacy.
A high quality basic science and mathematics
education is a\prerequisite for those who
eventually choose careers in science and
engineering fields, but it is equally necessary for
the balance of our population if our citizens are
to understand the scientific and technical issues
that affect their livest space policy, nuclear
energy, AIDS research, or man's impact on the
environment. Media coverage of important
science and mathematics topics must increase
and become better informed as well.
Although Americans have universal access to
education and broad access to information, the
state of American public scientific literacy is
distressing. In one recent study, half the adults
questioned did not know that it took one year for
the Earth to orbit the Sun.
20
Fig
30
Teacher preparation is also an issue. The
Workforce/Scientific Competitiveness
American Association for the Advancement of
Science concluded that few elementary school
A Nation at Risk and the many education reports
teachers have adequate preparation in science
that followed also warned that without a growth
and mathematics before they begin to teach these
in student interest and ability in science and
subjects. Leading professional associations of
technology, America's world arketplace
mathematics and science educators have
competitiveness in these fields would be in
established standards for coursework preparation
jeopardy. At similar risk would be the premier
for teachers. By their estimates, only the
position of America in scientific research and
following percentages of teachers meet these
development. As large numbers of those who
standards:
entered the scientific workforce after World
War II begin to retire, insufficient numbers of
33% of elementary school teachers (science)
students are moving through the science pipeline
18% of elementary school teachers (math)
to take their places.
22% of middle school teachers (science)
Figare
14% of middle school teachers (math)
The Science Pipeline
Pool of Potential Scientists and Engineers Among U.S. Students
29% of high school teachers (biology)
1,000 1,000
31% of high school teachers (chemistry)
Numbers expressing
interest in science or
283
engineering
12% of high school teachers (physics)
217
Males
Females
This problem is compounded by the fact that too
often, teachers are required to teach out of their
143
fields and work with outdated or inadequate
instructional materials in science and
45
44
mathematics. Because teachers have little contact
19
14
4
5
1
Total
Enrollment
2,000
2,000
1,440 11,560
900
830
480
440
140 150
20
10
with the practicing scientific community, they are
7th Graders
High School
College
College
Graduate
Doctorate
frequently unable to tie real-life applications to
Graduates
Freshmen
Graduates
Degrees
the basic scientific concepts they must teach. If
Source: National Science Foundation
we are going to improve student performance by
the year 2000, we must significantly improve
If trends in American education continue on
mathematics and science instruction well before
their present course, studies indicate that this
the end of the decade. By bringing them closer to
country will not be able to produce enough scien-
cutting-edge science, innovative curriculum and
tists and engineers to meet its workforce needs.
materials, Federal agencies can help prepare
As Figure 1 illustrates, by the time children are in
teachers so that they can communicate the
the seventh grade, fully half declare no interest in
excitement of science to their students.
science. At the other end of the science pipeline,
only six of every 4,000 seventh graders (five men
and one woman) will ultimately receive a Ph.D.
in science or engineering.
SOME REMAINING ISSUES
RELATED TO
FEDERAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
NOVEMBER, 1990
FEDERAL LABORATORY CONSORTIUM
FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Refer comments to:
WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
1550 M Street, NW
Washington. DC 20005
202-331-4220
SOME REMAINING ISSUES RELATED TO FEDERAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
At its 1990 Spring National Meeting, the Federal Laboratory
Consortium (FLC) convened a panel to consider outstanding issues
regarding the implementation of the Federal Technology Transfer
Act of 1986 (FTTA). In conjunction with this panel, the FLC has
developed this summary of some remaining issues that may require
policy level resolution. With very few exceptions they are
institutional and process issues for which no new legislation
would be required. The summary of issues is deliberately brief
and is intended to describe only the essence of each issue. The
FLC is providing this to member agencies and remains available to
expand on the issues and share experiences and information about
current practices related to these issues. The FLC welcomes
comments and suggestions on these and other issues.
FOREIGN COMPANY ISSUES
An underlying concern for all involved in domestic technology
transfer of federally supported research and development is an
issue related to identification of foreign companies and
preference for U.S. companies.
DEFINING PREFERENCE POLICIES
The Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 states that "business
units located in the U.S. which agree that products embodying
inventions made under the cooperative research and development
agreement (CRDA) or produced through the use of such inventions
will be manufactured substantially in the United States" will
receive preference for CRDAs. Presently, each department, agency
and/or laboratory must interpret this language independently, and
some foreign CRDAs do exist.
Is "substantial manufacture" the only relevant consideration
for defining preference policies? Should guidance be provided to
ensure that U.S. corporations receive preference? If so, how do
we define a "U.S. corporation"? How do such policies fit with the
Nation's international agreements?
-2-
PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, LICENSES
Appropriate handling of intellectual property is critical to
successful technology transfer and encompasses a breadth of
practical issues.
COPYRIGHTING OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPED BY FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
Copyright law now prohibits copyright protection for works created
in the course of federal employees' official duties. This applies
to computer software. Also, for practical or legal reasons, some
software cannot be adequately protected by patents. Such software
can have substantial commercial value. Federally developed
training materials also are not copyrightable, and may also have
commercial value.
This is clearly a controversial issue. From the perspective of
technology transfer, lack of copyright protection is a real
barrier because the private sector will not invest in further
development and commercialization. However, too much protection
could impede future innovation.
The GOCO organizations are not subject to the prohibition against
copyrights because they do not have federal employees. Their
experience reveals how important proprietary rights can be to
further commercialization of software developed with federal
funds. Experience proves the value of software protection in
preventing foreign companies from gaining advantage over U.S.
firms in marketing software developed at U.S. Government expense.
Is there a way to make available copyright protection for all
federally funded software without impeding innovation?
FILING FOR FOREIGN PATENTS
Federal laboratories usually do not file for foreign patents.
Also, foreign patent applications can be complicated by technical
publication in the U.S. Issues here include the importance of
foreign patents, their costs, and the role of the private sector.
What guidance might be developed to share with laboratories for
their consideration when faced with business decisions regarding
filing for foreign patents?
GUIDELINES FOR EXCLUSIVE LICENSING
At present, there is no general guidance for entering into
exclusive licensing agreements with regard to the following
issues. Would it be possible to lay out broad guidance with
respect to:
1) non-U.S. businesses?
-3-
2) exclusivity limited to specific fields of use?
3) announcements of license availability?
4 ) alternative licensing arrangements (e.g., royalties
based on sales, and equity in lieu of royalty)
READY ACCESS TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ATTORNEYS
Some laboratories have no readily available intellectual property
attorneys to assist with copyrights, patents, and licensing.
Others find their system is overloaded or soon will be.
What mechanisms might be used to evaluate and remedy this
situation?
LICENSING NOTICES FOR CRDAs
The federal code, effective since 1985, requires notice of the
intent to grant an exclusive or partially exclusive license to be
published in the Federal Register in order to provide the
opportunity for objections to be filed. On the other hand, in
order to better effect the commercialization of inventions
developed under the CRDA, the FTTA permits the government to grant
or agree to grant in advance, to a collaborating party, patent
licenses or assignments, or options thereto, on any invention made
in whole or in part by a Federal employee under the CRDA.
Would it be useful to develop parallel licensing regulations
specific to the CRDAs and limit the application of existing codes
to all but CRDAs?
IDENTIFICATION OF PROSPECTIVE LICENSEES
The current federal code, effective since 1985, requires that the
prospective licensee be identified when publishing a notice of
intent to license a technology.
Industry representatives indicate focus should be only on the
technology to be licensed and not on the prospective licensing
company. The identification provides important information to
their competitors. It provides an opportunity to object, simply
to deter their competition.
Should consideration be given to amending the federal code to
address this issue and to generally make it fully consistent with
the spirit of the FTTA?
Should consideration also be given to establishment of an appeals
procedure that specifically identifies and limits the right to
bring an action to parties with a substantive case or controversy?
ROYALTIES OR OTHER INCOME FROM UNPATENTED TECHNOLOGY
There is no statutory guidance regarding royalties or other income
from unpatented federal laboratory technologies and the
disposition of such income.
Could guidance be developed for use by laboratories?
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED BY SBIR RECIPIENTS
Technology developed by SBIR recipients may remain unprotected by
patents for two main reasons:
(1) small businesses may not have the resources necessary to
seek patent protection themselves, and
(2) SBIR recipients may lack the motivation necessary to
disclose and assign inventions to the Government for
possible filing of patent applications.
As a result, the SBIR recipients could find themselves competing
with large businesses for exclusive licenses granted by the
Government on inventions developed under the SBIR awards.
Motivation could be provided by regulations that give preferential
treatment to SBIR recipients wishing to exclusively license from
the Government those inventions assigned to the Government by the
recipient.
Would it be beneficial to consider revising the Government
licensing regulations with respect to SBIR to be consistent with
the spirit of the FTTA? One revision could grant SBIR recipients
the option to exclusively license from the Government those
inventions that they have assigned to the Government and on which
the Government has decided to seek patent protection. Such a
modification of the licensing regulations might help promote the
commercialization of inventions originating under the SBIR program.
TO LICENSE OR NOT TO LICENSE
In some instances, potential licensees approach a laboratory to
license a technology and do SO without having in place an
organization which itself has proven expertise and capability for
commercializing the technology. Not all laboratories consider
licensing under such conditions. Is it appropriate to develop
guidance that might be used to aid laboratories with this and
related issues?
-5-
MEETING THE NEEDS OF LABORATORIES
Laboratories across the country which are engaged in domestic
technology transfer continue to confront new issues where there
may be no clear precedent. Some of these issues are very far
reaching in their effect on the transfer process.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Everyone wants to avoid both conflict of interest and its
appearance. Yet as federal laboratory employees transfer
technology to the private sector many issues arise. Examples
include: May laboratory employees consult on commercial projects
that they worked on earlier, such as when it was a CRDA? May
laboratory employees hold equity positions in a corporation whose
technology they helped develop? Should laboratory employees
disclose their financial holdings prior to working closely with
industry? May laboratory employees be part of personnel exchanges
with industry without being vulnerable to conflict of interest
charges?
Concerns about such issues may be impeding technology transfer.
Might consistent guidance substantially reduce the adverse effects?
EXPEDITING CONSULTANCY AGREEMENTS
Availability of expert consultants from federal laboratories may
be critical to effective technology transfer associated with
licensing of patents and in other cooperative areas. Not all
federal laboratories have the statutory authority to do work for
the private sector on a reimbursable basis (outside of a CRDA).
Even in those situations where the authority exists, not all
federal laboratories permit their employees to consult for the
private sector. In some laboratories, consultancy agreements for
a few days work receive the same level of scrutiny as do
multi-million dollar agreements. Other laboratories have not
developed procedures to permit consulting.
Could general guidance be designed to simplify the process which
makes federal laboratory employees available as consultants?
CRDA LANGUAGE
The FTTA clearly does not intend to encumber the CRDA process with
all the requirements that pertain to government procurements.
However, even with this prohibition, in some instances, regulation
wording is being borrowed from the procurement process
inappropriately for CRDAs. These decisions are being made at each
agency or laboratory.
Would it be useful to develop guidance for use by agencies and
laboratories as to provisions which are appropriate to include in
CRDAs?
-6-
CONSISTENT LEADERSHIP
Laboratory investigators do not necessarily see consistent support
for technology transfer throughout the entire management structure
of agencies and laboratories.
What can be done to develop strong consistent support for domestic
technology transfer within and across agencies and laboratories?
FAIRNESS
Small and large businesses alike raise the issue of fairness with
respect to federally supported research and development. Large
companies have sufficient resources to assign one or more
employees to technology-seeker positions, even including searching
for CRDA opportunities with federal laboratories. Small
businesses generally lack these resources, and yet provide a very
significant share of new products and new jobs. Fairness issues
are also of concern within the categories of both small and large
businesses.
The Federal Laboratory Consortium, the Department of Commerce,
including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and
some federal laboratories have made fruitful efforts to reach out
to small businesses and to find ways to meet their needs. Can
this process be significantly strengthened through the development
of broad guidance to encourage each agency and laboratory as part
of their technology transfer efforts to work with small as well as
large businesses?
SHARED RISK/NEW APPROACHES
Success in domestic technology transfer will require many new
approaches. Yet individuals in agencies and laboratories whose
approval is necessary may act very conservatively as they have no
guarantee of reward if the project is a success and perceive some
personal risk in case of failure.
Could mechanisms be devised which would encourage development of
new approaches and provide means for sharing the risk in approval
while rewarding success?
-7-
FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
Some Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) *
may be unsure as to whether they are included under the definition
of the term "laboratory" in the section of the FTTA and have the
ability to arrange CRDAs.
Would clarification ensure that all of the FFRDCs have the same
clear opportunities to participate under the FTTA?
RESPONSIBILITIES OF LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS
Although the FTTA makes it clear that, consistent with their
mission responsibilities, technology transfer is a responsibility
of each laboratory science and engineering professional, many are
unaware of the opportunities for technology transfer and their
responsibilities to promote it.
How might laboratory employees be better informed?
LABORATORY PERSONNEL POLICY
Although the FTTA requires laboratory directors to ensure that
efforts to transfer technology are considered positively in
laboratory job descriptions, employee promotion policies, and
evaluation of job performance of laboratory scientists and
engineers, full implementation has not been achieved.
Is there an acceptable means of achieving broader conformance with
this requirement?
FACILITATING ACCESS TO LABORATORIES
Not all laboratories are equally represented in information about
laboratory activities and expertise compiled for use in
facilitating technology transfer.
Would there be an acceptable means for gaining laboratory
cooperation to assure more uniform access to laboratory technology
and expertise?
* FFRDCs are R&D performing organizations exclusively or
substantially financed by the Federal Government that are
supported by the Federal Government either to meet a particular
R&D objective or, in some instances, to provide major facilities
at universities for research and associated training purposes.
Each center is administered either by an industrial firm, a
university, or another nonprofit institution.
-8-
TRAINING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACT OF 1988 (PL 100-418)
The Training Technology Transfer Act of 1988 (TTTA) appears to
centralize technology transfer of education and training software
whereas the FTTA provides for a broad, decentralized approach.
The TTTA is intended to facilitate the transfer of education and
training software developed by federal agencies to the public and
private sectors and establishes an Office of Training Technology
Transfer (OTTT) within the Department of Education. The Act has
provisions which could be construed to be in conflict with the
FTTA of 1986.
The Act allows grants to prospective users of government developed
training and educational software and provides the authority to
the Department of Education to obtain services, equipment,
personnel and facilities from other federal agencies to aid in
technology transfer, even though those same agencies have the
authority under the FTTA to transfer technology directly to the
public and private sector.
Would review and clarification of the relative rules of the OTTT
and the federal laboratories be most timely as the OTTT becomes
operational SO that it may serve to enhance technology transfer in
these important areas?
MEETING NEEDS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR
The private sector is taking an increased interest in federally
supported technology. Some industries are seeking means of
affecting the nature of the R&D while others are looking for
consistency in the implementation of the technology transfer
legislation.
EXEMPTIONS FROM FOIA DISCLOSURES
The National Competitiveness Technology Transfer Act of 1989 (PL
101-189), an amendment to the DOD Authorization Bill which amended
the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, provided up to a
five-year exemption from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
disclosures for technical information developed under CRDAs with
federal laboratories.
Would it be useful to get input from the private sector regarding
the value of FOIA exemption and the implementation of this
provision and develop general guidance for agencies to use?
RELEVANCE OF FEDERALLY FUNDED TECHNOLOGY TO U.S. PRIVATE SECTOR
The U.S. private sector has not traditionally looked to
government-funded R&D as a major technology resource for
commercialization. As technical partnerships become more
-9-
prevalent, it may be important for industry to affect the
direction of federally-funded R&D.
What approach could be taken to consider how elements of the U.S.
private sector might appropriately be involved in the planning,
evaluation, and implementation of government R&D programs,
including how industry input might help to assure that the
commercial potential of program results, expertise and facilities
are considered while carrying out existing mission-oriented R&D?
* * *
The FLC is dedicated to promoting the rapid movement of Federal
laboratory research results and technologies into the mainstream
of the U.S. economy. From this perspective, the FLC has compiled
these issues in order to draw attention to areas where
improvements would accelerate technology transfer. The FLC
welcomes comments and suggestions on these and other issues.
-10-
APPENDIX OF ACRONYMS
CRDA - Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
FFRDC - Federally Funded Research and Development Centers
FLC - Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer
FOIA - Freedom of Information Act
FTTA - Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986
GOCO - Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated
OTTT - Office of Training Technology Transfer
SBIR - Small Business Innovation Research
TTTA - Training Technology Transfer Act of 1988
Science and Technology
Issue: Should the EPC become more directly engaged in policy on
science and technology matters?
Reasons for More EPC Involvement:
- the President needs to do more to get more credit for
Administration initiatives in the civilian high technology field
- success in the Persian Gulf confirmed wisdom of U.S.
investment in military technology; makes evident the need for
commitment on the civilian side
- the making of policy on civilian technology matters is
fast moving outside the Cabinet Council structure
- the Administration may be drifting into policies and
processes inconsistent with reliance on markets and the private
sector
- because potential Democratic candidates, such as Gore,
will likely push technology themes, the Administration needs a
better handle on this issue at senior levels
Assistant to the President for
Science and Technology
Chairman,
Chairman,
Federal Coordinating
Director,
President's Adviser on
Committee on Science,
Office of Science and
Science & Technology
Engineering & Technology
Technology Policy (OSTP)
(PCAST)
(FCCSET)
(private sector panel)
(Interagency council)
Committee on
Associate Director for
Physical, Mathematical
Life Sciences
Engineering Sciences
Committee on
Associate Director for
Sciences
Industrial Technology
Earth and Environment
Committee on
Associate Director for
Life Science and Health
Policy and
International Affairs
Committee on
International Science,
Engineering and
Technology
Committee on
Associate Director for
Education and
Physical Science and
Human Resources
Engineering
Committee on
Assistant Director for
Radiation Research and
National Security
Policy Coordination
Committee on
Assistant Director for
Industry and Technology
Environment
MAJOR OSTP ISSUES AND ACTIVITIES 1989-1990
Develop High Performance Computing Initiative
Participate in Federal Budget Process on R&D
Coordinate Administration's Scientific Work on Global
Climate Change
Formulate Math/Science Education Goals of Agencies with
respect to R&D
Establish FCCSET Structure
EPC APPROACH TO S&T ISSUES
Goal: bring S&T policy issues affecting competitiveness
into the EPC orbit.
Vehicle: activate the Science & Technology EPC Working
Group chaired by Dr. Bromley.
Rely on the mid-1990 understanding with Bromley that
significant S&T policy issues requiring decision go through
the EPC or DPC.
Abandon the "comprehensive strategy" approach articulated in
March 1989.
Instead, focus on specific, manageable issues.
Seek to establish credibility of the S&T Working Group as an
available forum for future S&T issues.
PROPOSED AGENDA FOR S&T WORKING GROUP
Review Pending Legislation on Technology Policy
American Technology Preeminence Act
High Performance Computing Initiative
Prospective Critical Technologies Legislation
Develop Guidelines Regarding Industry/Government Cost
Sharing and Joint R&D
Initial focus: electric car consortium in the National
Energy Strategy
Develop Plan for the National Critical Technologies
Institute
Develop position on Uruguay Round disciplines on Government
support for R&D (perhaps better suited as TPRG issue)
NEOB 8001
CHARTER
FEDERAL COORDINATING COUNCIL
FOR SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY
The Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (FCCSET)
is established pursuant to Public Law 94-282, Title V of the "National Science and
Technology Policy Organization and Priorities Act of 1976" to consider cross-cutting
- science, engineering and technology issues. Specifically,
The Council shall consider problems and developments in the fields of science,
engineering, technology and related activities affecting more than one Federal
agency, and shall recommend policies and other measures designed to:
(1) provide more effective planning and administration or Federal
scientific, engineering, and technological programs,
(2) identify research needs including areas requiring additional
emphasis,
(3) achieve more effective utilization of the scientific, engineering
and technological resources and facilities of Federal agencies,
including the elimination of unwarranted duplication, and
(4) further international cooperation in science, engineering, and
technology.
OBJECTIVES
In fulfilling this mandate, the FCCSET's two major objectives are:
o
to coordinate science, engineering and technology activities affecting
more than one Federal agency and surface and resolve science, engineering
and technology policy issues with respect to those activities.
to develop authoritative scientific, engineering and technological expertise
and advice for the Executive Branch.
200
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
St:25
13/21/91
FUNCTIONS
To accomplish these two objectives the FCCSET will:
serve as a forum for coordinating science, engineering and technology
programs affecting more than one Federal agency, sharing information,
reviewing and implementing national and international policy objectives
and developing consensuses with respect to science, engineering and
technology activities;
identify research and development needs and priorities;
issue reports, studies and assessments of current scientific, engineering
and technological capabilities in fields of research and development of
concern to the Executive Branch;
inform other policy making bodies of review, studies and analyses underway;
identify science, engineering and technology issues and concerns of
importance to the nation and give expertise and advice to policy bodies;
work closely with the Office of Management and Budget in developing and
reviewing annual and long-range Federal budget plans in selected cross-
cutting areas of science, engineering and technology;
improve planning, coordination and communication among Federal agencies
engaged in science, engineering and technology.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
To accomplish these functions the FCCSET is authorized to:
detail employees to the Council to perform such functions, consistent with
the purposes of the FCCSET, as the Chairman may assign to them;
establish committees for the purposes of conducting studies, making reports,
coordinating Federal science, technology and engineering activities that
involve more than one Federal agency, and making recommendations to the
FCCSET;
develop, review on an annual basis, charters for committees, and assign high
priority agenda items as necessary;
Council meetings shall be called by the Chairman as deemed appropriate
and such agency member shall attend at a senior policy level;
Council proceedings, studies and reports, either preliminary or final,
shall be printed and distributed only with the Chairman's authorization.
£00
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
15:46
16/21/19
MEMBERSHIP
The Council shall be chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy and shall be composed of one senior policy level representative of each of the
following Federal agencies:
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Education
Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of the Interior
Department of State
Department of Transportation
Department of Veteran's Administration
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Science Foundation
Environmental Protection Agency
Ex-Officio Members:
Director, Office of Management and Budget
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Other agencies may be requested to participate in meetings of the Council concerned
with matters of substantial interest to such agency.
DETERMINATION
I hereby approve and adopt this Charter which is determined to be consistent with
PL-94-282 which establishes the FCCSET.
Approved:
DAllan Romby.
Jane 1990
D. Allan Bromley
Date:
Chairman, Federal Coordinating
Council for Science, Engineering
and Technology
00
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
15:46
13/21/19
ENHANCING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
AND EXPANDING THE HUMAN FRONTIER
o
R&D: The budget proposes to invest about $76 billion in
1992 for research and development, including R&D facilities.
This is an increase of over $8 billion, or 13 percent over
1991. The budget proposes over $13 billion for basic
research, $1 billion or about 8 percent over 1991. Federal
civilian R&D will increase by 10 percent while defense-
related R&D will increase by 14 percent.
Space: The budget proposes $16 billion for space
activities, $2 billion, or 15 percent, over 1991. The
budget for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) will increase by 13 percent to $15.7 billion.
o
Biotechnology: The budget proposes over $4 billion for
biotechnology, $319 million, or 8 percent, over 1991.
NSF: The budget proposes an 18 percent increase for the
National Science Foundation (NSF), to a total of $2.7
billion, continuing the commitment to double NSF's budget
between 1987 and 1994.
o
Individual Investigators: The budget emphasizes support for
individual investigators at universities, and proposes $50
million for a new program to provide state-of-the-art
research instrumentation to academic researchers. Funding
for grants for basic research through NSF will increase by
16 percent, and a 9 percent increase for research project
grants at the National Institutes of Health is proposed.
o
High Performance Computing and Communications: The budget
proposes a total of $638 million, an increase of $149
million, or 30 percent, over 1991 for a new initiative in
high performance computing and communications. This
initiative involves 8 Federal agencies. The goal is to
assist in the development of computing capability with about
1,000 times improvement over current systems by 1996.
o
Energy R&D: The budget proposes over $900 million, an
increase of $227 million or 34 percent above 1991, for
research investments in targeted, high-payoff technologies
in support of the National Energy Strategy. The R&D
initiatives would increase the efficiency of energy use,
develop alternatives to petroleum and advance new
electricity technologies.
o
Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (HIV/AIDS): The budget proposes an increase of 5
percent to $1.2 billion for R&D on HIV/AIDS. The budget
includes a total increase of $558 million, or 15 percent,
for HIV/AIDS research, treatment, prevention and income
support.
Superconducting Super Collider (SSC): The budget proposes
an increase of $291 million, to a total of $534 million, to
support continued work toward the transition from prototype
superconducting magnets to production, and to begin the
construction of facilities.
o
Mission to Planet Earth and the U.S. Global Change Research
Program (USGCRP): The budget includes an increase of $232
million, or 24 percent, to a total of $1,186 million to
support a broad range of research efforts, including NASA's
Mission to Planet Earth/Earth Observing System (MTPE/EOS)
and ground-based programs such as the World Ocean
Circulation Experiment.
o
New Launch System: A new space launch system is proposed,
jointly funded by the Department of Defense and NASA ($175
million each in 1992), consistent with the recommendations
of the Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S. Space
Program.
O
Mathematics and Science Education: The budget includes an
increase of $225 million, or 13 percent, to $1,941 million,
for a major initiative in mathematics and science education.
This initiative will help address problems that limit the
pool and performance of math and science learners. of the
total increase, $146 million, a 28 percent increase, is
targeted toward the precollege level.
O
Human Genome Project: R&D for this project will increase by
$35 million, or 26 percent, to a total of $169 million in
the Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services
(National Institutes of Health).
o
Research and Experimentation (R&D) Tax Credit: The budget
proposes that this credit be made permanent and be
reformulated to increase its effective rate.
Table II-2. ENHANCING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND
EXPANDING THE HUMAN FRONTIER-HIGHLIGHTS
(Dollar amounts in millions)
Budget Authority
1991
1992
Dollar
Percent
Enacted
Proposed
change
change
Basic Research
Doubling the NSF budget
2,316
2,722
+406
418
Increasing Basic Biomedical Research at NIH
4,634
4,968
+334
+7
Human Genome Project
185
169
+85
+26
Agricultural Research Initiative
78
125
+52
+71
Superconducting Super Collider
243
534
+291
+120
Applied Research
High Performance Computing and Communications
489
638
+149
+30
Energy R&D
676
903
+227
+34
Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
1,316
1,310
ep
-
HIV/AIDS
1,152
1,210
+58
+5
Moving Fusion Energy from Science to Engineering
275
337
+62
+23
Aeronautics R&D
482
543
+61
+13
Expanding R&D at the National Institute of Standards and Tech-
nology
215
248
+33
+15
Maintaining National Security: Defense R&D
$7,783
43,247
+5,464
+14
Expanding the Geographic Frontier. Space Exploration
Space Transportation Infrastructure
4,801
5,517
+716
+15
Space Science
1,774
2,141
+367
+21
Mission to Planet Earth (Global Change)
954
1,186
+232
+24
Mission From Planet Earth
2,199
2,470
+271
+12
Expanding the Human Frontier through Biotechnology
3,788
4,107
+319
+8