Authorization bill FY98-99, National Science Foundation

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization

Title II: General Provisions

National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1997 - Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization - Sets forth long-term goals and core strategies. Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 1998 and 1999.

Title II: General Provisions - Directs NSF to submit to the Congress an annual upgrade and maintenance plan for national research facilities.

(Sec. 202) Makes administrative amendments to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988, and the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act.

(Sec. 203) Directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with other relevant agencies the Director deems appropriate, to prepare a certain report analyzing the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates paid to universities in comparison with Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates paid to other entities, such as industry, government laboratories, research hospitals, and non-profit institutions. Requires that such report be transmitted to the Congress no later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act.

(Sec. 204) Subjects NSF temporary employees to the same financial disclosure requirements as apply to permanent employees.

(Sec. 205) Prohibits the use of any funds authorized under this Act from being used for any lobbying activity, except that the prohibition shall not prevent officers or employees of the Federal Government or of its departments or agencies, from communicating to: (1) Members of Congress on the request of any Member; or (2) to the Congress, through the appropriate procedures, requests for legislation or appropriations which the officers or employees deem necessary for the efficient conduct of the Federal Government.

(Sec. 206) Requires that if any funds authorized by this Act are subject to a reprogramming action that requires notice to be provided to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, notice of such action shall concurrently be provided to the House Committee on Science and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Directs the NSF Director to provide notice not later than 15 days before any major reorganization of any NSF program, project, or activity.

(Sec. 207) Directs the NSF Director to: (1) donate surplus computers and other research equipment to elementary and secondary schools to enhance the science and mathematics programs of such schools; and (2) report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the donations made.