An act to authorize appropriations for activities for the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1980, and for other purposes.

(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 96-321)

National Science Foundation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1980 - Authorizes appropriations for activities of the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1980, including the following categories: (1) mathematical and physical sciences and engineering; (2) astronomical, atmospheric, earth, and ocean sciences; (3) United States Antarctic Program; (4) biological, behavioral, and social sciences; (5) science education programs; (6) applied science and research applications, including the program of Science and Technology to aid the Handicapped; (7) scientific, technological, and international affairs; and (8) program development and management.

Provides that not less than four percent of the total authorized appropriation for specified categories shall be available to two- and four-year colleges for equipment and instrumentation costing $25,000 or less.

Provides that not more $3,500 of the total authorized appropriation for the National Science Foundation may be used for official consultation, representation, and extraordinary expenses at the discretion of the Director.

Limits the transfer of funds from one category to another.

Directs the National Science Foundation to develop indices, correlates, or other suitable measures or indicators of the status of scientific instrumentation in the United States and of the current and projected need for scientific and technological instrumentation.

Directs the Foundation to conduct a Flood Hazard Mitigation Study and report to Congress, by the end of fiscal year 1980, specific program recommendations.