National Bureau of Standards Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987

(Measure passed Senate, amended)

National Bureau of Standards Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 to the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) for the following activities performed by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS): (1) measurement research and standards; (2) materials science and engineering; (3) engineering measurements and standards; (4) computer science and technology; and (5) research support activities.

Reserves specified amounts from such funds for: (1) steel technology; (2) the Center for Building Technology; (3) the Center for Fire Research; (4) Computer Security Activities; (5) the technical competence fund; and (6) the Cold Neutron Source Facility.

Prohibits the transfer of funds among the listed categories from exceeding ten percent unless: (1) written notice is given to the appropriate congressional officers and authorizing committees; and (2) 30 days have passed after such notice.

Directs NBS to seek reimbursements from other Federal agencies to expand its efforts in support of basic scientific research on the atmospheric, climatic, and environmental consequences of nuclear explosions and nuclear exchanges.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 to the Secretary for: (1) the activities of the Office of Productivity, Technology and Innovation; and (2) the patent licensing activities of the National Technical Information Service.

Authorizes the Director of NBS to expend up to one percent of NBS funds in any fiscal year for awards of research fellowships and other forms of financial assistance to university students who show promise as present or future contributors to the mission of NBS.

Directs the Board of Assessment of NBS programs to include in its annual review an assessment of emerging technologies which are expected to require research in metrology to keep NBS abreast of its mission, including specified areas.

Directs NBS, in conjunction with the National Academy of Sciences, to establish and conduct a post-doctoral fellowship program to be carried out in a specified manner.

Requires the Director of NBS to discuss with Federal agencies and private sector organizations their demand for, and willingness to pay for, the process and quality control and calibration programs of NBS. Requires the Director, within six months after enactment of this Act, to report to specified congressional committees on the findings based on such discussions, with recommendations on a comprehensive Federal process and quality control and calibration program.

Directs the Office of Personnel Management and NBS to jointly design a demonstration project relating to an alternative personnel management system which shall be conducted by the Director of NBS. Sets forth the elements of such project. Directs the Comptroller General, within four years after the demonstration project commences, to submit a final report on such project to specified congressional committees.