Investments in Research and Development (R&D)

Investments in R&D are expenses that are included in the Department’s Net Cost of Operations. The investments are divided into three categories: (1) basic research, the systematic study to gain knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward processes or products in mind; (2) applied research, the systematic study to gain knowledge or understanding necessary for determining the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met; and (3) development, the systematic use of the knowledge and understanding gained from research for the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods, including the design and development of prototypes and processes. The investments are made with the expectation of maintaining or increasing national economic productive capacity, or yielding other future economic and societal benefits. Based on a review of the Department’s programs, the only significant investments in R&D are by NIST and NOAA.

NIST:

NIST Laboratories Program: The NIST Laboratories have been the stewards of the nation’s measurement infrastructure since their inception in 1901 as the National Bureau of Standards. The NIST Laboratories foster scientific and technological leadership by helping the United States to drive and take advantage of the increased pace of technological change, fostering more efficient transactions in the domestic and global marketplace, and addressing other critical needs assigned to NIST by the Administration and Congress. In support of the American Competitiveness Initiative, NIST develops and disseminates measurement techniques, reference data, test methods, standards, and other infrastructural technologies and services required by U.S. industry, government and academia to compete in the 21st century. In this way, the laboratories promote innovation, facilitate trade, and ensure public safety and security by strengthening the nation’s measurement and standards infrastructure.

Advanced Technology Program (ATP): The ATP is a cost-shared funding program for businesses that was intended to develop new technologies for commercial use. ATP was abolished by the America COMPETES Act which was signed by the President on August 9, 2007. However, this statute allows for continued support for previously awarded ATP projects and the 56 new FY 2007 awards. Special attention is being given to documenting the results of funded research to ensure maximum private sector use is made of this investment in the years ahead.

The following table summarizes NIST’s R&D investments for FY 2003 through FY 2007 by R&D Category:

The following tables further summarize NIST’s R&D investments for FY 2004 through FY 2007 by performance outcome. The Department did not collect this data by performance goal prior to FY 2004.

NOAA:

NOAA conducts a substantial program of environmental R&D in support of its mission, much of which is performed to improve the U.S.’s understanding of and ability to predict environmental phenomena. The scope of research includes:

NOAA also conducts research that is intended to provide a solid scientific basis for environmental policy-making in government. Examples of this research include determining the stratospheric ozone-depleting potential of proposed substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and identifying the causes of the episodic high rural ozone levels that significantly damage crops and forests.

NOAA conducts most R&D in-house; however, contractors to NOAA undertake most systems R&D. External R&D work supported by NOAA includes that undertaken through federal-academic partnerships such as the National Sea Grant College Program, the Cooperative Institutes of the Environmental Research Laboratories, the Climate and Global Change Program, and the Coastal Ocean Program.

Here is a brief description of the major R&D programs of NOAA:

Environmental and Climate: The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research is NOAA’s primary research and development office. This office conducts research in three major areas: climate research, weather and air quality research, and ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes research. The NOAA’s research laboratories, Climate Program Office, and research partners conduct a wide range of research into complex climate systems, including the exploration and investigation of ocean habitats and resources. The NOAA’s research organizations conduct applied research on the upper and lower atmosphere as well as the space environment.

Fisheries: The NOAA’s NMFS is responsible for the management and stewardship of living marine resources and their habitat within the Nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The NMFS manages these resources through science-based conservation and management, and the protection and restoration of healthy ecosystems to ensure their continuation as functioning components of ecosystems, while also affording economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for the American public. Fishery stocks and protected species are surveyed, catch data are collected, and research is conducted to better understand the variables affecting the abundance and variety of marine fishes and protected species. Protection of endangered species, restoration of coastal and estuarine fishery habitats, and enforcement of fishery regulations are primary bureau activities. The research and management of living marine resources is conducted in partnership with states, universities, other countries, and international organizations.

Marine Operations and Maintenance and Aircraft Services: These expenditures support NOAA’s programs requiring operating days and flight hours to collect data at sea and in the air. The NOAA’s Marine and Aviation Operations manage a wide variety of specialized aircraft and ships to complete NOAA’s environmental and scientific missions. The aircraft collect the environmental and geographic data essential to NOAA hurricane and other weather and atmospheric research, conduct aerial surveys for hydrologic research to help predict flooding potential from snowmelt, and provide support to NOAA’s fishery research and marine mammal assessment programs. The NOAA’s ship fleet provides oceanographic and atmospheric research and fisheries research vessels to support NOAA’s strategic plan elements and mission.

Weather Service: The National Weather Service conducts applied research and development, building upon research conducted by NOAA laboratories and the academic community. Applied meteorological and hydrological research is integral to providing more timely and accurate weather, water, and climate services to the public.

Other Programs: As a national lead for coastal stewardship, National Ocean Service promotes a wide range of research activities to create the strong science foundation required to advance the sustainable use of precious coastal systems. Understanding of the coastal environment is enhanced through coastal ocean activities that support science and resource management programs. The National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service, through its Office of Research and Applications, conducts atmospheric, climatological, and oceanic research into the use of satellite data for monitoring environmental characteristics and their change. It also provides guidance for the development and evolution of spacecraft and sensors to meet future needs.

The NOAA’s R&D investments by program for FY 2003 through FY 2007 were as follows:

The following table summarizes NOAA’s R&D investments for FY 2003 through FY 2007 by R&D category:

The following tables further summarize NOAA’s R&D investments for FY 2004 through FY 2007 by performance outcome. The Department did not collect this data by performance goal prior to FY 2004.