In response to a congressional request, GAO examined selected activities and functions of the Department of Commerce's National Technical Information Service (NTIS) clearinghouse, focusing on the need to establish a new revolving fund as proposed by companion bills H.R. 2514 and S. 808. The current NTIS special fund facilitates payments to cover most operating costs associated with its information clearinghouse functions and acquiring inventory and equipment.

The proposed legislation would establish a revolving fund to permit NTIS to recover all clearinghouse costs, retain net earnings, and purchase equipment and inventory from the fund. GAO believes that, although the revolving fund would not substantially change clearinghouse operations and procedures, it could be an appropriate funding mechanism to finance clearinghouse operations. However, stricter controls would be needed on the fund because the proposed legislation does not provide for congressional oversight.

Status Legend:

Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.

Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.

• Review Pending
• Open
• Closed - implemented
• Closed - not implemented

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter: H.R. 2514 and S. 808 should be amended to increase congressional oversight over clearinghouse operations.

Status: Closed - Not Implemented

Comments: Congress did not enact H.R. 2514 or S. 808 during the 98th Congress. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce remains opposed to the legislation, and thus, NTIS does not plan to seek reintroduction of the legislation in the forseeable future.