Information Policy: NTIS' Financial Position Provides an Opportunity to Reassess Its Mission
GGD-00-147
Published: Jun 30, 2000. Publicly Released: Jun 30, 2000.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the National Technical Information Service's (NTIS) financial position, focusing on whether: (1) NTIS can continue to be self-sufficient and, if not, what issues need to be addressed; and (2) NTIS' World News Connection's (WNC) online foreign news service exceeds NTIS' statutory authority to the detriment of private firms offering similar news services.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| While NTIS is still solvent, Congress may wish to reassess whether NTIS should continue to serve as a disseminator of federal research and, if so, whether it should be required to do so on a self-sustaining basis. |
Closed – Implemented
|
Since our report was issued, the Congress has taken several actions to reassess the role of NTIS, and has reaffirmed that the agency should continue to serve as a disseminator of federal research information on a self-sustaining basis (no appropriations). For example, in December 2003, Congress passed the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act which provided a coordinated federal approach to stimulating nanotechnology research and development across the government. It directed the Secretary of Commerce to establish a nanotechnology clearinghouse using the resources of NTIS to the extent possible(absent appropriations)and NTIS is in the process of establishing this service. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Commerce | In order to keep the appropriate committees of Congress fully informed about NTIS' activities and comply with current law, the Secretary of Commerce should submit the annual reports in accordance with Section 3704b(f)(3) of Title 15 of the U.S. Code. |
Closed – Implemented
As part of the annual audited report of the financial statements of NTIS for the period ending March 31, 2001, that was sent to Congress, Commerce included information to satisfy the law's requirement to report various information to Congress including a detailed operating plan, details of modernization progress, and long-term plans. As a result, Congress should have additional information with which to make policy and funding decisions about NTIS' future.
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