HR-5049 : Still Just a Bill


NSF Major Research Facility Reform Act of 2016

This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to maintain a Large Facilities Office to support its research directorates in the development, implementation, and assessment of major multi-user research facilities.

The NSF shall appoint a senior agency official within the Office of the Director responsible for oversight of major multi-user research facilities.

Management fees shall be a portion of an NSF award that covers ordinary and legitimate business expenses, not otherwise allowable under the Cost Principles Uniform Guidance, which are necessary to maintain operational stability.

The NSF may provide such fees under an award only if the awardee has demonstrated that it has limited or no other financial resources available to cover the expenses for which the fees are sought.

The bill:

  • specifies prohibited uses of management fees, and
  • subjects the NSF to the pilot program for enhancement of contractor protection from reprisal for disclosure of certain information.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2016-06-15IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.Senate
2016-06-14FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2016-06-14VoteOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 - 9 (Roll no. 301). (text: CR 6/14/2016 H3732-3733)House floor actions
2016-06-14FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3776-3777)House floor actions
2016-06-13FloorAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
2016-06-13FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5049.House floor actions
2016-06-13FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3732-3735)House floor actions
2016-06-13FloorMr. Loudermilk moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
2016-06-13CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 481.House floor actions
2016-06-13CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 114-619.House floor actions
2016-04-27CommitteeOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.House committee actions
2016-04-27CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2016-04-26IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.House floor actions
2016-04-26IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Science, Technology, Communications
Related Subjects
  • Accounting and auditing
  • Building construction
  • Congressional oversight
  • Employment discrimination and employee rights
  • Executive agency funding and structure
  • Fraud offenses and financial crimes
  • Government information and archives
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Public contracts and procurement
  • Research administration and funding
  • User charges and fees
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations
  • National Science Foundation

Related Bills

See Related Bills