Committee on Programs and Plans (CPP)

Charge (Approved May 4, 2000)

The Committee on Programs and Plans (CPP) provides guidance and advice on major policy issues related to the NSF research and related activities portfolio, reviews proposals representing a significant expenditure of agency resources, and makes informal recommendations, as appropriate, to the Board for its full consideration and action.

1. The Committee engages in review of long-range planning for NSF research initiatives, and monitors their development and implementation. This is reflected in the Committee's deliberations on:
   • processes for infrastructure planning and consideration of candidates for large infrastructure investments;
     
     
   • opportunities created by new discoveries; joint ventures across Federal agencies, U.S. economic sectors, or national boundaries; and Administration or Congressional priorities; and
     
     
   • agency award processes, addressed under such issues as the use of panels in addition to mail merit reviews; new awards v. renewals or supplementary awards; re-competition; sunsetting or phase-out; and the use of new criteria for merit review in consonance with the other standing committees of the Board.
2. Through comprehensive review and discussion, the Committee may submit informal recommendations for full consideration and Board action on:
   • proposed awards for NSB approval as required by law and as set forth in the NSB delegation of authority;
     
     
   • programs and major new projects/facilities, including management issues, where appropriate;
     
     
   • priorities and balance in the NSF research and related activities portfolio, including cross-cutting initiatives; and
     
     
   • task force reports assigned to its purview.