NSF seeks input for strategic planning

NSF seeks input for strategic planning

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is asking for input at the start of the process to draft the next NSF Strategic Plan. Feedback from the science and engineering community is very important and views from the community will be incorporated into the new plan.

The current plan (www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf04201) is meant to guide NSF and stakeholders in a way that is responsive to the science and engineering community. The Strategic Plan for FY 2006-2011 will continue to do this through communicating NSF's strategic goals, objectives, priorities and strategies over this time period. To meet the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act, the plan will also discuss the relationship of this entire framework to annual performance goals in the NSF budget. The Strategic Plan will be consistent with the priorities and strategies being drafted in the National Science Board 2020 Vision for the National Science Foundation.

Comments are requested by January 20, 2006 through the website at www.nsf.gov/about/performance/input.cfm. In particular, NSF requests comments on the following questions to assist us in developing the new plan:

Does NSF's current Strategic Plan effectively communicate NSF's roles and responsibilities as part of the science and engineering (S&E) community? If not, what is lacking and how can the next plan be improved?
What broad characteristics of the near- and long-term environment for S&E research and education should NSF consider and address in its next Strategic Plan?

There will be another opportunity for direct community input once a draft plan is completed. The final version of the Strategic Plan must be sent to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget by September 30, 2006.

Source: NSF "Dear Colleagues" letter, December 14, 2005