President Clinton established the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) by Executive Order on November 23, 1993. This cabinet-level council is the principal means for the President to coordinate science, space, and technology policies across the Federal Government. NSTC acts as a "virtual agency" for science and technology to coordinate the diverse parts of the Federal research and development enterprise. The NSTC is chaired by the President. Membership consists of the Vice President, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Cabinet Secretaries, Agency Heads with significant science and technology responsibilities, and other White House officials.

An important objective of the NSTC is the establishment of clear national goals for Federal science and technology investments in areas ranging from information technologies and health research, to improving transportation systems and strengthening fundamental research. The Council prepares research and development strategies that are coordinated across Federal agencies to form an investment package that is aimed at accomplishing multiple national goals.

To obtain additional information regarding the NSTC, please contact the NSTC Executive Secretariat at (202) 456-6100.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was established by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization and Priorities Act of 1976. OSTP's responsibilities include advising the President in policy formulation and budget development on all questions in which science and technology are important elements; articulating the President's science and technology policies and programs; and fostering strong partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments, and the scientific communities in industry and academe. The Assistant to the President for Science and Technology serves as the Director of the OSTP and directs the NSTC on behalf of the President. OSTP Associate Directors co-chair the various committees of the NSTC.

To obtain additional information about OSTP, please call (202) 456-7116.

This report is dedicated to Henry C. Kelly, who served as Assistant Director for Technology in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy from 1993 to May 2000. As White House liaison to the President's Information Technology Advisory Committee (PITAC), Dr. Kelly encouraged the Committee to articulate boldly and fully its view of the Nation's information technology research needs, as the PITAC did in its highly regarded February 1999 report, "Information Technology Research: Investing in Our Future." He was instrumental in designing the Administration's Information Technology Research and Development (IT R&D) Programs, which are well aligned with the PITAC's recommendations and are the subject of this document. In June 2000, Dr. Kelly became President of the Federation of American Scientists. But his sage advice and tireless efforts on behalf of the Federal IT R&D enterprise are remembered with admiration and will long be appreciated.

This year's cover depicting the beginning of the new Information Technology millennium was designed by National Science Foundation artist James J. Caras. The cover images were selected from agency IT R&D activities described in this FY 2001 report. The contents of this report are set in Adobe Caslon, a modern revival of a typeface released by William Caslon in 1722. Due to its high degree of legibility, it was popular in the American Colonies, and was a particular favorite of Benjamin Franklin. The first printings of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were set in a version of Caslon.