A Senate Slap at NSF Management

The appropriations committee's report notes "a trend in poor management oversight and neglected best-practice measure with regard to personnel management. The lack of action taken by NSF to address these ongoing problems is unacceptable, and raises serious questions about NSF's Human Resources office. Compounding the issue is the rotational director model, which although it brings fresh scientific insight and perspective to the agency, creates gaps in management oversight. Program directors, designated and authorized as supervisors, shall not neglect their management responsibilities for the employees who work under them." The panel also criticizes how NSF monitors large awards, especially to first-time grantees, and directs the agency to draw up a plan to look more closely at the entire process, from before an award is made through its completion.