	Office of Technology Assessment

Congress established OTA in 1972 with passage of P.L. 92-484. Legislation to Create An OTA-like Organization for Congress

Since 2001 proposals have been made to create an OTA-like office in the legislative branch to provide technology assessment-related support. FY2006

In July 2006, the House Science Committee held background hearings on the issue of providing scientific and technical advice to Congress. Policy Issues

The following issues could be considered when evaluating alternative technology assessment proposals: (1) analysis of the need for more technology assessment information and advice; (2) evidence of political support for enhancing legislative capabilities for technology assessment; (3) with respect to augmenting GAO's "core capability" to conduct technology assessment, the availability of funds, the timing, and the utility of GAO's technology assessments for congressional decisionmaking, and the pros and cons of locating a large assessment center within GAO, including its impact on other GAO functions, including auditing and evaluation activities; and (4) the potential benefits and costs of establishing a more independent legislative technology assessment function, such as in a separate OTA-like support activity or in an existing congressional support agency.
Congress created the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) in 1972, P.L. 92-484, and terminated its funding in 1995. The pros and cons of reviving OTA or re-creating a similar body have been examined. Since 2002, at congressional direction, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has conducted several pilot technology assessments. Legislation was proposed during the 108th Congress to restore OTA's funding; to create an entity to conduct assessments for Congress; to conduct technology assessments in GAO; and to create a technology assessment capability in GAO or under its direction. In 2006, the House Science Committee held hearings on the issue of providing science and technology advice to Congress. Policy issues under discussion include the need for assessments, funding, the utility of GAO's technology assessment work, and options for design of an advisory body. This report will be updated as needed.