	Background

The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) was authorized by Congress in 1978, partly in response to concerns from Congress and from some of those in academia and the scientific community about the geographic distribution of federal research and development (R&D) funds. Historical data revealed that there was a concentration of federal R&D funds in large and wealthy states and universities, and that the continuation of such funding patterns might ensure a dichotomy between the "haves" and "have-nots." EPSCoR began in 1979 with five states and funding of approximately $1.0 million. Currently, EPSCoR operates in 29 jurisdictions, including 27 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To 2006, the NSF had invested approximately $920.0 million in EPSCoR programs and activities. When established, it operated solely in the NSF. Congressional action led to its expansion in the mid-1980s and early 1990s, and by 1998, seven other agencies had established EPSCoR or EPSCoR-like programs. The program is a partnership between the NSF and a state to improve the R&D competitiveness through the state's academic S&T infrastructure. Eventually, EPSCoR supporters hope those states receiving limited federal support would gain some level of equity in competing for federal and private sector funds through the regular grant system. It is anticipated that this study will be completed in August 2013. On November 18, 2011, the President signed into law the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, FY2012 ( P.L. 112-55 ). The law provided a total of $7,033.1 million for the NSF in FY2012, $120.5 million above the FY2011 enacted level of $6,912.6 million. EPSCoR is contained within the Integrative Activities account and was funded at $150.9 million in FY2012, $4.1 million above the FY2011 level. The FY2012 appropriation supported a portfolio of three complementary investment strategies—research infrastructure improvement ($110.0 million), co-funding ($39.4 million), and outreach and workshops ($1.2 million)—for the 29 EPSCoR jurisdictions. The NSF indicated that approximately 24.0% of the funding for EPSCoR is to be used for new research awards in FY2012, with the balance providing continuing support for ongoing grants. The Administration's FY2013 budget request for the NSF is $7,373.1 million, a 4.8% increase over the FY2012 estimate of $7,033.1 million. Included in the total is $158.2 million for EPSCoR, an increase of 4.8% over the FY2012 level. NSF estimates that approximately 40.0% of the FY2013 requested funding will be made available for new awards. The balance will be directed at supporting awards made in prior years.
The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) was authorized by Congress in 1978, partly in response to concerns in Congress and the concerns of some in academia and the scientific community about the geographic distribution of federal research and development (R&D) funds. It was argued that there was a concentration of federal R&D funds in large and wealthy states and universities, and that the continuation of such funding patterns might ensure a dichotomy between the "haves" and "have-nots."
EPSCoR began in 1979 with five states and funding of approximately $1.0 million. Currently, EPSCoR operates in 29 jurisdictions, including 27 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To 2006, the NSF had invested approximately $920.0 million in EPSCoR programs and activities. When established, it operated solely in the NSF. EPSCoR was expanded in the mid-1980s and early 1990s; by 1998, seven other agencies had established EPSCoR or EPSCoR-like programs.
EPSCoR is a university-oriented program, with the goal of identifying, developing, and utilizing the academic science and technology resources in a state that will lead to increased R&D competitiveness. The program is a partnership between NSF and a state to improve the R&D competitiveness through the state's academic science and technology (S&T) infrastructure. Eventually, it is hoped that those states receiving limited federal support would improve their ability to compete successfully for federal and private sector funds through the regular grant system.
On November 18, 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Appropriations Act, FY2012, P.L. 112-55. The law provides, among other things, funding for the NSF. The law provides a total of $7,033.1 million for the NSF in FY2012, $173.2 million above the FY2011 enacted level. Included in the total funding for NSF is $150.9 million for EPSCoR, approximately $5.5 million above the FY2011 level. The FY2012 appropriation for EPSCoR supports a portfolio of three complementary investment strategies—research infrastructure improvement ($110.0 million), co-funding ($39.4 million), and outreach and workshops ($1.5 million). It is anticipated that approximately 24.0% of the funding for EPSCoR in FY2012 will be used for new research awards. The remaining will be directed at providing support for grants made in previous years.
The Administration's FY2013 budget request for the NSF is $7,373.1 million, a 4.8% increase ($340.00 million) over the FY2012 estimate of $7,033.1 million. Included in the request total is $158.2 million for EPSCoR, an increase of 4.8% over the FY2012 estimate. Approximately 40.0% of the requested funding for EPSCoR in FY2013 will be directed toward new awards. The balance will support continuing awards made in prior years. This report will be updated periodically.