The National Science Foundation (NSF) has a long record of success in managing the resources entrusted to it, due - in no small part - to its excellent staff. Moreover, its financial and award management systems are among the finest in the Federal government. NSF will continue to play a leadership role in the government’s business practices by continuing to encourage both individual and organizational excellence within a dynamic environment.

The core values that enable our success include: teamwork; mutual respect; integrity; creativity; responsibility; initiative; professionalism; and a sense of humor. NSF staff are committed to these core values. In return, NSF management provides an environment in which these core values can thrive. NSF management also strives to provide the trust, the training, and the opportunities required for our mutual success.

The key components of my vision from last year still apply. They include:

• Accountability and Stewardship of the resources provided to us.
• Top Quality Business Services to our external and internal customers.
• High Quality, Responsive Electronic Systems for operations, transactions, and outreach.
• Constructive Partnerships to pilot new practices and to provide specialized services.

This next year holds the expectations of continuing the high standards NSF achieved in the FY1998 audit of an unqualified opinion on its financial statement. We will also continue our implementation to a fully-integrated, user-friendly, quick, secure, paperless record and transaction mechanism for all NSF awards, from cradle to grave. The Foundation is also committed to development of a fully electronic operation within NSF in the areas of travel and payroll processing.

Our most current five-year plan, attached, identifies the goals and strategies that will enable us to realize this vision.

Thomas N. Cooley

Acting Chief Financial Officer, NSF