National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22230



December 14, 2005

Dear Colleague:

The National Science Foundation is asking for your input at the
start of the process to draft the next NSF Strategic Plan.  Feedback
from the science and engineering community is very important and
views from the community will be incorporated into the new plan.

The current plan
(www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf04201) is meant to
guide NSF and stakeholders in a way that is responsive to the
science and engineering community that we serve.  The Strategic Plan
for FY 2006-2011 will continue to do this through communicating
NSF’s strategic goals, objectives, priorities and strategies over
this time period. To meet the requirements of the Government
Performance and Results Act, the plan will also discuss the
relationship of this entire framework to annual performance goals in
the NSF budget.  The Strategic Plan will be consistent with the
priorities and strategies being drafted in the National Science
Board 2020 Vision for the National Science Foundation.

Your comments are requested by January 20, 2006 through the
website at www.nsf.gov/about/performance/input.cfm. In particular,
NSF requests comments on the following questions to assist us in
developing the new plan:

     Does NSF’s current Strategic Plan effectively communicate
     NSF’s roles and responsibilities as part of the science and
     engineering (S&E) community?  If not, what is lacking and
     how can the next plan be improved?
     
     What broad characteristics of the near- and long-term
     environment for S&E research and education should NSF consider
     and address in its next Strategic Plan?
     
In addition to direct community input, the NSF Advisory Committees
will provide guidance throughout the process.  There will be
another opportunity for direct community input once a draft plan is
completed. The final version of the Strategic Plan must be sent to
Congress and the Office of Management and Budget by September 30,
2006.

Your assistance in this very important task is appreciated.

Sincerely,
                       
                       
                       
Arden L. Bement, Jr.                 Kathie L. Olsen
Director                             Deputy Director