High-Performance Computing and Communications Program Act of 1991

Citation

High-Performance Computing and Communications Program Act of 1991, Pub. L. No. 102-194, 105 Stat. 1594 (Dec. 9, 1991), codified at 15 U.S.C. Chapter 81 (1991) (full-text).

Overview

The Act, introduced by then-senator Al Gore, was passed to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing high-performance computing programs of various federal agencies. This law led to the creation of the Federal High-Performance Computing and Communications Program (HPCC). The current National Coordination Office (NCO) for Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program is the successor to the HPCC Program but, as the name implies, has a broader definition.

Requirements

Among other requirements, the Act called for the following:

• Setting goals and priorities for federal high-performance computing research, development, and networking.
• Providing for the technical support and research and development of high-performance computing software and hardware needed to address fundamental problems in science and engineering.
• Educating undergraduate and graduate students.
• Fostering and maintaining competition and private sector investment in high-speed data networking within the telecommunications industry.
• Promoting the development of commercial data communications and telecommunications standards.
• Providing security, including protecting intellectual property rights.
• Developing accounting mechanisms allowing users to be charged for the use of copyrighted materials.

This law also requires an annual report to Congress on grants and cooperative R&D agreements and procurements involving foreign entities.

Source

• Federal Plan for High-End Computing, at 4 n.3.
• The Federal Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program: Funding Issues and Activities, at 5.