OSTP's continuing mission is set out in the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-282). It calls for OSTP to:

Serve as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of the Federal Government.

The Act authorizes OSTP to:

Advise the President and others within the Executive Office of the President on the impacts of science and technology on domestic and international affairs; Lead an interagency effort to develop and implement sound science and technology policies and budgets; Work with the private sector to ensure Federal investments in science and technology contribute to economic prosperity, environmental quality, and national security; Build strong partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments, other countries, and the scientific community; Evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the Federal effort in science and technology.