Pros
NSF is the nation's premier funder of competitive basic/fundamental science, and it serves a critical function in technological and scientific innovation, contributing immensely to U.S. economic growth; NSF is inextricable from the nation's internationally revered status in STEM advancement. There are many talented and intelligent staff who go over and above to deliver high-quality results and value for American taxpayers.
Cons
Sometimes bad apples make their way into management positions. This happened in OLPA (Office of Legislative and Public Affairs) over a long period of time (2006-2015). Fortunately, NSF Director France Cordova understood the problem and cleaned house beginning in December 2014; three problem managers departed OLPA in the last 6 months since December.