The 29th in a series that covers Federal research and development (R&D) funding as it evolves from one budget cycle to the next, this report discusses agency R&D funding levels for fiscal year 1981. This analysis reports relative changes in broad R&D and basic research categories, 1981 compared with 1980, and also some agency changes as indicated in the 1982 budget, as revised by the new administration in March, 1981. Areas chosen for special consideration in this report are among those frequently connected with current issues in science and technology. (Author/CS)