The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides funding for science and engineering endeavors in the United States. For example, the NSF provides equipment, such as telescopes, to institutions where scientists are studying astronomy. What kind of agency is it?

Answer: line agency

Explanation: Line agency is an agency which performs the tasks for which the organization exists.

Just like NSF provided equipment, such as telescopes, to institutions where scientists are studying astronomy which is a task for which the organization exists.

Answer: Line agency

Explanation : Line agency are usually referred to those involved in the primary or core functions of a business or organization. The line agencies are basically involved in what the business or organization was built or established to do. Line agencies includes production, sales and usually marketing.

The National Science Foundation whose primary function is to provide funding for science and engineering endeavors in the United States. Therefore, carrying out or providing the core function or objective of providing equipment to scientist studying astronomy highlights a Line agency function.

The staff agency basically supports the line agency in departments such as Human Resources, Accounting and so on.