The National Institute of Standards and Technology: An Overview Page: 1 of 5
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Order Code 95-30
Updated May 8, 2006
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
The National Institute of Standards and
Technology: An Overview
Wendy H. Schacht
Specialist in Science and Technology
Resources, Science, and Industry Division
Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a mandate to
increase the competitiveness of U.S. companies. NIST research also provides the
measurement, calibration, and quality assurance techniques that underpin U.S.
commerce. Congressional debate has focused on the merits of NIST's external R&D
programs directed toward increased private sector commercialization, including the
Advanced Technology Program (ATP) and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership
(MEP). The level of funding for internal research efforts has also come under scrutiny
by the Congress. For FY2006, the Administration's budget proposed funding NIST at
$532 million, a 23% decrease from the previous fiscal year due primarily to an absence
of support for ATP and a significant cut in financing for MEP. H.R. 2862, the FY2006
Science, State, Justice, and Commerce appropriations bill as originally passed by the
House, provided $548.7 million to NIST and had no funding for ATP. The version of
H.R. 2862 initially passed by the Senate funded NIST at $844.5 million and included
increased support for ATP and laboratory construction. The final FY2006 appropriation
in P.L. 109-108 provides $745 million for NIST, an increase of 7% over FY2005 (after
mandated rescissions). The Administration's FY2007 budget requests $581.3 million
for NIST, a 22% decrease that reflects no funding for ATP and reduced support for
MEP. This report will be updated as events warrant.
Mission and Background
The National Institute of Standards and Technology, formerly the National Bureau
of Standards (NBS), was established by the NBS Organic Act of 1901 (P.L. 56-177).
NIST is part of the Technology Administration of the Department of Commerce. Unlike
most national laboratories, NIST has a mission specified by statute (15 U.S.C. 271-282a),
has its own authorization and appropriation, and is headed by a Senate-confirmed
presidential appointee. Prior to 1988, the mission of NBS was to develop and maintain
standards and measurement support for scientific investigations, engineering,
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Schacht, Wendy H. The National Institute of Standards and Technology: An Overview, report, May 8, 2006; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc821673/m1/1/?q=%22telecommunication%22: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.