National Institute of Standards and Technology
Now celebrating 100 years of service to
the nation, the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory federal agency within the
U.S. Department of Commerce.
NIST's mission
is to develop and promote measurement, standards, and technology to enhance
productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. NIST carries
out its mission through four interwoven programs:
- NIST Laboratories
that provide technical leadership for vital components of the nation's
technology infrastructure needed by U.S. industry to continually improve
its products and services;
- a highly visible quality outreach program associated with the
Baldrige
National Quality Program that recognizes business performance
excellence and quality achievement by U.S. manufacturers, service companies,
educational organizations, and health care providers;
- the
Manufacturing
Extension Partnership, a nationwide network of local centers offering
technical and business assistance to smaller manufacturers; and
- the Advanced
Technology Program, accelerating the development of innovative
technologies for broad national benefit through R&D partnerships with
the private sector;
NIST operates primarily in two locations: Gaithersburg, Maryland (headquarters)
and Boulder, Colorado. NIST employs
more than 3,200 scientists, engineers, technicians, business specialists, and
administrative personnel. About 1,600 guest researchers complement the staff.
In addition, NIST partners with 2,000 manufacturing specialists and staff at
affiliated centers around the country.
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