The National Institute of Standards and Technology: An Overview

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a mandate to increase the competitiveness of U.S. firms and provide 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 been scrutinized by Congress. FY2006 appropriations legislation provided $752 million for NIST, an increase of 8.2% over FY2005 (after mandated rescissions) and financed ATP, although at a reduced rate, despite the President’s budget and the original House-passed bill that included no support for the program. While no final FY2007 appropriations legislation was enacted during the 109th Congress, a series of continuing resolutions financed NIST at FY2006 levels through February 15, 2007. In the current Congress, P.L. 110-5 provides NIST with $675 million for FY2007. The President’s FY2008 budget request for NIST totals $640.7 million and includes a significant cut in support for MEP and no funding for ATP. This report will be updated as events warrant