National Institude of Standards and Technology

As part of the Commerce Department's Technology Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology works to promote U.S. economic growth by collaborating with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements, and standards. NIST carries out its mission through a portfolio of four major programs:

• 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;
• highly visible quality outreach program associated with the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award that recognizes continuous improvements in quality management by U.S. manufacturers and service companies;
• the Advanced Technology Program, which accelerates the development of innovative technologies for broad national benefit through R&D partnerships with the private sector; and
• grassroots Manufacturing Extension Partnership with a nationwide network of local centers offering technical and business assistance to smaller manufacturers.

In fiscal year 2001, NIST is operating on a budget of about $720 million with nearly 3,200 staff members at its sites in Gaithersburg, MD., and Boulder, Colorado. News and general information about NIST programs and services are available on the World Wide Web at: www.nist.gov, or you can call general inquiries at
(301) 975-NIST (975-6478) or e-mail: inquiries@nist.gov