The National Institute of Standards and Technology is an agency of the US Department of Commerce’s Technology Administration. Established in 1901 as the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), Congress expanded NBS’ mission and changed its name to the National Institute of Standards and Technology in1988.

NIST claims to strengthen the U.S. economy and improve the quality of life by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements and standards. It carries out this mission through a portfolio of four major programs:

Measurements and Standards Laboratories

Advanced Technology Program

Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Baldrige National Quality Award