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National Institute of Standards and Technology

http://www.nist.gov/index.html

From automated teller machines and atomic clocks to mammograms and semiconductors, innumerable products and services rely in some way on technology, measurement, and standards provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.

NIST carries out its mission via three cooperative programs:

The NIST laboratories conduct research that advances the nation's technology infrastructure needed by U.S. industry to improve their products and services;

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a nationwide network of local centers offering technical and business assistance to smaller manufacturers; and

NIST, in conjunction with the private sector, administrates the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, which promotes performance excellence among U.S. manufacturers, service companies, educational institutions, health care providers, and nonprofit organizations. The Baldrige program also conducts outreach programs and manages the annual Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes performance excellence and quality achievement.

NIST managed the Technology Innovation Program between 2007 and 2011 and the Advanced Technology Program from 1990 to 2007.