Founded in 1901, NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Commerce Department's Technology Administration. 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 in four cooperative programs:

NIST Laboratories - provide measurements and standards for U.S. industry.

Baldrige National Quality Program - promotes and recognizes organizational performance excellence.

Manufacturing Extension Program - provides technical and business assistance to smaller manufacturers.

Advanced Technology Program - partners with the private-sector to develop broadly beneficial technologies.

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