National Institute of Standards and Technology
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a measurement standard laboratory known as the National Bureau of Standards from 1901 to 1988. It is a non-regulatory agency under the US Department of Commerce. The laboratory's official mission is to advance US innovation and industry competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in a way that enhances economic security and improves quality of life. NIST's fiscal 2007 operating budget was approximately $ 843.3 million. NIST's 2009 budget was $ 992 million, but it received $ 610 million more as part of the US Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NIST employs approximately 2,900 scientists, engineers, technicians, support and management staff. Approximately 1,800 Associate NIST recruits staff. In addition, NIST is working with 1,400 manufacturing professionals and staff from nearly 350 partner centers nationwide.