The National Institute of Standards and Technology: An Appropriations Overview
Abstract
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a laboratory of the Department of Commerce, is mandated to provide technical services to facilitate the competitiveness of U.S. industry. NIST is directed to offer support to the private sector for the development of precompetitive generic technologies and the diffusion of government-developed innovation to users in all segments of the American economy. Laboratory research is to provide measurement, calibration, and quality assurance techniques that underpin U.S. commerce, technological progress, improved product reliability, manufacturing processes, and public safety. Concerns about the adequacy of federal funding for physical science and engineering research led to efforts by successive Presidents and Congresses to double funding for the NIST laboratory and construction accounts, together with the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy Office of Science. President Bushs proposal was to do so over 10 years; the America COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69) set authorization levels consistent with a seven- year doubling and the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 set authorization levels consistent with an 11-year doubling. However, appropriations did not keep pace with authorization levels or presidential requests. In addition, the appropriations authorizations for the accounts targeted for doubling lapsed at the end of FY2013. Appropriations for the targeted NIST accounts increased by 42.3% from FY2006 to FY2016. Funding for NIST extramural programs directed toward increased private sector commercialization has been a topic of congressional debate. Some Members of Congress have expressed skepticism over a technology policy based on providing federal funds to industry for development of precompetitive generic technologies. This approach, coupled with pressures to balance the federal budget, led to significant reductions in funding for NIST.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1170076
Entities
People
- John F. Sargent
Organizations
- Library of Congress