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Index
Department of Commerce (DoC)
International Trade Administration (ITA)
US Patent and Trade Administration (USPTO)
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
US AI Safety Institute (USAISI)
National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA)
Department of Energy (DoE)
Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER)
Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR)
Office of Critical and Emerging Technology (OCET)
Department of Homeland Security (DoHS)
Cybersecurity and & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Office of Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk, and Resilience (CIRR)
Department of Commerce (DoC)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
NIST promotes U.S. Innovation and competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. NIST has played a key role in developing AI policy via the AI Risk Management Framework, the Trustworthy AI Resource Center, the TRAILS Institute, the new U.S. AI Safety Institute (USAISI), and more.
Dr. Laurie Locascio - Director of NIST and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology
Description
NIST promotes U.S. Innovation and competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. NIST has played a key role in developing AI policy. In 2023, NIST released the AI Risk Management Framework and launched the Trustworthy AI Resource Center to help organizations manage AI risks. NIST also established the TRAILS Institute in partnership with universities to develop trustworthy AI systems. The organization leads several interagency AI committees within the U.S. government and participates in international AI initiatives, including the US-EU Trade and Technology Council and OECD expert groups. Recently, NIST established the U.S. AI Safety Institute (USAISI) to progress the field of AI safety.
Authority
High-level list of authorities:
| Code/Legislation | Description |
|---|---|
| NIST Basic Authority – 15 U.S.C. 272; 273; 278b-j | Provides basic authority for NIST functions and activities, authorizes appropriations, requires Congressional notification for certain fund reprogramming |
| Standard Reference Data- 15 U.S.C. 290b-f | Directs collection, evaluation, publication, and dissemination of standard reference data; authorizes non-agricultural technology office |
| Technical Information Clearinghouse – 15 U.S.C. 1151-1152 | Establishes clearinghouse for technical information useful to American business and industry; provides for dissemination via National Technical Information Service |
| Voluntary Product Standards – 15 U.S.C. 1454(d-e) | Authorizes NIST to request manufacturer participation in voluntary product standards to address proliferation of weights, measures, quantities |
| Cooperative Research and Development Agreements- 15 U.S.C. 3710a-d | Provides authority for CRADAs, inventor awards, royalty retention and distribution, coordination of technology transfer offices |
| Cyber Security Research – 15 U.S.C. 7406 | Authorizes NIST to conduct cyber security R&D to minimize risks in federal computer systems |
For authorities specific to the CHIPS initiative and USAISI, see subentities.
Budget
Through its Scientific and Technical Research and Services (STRS) program, the FY 2025 budget includes increases to the following programs (citation):
Advance AI Research, Standards and Testing to Meet National Needs, +$47.7 million:Â Invest in the United States AI Safety Institute and expand upon Executive Order 14110 to:
- Conduct AI research to build the science necessary for safe development and responsible use of AI.
- Establish testing infrastructure and advance methods to create benchmarks and measurements for AI system evaluation.
- Develop technical guidance and facilitate the development of standards to measure and manage AI risks and enable responsible innovation.
- Implement best practices and frameworks to support organizations in measuring AI risks and impacts.
Advance Quantum Information Science and Technology Readiness, +$13.9 million: NIST will enhance quantum technology research in critical technologies to support the nascent U.S. quantum industry by:
- Identifying and resisting quantum threats with tools such as post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
- Developing metrology for large-scale quantum systems.
- Identifying and mitigating limiting factors for high-performance quantum components.
- Training a quantum-ready workforce.
- Ensuring a leadership role in global quantum standards development.
Index
Department of Commerce (DoC)
International Trade Administration (ITA)
US Patent and Trade Administration (USPTO)
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
US AI Safety Institute (USAISI)
National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA)
Department of Energy (DoE)
Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER)
Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR)
Office of Critical and Emerging Technology (OCET)
Department of Homeland Security (DoHS)
Cybersecurity and & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Office of Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk, and Resilience (CIRR)