"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"
The National Institute of Standards and Technology , known between 1901 and 1988 as the National Bureau of Standards, is a measurement standards laboratory, also known as a National Metrological Institute, which is a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce. NIST employs about 2,900 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support and administrative personnel.About 1,800 NIST associates complement the staff. In addition, NIST partners with 1,400 manufacturing specialists and staff at nearly 350 affiliated centers around the country. NIST publishes the Handbook 44 that provides the 'Specifications, tolerances, and other technical requirements for weighing and measuring devices'.