FY 2013 Request for National Institute of Standards and Technology
In describing the request for the National Institute of Standards and Technology “The Department of Commerce Budget in Brief, Fiscal Year 2013” (page 107) states:
“The NIST Laboratories are part of the President’s Plan for Science and Innovation that, consistent with the goals of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, proposes to double funding for research at key basic research agencies. The NIST Laboratories directly support U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by developing new measurement instruments and facilities to address critical barriers to innovation; disseminating validated measurement methods and protocols; providing reference data, reference materials, and calibration services to ensure that industry-performed measurements are traceable to NIST standards; and developing testing protocols and supporting laboratory accreditation programs.”
Total NIST Funding: Up $106.2 million or 14.1 percent from $750.8 million to $857.0 million
Within this budget are three major programs:
Scientific and Technical Research and Services: Up $81.0 million or 14.2 percent from $567.0 million to $648.0 million.
A NIST budget document briefly describes initiatives in Measurement Science for Advanced Manufacturing, NIST Centers of Excellence, Measurement Science and Standards in Support of Forensic Science, Measurement and Standards for Disaster Resilience and Natural Hazards Risk Reduction, Measurement Science to Support Advanced Communications Networks, and National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace, as well as measurement research supporting biomanufacturing, nanomanufacturing, smart manufacturing and other fields.
Industrial Technology Services: Up $20.6 million or 16.0 percent from $128.4 million to $149.0 million
The budget document explains this funds the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and a new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia. A NIST release describes these proposed consortia as follows: “This new program will establish industry-led consortia to identify and prioritize research projects supporting long-term industrial research needs. AMTech creates the incentive for manufacturers to share financial and scientific resources with universities, state and local governments and non-profits. The proposed program is a critical component of the Administration’s emphasis on advanced manufacturing as a way to accelerate innovation and create high-quality U.S. jobs.”
Construction of Research Facilities: Up $4.6 million or 8.3 percent from $55.4 million to $60.0 million.
This budget provides funding for routine maintenance and repair of NIST facilities as well as the renovation of a NIST laboratory building in Boulder CO.
