The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a federal agency within the United States Department of Commerce. It was established in 1901 as the National Bureau of Standards, and later renamed to its current name in 1988. NIST's headquarters is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

NIST is primarily focused on promoting innovation and industrial competitiveness through advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in a wide range of fields such as cybersecurity, manufacturing, bioscience, and more. It provides a variety of products and services to support measurement accuracy and consistency, including standards and guidelines, testing and calibration services, and research collaborations. On a global scale, NIST works closely with international standards organizations and participates in various international initiatives to facilitate global trade and enhance cooperation in measurement science.

It also has several noteworthy subsidiaries, joint ventures, and partnerships. For example, the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a program launched by NIST that collaborates with centers across the country to help small and medium-sized manufacturers improve their competitiveness. NIST holds a strong market position, both domestically and globally, in terms of its contributions to standardization and measurement science.

Its expertise and research are highly regarded, and it often collaborates with industry, academia, and other government agencies to solve complex technical challenges. Over the years, NIST has achieved several significant milestones and made notable contributions to various fields. For instance, its work on the development of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm strengthened information security globally.

Additionally, NIST has continuously adapted its strategies and expanded its portfolio to address emerging technologies and societal challenges. As of the latest available information, NIST continues to be at the forefront of measurement science and standards development. It remains committed to providing essential services to support innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth in the United States and globally