An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Measurement and Standards Laboratories

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Measurements and Standards Laboratories (MSL) provide technical leadership for the nation's measurement and standards infrastructure and assure the availability of essential reference data and measurement capabilities. At NIST's request the National Research Council (NRC) carries out a biennial assessment of the seven MSL. The assessment focuses on each laboratory's technical quality and merit; and effectiveness. It also examines the relevance of the NIST programs and how well laboratory facilities, equipment, and personnel are able to fulfill the MSL mission. This report presents an overall assessment of the MSL followed by detailed assessments of each of the seven laboratories. Table of Contents Front Matter Synopsis of the 2004-2005 Assessment 1 Institutional Assessment 2 Building and Fire Research Laboratory 3 Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory 4 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory 5 Information Technology Laboratory 6 Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory 7 Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory 8 Physics Laboratory References Appendix A NIST Organizational Structure and Staffing Trends Appendix B Biographical Sketches of Board and Staff Members and Panel Rosters Appendix C Acronyms and Abbreviations