15 U.S.C. § 271 — Findings and purposes

Page 650 TITLE 15—COMMERCE AND TRADE § 266 TRANSFER OF EL PASO AND HUDSPETH COUNTIES, TEXAS, TO MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME ZONE Pub. L. 91–228, Apr. 10, 1970, 84 Stat. 119, provided: ‘‘That, notwithstanding the first section of the Act of March 4, 1921 (15 U.S.C. 265), the Secretary of Transpor- tation may, upon the written request of the County Commissioners Court of El Paso County, Texas, change the boundary line between the central standard time zone and the mountain standard time zone, so as to place El Paso County in the mountain standard time zone, in the manner prescribed in section 1 of the Act of March 19, 1918, as amended (15 U.S.C. 261), and sec- tion 5 of the Act of April 13, 1966 (15 U.S.C. 266). In the same manner, the Secretary of Transportation may also place Hudspeth County, Texas, in the mountain standard time zone, if the Hudspeth County Commis- sioners Court so requests in writing and if El Paso County is to be placed in that time zone.’’ § 266. Applicability of administrative procedure provisions Subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5 shall apply to all proceedings under this Act, sections 261 to 264 of this title, and section 265 of this title. (Pub. L. 89–387, § 5, Apr. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 108.) Editorial Notes REFERENCES IN TEXT This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 89–387, Apr. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 107, known as the ‘‘Uniform Time Act of 1966’’. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 260 of this title and Tables. CODIFICATION ‘‘Subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5’’ substituted in text for ‘‘The Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1001–1011)’’ on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, § 7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. § 267. ‘‘State’’ defined As used in this Act, the term ‘‘State’’ includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any possession of the United States. (Pub. L. 89–387, § 7, Apr. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 109; Pub. L. 106–564, § 1(c), Dec. 23, 2000, 114 Stat. 2811.) Editorial Notes REFERENCES IN TEXT This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 89–387, Apr. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 107, known as the ‘‘Uniform Time Act of 1966’’. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 260 of this title and Tables. AMENDMENTS 2000—Pub. L. 106–564 inserted ‘‘Guam, the Common- wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,’’ after ‘‘Puerto Rico,’’. CHAPTER 7—NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY Sec. 271. Findings and purposes. 272. Establishment, functions, and activities. 272a. Technology services. Sec. 272b. Annual budget submission. 273. Functions; for whom exercised. 273a. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology. 274. Director; powers and duties; report; com- pensation. 275. Hiring critical technical experts. 275a. Service charges. 275b. Charges for activities performed for other agencies. 275c. Cost recovery authority. 276. Ownership of facilities. 277. Regulations. 278. Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology. 278a. Repealed. 278b. Working Capital Fund. 278c. Acquisition of land for field sites. 278d. Construction and improvement of buildings and facilities. 278e. Functions and activities. 278f. Fire Research Center. 278g. International activities. 278g–1. Education and outreach. 278g–2. Post-doctoral fellowship program. 278g–2a. Teacher science and technology enhancement Institute program. 278g–3. Computer standards program. 278g–3a. Definitions. 278g–3b. Security standards and guidelines for agen- cies on use and management of Internet of Things devices. 278g–3c. Guidelines on the disclosure process for secu- rity vulnerabilities relating to information systems, including Internet of Things de- vices. 278g–3d. Implementation of coordinated disclosure of security vulnerabilities relating to agency information systems, including Internet of Things devices. 278g–3e. Contractor compliance with coordinated dis- closure of security vulnerabilities relating to agency Internet of Things devices. 278g–4. Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board. 278g–5. Enterprise integration initiative. 278h. Research program on security of computer systems. 278h–1. Standards for artificial intelligence. 278i. Reports to Congress. 278j. Studies by National Research Council. 278k. Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partner- ship. 278k–1. Competitive awards program. 278k–2. Expansion awards pilot program. 278l. Assistance to State technology programs. 278m, 278n. Repealed. 278n–1. Emergency communication and tracking technologies research initiative. 278n–2. Green manufacturing and construction. 278o. User fees. 278p. Notice to Congress. 278q. Appropriations; availability. 278r. Collaborative manufacturing research pilot grants. 278s. Manufacturing USA. 278t. Advanced communications research activi- ties. 278u. Xylazine detection and analysis. 279. Absence of Director. 280, 281. Repealed. 281a. Structural failures. 282. Repealed. 282a. Assessment of emerging technologies requir- ing research in metrology. 283 to 286. Repealed or Omitted. § 271. Findings and purposes (a) The Congress finds and declares the fol- lowing: Page 651 TITLE 15—COMMERCE AND TRADE § 271 (1) The future well-being of the United States economy depends on a strong manufac- turing base and requires continual improve- ments in manufacturing technology, quality control, and techniques for ensuring product reliability and cost-effectiveness. (2) Precise measurements, calibrations, and standards help United States industry and manufacturing concerns compete strongly in world markets. (3) Improvements in manufacturing and product technology depend on fundamental scientific and engineering research to develop (A) the precise and accurate measurement methods and measurement standards needed to improve quality and reliability, and (B) new technological processes by which such im- proved methods may be used in practice to im- prove manufacturing and to assist industry to transfer important laboratory discoveries into commercial products. (4) Scientific progress, public safety, and product compatibility and standardization also depend on the development of precise measurement methods, standards, and related basic technologies. (5) The National Bureau of Standards since its establishment has served as the Federal focal point in developing basic measurement standards and related technologies, has taken a lead role in stimulating cooperative work among private industrial organizations in ef- forts to surmount technological hurdles, and otherwise has been responsible for assisting in the improvement of industrial technology. (6) The Federal Government should maintain a national science, engineering, and tech- nology laboratory which provides measure- ment methods, standards, and associated tech- nologies and which aids United States compa- nies in using new technologies to improve products and manufacturing processes. (7) Such national laboratory also should serve industry, trade associations, State tech- nology programs, labor organizations, profes- sional societies, and educational institutions by disseminating information on new basic technologies including automated manufac- turing processes. (b) It is the purpose of this chapter— (1) to rename the National Bureau of Stand- ards as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and to modernize and restruc- ture that agency to augment its unique ability to enhance the competitiveness of American industry while maintaining its traditional function as lead national laboratory for pro- viding the measurements, calibrations, and quality assurance techniques which underpin United States commerce, technological progress, improved product reliability and manufacturing processes, and public safety; (2) to assist private sector initiatives to cap- italize on advanced technology; (3) to advance, through cooperative efforts among industries, universities, and govern- ment laboratories, promising research and de- velopment projects, which can be optimized by the private sector for commercial and indus- trial applications; and (4) to promote shared risks, accelerated de- velopment, and pooling of skills which will be necessary to strengthen America’s manufac- turing industries. (Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 1, 31 Stat. 1449; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5111, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1427.) Editorial Notes REFERENCES IN TEXT This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original ‘‘this Act’’ meaning act Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, 31 Stat. 1449, known as the National Institute of Stand- ards and Technology Act, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note below and Tables. AMENDMENTS 1988—Pub. L. 100–418 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: ‘‘The Office of Standard Weights and Measures shall be known as the National Bureau of Standards.’’ Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries CHANGE OF NAME; NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS RE- DESIGNATED NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY Section 5115(c) of Pub. L. 100–418 provided that: ‘‘Ref- erences in any other Federal law to the National Bu- reau of Standards shall be deemed to refer to the Na- tional Institute of Standards and Technology.’’ Act Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, § 1, 37 Stat. 736, created the Department of Labor and renamed the Department of Commerce and Labor as the Department of Commerce. SHORT TITLE OF 2023 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 118–23, § 1, Dec. 19, 2023, 137 Stat. 125, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting section 278u of this title] may be cited as the ‘Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality Research Act of 2023’ or the ‘TRANQ Research Act of 2023’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2020 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 116–207, § 1, Dec. 4, 2020, 134 Stat. 1001, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting sections 278g–3a to 278g–3e of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 278g–3a of this title] may be cited as the ‘Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020’ or the ‘IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2018 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 115–236, § 1, Aug. 14, 2018, 132 Stat. 2444, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [amending section 272 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 272 of this title] may be cited as the ‘NIST Small Busi- ness Cybersecurity Act’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2017 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 114–329, title V, § 501(a), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3023, provided that: ‘‘This section [enacting section 278k–1 of this title, amending sections 278g–5, 278k, and 278l of this title and section 2199 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 278k of this title] may be cited as the ‘Manufac- turing Extension Partnership Improvement Act’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2014 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 113–235, div. B, title VII, § 701, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2220, provided that: ‘‘This title [enacting section 278s of this title, amending section 3722 of this title and section 6622 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 278s of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the ‘Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2011 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 111–358, title VII, § 701, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4041, provided that: ‘‘This title [amending section 278k Page 652 TITLE 15—COMMERCE AND TRADE § 272 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 278k of this title] may be cited as the ‘NIST Grants for Energy Efficiency, New Job Opportu- nities, and Business Solutions Act of 2010’ or the ‘NIST GREEN JOBS Act of 2010’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 2010 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 111–240, title IV, § 4221, Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2596, provided that: ‘‘This part [part I (§§ 4221–4228) of subtitle B of title IV of Pub. L. 111–240, amending sec- tion 278k of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 278n of this title] may be cited as the ‘Export Promotion Act of 2010’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1998 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 105–309, § 1, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2935, pro- vided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting sections 278g–2a, 278p, and 1511e of this title, amending sections 278k, 3704, and 3711a of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 272 and 3711 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the ‘Technology Administration Act of 1998’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1992 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 102–245, title II, § 201(a), Feb. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 15, provided that: ‘‘This title [amending sections 272 and 278n of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 278n of this title] may be cited as the ‘Emerging Technologies and Advanced Technology Program Amendments Act of 1991’.’’ SHORT TITLE OF 1988 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5101, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1426, provided that: ‘‘This part [part I (§§ 5101–5164) of subtitle B of title V of Pub. L. 100–418, enacting sec- tions 205j–1, 278i to 278o, 282a, 1532, 1533, 3704a, and 4632 of this title, amending this section, sections 205a, 205b, 205k, 272 to 275, 278, 278b, 278d, 278e, 278g to 278g–4, 3703, 3706, 3708, 3710, 3710c, and 3713 of this title, and section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employ- ees, repealing sections 280 to 282 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 272, 278l, and 278n of this title, and section 1803 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the ‘Technology Competitiveness Act’.’’ SHORT TITLE Act Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 36, formerly § 23, as added by Pub. L. 100–235, § 3(3), Jan. 8, 1988, 101 Stat. 1728; renum- bered § 31 and amended Pub. L. 100–418, title V, §§ 5114(1), 5115(a)(2), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1432, 1433; renumbered § 32, Pub. L. 105–309, § 4(a), Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2935; re- numbered § 34, Pub. L. 110–69, title III, § 3007(1), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 590; renumbered § 35, Pub. L. 113–235, div. B, title VII, § 703(1), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2221; renum- bered § 36, Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title II, § 10230(1), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1482, provided that: ‘‘This Act [enact- ing this chapter] may be cited as the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act.’’ SAVINGS PROVISION Act Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, § 29, as added Aug. 23, 1988, Pub. L. 100–418, title V, § 5161, 102 Stat. 1449, provided that: ‘‘All rules and regulations, determinations, stand- ards, contracts, certifications, authorizations, delega- tions, results and findings of investigations, or other actions duly issued, made, or taken by or pursuant to this Act [enacting this chapter], or under the authority of any other statutes which resulted in the assignment of functions or activities to the Secretary, the Depart- ment, the Director, or the Institute, as are in effect im- mediately before the date of enactment of this section [Aug. 23, 1988], and not suspended by the Secretary, the Director, the Institute or the courts, shall continue in full force and effect after the date of enactment of this section until modified or rescinded.’’ § 272. Establishment, functions, and activities (a) Establishment of National Institute of Stand- ards and Technology There is established within the Department of Commerce a science, engineering, technology, and measurement laboratory to be known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (hereafter in this chapter referred to as the ‘‘In- stitute’’). (b) Functions of Secretary and Institute The Secretary of Commerce (hereafter in this chapter referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) acting through the Director of the Institute (hereafter in this chapter referred to as the ‘‘Director’’) is authorized to serve as the President’s principal adviser on standards policy pertaining to the Nation’s technological competitiveness and in- novation ability and to take all actions nec- essary and appropriate to accomplish the pur- poses of this chapter, including the following functions of the Institute— (1) to assist industry in the development of technology and procedures needed to improve quality, to modernize manufacturing proc- esses, to ensure product reliability, manufacturability, functionality, and cost-ef- fectiveness, and to facilitate the more rapid commercialization, especially by small- and medium-sized companies throughout the United States, of products based on new sci- entific discoveries in fields such as automa- tion, electronics, advanced materials, bio- technology, and optical technologies; (2) to develop, maintain, and retain custody of the national standards of measurement, and provide the means and methods for making measurements consistent with those stand- ards; (3) to facilitate standards-related informa- tion sharing and cooperation between Federal agencies and to coordinate the use by Federal agencies of private sector standards, empha- sizing where possible the use of standards de- veloped by private, consensus organizations; (4) to enter into and perform such contracts, including cooperative research and develop- ment arrangements and grants and coopera- tive agreements or other transactions, as may be necessary in the conduct of its work and on such terms as it may determine appropriate, in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter; (5) to provide United States industry, Gov- ernment, and educational institutions with a national clearinghouse of current information, techniques, and advice for the achievement of higher quality and productivity based on cur- rent domestic and international scientific and technical development; (6) to assist industry in the development of measurements, measurement methods, and basic measurement technology; (7) to determine, compile, evaluate, and dis- seminate physical constants and the prop- erties and performance of conventional and advanced materials when they are important to science, engineering, manufacturing, edu- cation, commerce, and industry and are not available with sufficient accuracy elsewhere; (8) to develop a fundamental basis and meth- ods for testing materials, mechanisms, struc-