Bill Overview
Title: National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Future Act of 2021
Description: This bill reauthorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through FY2026 and establishes programs and activities. The bill sets forth requirements for supporting basic measurement science, technology research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biometrology; developing standards to measure greenhouse gas emissions; carrying out research on identity management, cybersecurity, biometric identification, and communications measurement; assessing identified vulnerabilities with open-source software; operating the National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network; a strategic plan concerning the Center for Neutron Research; establishing in NIST an organization to facilitate the development of forensic science standards; activities in support of green and sustainable chemistry (i.e., clean, safe, and economic alternatives, technologies, and methodologies to traditional chemical products and processes); information exchange and coordination among federal agencies and with the private sector to ensure federal engagement in the development and use of international technical standards; and establishing a five-year pilot program to award grants to support increased participation by small business and academic interests in international standards organizations. The Government Accountability Office must conduct a study of NIST's policies and protocols to protect its research and combat undue foreign influence. NIST shall establish, as a part of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a pilot program of expansion awards among manufacturing extension centers or a consortium of centers to develop and support training and job placement services. NIST shall establish a National Supply Chain Database to assist the federal government and industry sectors in minimizing disruptions to the United States' supply chain.
Sponsors: Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals globally involved with or impacted by standardizations in engineering, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and environmental practices
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a critical role in setting and maintaining standards that impact a variety of sectors including technology, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring worldwide.
- Standards for greenhouse gas emissions are relevant to global environmental efforts, affecting climate policy makers, industries, and citizens across the planet.
- Cybersecurity and identity management standards set by NIST have global significance given the interconnected nature of the internet and the importance of digital security in global commerce.
- Forensic science standards impact global law enforcement and legal systems, which often rely on standardized procedures for international cooperation.
- The development and coordination of international technical standards affect many sectors globally, including manufacturing, technology, and environmental management.
- The National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network could influence global telecommunications by providing frameworks that other countries may adopt.
- Open-source software is used worldwide; NIST's assessment of vulnerabilities will have importance for global IT professionals and organizations relying on such software.
Reasoning
- The policy addresses multiple areas such as standards for cybersecurity, manufacturing, green technologies, and scientific research. While some parts of the population may directly benefit, others may not be as affected.
- The budget of $500 million in the first year limits the scope of the intervention, focusing on specific projects and priority areas like cybersecurity and manufacturing.
- Individuals working in or around science and technology fields are likely to witness direct impacts, especially if their work involves standards or open-source software.
- Others indirectly affected include consumers and workers whose industries benefit from standardization improvements, such as better cybersecurity protocols or supply chain resilience.
- Forensic science professionals and law enforcement might see changes depending on the forensic standards introduced by NIST.
- Standardization efforts in environmental monitoring will impact those in clean technology sectors and related industries, possibly creating job opportunities or advancing industry priorities.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the focus on cybersecurity and open-source software vulnerabilities. It'll boost trust in the software we develop and potentially open new markets.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Factory Manager (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Supply Chain Database could really help us reduce downtime due to supply issues. It's a big deal for productivity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
University Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Standards for greenhouse gas emissions are crucial. This will inform our research and improve the accuracy of environmental impact assessments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Biotech Researcher (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Investing in biomanufacturing standards will drive innovation and could position us as industry leaders globally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Public Policy Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The emphasis on standards development and international coordination is greatly needed and could streamline regulatory processes worldwide.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Austin, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Support for green chemistry could accelerate the development and acceptance of sustainable solutions, directly benefiting my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see a focus on supply chain resilience. Although I'm retired, the improvements will ease my concerns about goods shortages.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Forensic Scientist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The development of forensic science standards will increase reliability in our work and may improve case outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Environmental Lawyer (Miami, FL)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could bring clarity and consistency in emission standards, aiding legal professionals like myself in environmental litigation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Automotive Engineer (Detroit, MI)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The advancements in biometrology could enhance our design processes and lead to innovations in vehicle production.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $540000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $640000000)
Year 3: $580000000 (Low: $540000000, High: $680000000)
Year 5: $640000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $740000000)
Year 10: $720000000 (Low: $680000000, High: $820000000)
Year 100: $1000000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1100000000)
Key Considerations
- NIST plays a critical role in maintaining and setting standards that are integral to various industry sectors.
- The reauthorization includes significant expansions in areas such as cybersecurity, manufacturing, environmental standards, and forensic science.
- Cooperation between the federal government and private sectors in standards development is crucial for implementing international technical standards.
- The establishment of the National Supply Chain Database aims to minimize disruptions, ensuring continued economic stability and efficiency in supply chain operations.
- The five-year pilot program facilitating grant awards encourages increased participation and innovation from small businesses and academic sectors.