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EXAMINING THE EFFECTIVENESS 

OF THE NIST LABORATORIES 

HEARING 

BEFORE THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY 

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND 

TECHNOLOGY 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS 

FIRST SESSION 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013 

Serial No. 113–16 

Printed for the use of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 

( 

Available via the World Wide Web: http://science.house.gov 
(II) 

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY 

HON. LAMAR S. SMITH, Texas, Chair 

DANA ROHRABACHER, California 

RALPH M. HALL, Texas 

F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR., 

Wisconsin 

FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma 

RANDY NEUGEBAUER, Texas 

MICHAEL T. MCCAUL, Texas 

PAUL C. BROUN, Georgia 

STEVEN M. PALAZZO, Mississippi 

MO BROOKS, Alabama 

RANDY HULTGREN, Illinois 

LARRY BUCSHON, Indiana 

STEVE STOCKMAN, Texas 

BILL POSEY, Florida 

CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming 

DAVID SCHWEIKERT, Arizona 

THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky 

KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota 

JIM BRIDENSTINE, Oklahoma 

RANDY WEBER, Texas 

CHRIS STEWART, Utah 

VACANCY 

EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas 

ZOE LOFGREN, California 

DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois 

DONNA F. EDWARDS, Maryland 

FREDERICA S. WILSON, Florida 

SUZANNE BONAMICI, Oregon 

ERIC SWALWELL, California 

DAN MAFFEI, New York 

ALAN GRAYSON, Florida 

JOSEPH KENNEDY III, Massachusetts 

SCOTT PETERS, California 

DEREK KILMER, Washington 

AMI BERA, California 

ELIZABETH ESTY, Connecticut 

MARC VEASEY, Texas 

JULIA BROWNLEY, California 

MARK TAKANO, California 

VACANCY 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY

HON. THOMAS MASSIE, Kentucky, Chair 

RANDY HULTGREN, Illinois 

DAVID SCHWEIKERT, Arizona 

JIM BRIDENSTINE, Oklahoma 

LAMAR S. SMITH, Texas 

FREDERICA S. WILSON, Florida 

SCOTT PETERS, California 

DEREK KILMER, Washington 

EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas 
(III) 

C O N T E N T S 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 

Page 

Witness List ............................................................................................................. 2 

Hearing Charter ...................................................................................................... 3 

Opening Statements 

Statement by Representative Thomas Massie, Chairman, Subcommittee on 

Technology, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House 

of Representatives ................................................................................................ 7 

Written Statement ............................................................................................ 8 

Statement by Representative Frederica S. Wilson, Ranking Minority Member, 

Subcommittee on Technology, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives ............................................................... 8 

Written Statement ............................................................................................ 9 

Witnesses: 

Dr. Willie E. May, Associate Director for Laboratory Programs, National 

Institute of Standards and Technology 

Oral Statement ................................................................................................. 11 

Written Statement ............................................................................................ 14 

Dr. Ross B. Corotis, Denver Business Challenge Professor, University of Colorado at Boulder; Member, Laboratory Assessments Board, National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences 

Oral Statement ................................................................................................. 24 

Written Statement ............................................................................................ 26 

Discussion ................................................................................................................. 34 

Appendix I: Answers to Post-Hearing Questions 

Dr. Willie E. May, Associate Director for Laboratory Programs, National 

Institute of Standards and Technology .............................................................. 46 

Appendix II: Additional Material for the Record 

2012 Annual Report Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT) 

of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department 

of Commerce, submitted by Representative Thomas Massie, Chairman, Subcommittee on Technology, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 

U.S. House of Representatives ............................................................................ 50 

Material Measurement Laboratory: An Overview of Our Programs in Biology, 

Chemistry and Materials Science, National Institute of Standards and 

Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, submitted by Dr. Willie E. 

May, Associate Director for Laboratory Programs, National Institute of 

Standards and Technology .................................................................................. 67 

(1) 

EXAMINING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE 

NIST LABORATORIES 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON RESEARCH

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY, 

Washington, D.C. 

The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 2:01 p.m., in Room 

2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Thomas Massie 

[Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding. 
2 

LAMAR S. SMITH, Texas 

CHAIRMAN 

[:ongress of the mnited ~tates 

il'tousc of 1Rcprcsrntatiurs COMMITIEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY 

2321 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING 

WASHINGTON, DC 20515-6301 

(202)225-6371 

www.scleoce.house.gov 

Subcommittee on Technology Hearing 

EDOIE BERN!CE JOHNSON, Texas 

RANKING MEMBER 

Examining the Effectiveness of the NIST Laboratories 

Wednesday, March 20,2013 

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

2318 Rayburn House Office Building 

Witnesses 

Dr. Willie E. May, Associate Director for Laboratory Programs, National Institnte of Standards and 

Technology 

Dr. Ross B. Corotis, Denver Business Challenge Professor, University of Colorado at Boulder; 

Member, Laboratory Assessments Board, National Research Council of the National Academy of 

Sciences 
3 

Purpose 

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENT A TIVES 

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY 

Examining the Effectiveness of the NIST Laboratories 

Wednesday, March 20,2013 

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

2318 Rayburn House Office Building 

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, the Technology Subcommittee will examine how the work 

conducted at National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) laboratories is aligned 

with the promotion of American innovation and industrial competitiveness. The work of the 

laboratories supports industries such as healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and 

construction. The hearing will also solicit recommendations on improving laboratory 

effectiveness as the Committee considers reauthorizing NIST and its labs. 

Witnesses 

• Dr. Willie E. May, Associate Director for Laboratory Programs, National Institute of 

Standards and Technology 

• Dr. Ross B. Corotis, Denver Business Challenge Professor, University of Colorado at 

Boulder; Member, Laboratory Assessments Board, National Rescarch Council of the 

National Academy of Sciences 

Background 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory agency within 

the Department of Commerce. NIST's mission is to promote US innovation and industrial 

competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that 

enhance economic security and improve American quality of life. 

NIST activities are primarily housed at two campuses, located in Gaithersburg, MD and Boulder. 

CO. 

In order to advance measurement science, standards, and technology, NIST currently operates 

six laboratory units, with activities shared across the two campuses: 

• Material Measurement Laboratory (MML): The MML serves as the national 

reference laboratory for measurements in the chemical, biological, and material sciences. 

The MML provides measurement services used by a broad set of industries including but 

not limited to: healthcare (biomarkers), renewable energy (measuring the quality offuels) 

and forensic science (biometric identification techniques); 
4 

Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML): The PML develops and disseminates 

national standards of measurement (e.g., length, mass, force and shock, acceleration, time 

and frequency, electricity, temperature, humidity and pressure.) This information 

supports consistent timekeeping, on which many technologies like the global positioning 

system (GPS) rely, and underpins the safety of our national electricity grid; 

• Engineering Laboratory (EL): The EL develops and disseminates advanced 

manufacturing and construction technologies, guidelines, and services to the u.s. 

manufacturing and construction industries. Examples of EL work include researching 

ways to reduce the spread of fire in residential buildings and developing perfonnance 

metrics for advanced manufacturing processes; 

Information Technology Laboratory (ITL): The ITL develops and disseminates 

standards, measurements, and testing for interoperability, security, usability, and 

reliability of information systems, including cyber security standards, guidelines and best 

practices for federal agencies and u.s. industry. ITL works in areas such as cloud 

computing, health information technology, and advanced voting technologies; 

Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST): The CNST provides 

industry, academia, NIST, and other government agencies with access to nanoscale 

measurement and fabrication methods and technology. CNST operates a shared-use 

NanoFab for nanotechnology development; 

Center for Neutron Research (NCNR): The NCNR provides a national user facility, 

utilized by universities, government and industry, to study neutron-based measurement 

capabilities. NCNR measurement capabilities allow researchers to answer questions in 

nanoscicnce and technology with a broad range of applications. 

Authorizationsl Appropriations 

(dollars In millions) 

NIST Laboratory Programs Authorization Request Appropriation 

FY2011 584.5 584.5 

FY2012 661.1 678.9 

FY 2013 676.7 648.0 

*NIST laboratory activities are cun·ently operating under a continuing resolution, subject to 

sequestration. 

2 

497.0 

567.0 

. 
5 

National Research Council Assessments of NIST Laboratories 

The National Research Council (NRC) has conducted assessments of the NIST laboratories since 

1959. 

In 2011, the NRC evaluated three of the six NIST laboratories: the Center for Nanoscale Science 

and Technology (CNST), the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) and the Information 

Technology Laboratory. 

The assessments included key findings and recommendations for each of the laboratories. 

The NRC recommendations for the CNST included: 

• Further diversifying the user base for the NanoFab facility; 

• Continuing to increase the CNST focus on industry as its key customer; 

• Actively managing the balance between high-quality science and service; 

• Continuing the effort to mature the focus and stature of newer research groups; and 

• Considering enhancing the professional development of postdoctoral staff by offering 

opportunities to learn skills needed for non-academic careers - for example, in 

entrepreneurship. 

The NRC recommendations for the NCNR included: 

• Taking care that the next generation of senior researchers continues to develop and 

remain excited about their research; 

• Maintaining collaborative efforts with the NIST Material Science Laboratory and the 

Physical Measurement Laboratory to aid the NCNR in extending its leadership in coldneutron research; and 

• Ensuring that the proposal review process continues to work effectively as the NCNR 

facility expands to meet greater demand for cold-neutron research capabilities. 

The NRC recommendations for the lTL included: 

• Considering plans to address the growth that will be needed to support the expanding 

workload of the Statistical Engineering Division and the Computer Security Division 

within this laboratory; 

• Acquiring a permanent chief of the Advanced Network Technologies Division; and 

• Devoting attention to strategic, long-term technical needs in cloud computing. 

In 2012, the NRC conducted a Review of Manufacturing-Related Programs at NISI as well as a 

review of Best Practices in Assessment of Research and Development Organizations. 

The NRC recommendations from the Review of Manufacturing Related Programs included: 

• Having a process in place that carefully considers industry needs and inputs when 

selecting and planning the projects to pursue; 

• Having a unified programmatic focus, supporting management, and the use of me tries 

designed to measure progress when coordinating the efforts of multiple, technologically 

diverse projects; and 

• Having more structured coordination among teams across NIST. 

3 
6 

Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology 

The Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT) ofNISTwas established in its 

current fonn by the Omnibus and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (PL- 100-418). 

The VCA I's charter includes reviewing and making recommendations on general policy for 

NIST, its organization, budget, and programs within the framework of applicable national 

policies as set forth by the President and the Congress. 

VCAT members are appointed by the Director ofNIST and are comprised of both industry and 

academic stakeholders. Members are selected for staggered, three-year terms. There are 

currently 13 members of the VCA T, including 10 members from industry. 

The 2012 VCA T Annual Report includes a number of recommendations with respect to NIST 

laboratories including, among others: 

• Increased focus and investment in advanced manufacturing programs; 

• Continued NIST research and standards development activities contributing towards the 

creation of a national public safety communication system; 

• Continued strengthening of the planning and integration ofNIST measurement services 

efforts; and 

• Greater clarity and depth in strategic planning. 

Issues for Examination 

The Subcommittee will examine bow the NIST labs contribute to NISI's mission of promoting 

American innovation and industrial competitiveness and how this contribution could be 

improved. In addition, witnesses have been asked to address how the NIST labs: prioritize 

project decisions; measure success and set metries; and work with industry and academic 

customers. 

Witnesses have also been asked to provide recommendations for how NIST can be more efficient 

and effective as the Committee considers legislative reauthorization. 

4 
7 

Chairman MASSIE. The Subcommittee on Technology will come to 

order. Good afternoon. Welcome to today’s hearing, entitled ‘‘Examining the Effectiveness of NIST Laboratories.’’ In front of you are 

packets containing the written testimony, biographies, and truthin-testimony disclosures for today’s witness panel. I recognize myself for five minutes for an opening statement. 

This afternoon’s hearing is being held to examine the effectiveness of the laboratory programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This hearing will help inform the Committee 

as it considers reauthorization of NIST and its laboratories later 

this year. 

Measurement science conducted at NIST laboratories contributes 

to industrial competitiveness by buttressing the technical infrastructure for advancements in nanotechnology, global positioning 

systems, materials sciences, cybersecurity, health information technology, and a variety of other fields. 

Research conducted at NIST laboratories has been lauded by 

independent outside review panels as being among the best in the 

world. Indeed, NIST researchers have been awarded four Nobel 

prizes in physics in the last 15 years. 

As the Committee considers reauthorization of NIST, it is important for Committee Members to know whether the research conducted at NIST laboratories is effective. It is also important to understand how NIST prioritizes and coordinates research projects, 

and how NIST balances its portfolio of research between shortterm, lower-risk, lower-reward projects and long-term, higher-risk, 

higher reward projects. 

The National Academies have recently conducted assessments of 

three NIST laboratories and have conducted a cross-cutting review 

of manufacturing-related programs at NIST. Dr. Corotis will be 

summarizing the findings of these recent reviews in his testimony 

today. While these reviews are mostly positive, they have also identified areas for improvements. The Subcommittee looks forward to 

exploring the Academies’ recommendations this afternoon. 

America is currently more than $16 trillion in debt and is running massive deficits on an annual basis. Congress’s job is to set 

priorities. One of the best things we as policy makers can do to improve our economic competitiveness is to get our fiscal house in 

order. Industry leaders are currently sitting on large cash reserves. 

They will be reticent to invest that money here in America until 

they see that the country is on a sustainable path and a sustainable budget. 

Just as it is important for our country to prioritize spending decisions, it is also important for our research agencies to do so. We 

look forward to understanding how NIST can prioritize project decisions in a fiscally responsible manner while contributing to U.S. innovation and competitiveness. 

I would like to extend my appreciation to each of our witnesses, 

Dr. May and Dr. Corotis, for taking time today and the effort to 

appear before us. We look forward to your testimony. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Massie follows:] 
8 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN THOMAS MASSIE

Good afternoon, I’d like to welcome everyone to today’s hearing, which is being 

held to examine the effectiveness of the laboratory programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This hearing will help inform the Committee as 

it considers reauthorization of NIST and its laboratories later this year. 

Measurement science conducted at NIST laboratories contributes to industrial 

competitiveness by buttressing the technical infrastructure for advancements in 

nanotechnology, global positioning systems, materials sciences, cybersecurity, health 

information technology, and a variety of other fields. Research conducted at NIST 

laboratories has been lauded by independent outside review panels as being among 

the best in the world. Indeed, NIST researchers have been awarded four Nobel 

prizes in Physics in the last 15 years. 

As the Committee considers reauthorization of NIST, it is important for Committee Members to know whether the research conducted at NIST laboratories is 

effective. It is also important to understand how NIST prioritizes and coordinates 

research projects, and how NIST balances its portfolio of research between shortterm, lower-risk, lower-reward projects and long-term, higher-risk, higher reward 

projects. 

The National Academies have recently conducted assessments of three NIST laboratories and have conducted a cross-cutting review of manufacturing-related programs at NIST. Dr. Corotis will be summarizing the findings of these recent reviews 

in his testimony today. While the reviews are mostly positive, they have also identified areas for improvements. The Subcommittee looks forward to exploring the 

Academies’ recommendations this afternoon. 

America is currently more than $16 trillion in debt and is running massive deficits on an annual basis. Congress’s job is to set priorities. One of the best things 

we as policy makers can do to improve our economic competitiveness is to get our 

fiscal house in order. Industry leaders are currently sitting on large cash reserves. 

They will be reticent to invest that money here in America until they see that the 

country is on a sustainable budget path. 

Just as it is important for the country to prioritize spending decisions, it is also 

important for our research agencies to do so. We look forward to understanding how 

NIST can prioritize project decisions in a fiscally responsible manner while contributing to US innovation and competitiveness. I’d like to extend my appreciation to 

each of our witnesses for taking the time and effort to appear before us today. We 

look forward to your testimony. 

Chairman MASSIE. I now recognize the Ranking Member, the 

gentlelady from Florida, Ms. Wilson, for an opening statement. 

Ms. WILSON. Thank you, Chairman Massie. Thank you for holding this hearing to examine the effectiveness of the laboratory programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and 

thank you to our witnesses for being here today. 

It is essential that we learn more about important work being 

conducted at NIST’s laboratories, as this Subcommittee looks to reauthorize the agency through the America COMPETES Act. While 

I am so pleased to hear from our two witnesses this afternoon, it 

is unfortunate that we do not have a member from NIST’s advisory 

committee, or VCAT, as it is commonly known, testifying here 

today. I understand there were scheduling conflicts, but having an 

oversight hearing without a witness from the group specifically 

tasked by Congress to review and make recommendation regarding 

NIST management and policy is regrettable. 

NIST is small in size, yet tremendous in impact. For more than 

100 years, it has promoted the competitiveness of U.S. industry by 

advancing measurement, science, standards, and technology. NIST 

has broaden technical expertise, as well as a unique ability to 

bridge public and private sector work. The America COMPETES 

Act of 2010 included the first major reorganization of the agency 

in decades, streamlining NIST’s laboratories from ten labs to six. 

The purpose of the reorganization was to create mission-focused 
9 

laboratories that were vertically integrated. In other words, a single lab would be responsible for everything from basic research to 

the delivery of products and services to its customers. VCAT supported the reorganization and reviewed it positively, including acknowledging the importance of the new position of associate director for laboratory programs, a position held by one of our esteemed 

witnesses, Dr. Willie May. 

Since the reorganization is relatively new, it is important that we 

continue to follow its progress and the activities of the new laboratories. I look forward to hearing how the reorganization is going 

from the witnesses. 

I am also interested in hearing about NIST’s cross-cutting research efforts. Under this Administration, it has taken on a prominent role in ensuring that American manufacturers remain competitive in the global marketplace. Manufacturing in the United 

States has changed from an industry losing jobs to an industry 

adding jobs, and its activities have the potential to continue that 

trend by helping manufacturers develop innovative products and 

processes. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses about the 

manufacturing programs at NIST, and what, if any, policies that 

would be recommended to help promote these programs as the Subcommittee discusses reauthorizing NIST. 

Another cross-cutting research effort NIST is undertaking is in 

the field of bioscience. To ensure that countless new biological innovations can be transformed into useful products and services, we 

need new measurement technologies and standards. I am interested in hearing more about what NIST is doing in this area from 

our witnesses today. Both these cross-cutting research programs 

highlight the important work NIST is doing to promote innovation, 

commercialization, and business growth for our Nation. 

In a time when we should be doing everything to ensure our Nation’s leadership position in innovation, we are talking about cutting the budgets of agencies like NIST. The America COMPETES 

Act put science agencies, including NIST, on a double funding path 

so that the United States could maintain its competitive edge, but 

unfortunately, these levels have not been appropriated. Additionally, sequestration will have real impacts on NIST, including the 

elimination of grants and contracts, delayed or canceled equipment 

purchases, and deferred repair and maintenance of NIST facilities. 

We need to be making smart investments that will help our Nation’s economy grow. I hope we will focus on making those needed 

investments when we reauthorize NIST. 

Mr. Chairman, again, thank you for holding this hearing, and I 

look forward to working with you and our colleagues to ensure that 

NIST has what it needs to fulfill its important mission. 

I yield back the balance of my time. 

[The prepared statement of Ms. Wilson follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF RANKING MINORITY MEMBER FREDERICA WILSON

Thank you, Chairman Massie for holding this hearing to examine the effectiveness of the laboratory programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and thank you to our witnesses for being here today. 

Today’s hearing provides us with the opportunity to review the important work 

being conducted at NIST’s laboratories as part of the Subcommittee’s efforts to reauthorize this agency through the America COMPETES Act. 
10 

Although I am excited to hear from our two witnesses this afternoon, I think it 

is unfortunate that we do not have a member from NIST’s advisory committee—or 

V-CAT as it is commonly known—testifying here today. I understand there were 

scheduling conflicts, but having an oversight hearing without a witness from the 

group specifically tasked by Congress to review and make recommendations regarding NIST management and policy is regrettable. 

NIST is a relatively small agency, but is an extremely important player in federal 

efforts to spur innovation and economic prosperity in this country. 

For more than 100 years, NIST has supported the competitiveness of U.S. industry by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. NIST’s broad 

and deep technical expertise, as well as its ability to serve as a bridge to U.S. businesses, is unparalleled. 

The America COMPETES Act of 2010 included the first major reorganization of 

the agency in decades, streamlining NIST’s laboratories from ten labs to six. The 

purpose of the reorganization was to create mission-focused laboratories that were 

vertically integrated so a single lab would be responsible for everything from basic 

research to the delivery of products and services to its customers. 

VCAT supported the reorganization and reviewed it positively including acknowledging the importance of the new position of Associate Director for Laboratory Programs, a position held by one of our witnesses, Dr. Willie May. 

Since the reorganization is relatively new, it is important that we continue to follow its progress and the activities of the new laboratories. I look forward to hearing 

how the reorganization is going from the witnesses. 

In addition to learning more about the research and activities happening in each 

of the six labs, I am interested in hearing about NIST’s cross-cutting research efforts. 

Under this Administration, NIST has taken on a prominent role in ensuring that 

American manufacturers remain competitive in the global marketplace. Manufacturing in the United States has changed from an industry losing jobs to an industry 

adding jobs. And NIST’s activities have the potential to continue that trend by helping manufacturers develop innovative products and processes. 

I look forward to hearing from the witnesses about the manufacturing programs 

at NIST and what—if any—policies they would recommend to help promote those 

programs as the Subcommittee discusses reauthorizing NIST. 

Another cross-cutting research effort NIST is undertaking is in the field of bioscience. During the last few decades, we have seen an explosion in biological knowledge-knowledge that has the potential for new cures and treatments for diseases. 

This exciting time brings along with it new measurement challenges. To ensure 

those new biological innovations, we need new measurement technologies and standards. I am interested in hearing more about what NIST is doing in this area from 

our witnesses today. 

Both these cross-cutting research programs highlight the important work NIST is 

doing to promote innovation, commercialization, and business growth for our nation. 

At a time when we should be doing everything to ensure our nation’s leadership position in innovation, we are talking about cutting the budgets of agencies like NIST. 

The America COMPETES Act put science agencies, including NIST, on a double 

funding path so that the United States could maintain its competitive edge, but unfortunately those levels have not been appropriated. 

Additionally, sequestration will have real impacts on NIST, including the elimination of grants and contracts, delayed or canceled equipment purchases, and deferred repair and maintenance of NIST facilities. We need to be making smart investments that will help our nation’s economy grow. I hope we will focus on making 

those needed investments when we reauthorize NIST. 

Mr. Chairman, thank you again for holding this hearing and I look forward to 

working with you and our colleagues to ensure that NIST has what it needs to fulfill 

its important mission. 

Chairman MASSIE. Thank you, Ms. Wilson. 

At this time, I ask unanimous consent to add the NIST Visiting 

Committee on Advanced Technology’s 2012 annual report to the 

record. Without objection, so ordered. 

[The information appears in Appendix II] 

Chairman MASSIE. If there are Members who wish to submit additional opening statements, their statements will be added to the 

record at this point. 
11 

At this time, I would like to introduce our witnesses. Our first 

witness is Dr. Willie May, the Associate Director for Laboratory 

Programs. In this capacity, Dr. May provides the oversight and direction of NIST’s six laboratory programs. 

Our second witness is Dr. Ross Corotis, the Denver Business 

Challenge Professor and the Department of Civil, Environmental, 

and Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado at 

Boulder. He also serves as Chair of the National Research Council 

Committee on Assessment of NIST’s Technical Programs. Dr. 

Corotis received a doctoral degree in civil engineering with a concentration in structural mechanics from my alma mater, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

As our witnesses should know, spoken testimony is limited to 

five minutes each, after which the Members of the Committee will 

have five minutes each to ask questions. 

I now recognize Dr. May to present his testimony. 

TESTIMONY OF DR. WILLIE E. MAY, 

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR LABORATORY PROGRAMS, 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY 

Dr. MAY. Chairman Massie, Ranking Member Wilson, and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify 

today. As stated earlier, I am Willie May, Associate Director for 

Laboratory Programs at the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology. 

Since 1901, NIST, as a non-regulatory agency in the Department 

of Commerce, has maintained the U.S. national standards for 

measurement. Our mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and 

improve our quality of life. In carrying out this Congressionally 

mandated role rooted in the U.S. Constitution, we have been supplying the measurement standards and other tools to help industry 

innovate and compete for over 100 years. Since our inception, in 

addition to maintaining the more traditional national standards of 

measurement, we have focused a significant portion of our research 

and measurement service activities on addressing contemporary societal needs. We have worked with industry, other government 

agencies, and the scientific community to ensure that as new measurement standards and technology needs develop, our laboratory 

program evolves to meet them. 

The work of the NIST laboratory program focuses on three primary areas: driving innovation through measurement science, accelerating the adoption and deployment of advanced technology solutions, and providing unique world class, cutting edge research facilities for use by industry and academia. 

So how is this accomplished? In three ways, actually. First, we 

maintain an excellent program in scientific discovery. As stated 

rather eloquently by one of our former directors, Alan Aston, back 

in the 1950s, while the development and maintenance of standards 

provides the first and primary reason for our existence, we recognize that our standards work must keep abreast with expansion of 

the frontiers of science. In that regard, as stated previously, in the 

last 15 years NIST researchers have been awarded four Nobel 
12 

Prizes in physics. Additionally, we have got—our staff have received the Kyoto Prize in material science, which is essentially the 

Nobel for material science, two National Science awards, a MacArthur Award, the so-called genius award, the L’Oreal Enesco 

Women and Science Award, and over 100 other national scientific 

awards and prizes. 

Because of our stature in the community, more than 2,800 collaborating researchers come to NIST each year to work alongside 

our approximately 1,500 federal scientists and engineers in delivering our mission, giving us a great leveraging effect. 

We also address key national priorities. Our capabilities and our 

technical know-how have us poised to support a number of diverse 

emerging areas that include advanced manufacturing, additive, bio, 

nano, advanced materials, smart manufacturing and cyber physical 

systems, forensics that is providing in science debates for its use 

in the criminal justice system, and energy efficiency and sustainability. 

Two of our best-known current examples of how our expertise in 

measurements and standard and our expertise in supporting industry has put us in a favorable position to accelerate the transition 

from world class research to applied solutions and new technology 

adoption, our work on the smart grid and our work with 

cybersecurity. With respect to the latter, we recently established a 

National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence where we bring research done in our laboratories to the private sector so that they 

can work with us to adopt and implement our standards into their 

platforms, and supporting the Obama Administration’s National 

Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace, so-called NSTIC. 

We also provide the measurement standards and technology to 

address our stakeholder needs. This broad research base depends 

on our delivery of our Standard Reference Materials used to calibrate and validate measurement systems, calibration services 

where energy sends devices to us to calibrate and Standard Reference Data products. And again, the combination of the three, industry uses these to ensure the quality of their measurements 

and—development of new products and services. 

Looking to the future, we are working to develop so-called NIST 

on a chip. This will be a suite of portable, highly precise devices 

that will provide customers with in-place precision measurements 

and standards needed to keep pace with the ever-accelerating product development cycle. They won’t have to then send devices to us 

to calibrate, which takes time and can be costly. These calibrations 

will be built into the devices that they use. 

In addition, NIST provides industry, academia, and other government agencies with unique user facilities and the accompanying 

technical expertise that supports innovation in material science, 

nanotechnology, and other emerging technology areas. Our Center 

for Neutron Research provides neutron-based measurement capabilities to U.S. researchers from the private sector through providing them access to 30 very unique measurement tools on a merit 

basis. Our Center for Nanoskill Science and Technology reduces 

barriers to innovation by providing industry, academia, and other 

government agencies access to world-class nanoscale measurement 

and fabrication tools, methods, and technology. 
13 

In the few years since its inception, the number of our research 

participants has grown from zero to more than 1,600. We are currently serving close to 250 different companies in that facility. 

Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, the NIST laboratories play a 

unique role in our Nation’s research and technology development 

enterprise. We sit at the nexus of science and industry, conducting 

cutting edge world-class measurement science in developing standards that allow industry to innovate and compete successfully in 

the global economy. I am aware that I have probably not addressed 

many of the questions that you asked in your opening statement, 

so certainly thank you for inviting me to testify today, and since 

time did not permit me to elaborate—— 

Chairman MASSIE. We will have plenty of questions. 

Dr. MAY. Okay. 

Chairman MASSIE. That is a wonderful opening statement. 

Dr. MAY. I would be happy to address any questions you might 

have. 

[The prepared statement of Dr. May follows:] 
14 

Testimony of 

Dr. Willie E. May 

Associate Director of Laboratory Programs 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

Before the 

Committee on Science, Space and Transportation 

Subcommittee on Technology 

United States House of Representatives 

"NIST Laboratory Programs" 

March 20,2013 
15 

Introduction 

Chairman Massie, Ranking Member Wilson and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for 

the opportunity to testify today about the NIST Laboratories and the vital role they play in 

enabling innovation and competitiveness. I am Willie May, Associate Director for Laboratory 

Programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST is one of our 

Nation's oldest Federal laboratories and our mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial 

competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that 

enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. Enabling innovation and 

competitiveness has been an important part of our mission since we were founded as the 

National Bureau of Standards 112 years ago. In the spring of 1900, when Congress was 

considering the Act that created the National Bureau of Standards, the accompanying Committee 

report stated: 

" ... that no more essential aid could be given to manufacturing, commerce, the makers of 

scientific apparatus. the scientific work of the Government, of schools, colleges. and 

universities than by the establishment of the institution ... " 

That statement is as true today as it was then. From our early electrical measurement research to 

today's quantum information science, NIST has long been a center for high-impact research 

meeting the needs of academia, industry, and government. 

In today's global economy, thc ability of the United States to remain competitive relies 

increasingly on our ability to develop, manufacture and commereialize innovative technologies. 

The amount of scientific components in products has increased dramatically. Just think about 

how much more complex an iPhone is compared to early cell phones, let alone those that hung 

on everyone's kitchen wall. The ability of America to be technologically innovative both drives 

and is driven by our ability to observe and to measure. If you cannot measure something, you 

wilinot be able to control it. And if you cannot control it, you will not be able to reliably 

manufacture it. NIST's unique role is to advance measurements and standards to drive 

innovation and commercialization, thus enabling American industry to remain globally 

competitive. The important role that NIST plays in supporting innovation and commerce has 

been recognized time and again with NIST playing central roles in multiple national priorities 

from manufacturing to eybersecurity. NIST's labs' technological expertise provides the 

capability to meet these challenges. In my testimony today, I will outline the role that the NIST 

plays in the areas of measurement science, standards, and technology, as well as some of the 

significant impacts produced over the past several years. 

The NIST Laboratory Programs 

Since 1901, NIST has maintained the national standards of measurement, a role that the U.S. 

Constitution assigns to the Federal government I , and has been supplying the measurements and 

tools to help U.S. industry compete successfully. As a non-regulatory agency in the U.S. 

Department of Commerce, an experienced partner of industry, and the Federal research agency 

I At1iclc I, Section 8, Paragraph 5 of the Constitution of the United States accords to the Congress the power to " .. 

fix the Standard of Weights and Measures." 
16 

specifically focused on promoting U.S. economic competitiveness, NIST is well-positioned to 

accelerate and promote innovation and advanced technologies through its laboratory programs. 

The NIST laboratory programs work at the frontiers of measurement science to ensure that the 

U.S. system of measurements is firmly grounded on sound scientific and technical principles. 

Today, the NIST Laboratories address increasingly complex measurement challenges, ranging 

from the very small (nanoscale devices) to the very large (vehicles and buildings), and fi·om the 

physical (renewable energy sources) to the virtual (cybersecurity and cloud computing). As new 

technologies develop and evolve, NIST's measurement research and services remain central to 

innovation, productivity, trade, and public safety. 

The NIST laboratory programs provide U.S. industry, academia, and other Federal agencies 

with: 

• Scientific underpinnings for basic and derived measurement units in the international 

standards community, measurement and calibration services, and certified reference 

materials; 

• Impartial expertise and leadership in basic and applied research to enable development oftest 

methods and verified data to support the efficient commercialization and exchange of goods 

and services in industry and commerce; 

• Support for the development of open, consensus-based standards and specifications that 

define technical and performance requirements for goods and services, with associated 

measurements and test methods for conformity; and 

• Unique, cutting-edge user facilities that support innovation in materials science, 

nanotechnology discovery and fabrication, and other emerging technology areas through the 

NIST Center for Neutron Research, which provides world class neutron measurement 

capabilities to the U.S. research community, and the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and 

Technology, which supports nanotechnology development from discovery to production. 

The efforts of the NIST laboratories are focused on three primary mission areas: 

• Driving innovation through measurement science 

• Accelerating the adoption and deployment of advanced technology solutions 

• Providing world-class, unique, cutting-edge research facilities 

NIST carries out its mission with staff that includes some of the world's foremost experts in the 

measurcment science field. In the last 15 years, researchers at NIST have been awarded 4 Nobel 

prizes in Physics, Kyoto Prize in Material Science (an international Nobel level prize for nonNobel awarded categories), 2 National Medals of Science, a MacArthur "Genius" Award, over 

100 other national scientific awards annually among other recognitions. Because of the caliber 

of expertise of the NIST research staff, more than 2,800 collaborating researchers come to NIST 

each year to work alongside our researchers and assist NIST in the delivery of our mission. We 

are proud of the work we do and continually strive to provide cutting edge research in 
17 

measurement science to industry. 

Driving Innovation through Measurement Science 

NIST creates the intrastructure necessary to measure the perfotmance and quality of products 

and services. In close cooperation with industry, academia, and other Federal agencies, NIST 

continually advances measurement science, develops standard protocols and test methods, and 

evaluates and generates data. These critical tools, which the private sector cannot provide due to 

the high cost and unique skills needed, are the foundations for interoperability bctween products 

and systems, enabling global trade. 

Industry relies on NIST for the physical measurements and standards needed to enable advanced 

manufacturing, to develop and test new materials, to enable innovation, and to ensure 

compliance with regulations. NIST measurcment research facilitates the diffusion of precision 

metrology into industry in a number of ways. Frequently, NIST researchers will develop the 

next-generation of measurement techniques that are adopted by industry and integrated into 

commercially available devices, such as scanning probe microscopes, mass spectrometers, and 

other high precision instruments. 

In addition, NIST provides measurement and calibration services via its Standard Reference 

MateriaIs®, calibration services, and Standard Reference Data programs. Certified reference 

materials are made available to industry, academia, and throughout the world on a cost-recovery 

basis, to assure the accuracy of measurements made daily throughout the United States. The 

calibration services NIST provides help customers achieve the highest measurement quality and 

productivity. NIST Standard Reference Data are well-documented numeric data used in 

technical problem-solving, research, and development. Looking to the future, NIST is working 

to develop a suite of portable, highly-precise devices that will provide customers with "in place" 

precision measurements to keep pace with ever-accelerating product development cycles. These 

chip-scale devices will be capable of being directly integrated into equipment and products to 

provide continuous quality control and assurance, freeing customers from complex measurement 

traceability chains and lengthy calibration procedures. 

Examples ofNIST work in this space include: 

• Solving biological measurement problems -- NIST is ideally positioned to work with 

industry and Federal regulatory agencies to develop innovative solutions to biological 

measurement challenges that will enable more efficient manufacturing and quality 

assurance processes. Biotech drugs, currently dominated by protein therapeutics, are the 

fastest-growing class of pharmaceuticals, as well as one of the fastest-growing categories 

of health care-related spending. NIST is developing measurement methods, protocols, 

and standards for improved characterization of biologic drugs throughout the 

manufacturing process. For example, NIST researchers are creating mass spectral 

methods and reference data including peptide libraries to enable more accurate 

characterization of manufactured protein drugs, and to aid biopharmaceutical researchers 

in their development of new protein therapies. In support of and in collaboration with 

industry through the nSOFT consortium, NIST is also developing unprecedented 

capabilities in determining structure of protein therapeutics based on neutron scattering 
18 

techniques. This will allow the manufacturers to more accurately assess the quality and 

uniformity of the medicines produced in the manufacturing process to enable their 

acceptance. Other bioscience efforts at NIST are targeted at providing measurement 

science and standards to support new technologies, such as ultra-high throughput- DNA 

sequencing, and the development of standards to support improved genetics-based 

disease diagnostics and therapies. By partnering with other Federal agencies including 

the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, the bioscience 

research program at NIST supports the new tools, standards, and approaches needed to 

support science-based regulatory decision-making and to create a flourishing 

environment for innovation in industry. 

• Pushing the frontiers of quantum science -- Researchers at NIST are continually 

pushing the boundaries of advanced, cutting-edge metrologies that can be applied to 

problems of national significance in a broad spectrum of areas including advanced 

telecommunications, defense, electronics, energy, environment, health, lighting, 

manufacturing, microelectronics, radiation, remote sensing, space, and transportation. In 

one such area, quantum-based communication and measurement systems that use novel 

quantum states oflight are being developed worldwide. However, the technologies used 

to generate, manipulate, and detect these states of light are inadequate for many emerging 

applications. NIST research in this field focuses on the development of single-photon 

technologies for quantum information science and technology. Key projects involve 

investigating the use of nonlinear fibers and nonlinear crystals as a source of correlated 

photon pairs or "squeezed light," and then manipulating the squeezed light in new ways 

to enhance precision measurements, as well as computing and communications based on 

quantum physics. In addition to creating these non-classical states of light, NIST builds 

detector systems that are the best in the world at operating at the single photon level. 

Major recent accomplishments by NIST researchers in this program include 

demonstrations of the highest system detection efficiency for single photons (greater than 

95 percent at 1550 nanometers; world-record, long-distance quantum key distribution 

systems using superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors; and the first ever timecorrelated single-photon counting with superconducting single- photon detectors. 

Hclping Manufacturers Sncceed in the Global Economy 

NIST customers span the full range of industries, from established-such as automotive, 

aerospace, microelectronics, and heavy equipment-to emerging, including nanotechnology and 

biomanufacturing, across the NIST laboratory programs. The NIST laboratory programs heavily 

leverage partnerships with major industry and other stakeholders to help guide and inform the 

development of research programs. Advanced manufacturing is an important component of the 

NIST laboratory programs, and is ideally positioned across a number of emerging areas of 

potential opportunity: 

• Biomanufacturing- Working closely with industry, the FDA, and consensus standards 

organizations, NIST is able to provide a supporting measurement infrastructure needed to 

gain detailed understanding of biomanufacturing processes and to design superior 

methods that yield higher-quality protein therapeutic products. Next-generation 

sequencing technologies promise to yield new discoveries for rapid disease detection and 
19 

reveal potential pathways for the manufacture of biologically-based products including 

fuels and chemicals. NIST efforts to develop needed SRMs® and validated protocols 

will be critical to underpin the use of sequencing technologies. 

• Nanomanufacturing - NIST will continue to help companies overcome technical 

barriers to cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing of materials, devices, and systems 

that exploit the exceptional properties exhibited at nanoscale levels. NIST efforts include 

measurements and standards to help companies and regulatory agencies address potential 

environmental, health, and safety risks of nanotechnology-based products. 

• Advanced Materials Modeling and Simulation- NIST plays an important role in the 

interagency Materials Genome initiative, which has the goal of significantly reducing the 

time from discovery to commercial deployment of new materials. Through considerable 

interactions with industry and academia, NIST is developing and deploying needed data 

infrastructure, including data assessment and validation as well as data standards, and 

modeling and simulation tools to support advanced material development in the U.S. 

• Smart Manufacturing and Cyberphysical Systems - Exploiting advances in sensors, data 

analytics, modeling and simulation, smart manufacturing integrates these technologies to 

improve performance at all levels. NIST is developing measurements and standards for 

automated in-process quality monitoring and control for factory-level production 

systems. Ultimately these efforts aim to speed development, adoption, and integration of 

leading-edge intelligent technologies to advance U.S. manufacturing and construction 

performance and the quality and durability of its cyberphysical infrastructure, such as 

transportation systems, smart grid, two-way power networks, and remote medical 

monitoring, diagnostic, and treatment capabilities. 

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainabilitv - Several programs are in place to help prepare for 

future measurement and standards in the area of energy efficiency in manufacturing. The 

recently completed NIST Net Zero Energy Residential Test Facility will allow 

researchers to test various high-efficiency and alternative energy systems, materials, and 

designs. NIST is developing sustainability metrics for manufacturers through activities 

including methodologies for sustainable processes and resources and the integration 

infrastructure for sustainable manufacturing. The methodologies characterize unit 

manufacturing and assembly processes, including supplier capabilities, enabling industrylevel manufacturing assessments to improve production efficiency. 

Accelerating the adoption and deployment of advanced technology solutions 

Technology is rapidly evolving to integrate new capabilities across the economy, including 

manufacturing processes, transportation systems, critical infrastructure, and healthcare. While 

these innovations will contribute to the U.S. economy and quality of life, they also present 

associated challenges in interoperability, security, and resiliency. NIST programs respond to 

these challenges through the development of standards, prototypes, and guidelines, established 

through engagement with government and industry users and stakeholders. NIST's expertise in 
20 

measurements and standards, and its experience supporting industry, accelerate the transition 

from world-class basic research to applied solutions. To support this transformation, NIST 

provides test-beds, tcsting and validation methodologies, support for certification, and support 

for thc developmcnt of standards that are essential for the adoption and dissemination of new 

tcchnologies into wide-spread use in areas such as smaIt grid, cybersecurity, cloud computing, 

cyber-physical systems, and smart manufacturing, to name a few. 

Smart Grid: NIST's involvement in the smart grid is a prime example of how NIST combines its 

core research capability with extensive stakeholder engagement to drive technology adoption. 

The smart grid is a planned nation-wide network that uses information technology to deliver 

electricity efficiently, reliably, and securely. As outlined Section 1305 of the Energy 

Independence and Security Act of2007 (Public Law 110-140), NIST has "primary responsibility 

to coordinate the development of a framework that includes protocols and model standards for 

information management to achieve interoperability of smart grid devices and systems." NIST 

initiated the Smart Grid Interopcrability Panel (SGIP) to support NIST in coordinating standards 

development for the smaIt grid. The SGIP is a public-private partnership that defines 

requirements for essential communication protocols and other common specifications and 

coordinates development of these standards by collaborating organizations, enabling NIST to 

solicit input and cooperation from private and public sector stakeholders in devcloping the smart 

grid standards framework. 

Cybersecurity: NIST is a recognized world leader in cybersecurity, with a track record of 

accelerating the development and deployment of cybersecurity solutions and standards that are 

reliable, usable, interoperable, and secure, as well as the measurements and standards 

infrastructure for emerging cybersecurity applications. Some ofNIST's recent accomplishments 

in this area include 

• The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) -- In FYI2, NIST established 

the NCCoE and completed several steps towards becoming operational, including the 

establishment oftcmporary laboratory and office facilities at the joint NIST and 

University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology (IBBR). The Center 

identified initial use cases in the areas of Healthcare Technology and manufacturing and 

began establishing key partnerships with industry to advance the development of 

solutions in these areas. The NCCoE will encourage the rapid adoption of advanced 

security technology by private sector companies, by bringing together experts from 

industry, government and academia to identify and solve some oftoday's most pressing 

cybersecurity challenges. 

• The National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) - NIST is playing 

the lead role in implementing the Administration's strategy by facilitating the creation of 

an Identity Ecosystem that gives participants access to secure credentials and increases 

the opportunities for trusted on-line transactions. As part of this effort on September 20, 

2012, the NSTIC National Program Office at NIST awarded more than $9 million for 

five pilot projects in support of the Identity Ecosystem. 

World class, unique, cutting-edge research facilities 

Industry, academia, and other government agcncies have access to unique NIST user facilities 
21 

that support innovation in materials science, nanotechnology, and other emerging technology 

areas. The NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) provides world-class neutron 

measurement capabilities to the U.S. research community, and the NIST Center for Nanoscale 

Science and Technology (CNST) NanoFab facility supports nanotechnology developments from 

discovery to production. The customer-focused mission of both NCNR and CNST includes the 

safe and reliable operation ofthe facilities, as well as the development and application of entirely 

new and cutting-edge measurement and fabrication techniques. 

NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR): The NCNR develops, delivers and maintains 

world-class neutron measurement capabilities and applies them to science and engineering 

problems of national interest. The NCNR is operated as a major national user facility with meritbased access made available to the entire U.S. scientific and technological community. In a 

typical year, more than 2,200 research participants, representing some 42 states, 32 government 

agencies, and 46 U.S. corporations, utilize the NCNR for neutron measurement studies. Between 

1998 and 2007, these users contributed over 2,500 high-impact research papers to the open 

scientific literature. 

Neutrons are powerful probes of the structure and dynamics of materials, and can be used to 

study a range of material behavior, ranging from molecules inserted into membranes simulating 

cell walls to protons migrating through fuel cells. The NCNR's neutron source provides the 

intense beams of neutrons required for these types of measurements. Neutron-based research 

covers a broad spectrum of disciplines, including engineering, biology, materials science, 

polymers, chemistry, and physics. Some highlights of the work at the NCNR include: 

• Neutron-based tools developed at NIST are being utilized to probe the structure and 

behavior of new materials at the nanoscale, making it possible to improve process 

technologies and develop new materials applications ranging from light-weight advanced 

materials for the auto industry to novel nanocomposites for polymer-based solar cells to 

innovative materials and approaches for the efficient energy storage. 

Measurements using neutrons are probing internal stresses in materials such as pipelines, 

turbine blades, railroad rails, and shock absorbers in order to understand and improve the 

perfonnance of products used in industry, transportation, and national defense. 

• In studies of the structure and motions of very large biological molecules such as 

proteins, NIST is using neutrons to probe the bending and folding properties essential to 

protein function. The insights gained could lead to the development of new drug 

therapies, new anti-toxins, and improved vaccines. 

NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST): The CNST user facility was 

created to reduce barriers to innovation by providing industry, academia, and other government 

agencies with access to world-class nanoscale measurement and fabrication methods and 

technology. The unique CNST operating model is designed to support both the current and 

future needs of the national nanotechnology enterprise. The shared-usc NanoFab facility 

provides convenient, rapid access to a comprehensive, state-of-the-art commercial tool set for 

nanoscale measurement and fabrication. Looking beyond the current state of the art, the CNST 
22 

NanoLab creates the next generation ofnanoscale measurement instruments and methods, which 

are made available through to the scientific community through collaboration. 

In the few years since its inception, the CNST has become a major national resource for 

nanoscale science and the development of nanotechnology. The number of research participants 

at the CNST is increasing rapidly, exceeding 1,600 in FY 2012 (the fifth full year of operation), 

and continues to grow. The research participants represent diverse communities, including over 

350 institutions from 39 states and the District of Columbia. CNST projects resulted in 160 

publications and patents in FY20 12, and helped more than 120 companies meet their 

measurement and nanofabrication needs. 

Within the CNST, the NanoFab facility is a world-class, 5,600 square meter (60,000 square foot) 

shared resource for nanofabrication and measurement - with more than 1,800 square meters 

(19,000 square feet) of c1eanroom laboratory space and more than 85 major commercial 

measurement and processing tools. To meet specific needs of industry, the NIST NanoFab has 

created a quick and easy process for researchers to obtain equitable access to the equipment. 

Research at the NanoFab can be carried out by individual users or with the assistance of a 

technical expert from the NanoFab staff, imparting the flexibility needed to satisfy the widest 

range of needs, from expert academic researchers to small companies with an innovative new 

technology but limited expertise in nanofabrication. Within the next three years, the NanoFab 

will add a variety of new commercial tools, including those for automated, reproducible 

lithography; wet chemical processing; and nanoscale patterning and chemical analysis of metals 

and other hard matcrials. 

Recent highlights of work in the CNST include: 

• NIST research is helping uncover the nanoscale structural changes that occur inside an 

individual nanowire battery during charging and discharging, providing valuable 

information for improving the efficiency and perfonnance of future rechargeable power 

sources being developed based on nanowire technology. Scientists at CNST NanoLab 

have fabricated complete, functional single-nanowire lithium ion batteries optimized for 

characterization in a transmission electron microscope. 

• Access to the CNST NanoFab facility is accelerating important technology 

developments, including a new method to make precisely shaped holes in diamond, 

potentially leading to long-lasting micromachines. Research participants from industry 

are using the NanoFab to develop key chemical modifications needed to make 

nanoparticles that are 10 times more effective for use in a commercial medical diagnostic 

system, and to create a novelnanoscale measurement device to spur the development of 

fuel cell power sources. 

Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, the NIST laboratories playa unique role in our Nation's research 

and development enterprise. NIST sits at the nexus of science and industry, conducting cuttingedge, world-class measurement science and developing standards that allow industry to innovate 

and compete in the global economy. Ensuring that our researchers have thc facilities and 

resources necessary to keep advancing the critical measuremcnts that will enable U.S. industry to 

develop the most advanced and best products and services is the top priority for NIST. Thank 

you for inviting me to testify today. I would be happy to answer any questions. 
23 

Dr. Willie E. May is the NIST Associate Director for Laboratory 

Programs. He is responsible for oversight and direction ofNISTs six 

laboratory programs and is the principal deputy to the NIST Director. 

The position of Associate Director for Laboratory Programs was 

created in October 2010 as part of the tirst major realignment of 

NIST programs in more than 20 years. 

NIST's six laboratories include the Physical Measurement 

Laboratory. Material Measurement Laboratory. Engineering 

Laboratory, Information Technology Laboratory, the Center for 

Nanoscale Science and Technology, and the NIST Center for 

Neutron Research. The NIST Laboratories collaborate with U.S. 

industry and universities to conduct measurement, standards, and 

technology research that advances the nation's R&D infrastructure. 

The overarching goal of the NIST laboratory programs is to 

accelerate U.S. innovation, which is a major driver of economic 

growth and job creation. 

Prior to his current position, Dr. May served as Director of the Material Measurement Laboratory, which 

serves as the Nation's reference laboratory for measurements in the chemical, biological, and materials 

sciences through activities ranging from fundamental research in the composition, structure, and 

properties of industrial, biological and environmental materials and processes, to the development and 

dissemination of certified reference materials, critically evaluated data, and other measurement quality 

assurance programs. 

Previously Dr. May led NIST's research and measurement service programs in chemistry-related areas for 

more than 20 years. His personal research activities were focused in the areas of trace organic analytical 

chemistry and physico-chemical properties of organic compounds. 

Other National and International Responsibilities: Dr. May has several leadership responsibilities in 

addition to those at NIST. He is Vice President of the IS-person International Committee on Weights and 

Measures (CIPM), Chairs the CIPM Consultative Committee on Metrology in Chemistry'S Organic 

Analysis Working Group; Co-Chair's the Joint Committee on Traceability in Laboratory Medicine's 

Working Group on Reference Materials and Reference Procedures; Chairs the Executive Board tor the 

Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, SC.; and on the Board of Visitors for the University of 

Maryland College Park's College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. 

Honors and Awards: Department of Commerce Bronze Medal Award, 1981; National Bureau of 

Standards (NBS) Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award, 1982; Department of Commerce Silver 

Medal Award, 1985; Arthur Flemming Award for Outstanding Federal Service, 1986; NOBCChE Percy 

Julian Award for Outstanding Research in Organic Analytical Chemistry and Presidential Rank Award of 

Meritorious Federal Executive, 1992; Department of Commerce Gold Medal, 1992; American Chemical 

Society Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Analytical Chemistry A ward, 200 I; Keynote 

Speaker for the 2002 Winter Commencement Ceremonies, University of Maryland, College of Life 

Sciences; Council for Chemical Research Diversity Award, the NOBCChE Henry Hill Award for 

exemplary work and leadership in the field of chemistry, Science Spectrum Magazine Emerald Award in 

2005, the 2007 Alumnus of the Year Award from the College of Chemical and Life Sciences at the 

University of Maryland, member of first class of inductees into the Knoxville College Alumni Hall of 

Fame in 2010 and Fellow of the American Chemical Society in 2011; Honorary Doctor of Science and 

Speaker at Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Commencement Exercises, Wake Forest University in 

2012. 
24 

Chairman MASSIE. Okay, thank you, Dr. May. 

I now recognize Dr. Corotis for five minutes to present his testimony. 

TESTIMONY OF DR. ROSS B. COROTIS, 

DENVER BUSINESS CHALLENGE PROFESSOR, 

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER; 

MEMBER, LABORATORY ASSESSMENTS BOARD, 

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF 

THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 

Dr. COROTIS. Chairman Massie, Ranking Member Wilson, and 

Members of the Subcommittee, it is my pleasure to address you 

today and comment regarding the quality of the NIST laboratories. 

As stated, I am Dr. Ross B. Corotis, Chair of the NRC Committee 

on NIST Technical Programs, an elected member of the National 

Academy of Engineering, and an endowed professor at the University of Colorado in Boulder. 

As you know, Congress mandates the NIST Visiting Committee 

on Advanced Technology, VCAT, focusing primarily on the NIST 

portfolio and asking, ‘‘is NIST doing the right things?’’ VCAT members are selected by NIST. The NRC committee, on the other hand, 

is voluntarily engaged by NIST and responsibility for its membership, activities, and reports lies completely with the National Academies. The NRC assessment of NIST laboratories has been provided since 1959, and basically addresses the question, ‘‘is NIST 

doing things right?’’ It operates with separate panels of technical 

experts for each laboratory and center assessed, and has no interaction or reporting relationship with VCAT. 

Eight years ago, NIST replaced the NRC annual laboratory reviews with biennial ones, and eliminated the overall summary report that identified findings spanning the separate laboratories. 

About a year ago, NIST asked the NRC to assess the assessment 

process itself. This study concluded that the peer assessment of 

quality conducted by the NRC was a crucial and vital part of the 

overall assessment strategy. Indeed, the report concludes that both 

the VCAT and NRC aspects of assessment are critical. The report 

develops guidelines for assessment in three broad areas: management, the quality of scientific and technical work, and relevance 

and impact. NIST fulfills a unique nexus mission, promoting private industry competing in a world market. The following statement from a Committee report of a few years ago remains valid 

today. ‘‘NIST carries out in a superb fashion an absolutely vital 

role in supporting, as well as facilitating, the further development 

of the technological base of the U.S. economy. The personnel and 

scientific programs of its measurement and standards laboratories 

are among the best in the world.’’ 

I will quote briefly on the three laboratories mentioned from the 

2010 and 2011 reports. ‘‘Within the United States, there is no other 

national laboratory or facility that focuses on the missions of the 

NIST physics laboratory, and there is no other laboratory worldwide that has had the successes in physics that this laboratory has 

achieved over the past two decades.’’ There has been no assessment, however, of the new Physical Measurements Laboratory 

since it was formed in 2010. Another quote—‘‘The information tech-
25 

nology laboratory’s special publication series provides guidelines 

that are frequently adopted voluntarily in private sector procurements and practices.’’ And another, ‘‘The Center for Nanoscale 

Science and Technology founded in May 2007, is maturing impressively as a state-of-the-art nanoscience and nanotechnology center 

of excellence, aligned with the overall mission of NIST.’’ All of the 

CNST facilities are among the best in the world, and in many 

cases, they are unique. 

We are all aware of exceptional capabilities NIST demonstrated 

after the events of September 11, 2001. Their two-volume CD on 

the World Trade Center events is the authoritatively detailed account of exactly what happened to the buildings that day. The establishment by Congress of NIST as the home for the National 

Construction Safety Team Act is indicative of the vital and essential role NIST fills in our country. 

Now, addressing the issue of whether NIST could increase its effectiveness in promoting U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness, I can only note historical challenges in managing crosscutting programs. The recent review mentioned of manufacturing 

related programs provided a welcome and promising outcome, and 

it would be interesting to see whether the expanding biosciences 

program as mentioned is also following a sustainable trajectory. 

And finally, my recommendations to the Committee are to authorize NIST again at the fullest funding possible, and to encourage NIST to avail itself of the continued benefits of the NRC assessments, including 1) performing cross-cutting reviews as well as 

laboratory reviews; 2) reinstating the practice of examining findings from individual reviews to create a summary report; and finally 3) reestablishing and maintaining a formal, regular interaction between the NRC and the VCAT teams. 

Again, I very much appreciate the opportunity to share with you 

today the findings of the NRC assessment process for NIST, and 

I would be happy to take the Subcommittee’s questions. Thank you. 

[The prepared statement of Dr. Corotis follows:] 
26 

Statement of 

Ross B. Corotis, Ph.D. 

Denver Business Challenge Professor 

Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering 

University of Colorado at Boulder 

and 

Chair, Committee on NIST Technical Programs 

Laboratory Assessments Board 

Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences 

National Research Council 

The National Academies 

before the 

Subcommittee on Technology 

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 

U.s. House of Representatives 

March 20, 2013 
27 

Summary 

The Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCA T) focuses primarily on the N[ST 

portfolio, asking, "Is NIST doing the right things?" YCA T members are selected by NIST. 

The National Research Council (NRC) committee is voluntarily cngaged by NIST, and 

responsibility for its membership, activities, and reports lies completely with The National 

Academies. Since 1959 it has addressed the question, "Is NIST doing things right?" It operates 

with separate panels of technical experts and it has no interaction or reporting relationship with 

VCAT. 

Eight years ago NIST replaced the NRC annual laboratory reviews with biennial ones and 

eliminated the overall summary report that noted findings common across the NIST laboratories. 

Last year NIST asked the NRC to assess the assessment process itself, and it was concluded that 

peer assessment of quality was a crucial and vital part of an overall assessment strategy. The 

report develops guidelines for assessment by YCA T and NRC in three broad areas: management, 

the quality of scientific and technical work, and relevance and impact. 

Sample quotations from recent reports: 

• "NIST carries out in a superb fashion an absolutely vital role in supporting as well as 

facilitating the further development of the technological base of the U.S. economy." 

"The personnel and scientific programs [of its Measurement and Standards Laboratories] 

are among the best in the world." 

• "Within the United States, there is no other laboratory worldwide ... that has had the 

successes in physics that this laboratory has achieved during the past two decades." 

There has been no assessment, however, of the new Physical Measurements Laboratory 

since it was formed in 2010. 

• "The Information Technology Laboratory'S Special Publication series provides 

guidelines that are frequently adopted voluntarily in private-sector procurements and 

practices. 

• "The Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology [founded in May 2007J now has 

facilities that are among the best in the world, and in many cases unique." 

Recommendations: 

• Reauthorize NISI at the fullest funding possible 

• Encourage NISI to avail itself of the continued benefits of the NRC assessments, 

including: 

o Pcrforming cross-cutting reviews as well as laboratory reviews; 

o Reinstating the practice of examining findings from individual reviews to create a 

summary report; and 

oRe-establishing and maintaining a formal, regular interaction between the NRC 

and the YCA T teams. 
28 

Chairman Massie, Ranking Member Wilson, and Members ofthc Subcommittee, it is my 

pleasure to address you today and comment regarding the quality of the laboratories ofthe 

National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST. 

I am Dr. Ross B. Corotis, chair of The National Academies Committee on NIST Technical 

Programs. The National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies is the operating 

arm of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of 

Medicine, chartered by Congress in 1863 to advise the government on matters of science and 

technology. My brief background is that I have three degrees from MIT and am founder of the 

Department of Civil Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University, past Dean of the College of 

Engineering and Applied Science for the University of Colorado at Boulder, and elected member 

of the National Academy of Engineering. I served for one year as a Jefferson Scicnce Fellow at 

the Department of State, and I am currently a chaired professor at the University of Colorado at 

Boulder. 

At the National Research Council of The National Academies I have since 2009 served as the 

founding chair of the Committee on NIST Technical Programs. Prior to that, I chaired the Panel 

assessing the Building and Fire Research Laboratory, now part of the Engineering Laboratory, 

and I was a member of the Board on Assessment ofNIST Programs. 

Congress mandates that NIST have an oversight committee, called the Visiting Committee on 

Advanced Technology, or VCA T. The VCAT focuses primarily on the NIST portfolio, or 

basically, the question "Is NIST doing the right things?" The VCA T members are selected by 

NIST, and they meet regularly in carrying out their duties to issue an annual report. 

Thc National Academies' committee, on the other hand, is voluntarily engaged by NIST, and 

responsibility for its membership, activities, and reports lies completely with The National 

Academies (while seeking NIST recommendations for membership). The assessment ofNIST 

laboratories by The National Academies has been provided for more than half a century (since 

1959). Its task is basically to address the question, "Is NIST doing things right?" Therefore it 

operates with separate panels of technical experts for each laboratory and center assessed, with 

each panel composed of 15-20 experts from academia, industry, and other scientific and 

engineering environments, selected to cover the range of activities contained in the particular 

laboratory or center, with both breadth and depth. This past year none of the laboratories or 

centers were assessed individually; instead, the committee performed an assessment of the 

manufacturing-related programs, whose collective activities cut across the NIST laboratories and 

centers. While the focus ofthe committee assessment is on the quality ofNIST activities, it does 

this in the perspective ofNIST's mission "to promote the U.S. economy and public welfare." 

Until eight years ago, The National Academies committee reviewed each NIST laboratory 

annually and issued reports that summarized its assessment for each laboratory; the reports also 

included an overall assessment ofNIST that summarized findings common across the 

laboratories. More recently, the committee has reviewed each laboratory every other year, with 

slight exception, and has issued separate reports on each laboratory or center being assessed. 

Notably, no overall assessment ofNIST has been reported for several years. The National 

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29 

Academies committee operates completely independently ofVCAT and has no interaction or 

reporting relationship with VCA T. 

About a year ago, NIST and VCAT decided that the assessment process itself should be 

reviewed and assessed. Therefore, NIST contracted with The National Academies to create a 

study committee. The committee on assessment practices was chaired by Dr. John W. Lyons, a 

fonner Director ofNIST, the first permanent director of the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), 

and a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Center for Technology and National Security Policy 

at the National Defense University. I was a member of that committee, which held several 

meetings, as well as a workshop of invited participants fonn the government, private industry, 

and academia. That committee's task was not focused solely on NIST, but it certainly 

encompassed agencies such as NIST. It issued a workshop report, as well as a final report, 

which concluded that the type of peer assessment of quality being conducted by The National 

Academies was a crucial and vital part of an overall assessment strategy, as was the type of 

management and policy review being perfonned by VCAT. Indeed, the report concludes that it 

is only with both aspects of assessment that an organization can be fully assessed to its greatest 

advantage. The report develops guidelines for assessment in three broad, crucial areas: assessing 

management, assessing the quality of scientific and technical work, and assessing relevance and 

impact. The fact that the assessments conducted by The National Academies are carried out by 

individuals selected without NIST veto privilege, and that the reports are not made available to 

NIST for editorial review or approval (although items are provided for fact-checking) prior to 

public release, fUither validates the objectivity and independence reflected in the findings of The 

National Academies assessments by leading experts. 

Having been involved in The National Academies assessment ofNIST since 1999, I can attest to 

the overwhelming conviction that N 1ST is performing vital functions for the United States at a 

level comparable to or better than the best practices anywhere else in the world. Its unique 

mission of "providing essential reference data and measurement capabilities to promote the U.S. 

economy" places it at a crucial nexus for the development and promotion of private industry. It 

consistently develops standards and advances technology with the goal of enhancing the 

successful role of private industry to compete in a world market. NIST constantly monitors 

when its activities promote private industry and public welfare. Standard Reference Material 

fonns an essential underpinning for industry, and to be effective it must be timely and not overly 

expansive or too restrictive. 

The following statements from the committee report of a few years ago remain as valid today: 

"NIST carries out in a superb fashion an absolutely vital role in supporting as well as facilitating 

the further development of the technological base of the U.S. economy." "The personnel and 

scientific programs [of its Measurement and Standards Laboratories] are, by scientific measure, 

among the best in the world." Two other quotations are germane here: "NIST has undergone a 

remarkable transformation ... from an organization devoted to producing excellent science and 

standards in an orderly, incremental fashion using a single-principal-investigator mode of 

operation to an entrepreneurial, outward-looking, customer-focused research organization ... " 

and, "The Board notes, with strong approval, the continued growth of institutional collaborations 

between NIST and other organizations ... [and] balancing its traditional roles in metrology and 

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30 

standards development with its newer, broader roles in technology development related to 

national needs." 

Rather than use my words for the quality of the various laboratories, I quote briefly from the 

2010 and 2011 reports of five ofthe nine individual laboratories. (For consistency and 

faithfulness to those assessments I will use the separate laboratory titles before the recent 

reorganization into six laboratories that include two user facilities). 

"The projects reviewed by the Panel on Materials Science and Engineering fulfill the 

mission of the ... Laboratory. They are formulated well and conducted in generally 

excellent facilities by an outstanding technical staff." 

"The work of the Building and Fire Research Laboratory is of the highest technical 

quality." 

"Within the United States, there is no other national laboratory or facility that focuses on 

the missions of the NIST Physics Laboratory (now Physical Measurement Laboratory), 

and there is no other laboratory worldwide working on the physics of standards and 

technology that has had the successes in physics that this laboratory has achieved during 

the past two decades." 

"The Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory has excellent staff and exceptional facilities. 

Its work is essential in supporting the NIST mission of promoting U.S. innovation and 

industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and 

technology." 

"The Information Technology Laboratory is a well-managed science and engineering 

facility contributing in important ways to thc nation's scientific and technical research 

and development needs. The ITL supports the NIST mission through its own mission 'to 

promote U.S. innovation'." 

"The Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology [which was founded in May 2007] has 

two components with complementary purposes-the research program and the NanoFab 

facility. It is maturing impressively as a state-of- the-art nanoscience and nanotechnology 

center of excellence aligned with the overall mission ofNIST. All of the CNST facilities 

are among the best in the world, and in many cases they are unique." 

After reading these five glowing reports I feel it is incumbent upon me to mention that no expert 

serving on a National Academies study committee is allowed to receive any remuneration for 

participating in the assessments. 

A few examples of where NIST makes a difference can be gleaned from the 2010 and 2011 

assessments. 

For instance, for the Information Technology Laboratory, the assessment report states, "The 

Digital Library of Mathematical Functions is without peer in the broader community, and the 

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31 

NIST Special Publication 800* series is renowned for providing technically sound, unbiased, 

relevant guidelines that are frequently adopted voluntarily in private-sector procurements and 

practices and often mandated by the Office of Management and Budget for use by the federal 

govermncnt." 

For the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory the Hydrogen Storage project is 

developing the metrologies necessary for the rapid, high-throughput measurement of the 

hydrogen content of novel materials proposed for hydrogen storage and for electrodes in nickel 

metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, is addressing computationally critical issues related to the 

nation's deteriorating highway infrastructure in collaboration with the Federal Highway 

Administration (FHWA), was the first to develop and certify the Bi2Te3 Seebeck coefficient 

SRM for the calibration of nanomaterials measurement apparatus, and finally was the first to 

prove the predictions that a soft FM is forced to reverse by rotating its spins when next to a hard 

FM (the so-called exchange-spring FM, of interest to DARPA). 

The Building and Fire Research Laboratory is addressing computationally critical issues related 

to the nation's deteriorating highway infrastructure, also in collaboration with FHWA, is a global 

leader in the realm of understanding material flammability, and in 2005 assumed the leadership 

of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program, NEHRP. 

Within the Physics Laboratory (now Physical Measurement Laboratory), which now hOllses four 

Nobel Prize winners, the Ionizing Radiation Division has programs of major importance to 

national security with performance standards for radiation-detection devices lIsed for the 

detection of nuclear explosives, and the development of national x-ray standards for securityscreening systems for the Department of Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection 

Office. The NIST Internet Time Service is used more than 3 billion times every day to 

synchronize commercial timekeeping devices, helping industry meet Securities and Exchange 

Commission requirements to synchronize the time-stamping of hundreds of billions of dollars of 

electronic financial transactions. The Electron and Optical Physics Division fon11S an important 

resource for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration for many different satellite missions. The Physics Laboratory uses 

its expertise in single-molecule optical detection to elucidate the folding confonnational 

thermodynamics of single ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules and single DNA molecules in 

electrophoresis. This infonnation is crucial to understanding RNA-based enzymes or ribozymes 

and should make it possible to probe the folding and unfolding ofbiomolecules in chemically 

active states. 

The Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology NanoFab is providing outstanding service 

with unparalleled capabilities to a broad range of users. Under research, for instance, the 

experimental effort in the area of laser manipulation of atoms is superb. It is leading to an entirely 

new method of producing focused-ion beams through laser trapping of metallic atoms using a 

magneto-optical trap ion source (MOTIS). 

And finally, in the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, the Precision Engineering Division 

provides the foundation for dimensional measurements ranging over 12 orders of magnitude 

(from kilometers to nanometers), developing traceable standards that are crucial to the current 

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32 

and future competitiveness of U.S. industry and the military (for instance, the Laboratory 

provides unique capabilities assisting the U.S. Army in making measurements of local damage 

on body armor impacted by projectiles to an accuracy of 0.1 mm). 

As these recent reviews attest, the Information Technology Laboratory, the Center for Nanoscale 

Science and Technology, and the Physics Laboratory, as well as the other laboratories and 

centers, indicate their tremendous strengths. I should note, however, that there has been no 

assessment of the Physical Measurement Laboratory, the Material Measurement Laboratory, nor 

the Engineering Laboratory since they were formed in 2010. 

After these accolades, I would like now to take a moment to address the issue of whether NIST 

could be doing something to be more effective in advancing its mission of promoting U.S. 

innovation and industrial competitiveness to enhance security and quality of life. The only area 

in which N!ST has not, it appears, had a stellar track record is in managing crosscutting 

programs. The recent review of manufacturing-related programs provided a welcome and 

promising outcome, and it would be interesting to see whether the expanding biosciences 

program is also following a sustainable trajectory. 

I would like to highlight the unique position ofNIST to step forward and serve this great country 

when there are unusual situations. I am speaking now most vividly of the events of September 

11, 2001. NIST was directed by Congress to do a thorough, complete, technically-based, 

unbiased investigation into the World Trade Center Disaster. Their two-volume CD, issued in 

September, 2005, is the excellent, unquestioningly authoritative, detailed account of exactly what 

happened to the buildings that day. I might add that this is a subject of which I know quite a bit, 

since my 40-year career has been in the field of structural safety and reliability, and r have 

chaired the Executive Committee of the International Conference on Structural Safety and 

Reliability, the American Society of Civil Engineers Committees on the Safety of Buildings and 

on Probabilistic Methods in Mechanics, the American Concrete Institute's Committee on 

Structural Safety, and the Live Load Committee for the Minimum Design Loads for Buildings 

and Other Structures Standard. NIST's role in the investigation of the 9-1 I building collapses, 

and the establishment by Congress in 2002 for NIST to serve as the home for the National 

Construction Safety Team Act are indicative of the vital and essential role NIST fills for our 

country. 

Finally, my recommendations to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, as a 

representative of the National Research Council's Committee on NIST Technical Programs, is to 

reauthorize NIST, and to encourage NIST to avail itself of the continued benefits of the NRC 

assessments, including (l) performing cross-cutting reviews as well as laboratory reviews; (2) 

reinstating the practice of examining findings from individual laboratory and crosscutting 

reviews to create a report summarizing overall institution tindings common across the individual 

reviews; and (3) reestablishing and maintaining a formal, regular interaction between the NRC 

and the YCA T teams. 

Again, I very much appreciate the opportunity to share with you today the findings of The 

National Academies assessments ofNIST. I would be happy take the Subcommittee's questions. 

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33 

Ross B. Corotis, NAE 

Denver Business Challenge Professor 

Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering 

University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428 

Dr. Corotis received both his undergraduate and graduate education at The Massachusetts 

Institute of Technology, where he was an NSF Graduate Fellow. His degrees are in civil 

engineering, with an undergraduate minor-equivalent in economics and a doctoral concentration 

in structural mechanics. 

He was on the faculty at Northwestern University for eleven years and then moved to Johns 

Hopkins to establish the Department of Civil Engineering. In 1994 he became the Dean of the 

College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and in 

2001 returned to the Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering as the 

Denver Business Challenge Professor of Engineering. With a background in structural 

mechanics and stochastic vibrations, Dr. Corotis' primary research interests are in the application 

of probabilistic concepts to civil engineering problems, where he has expanded traditional 

studies of structural reliability into risk and decision modeling for the built environment. 

Dr. Corotis has chaired the ASCE Structural Division Committees on the Safety of Buildings and 

the Technical Administrative Committee on Structural Safety and Reliability, the Engineering 

Mechanics Division Committee on Probabilistic Methods, the ACI Committee on Structural 

Safety, and the Subcommittee on Live Loads of the ASCE Minimum Design Loads Standards 

Committee. He was a member of the CIB Commission on Actions on Structures, the IFIP 

Committee on Reliability and Optimization of Structures, the Executive Committee of the 

International Association for Structural Safety and Reliability, the steering committee of the 

National Research Council's Natural Disasters Roundtable, and past Editor of the journal 

Structural Safety and the ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics. 

He was awarded the ASCE Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize in 1984, named 

Civil Engineer of the Year by the ASCE Maryland Section in 1986, Engineer of the Year by the 

Baltimore Engineers' Week Council in 1989, Outstanding Engineering Educator by the ASCE 

Maryland Section in 1992, and is past President of the ASCE Maryland Section. He was named 

an honorary Distinguished Engineering Alumnus of the University of Colorado at Boulder in 

2000, elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2002, and in 2006 won the Boulder 

campus teaching award. In 2005 he won the Senior Research Prize of the International 

Association of Structural Safety and Reliability. He is the chair of the NRC's Committee on 

NIST Technical Programs, and a member of the NRC Laboratory Assessment Board and the 

Board on Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment. He is the author of more than 200 

publications. 

Dr. Corotis is a member of Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, and Chi Epsilon and is both a registered 

professional engineer (Colorado, Maryland, and Illinois) and structural engineer (Illinois). 

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34 

Chairman MASSIE. Thank you, Dr. Corotis, thank you, Dr. May. 

This is a very important meeting today. I appreciate that Members 

have come here. We have a vote that is now being called on the 

Floor of the House. It is very important that we do ask questions, 

though, and so as soon as these votes are over we will return. 

At this point, the Committee will recess, subject to the call of the 

Chair. Without objection, so ordered. Committee stands in recess. 

[Recess.] 

Chairman MASSIE. The Subcommittee will come back to order. I 

thank the witnesses for their testimony, reminding Members that 

Committee rules limit questioning to five minutes. 

The Chair would, at this point, open the round of questions. At 

this point, I am going to recognize Mr. Hultgren for five minutes. 

Thank you. 

Mr. HULTGREN. Chairman, thank you so much, and thank you 

for the courtesy of allowing me to jump ahead a little bit here. I 

appreciate that very much. 

Thank you both for being here. I apologize for the busy day here 

on the Hill. There are a lot of different things going on, as you all 

know, but I appreciate your time and your testimony very, very 

much. 

I do want to address the first question to Dr. May. In 2012, the 

Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology annual report recommends that NIST provide more clarity and depth in strategic 

planning. Can you tell us what steps the laboratory programs are 

taking to improve strategic planning and coordination? 

Dr. MAY. Well certainly. Our formal strategic planning process is 

a work in progress, and I would just like to reiterate that the broad 

mission that we have and the academic environment that we live 

in, with multiple stakeholders, requires us to really look at strategic planning in a way that most companies cannot. Essentially, 

what we have done is—as stated in the VCAT report—is try to capture sort of what we have always done in a rather ad hoc manner; 

that is, look at our planning first through the lens of national priorities. These are usually short-term needs, and in addition to 

being poised to address these current needs, we also need to look 

at building capacity to address future problems. 

So addressing the national needs is sort of a top down process, 

if you will, and then looking at capacity building is more of a bottoms up with our research staff there involved with their research 

community. They have counterparts in industry, other government 

agencies, and they bring all that intelligence back to us to determine what type of technical capabilities do we need five, 10 years 

out, and that begins to drive our recruitment processes to make 

sure we have the right staff, also to make sure we have the right 

physical facilities to address needs into the future. 

The other lens that we look through that we probably had not 

paid as much attention to as we maybe could have is sort of how 

are we looking at aggressing improved internal operations? So we 

essentially look at it three ways. The shorter term addressing national needs, essentially the here and now, looking at building the 

capacity to address issues that we foresee coming up in the future, 

and then looking at changes that we can make to be more efficient 
35 

custodians of the Nation’s resources by improving our internal operations. 

Mr. HULTGREN. Okay. Well, thank you. I may have some follow 

up, if that is okay, just for some more detail, if we can follow up 

in writing. 

But I want to switch gears just with the couple of minutes that 

I have left, Dr. May. Brain science and medical treatment are very 

important to me. More and more American families are finding 

that their kids are being diagnosed with autism. Their parents are 

being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I wonder what some of the options are for NIST to improve the environment for research into 

these afflictions or development of therapeutics to threat them? 

Dr. MAY. Well, as you perhaps know, historically NIST has been 

a physical sciences and engineering laboratory. Certainly over the 

last decade, we have recognized the importance of expanding into 

the biological sciences. In fact, I had the responsibility of developing the organizational and strategic plan for our biosciences program. I won’t say that we are looking at that issue in general, but 

we are certainly positioning ourselves to address issues in the biosciences. That particular issue is not on our radar screen yet, but 

certainly if there is a pull from the biomedical community to identify that as a top priority, we certainly are becoming poised with 

the right skills and talents to address issues looking at various 

types of diseases. Right now, primarily our attention is focused on 

looking at measurement and standards to address genetic diseases 

and looking at biomanufacturing are our two focus areas. But certainly, we are open to looking at areas such as the one you mentioned. 

Mr. HULTGREN. Real quickly, and I only have a few seconds left, 

but I wonder how about NIST’s work with stakeholders and how 

we on the Committee here can improve the research and development environment through NIST? 

Dr. MAY. I guess I didn’t quite understand. Can you repeat that, 

please? 

Mr. HULTGREN. Yeah. You know, just wondering with NIST’s 

work with stakeholders and how we on the Committee can insist 

in improving an R&D environment at NIST, so commitment to research and development. As you mentioned, it is difficult to have 

very specific—you know what? I see my time is expired. I will follow up with you if we have further questions on that, if that is all 

right. I just respect the Chairman for deferring to me, so I am 

going to yield back. I thank the Chairman so much, and we will 

follow up, if that is okay, with some more—— 

Dr. MAY. I would be happy to. 

Mr. HULTGREN. Thank you so much. Again, thank you both for 

being here. 

Chairman MASSIE. I now recognize Ranking Member, Ms. Wilson, for five minutes. 

Ms. WILSON. Wow. Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. 

Thanks to both of you for being here today, and being cognizant of 

our little schedules, going to vote and coming back. We appreciate 

it. 

This question is—my first question is for you, Dr. May. Bioscience is of particular interest to me, because Florida Inter-
36 

national University, which is in my district, is partnering with public and private universities, state colleges, and economic development councils to leverage existing regional life science assets in 

that area of Miami-Dade County. In your testimony, you mention 

how NIST is ideally positioned to work with industry and federal 

regulatory agencies to develop innovation solutions to biological 

measurement challenges. NIST has developed a strategic plan for 

its bioscience activities. Could you please give us an update on that 

strategic plan and a review of bioscience related research activities 

being conducted at NIST currently? 

Dr. MAY. Okay. I will give you a very, very high level overview, 

because to be honest with you, since I moved to my current job I 

am not as aware of what is going every day in the Material Measurement Laboratory where most of our bioscience related research 

is going. But back to the strategic plan, I will be happy to send you 

a copy. The plan that we have, we conducted an outreach activity 

a few years back where we looked at globally the measurement and 

standards barriers to innovation in the biosciences. So we looked 

at this, what are the issues, period. And then from that, we selected a number of areas that NIST would begin to focus on immediately. One of those was providing the measurement on depending 

to improve the development and regulatory approval of biologic 

drugs. But if you look at the main pillars of our bioscience program, it is in the area of providing better measurement and standards to support diagnostics, medical diagnostics. The main emphasis now is on genetic diseases. It is to improve the quality of medical imaging, because oftentimes when you have a medical image, 

you go to one doctor, then you go to another to get a second opinion, and when you really think about it, the truth in that image 

hasn’t changed, it is just an interpretation. So we are trying to put 

more science in medical imaging so that devices from different 

manufacturers essentially yield the same truth. And then the other 

area is working to promote, as I said earlier, the more effective— 

efficient development and regulatory approval with the FDA of 

biosimilars of biologic drugs. So those are the three focus areas for 

our program in bio. 

Ms. WILSON. Dr. Corotis, since the bioscience related research activities at NIST are not housed in one laboratory, do you think a 

review of the bioscience programs by a group like the National 

Academies is needed? 

Dr. COROTIS. Well, I think it would definitely be beneficial. As I 

had mentioned in my remarks, the cross-cutting programs are always a challenge in any organization, including NIST, and since 

the biosciences have been ramping up rapidly over the last few 

years, are a vital contribution that NIST is making and because, 

as you point out, they are cross-disciplinary across the NIST laboratories, it would seem to me, speaking as an individual, that that 

would be an ideal area for cross-cutting review. The NRC has done 

several cross-cutting reviews, manufacturing initiative and before 

that some others, so it certainly is prepared to do those and if 

asked, I am sure the National Academies would be happy to put 

together an appropriate panel to do that. 

Ms. WILSON. I don’t know if I have time, but in your testimony 

you recommended that the Committee should reauthorize NIST at 
37 

the fullest funding level possible. If that is not possible, could you 

please discuss the tradeoffs that NIST would have to make? 

Dr. COROTIS. Well, the one thing that I have noticed is consistent 

through the history of the reviews—I have been involved for well 

over a decade—is that there is not what we would call, ‘‘fat’’. There 

is not excess there. We have looked at the quality and are very impressed with it. We think that if there is a decrease in the money 

available, that NIST should—and again, I am speaking as an individual here—should look at what they would have to cut out, which 

is really a subject matter for VCAT, that looks at what NIST is 

doing, but that they should cut out some things rather than try 

and cross the board to continue doing all they are doing, because 

the quality is very high, but there is no excess of capabilities in 

there for what they are doing. So not being a member of VCAT or 

of NIST, I can’t say what they should look at eliminating or what 

it would be, but I can say that our reports have consistently shown 

there is just not extra there that could be cut and have them still 

continue to do the same breadth of programs. 

Ms. WILSON. Thank you. 

Chairman MASSIE. Thank you, Ms. Wilson. 

I now recognize myself for five minutes. 

I would like to start out with a general question. What would you 

say—and I know this is a little bit like asking which one of your 

children are your favorite children, but what would you say the top 

three things that NIST does, in terms of the projects or subcategories that they work on—in essence, if you were to prioritize the 

programs at NIST, what would be the highest priority programs, 

and could—I would like to ask this of both of you, Dr. May and Dr. 

Corotis. You can go first, Dr. Corotis. 

Dr. COROTIS. I was sure you were going to say Dr. May on that 

one. 

Chairman MASSIE. He was still writing. 

Dr. COROTIS. It is hard for me to be too specific at that, because 

as I say, the National Academies have always been charged with 

looking at is NIST doing it right, doing the things they are doing 

right, and so we have always focused on the quality of what they 

are doing. And there are no programs that we have ever reviewed 

where we haven’t come away with a very positive feeling about the 

quality of what they are doing. We have looked primarily at the 

quality, but we have always been asked to look at its effectiveness 

for the country, and at the adequate resources for what they are 

doing. And based on that, there are no programs that we found 

don’t have the adequate resources to carry it out. 

Chairman MASSIE. Let me try and ask the question a little bit 

differently. 

Dr. COROTIS. Okay. 

Chairman MASSIE. Let’s say I am going over to vote, which I will 

do in about 20 minutes here, I think—— 

Dr. COROTIS. Okay. 

Chairman MASSIE. —and I have got three members in the elevator, and I am trying to motivate funding for NIST and I say well, 

NIST is important because—and we have only got three floors to 

go. 
38 

Dr. COROTIS. Okay, three floors left. Well certainly, it is manufacturing initiatives to work to promote U.S. manufacturing in a 

global competition. It is extremely important, and they have always 

been very good at that because there is a time in manufacturing 

when the government needs to have standards and measurements 

to enable free competition. And so knowing when to come in and 

when to step back is something NIST has done very well in manufacturing. 

I think in terms of sustainability and safety to U.S. communities, 

they have done an excellent job, whether investigations of failures, 

of accidents, of natural hazards, in looking at the importance of 

long-term planning for the sustainability—and by sustainability, I 

am talking not just the environmental and the physical, but the 

economic and social sustainability. All of those are extremely important. 

Chairman MASSIE. I think the elevator got to the floor. 

Dr. COROTIS. All right. I got to two. 

Chairman MASSIE. I appreciate that. The same question, Dr. 

May, if you could pick three, maybe? 

Dr. MAY. I want to answer by saying that we must recognize that 

we have already—that NIST sees our laboratory programs as being 

our crown jewels, and we have already seen the elimination of our 

Technology Innovation Program, and the funding for our biology 

performance—program go to zero, so that we could infuse those 

funds into the laboratory program. So we certainly need to maintain them. 

And the three things that we do that are critically important is 

cutting edge measurement science. That is the foundation for everything we do in the laboratory programs. We provide—but again, 

if we only did cutting edge measurement science, it would be hard 

to distinguish us from a university or the National Science Foundation. We also provide world-class measurement services to our industry, that is, through our Standard Reference Materials, our 

Standard Reference Data products, and our calibration programs. 

It is important that we maintain those. 

And the other thing that we provide is access to world-class user 

facilities where scientists from industry and academia can come in 

and use our facilities to do things that they would not do, and I 

have a couple of good examples that I can share with you on that. 

Talking about a large company, for example, IBM recently came to 

our Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology because they 

were trying to divine a next generation chip for some of their devices. Now obviously, they have the money to buy the $2 million 

piece of equipment that we had; however, they didn’t—they 

thought—they saw it advantageous to come in and use our facility 

and our expertise of our staff to work with them to see the—if indeed this idea that they had would work so that they could take 

that back and develop that. 

We also had a very, very small company from San Diego who 

came in and wanted to make essentially a GPS-like device that 

would operate underground where you have no access to the satellite. Again, they were able to come in. They had an idea, worked 

with our staff to see if it was feasible, which indeed they did, then 

they were able to take that back and start developing a process. 
39 

And we then actually agreed to actually develop prototypes for 

them to make sure the manufacturing process is sustainable, so 

that then they can go back and build a factory and do this. So—— 

Chairman MASSIE. Thank you for that example. I am glad to 

hear that at least two of your top three line up with Article 1, Section 8, Paragraph 5 of the Constitution. So you seem to be on mission there with at least two of those. 

I now yield five minutes to Peters from California. 

Mr. PETERS. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank 

you, gentlemen, both for being here. Dr. May, thank you for helping that company from San Diego. That is my hometown. 

Dr. May, I had a question for you. You mentioned in your written 

testimony that NIST’s involvement in the smart grid is a prime example of how NIST combines its core research capability with extensive stakeholder engagement to drive technology adoption. So 

the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel which you created is a private-public partnership that develops standards for technologies 

that modernize the electric power grid. So we are going to face that 

in other kinds of sectors, so I was kind of curious if you would tell 

us what was the process that you used to incorporate and ensure 

industry input so that we are working with industry to make sure 

that you got the appropriate information? 

Dr. MAY. Okay, and first of all, let me sort of define standards, 

because the English language sort of uses the same word to define, 

at least in this case, two things. In our measurement standards, we 

are the authority source so we do the measurement to support our 

measurement standards. For our documentary standards, and we 

typically use the same word, this is by a consistent process, and the 

United States actually industry leads our standards making process, and we are simply a facilitator. So with respect to this 

partnering, we did both. We serve as a convener for the standard— 

the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel, and actually, we spun that 

out. We led that effort until it got mature, working with the industry to agree on and adopt documentary standards of protocols and 

codes that would be useful in the smart grid, and then in our laboratory work, we actually did research in our Physical Measurements Laboratory, primarily to provide the standards—measurement standards that would allow the development and implementation, for example, of smart meters and sensors that would be 

used on the smart grid. So we use our responsibility as a convener 

for the development of documentary standards, working with the 

industry, and then we use our laboratory base measurement activity to develop standards for the devices that would actually operate 

on the smart grid and conform to these documentary standards 

that we have developed. 

Mr. PETERS. Did any of the stakeholder companies express any 

concern about sharing their information with NIST or with the 

other companies that might have been involved, and if so, how did 

you deal with that? 

Dr. MAY. Well obviously people are reticent going in. We, when 

necessary, can sign nondisclosure agreements, but in this case, that 

really wasn’t necessary. The documentary standards that we develop only work at the sort of pre-competitive level. We are just 

trying to find out the laws of the land, if you will, and that all play-
40 

ers agree to adhere to, and they, in this process, don’t usually have 

to divulge any proprietary information. 

Mr. PETERS. When you are doing standards, I suppose that 

makes sense because it is sort of early in the game. 

Do you think that the voluntary standards—the voluntary approach has worked well for NIST? 

Dr. MAY. It has worked well. It is the process that we use in the 

United States. It has stood the test of time. 

Mr. PETERS. Okay. I appreciate, again, both of you gentlemen 

being here. Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Thank you. 

Chairman MASSIE. Thank you, Mr. Peters. 

We are going to try to do a second round of questions. We have 

votes coming up, but we will go until the votes are called. At this 

point, since I am the only Member here on this side, I am going 

to recognize myself for another five minutes. 

Dr. May, you state in your testimony that the NIST laboratory 

programs worked the frontiers of measurement science, however, 

according to the National Research Council review of manufacturing related activities at NIST—additive manufacturing research, 

activities do not constitute the cutting edge in this field and are 

being phased—being, in fact, being outpaced by industry, according 

to them. How has NIST responded to this finding, and are there 

any examples where NIST has found themselves in this position 

and discontinued projects? Could you describe that? 

Dr. MAY. Sure. If—in our laboratory program, if we are not making a positive contribution, we don’t have any problem at all to 

punt, because there are always more problems there than we have 

resources to address. For example, in our Material Measurement 

Laboratory, we have cut out—we stopped our program in combustion science to use the resources there to expand our program in 

atmospheric monitoring. We have reduced some of our efforts that 

provide grants to support fire research to invest in some of the 

manufacturing disciplines. So when we don’t have critical mass or 

are not making a significant impact, we routinely reprogram our 

resources out of one area to strengthen another. 

Chairman MASSIE. Thank you for those examples. What about 

the specific case of additive manufacturing research activities that 

were identified? 

Dr. MAY. We find the strength in that. 

Chairman MASSIE. And—— 

Dr. MAY. In putting more resources into that, and I think it is 

too early to talk about the success of that. Obviously, we will do 

our internal evaluation and then we will ask for our next external 

evaluation, because it is very hard, as you might understand, for 

us to be totally objective. 

Chairman MASSIE. Switching gears here. To what degree is NIST 

still involved in the smart grid standards? 

Dr. MAY. Well, in terms of the laboratory-based research, we are 

still continuing to do research to improve the quality of meters and 

sensors that would be used in smart grid. In terms of the Smart 

Grid Interoperability Panel, that has been spun off and that is 

being led by the private sector there, and we are just a contributing 

member of the team. 
41 

Chairman MASSIE. Okay. In thinking about the smart grid standard, just to be very specific on this question, is it advance to having 

some sort of protocol for transmitting the price of electricity to the 

consumer? For instance, from the power plant to the consumer, do 

they—is there a protocol or are you—— 

Dr. MAY. I am not fully aware. I will get that information for 

you. Certainly, that is the intention down the road. Exactly whether we are there at this point, I really can’t say but I will get that 

information back for you. 

Chairman MASSIE. Okay. Thank you, Dr. May. 

Dr. Corotis, you mentioned that one of the only areas at NIST 

that has experienced challenges is in managing cross-cutting research programs. What did the Academies find on this front, and 

what is NIST doing, in your opinion, to address the challenges? 

Dr. COROTIS. Well, that has been the hardest area, as Ranking 

Member Wilson mentioned also, the cross-cutting ones. The recent 

report of the manufacturing initiative, which is a cross-cutting one, 

was very positive. They felt that NIST had, perhaps, through the 

reorganization of 2009, 2010, been able to look at a higher level 

across at the cross-cutting activities, and in the case of manufacturing, it was well-coordinated across the newly defined laboratory 

structure. We haven’t yet looked at biosciences. I should say that 

NIST was interested in having NRC look at the biosciences this 

past year, but instead focused on the assessment of assessment 

process and the manufacturing. So we haven’t seen yet anything 

with the biosciences to be able to assess it, but certainly with the 

manufacturing we saw improvement. 

I was involved, oh, maybe eight years ago in a similar cross-cutting in the electronics area where industry was moving so fast the 

question was could NIST have the nimbleness to really fulfill its 

mission there, and we had a generally very positive review of that 

one also, so there certainly are positive examples, but it was difficult in the old structure of laboratories. 

Chairman MASSIE. All right, thank you very much. 

I am going to yield five minutes to Ms. Wilson for questions. 

Ms. WILSON. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

This question is for Mr. Corotis. We all know that VCAT probably should come and give us some input before we go for the reauthorization of NIST, so perhaps at another hearing we can get our 

Chairman to make sure that they are here. In the meantime, I 

need to find out how you can help. 

In your testimony, you mention how the Visiting Committee on 

Advance Technology, which is VCAT, focuses on NIST’s research 

portfolio and the National Research Council focuses on how NIST 

is conducting those research activities. One of your recommendations was that there needs to be more formal and regular interaction between the two groups. Please elaborate on this recommendation, and discuss the current relationship and tell us 

what you think the future relationship should include. 

Dr. COROTIS. Well, thank you very much. 

Because NIST voluntarily contracts with the National Research 

Council to do the assessment, it reports to the NIST administration. It was true that some years ago, the heads of the National 

Academy review and the VCAT would meet together and even do 
42 

briefings together, but somewhere along the way that had passed 

off, and so right now, the National Academies give all the reports 

to the administration of NIST. And of course, this is NIST’s option, 

since they contract with the National Academies. 

As I remember very vividly on September 11 of 2001, I was briefing VCAT on behalf of the National Academies, even though I was 

not Chair of the Committee at that time, so I remember that day 

very specially. My personal feeling is that after reading the assessment of assessment study that was done by the Academies, that 

since those three aspects I mentioned of management, quality, and 

relevance are so important that it is very hard to separate them 

into the two categories of is NIST doing the right things and is 

NIST doing things right? And so it seems to me that, again, speaking only as an individual Chair of this Committee, that for VCAT 

to hear the results of the NRC studies and share them directly 

along with management might be part of an overall plan that could 

be useful for NIST in the long run. 

Ms. WILSON. To follow up, NIST asked the National Academies 

to review the assessment process of research and development organizations. That review led to the report entitled ‘‘Best Practices 

in Assessment Research and Development Organizations,’’ which 

you discuss in your testimony. You mention how it is important to 

assess the management, quality of scientific and technical work, 

and the impacts and relevancy of that work when assessing a research and development organization. How is NIST being reviewed 

on these three items currently? Could you please discuss how it is 

being reviewed? 

Dr. COROTIS. Yes, thank you. Clearly, the National Academies 

address the quality of scientific and technical work, and that is the 

number one thing we look at in all the programs at NIST that are 

under assessment in any particular year. NIST has also always 

asked the National Academies, as they always in the past dozen 

years or so in which I have been involved, to look at the impact 

of what is done and the relevance. So those two areas have been 

studied by the National Academies, starting with the quality. We 

have clearly stayed out of management and strategic planning 

issues, feeling that came under the purview of VCAT. So we have 

not offered advice, although once in a while we slip in advice anyway even though we haven’t been asked, but we have really stayed 

out of the management and strategic planning side, although it is 

hard to keep senior people down. But we really haven’t focused on 

that part, and I think that the best practices study was an excellent one. I did not lead it, although I was a member, and actually 

a former NIST director was the leader of it who had other government roles and private industry roles, and I think that it says the 

right thing. You have to start at the management and that was 

listed first, and then you have to look at the quality of what is 

being done and then you have to look at the relevance of it. And 

I think that VCAT comes in at the management and also at the 

relevance and impact in guiding what programs to do. 

Ms. WILSON. Okay. Thank you so much. 

Chairman MASSIE. Thank you, Ms. Wilson. 

I would like to thank the witnesses today for their valuable testimony and for taking the time to come here and testify. Dr. May, 
43 

I look forward to coming and visiting there in Gaithersburg very 

much. 

Dr. MAY. We would love to have you. 

Chairman MASSIE. I am not sure when I would make it to Colorado, though. 

Dr. COROTIS. Maybe for the NCAA final. 

Chairman MASSIE. My team won’t be there. 

But anyway, the record will remain open for two weeks for additional comments and for written questions from Members. At this 

time, our votes have been called so we are going to end the meeting 

here. The witnesses are excused, and this hearing is adjourned. 

Thank you very much. 

[Whereupon, at 3:50 p.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.] 

(45) 

Appendix I 

ANSWERS TO HEARING QUESTIONS
46 

ANSWERS TO HEARING QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY DR. WILLIE E. MAY, ASSOCIATE

DIRECTOR FOR LABORATORY PROGRAMS, NIST 
47 

interoperability testing of the revised version, Interoperability testing is a necessary first step 

towards broader implementation, 

• Smart Energy Profile (SEP) 2,0 is a proposed standard (nearing completion) that is also 

supported by an industry alliance (Zigbee Alliance) and is beginning interoperability testing, The 

distinguishing feature of SEP 2,0 is that it targets the specific environment and constraints of 

residential consumers, 

• Green Button standards, including NAESB Energy Usage Information and Energy Services 

Provider Interface (ESPI), have been published and are being implemented, These standards 

provide an energy usage information model and create a standardized process and interface for 

communicating energy usage information to an authorized third party service provider. These 

standards provide the foundation for the Green Button Initiative, to enable consumers to more 

readily access their own energy usage information in a standardized electronic format, which 

includes options to communicate cost of usage, With early electric utility implementations, over 

16 million U.S, customers now have Green Button data access to help them better understand 

and manage their energy usage. Based on additional utility commitments, the program will grow 

to include 36 million customers in 2013. 

These standards are just emerging, and industry partners are engaged with initial pilot implementations, 

but more work is needed before applications using pricing information are deployed on a large scale. 

In addition, there are important regulatory and policy factors to consider to support large-scale 

implementation of pricing communications. A strong factor in whether consumers will respond to 

pricing communication signals is whether they are enrolled in a dynamic pricing or other incentive 

program, as authorized by an appropriate utility regulator (including time-of-use rates, critical peak time 

rebates, and other programs primarily implemented at the state level but also relevant for energy 

markets for demand response at the Independent System Operator level or region). In these programs, 

customers receive an economic incentive to pay attention to pricing information and respond by 

reducing use during high cost time periods, An additional factor is the need for customer education, 

(49) 

Appendix II 

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR THE RECORD
50 

SUBMITTED BY CHAIRMAN MASSIE, SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY

VISlTING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

2012 Annual Report 

Visiting Committee on Advanced 

Technology 

of the 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

February 2013 
51 

Preface 

VISITING CO)1MITT££ ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 

Natiunallnslittlte ofStdflddnls ,Jfld Techno!()b'Y 

The Vis1ttrlg Committee on Advanced Technology (VeAl) of the Nat,onallnstltute of Standards aod [echnology 

(NISI) was estab!i!>hed in its present form by the Ommbus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and upd(lted by 

,he Amenca COMPETES Act. The VeAr is a FedctaiAdvisory Committee Act (FACA) committee <,md its charter 

includes review.ng and making recommendations mgarding general policy for NIST, Its organllation. budget, and 

programs WIthin the framework of applicable national poliCies as set forth by the president and the [ongre ... s. In 

additIOn, the America COMPnES Act calls for the VCAT to <omment 00 NISI's three·year programmatic plan in lIs. 

aOl"lual report to Congress. This 2012 annual report covers the period from the beginning of Marth 2012 through 

February 2013 

The Committee reviews the Institute'!. strategic dIrection, performance and policJrs, and provides the Seuetary of 

Commerce, Congress, dnd other stakeholders WIth information on the value and relevance of NlS T's programs to 

the us. sCIence and technology bose and to the economy. At the fint meeting of each year, the Director of NIST 

propose,> areas of focus to the Committee and agreement is reached on a program for the year, Over the past 

year, the Committee has been dctive in asse~smg NISI's contnbutlons to and progress in the follOWing areas 

NIST Safety Systems and SafetY Culture 

N1ST Role in Advanced Manufacturing 

N!ST Rote in the Public Safety Network 

NIST Cen~ers of Excellence 

R& D Planning 

N!ST Budget 

The Committee reviews a significant portIOn of NIST programs through direct discussion with NIST leaders, 

SCientists, and engineers.. Reactions and observatIons. of the Committee mefllbers are presented candidly (0 the 

NIST <;f'nior management and other attendees at each meeting. This feedback encourages scrutmy of and 

continuous improvement in key areas in (he overall operation. ThE' Committee also VISIts varlolJs NIST laboratorIes 

and satellite facditiesto discuss research projects directly with the technical staff. These laboratory tours help the 

Committee to assess the imp.lct of N!ST research, progress toward!. achieving research goals, the quality of the 

staff. institutIonal culture, and the efficacy of the facility infrastructure. 

UndN the Comn-iHee chartet, the D!n~cto( of NIST appoints the VeAT members Members arc selected on a dear, 

~tandard!led basis, in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidance. Members are selected 

solelv on the basis of estabhshed records of distinguished service; prO'.llde representation of a cross·section of 

traditional and emergmg u S. lfldustrit'~, and ate emment In fields such as bUSiness, research, new product 

development, engineering, labor, education, m.anagement consl.!lting, enVIronment, and international rf>lations. 

No emptoye(' of the Federal Government can st"rve as a member of the Committee McmbNS are apPOinted for 

staggprf'd three·year terms. 

Two new member!. wefe appointed dUring the period covered by this report. Wilhd;m Holt (Intel Corporation) and 

John Tracy (Boeing Company), Durmg the ~im(' of hiS service, Vice-chaIr Alan Taub transltfoned from General 

Motors to the University of Michigan and Pradeep Khosla moved from Carnegu:' Mellon to be(.Ome Chancellor of 

University of California, San Diego. 

ThiS report h!ghllghts the Com/T'littee's obset'\'a~ions, findings and recommendations. Detailed meeting mlO\Jtes 

and presentation materials are available on thE> N1ST web Sit£' at wwwniHgov/director/v{at. 
52 

I 

VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

VCAT Members During the Period Covered by this Report 

Dr. Vinton G. Ceef, Ch,ir 

Google 

Term: February 1, 2007 March 31, 2013 

Dr. Sujeet Chand 

Rockwell Automation 

Term: Apri! 1,2010 - March 31, 2016 

Dr. Tony Haymet 

Scripps Institution of Oceanography. UCSD 

Term: September 1, 2009 ~ August 31, 2015 

Dr. Karen Kerr 

University of Southern California 

Term: June 1, 2011- May 31, 2014 

-or~ Pradeep Khosla 

University of California, San Diego 

Term: June 2, 200S -June 1, 2014 

Dr. Alton O. Romig, Jr. 

lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company 

Term: April 15, 2009 ~ April 14, 2015 

Dr. John J. Tracy 

The Boeing Company 

Term: January 7,2013 - January 6, 2016 

Hi 

Dr. AI,n I. Taub, Vice Chair 

University of Michigan 

Term: May 9, 2008 ~ May 3, 2014 

Dr. Uma Chowdhry 

DuPont (Emeritus) 

Term: OctobN 1, 2010 September 30, 2013 

William M. Holt 

Intel Corporation 

Term: May 13, 2012 - Mav 12, 2015 

Dr. Shaygan Kheradpir 

Barclays Bank 

Term; April 1. 2010 - March 31, 2013 

Or. Roberto Padovani 

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. 

Term: May 1, 2011 - April 30, 2014 

Dr. Darlene J~S. Solomon 

Agilent Technologies 

Term: January 3, 2010 - January 2,2016 
53 

VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Table of Contents 

Preface ...................................................................................................................................................... ii 

VCAT Members During the Period Covered by this Report ................................................... iii 

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................. iv 

1. VCAT Focus in 2012 ........................................................................................................................ 1 

2. NIST Safety Systems and Safety Culture ................................................................................... 2 

2a. Establishment of the NIST Office of Safety and Health Management System ........................................ 2 

2b. Incident Reporting and Investigation ..................................................................................................................... 2 

2c. Radiation·Safety Program Implementation ......................................................................................................... 3 

2d. Management of Hazardous Chemical Waste ....................................................... , ................................................ 4 

3. NIST Role in Advanced Manufacturing ..................................................................................... 4-

3a. NIST's Portfolio of Programs in Advanced Manufacturing ............................................................................ 5 

4-. NIST Role in the Public Safety Network ................................................................................... 8 

S. NIST Centers of Excellence ........................................................................................................... 9 

6. R&D Planning and Performance .............................................................................................. 10 

6a. Next Generation Measurement Scrvices .............................................................................................................. 11 

6b. Three Year ProgrammatiC Plan ............................................................................................................................... 12 

7. NISTBudget ..................................................................................................................................... 12 

7a. FY 2013 Appropriations ............................................................................................................................................. 13 

iv 
54 

VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

1. VCAT Focus in 2012 

In 2012, the VCAT focused its primary attention on four major NIST issues: 

Safety Systems and Safety Culture at NIST - The VCAT was charged with providing feedback on progress 

enacting the 2010 recommendation of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Management and Safety II. For 

additional information, see the scope and charge for the VCAT Subcommittee on Safety (below). 

Advanced Manufacturing· The VCAT was charged with providing feedback on the design of the National 

Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). The Committee used recommendations for the Advanced 

Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech) as a launching pad plus input from the Request for 

Information (RFI) and regional workshops. The NNMI is a collaboration between NIST, the Department of 

Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other 

government agencies to establish up to 15 Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation. 

Public Safety Networks - The VCAT was charged with using its recent report on the Nationwide Public 

Safety Communications System to address how NIST can best support the Public Safety Broadband 

Network in the context of the "First Responder Network Authority" (FirstNet) legislation. NIST will 

coordinate the development of interoperability standards, technologies, and applications to advanced 

public safety communications, drawing especially on its Public Safety Communications Research program 

housed at NIST in Boulder, CO. 

NIST Centers of Excellence· The VCAT was charged with sharing its unique experiences in public· private 

collaborations to help ensure that the mission and goals of the proposed NIST Centers of Excellence are 

met. The President's FY 2013 budget request included $20 million for up to four Centers of Excellence in 

measurement science areas defined by NIST for collaborations with academia and industry. This initiative 

builds on NIST'slong·standing and successful partnerships with academic organizations, such as liLA at 

the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR) at 

the University of Maryland. 

This 2012 Annual Report summarizes the VCA 1's work and the recommendations adopted and issued by the VCAT 

in each of the above areas. The report also includes our recommendations on R&D planning at NIST and the NIST 

budget to the extent possible given the current state of budget discussions in the U.S. government. 

In addition, we note with pleasure that during calendar year 2012 the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) was 

successfully transitioned from an entirely government-funded model to a sustainable model in which the private 

sector and government share in the funding. Just a few months after beginning operation as a not-for-profit 

501(c)3 corporation, nearly 100 companies and organizations have joined as dues paying members of the new 

SGIP, contributing $800,000 annually in membership dues. 

The VCAT was also impressed with the achievements of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program (BPEP) over 

the last year, transitioning from a federally-funded program to a fee and Foundation·funded program. The VCAT 

believes the BPEP is an important contributor to the NIST portfolio and to performance improvement in the United 

States and should be sustained. In addition to its impact on business, the very high adoption rate in health care 

can make a significant contribution to health care quality and cost reduction. The VCAT encourages the 

Department of Commerce to provide support for the Baldrige business model, including its fee-based activities and 

support from the Baldrige Foundation. Given the public benefit of the program, some level of government support 

through appropriation and other agencies with compatible missions should not be ruled OUI. 
55 

VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

2. NIST Safety Systems and Safety Culture 

In 2012, the VeAT, in consultation with the NIST Director, established a Subcommittee on Safety within NIST to 

assess and recommend potential improvements. The charge to the subcommittee is shown below: 

VCAT Subcommittee on Safety _. Tony Haymet, Chair 

NIS T is working diligently to address the recommendations of the NIST Blue Ribbon Commission on 

Management and Safety -1/ (BRC II), which were released in November 2010. In response to these 

recommendations, NIST has begun to (i) implement a safety, health, and environmental management 

system; Iii} develop a comprehensive NIST assessment program; and (iii) establish a suite of meaningful 

safety metrics. The charge ta the VeA T Subcommillee on Safety was to: 

Assess NIST's progress in meeting senior leadership's commitment to making safety on integral 

core value and vital part of the NIST culture 

Identify strengths and opportunities for improvement in both approach and direction. 

In the 2010 VCAT report, we recommended that NIST fully implement the recommendations of the NIST BRCI! 

report. The 2011 VeAT report reviewed progress in the four primary recommendations, including (a) the 

appointment of an Associate Director 01 Laboratory Programs; (b) demonstration of the commitment to safety 

from senior NIST management; (c) establishment of an audit mechanism; and (d) a set of salety metrics. 

The Subcommittee on Safety met in October 2012 and February 2013 to assess progress toward full 

implementation 01 the BRe If recommendations. The subcommittee met with a cross-section of NIST staff, 

including laboratory directors, diviSion chiefs, organizational unit (OU)/division safety personnel (including division 

safety representatives (DSRs), and group leaders in Boulder and Gaithersburg. In addition, the subcommittee 

toured older facilities (Building 2 in Boulder and Building 245 in Gaithersburg) as well as newer facilities (the clean 

room facility in the Precision Measurement laboratory in BoulQer) in order to observe operating conditions. 

During the year covered by this report, the committee also examined NISI's progress toward safety metrics. NIST 

has established and is currently tracking metrics in (a) establishment of the NIST Occupational Salety and Health 

Management System (OSHMS); (b) incident reporting and investigation; (c) radiation·safety program 

implementation; and (d) management of hazardous chemical waste. 

Za. Establishment ofthe NIST Office orSarety and Health Management System 

NIST's OSHMS is foundational to Occupational Salety and Health (OSH) management at NIST in that it establishes 

NISI's OSH requirements, delineates OSH roles and responsibilities, and provides the infrastructure to facilitate 

safety program implementation and management across the tnstitute. NIST began tracking progress in this area at 

the beginning 01 FY 2012 using (a) the number of draft OSH policies, orders, and suborders approved by the Chief 

Safety Officer per quarter; and (b) the number of draft OSH policies, orders, and suborders vetted through the NIST 

Executive Safety Committee (ESC) per quarter. Beginning in FY 2013, NIST will begin tracking the number of OSH 

program deployment plans vetted through the ESC per quarter, and the number of OSH programs deployed. 

Zb. Incident Reporting and Investigation 

On August 30, 2010, NIST launched its Incident Reporting and Investigation Program and supporting Information 

Technology application, IRIS, both of which apply to all NIST workplaces. Using the web-based forms provided by 

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National Institute of Standards and Technology 

IRIS, NIST OUs can submit incident reports, the results of incident investigations, and "lessons identified" to the 

Office of Safety, Health, and Environment {OSHEl for posting on the NIST safety website. IRIS also allows NIST staff 

members to subscribe to receive postings. 

In this area, NIST is tracking the following initial set of metrics: 

Number of injuries per month; 

Number of illnesses per month; 

Number of spills/releases per month; 

Number of incidents resulting in property damage per month; 

Number of near misses per month; and 

Number of incidents other than the above per month. 

In response to salient features in the data, NIST is now offering courses on machine-shop safety, promoting 

ergonomics training, and conducting informational campaigns on hand safety and the avoidance of slips, trips, and 

falls. 

On April 1, 2012, and in the spirit of continual improvement, NIST deployed version 2 of the Incident Reporting and 

Investigation Program, including IRIS, and began tracking the following additional metrics, "making measurements" 

at the end of every month: 

For initial incident reports posted to the NIST safety website during any given month: 

Total number of such reports; 

Number of such reports submitted within two business days of the incident; 

Number of associated incident investigation reports submitted within 20 business days of the incident; 

and 

Number of associated incident investigation reports not submitted within 20 business days of the incident 

as of the last day of the last month measured. 

For initial incident reports posted at any time prior to the end of any given month: 

Number of associated incident investigation reports at month's end not submitted within 20 business 

days of the incident. 

In addition, NIST is tracking the following two Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)·defined 

injury and illness incidence rates: 

Total Recordable Case (TRe) Rate - Number of recordable injuries and illnesses per 200,000 employee 

work hours (100 employees each working a 2000-hour work year); and 

Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) Rate - Number of injuries and illnesses of Types 3, 4, and 5 

per 200,000 employee work hours. 

2c. Radiation-Safety Program Implementation 

NIST's radioactive materials license in Gaithersburg requires quarterly audits of radioactive material facilities for 

compliance with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations and license requirements. Moreover, recent 

annual external audits have indicated that NIST needs to strengthen its Quarterly audit program. As a result, NIST 

has formalized this program to a great extent and in the third quarter of FY 2012 began to track and communicate 

audit results to involved NIST management and staff. In addition to'audit findings, NIST is also tracking and 

communicating recommendations and noteworthy work practices. Over time, NIST expects this effort to result in 

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National Institute of Standards and Technology 

an increased understanding of regulatory requirements, uniformly good work practices, and a significant decrease 

in the number of findings. 

2d. Management of Hazardous Chemical Waste 

NIST has developed a formal inspection program for its satellite accumulation areas in Gaithersburg and in the 

third quarter of FY 2012 began to track and communicate audit results to involved NIST management and staff. 

Over time, NIST expects this effort to result in an increased understanding of regulatory requirements. uniformly 

good work practices. and a significant decrease in the number of findings. 

OBSERVATIONS: 

A culture change toward safety is well underway at NIST. It is moving from the "design-build" phase to one of 

continual improvement. While NIST has made substantial progress in developing a positive safety culture. the NIST 

recordable incident data do not yet demonstrate a clear downward trend. The underlying driver of the incidents 

appears to be high frequency. lower consequence events (rather than low frequency. higher consequence events). 

This observation may pOint to a need for an approach to prevention and education activities within the safety 

system that emphasizes the prevention of more routine incidents such as slips. trips. and falls; body parts struck by 

or against objects; and ergonomics, including various types of overexertion. 

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

» NISI's safety goal should be zero accidents. The VeAT encourages continued recognition of and reward 

for safety improvement. . 

» The VeAT recommends continued "grand rounds" audits of individual laboratory rooms led by senior. 

trained NIST executives. 

» The VeAT recommends that NIST set a firm target for improvement in each OSHA recordable statistic. 

» The VeAT urges the NIST Directorto distribute and discuss IRIS statistics each reporting period. Based 

upon these reports. NIST leadership should identify top priority IRIS issues and action plans to reduce 

occurrence. Progress will be reviewed as a standing agenda item at the beginning of each VCAT meeting. 

» The VCAT recommends that NIST concentrate its investigation time and reports on OSHA recordable 

incidents. 

» The VeAT strongly urges increased "transparency" on all safety metrics, including easily accessible 

identification of the exact stage at which any non-closed IRIS cases are at any time. 

3. NIST Role in Advanced Manufacturing 

In 2012, the VCAT continued its focus on Advanced Manufacturing at NIST. but broadened its lens to survey the 

entire NIST advanced manufacturing portfolio. from conducting basic research to supporting manufacturers with 

commercial products. Across these programs, NIST is using a number of partnering mechanisms to support 

engagement with industry (including small and medium sized enterprises). academIa, and other government 

laboratories. The VeAT was specifically asked to consider the following questions: 

Looking across the various programmatic efforts. are there any gaps in the approach to support the NIST 

mission of promoting U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness? 

Our current laboratory programs support emerging technologies and systems interoperability issues. 

From a program growth and focus perspective. are these appropriate areas in which NIST should focus? 

What is required for NIST's portfolio to be adequately positioned to meet challenges associated with 

near-term and long-term national advanced manufacturing needs? 

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Considering congressional support for AMTech at a level of '$14.5 million, what steps should NIST take to 

ensure maximum benefit from this program? 

3a. NlST's Portfolio of Programs in Advanced Manufacturing 

Enhancing U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through the delivery of measurement science, standards and 

technology is at the heart of what NIST does, and is called out in the founding documents that established the 

National Bureau of Standards in 1901. long-term economic competitiveness is strengthened by the development 

and deployment of NISI's advanced manufacturing technology capabilities. NIST aligns its research and services 

with pressing industry needs through partnerships with manufacturers, academic and government laboratories, 

and through staff participation in more than 1,000 international standards activities. 

The NIST laboratories address increasingly complex measurement challenges, ranging from the very small 

(nanoscale devices) to the very large (vehicles and buildings), and from the physical (renewable energy 

sources) to the virtual (cybersecurity and cloud computing)_ Research at NIST is underway to develop and 

deliver the measurement SCience tools that Will support advanced manufacturing technologies, including 

materials modeling and Simulation, nanomanufactunng, biomanufacturing, smart manufacturing, robotiCS, 

and other enabling technologies. 

o Measurement science and standards services developed at NIST provide the basic and applied 

research underpinnings to support advances in manufacturing. Physical measurement standards are 

providing traceability to a common, International standards system - through calibration services, lab 

accreditation, and other means. NISr efforts are vital to pushing the state-of· the-art in materials 

characterization and providing critically evaluated materials property data, methods, and standard 

reference materials to industry. 

o NIST provides the enabling interoperability standards and tools to allow manufacturers and 

researchers to lower costs and accelerate innovation. Standards and other guidance tools open up 

access to information about shop floor equipment, assist in supply chain management, and support 

the development of a secure cyber infrastructure. NIST is providing industry with support for open, 

consensus-based standards and specifications that define technical and performance requirements, 

with associated test methods for conformity. Some' NIST standards also have the benefit of enabling 

interoperability among disparate systems or competitively produced products, enabling consumer 

choice and multiple sources of supply. 

o Unique, cutting edge user facilities support innovation in materials science, nanotechnology 

discovery and fabflcation, and other emerging technology areas through the NIST Center for Neutron 

Research, which provides world class neutron measurement capabilities to the U.S_ research 

community, and the NIST Center for Nano~cale Science and Technology, whICh supports 

nanotechnology development from discovery to production. 

o Technology and knowledge transfer from NIST to promote u:s. competitiveness is enabled through 

various agreements and intellectual property tools such as NIST inventions. patents, and licenses, 

Visiting scientists and postdoctoral researchers develop technical expertise through research 

experiences at NIST. 

Holling' Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEPI is supporting technologies and practices that increase 

the competitiveness and resilience of our nation's small and medium manufacturing base. A federal-statelocal partnership, MEP is enabling future growth with a long-term focus on encouraging cultures of continuous 

improvement, accelerating the adoption of new technology to build busmess growth, responding to evolving 

supply chains, implementing environmentally sustainable processes, and supporting a strong workforce. 

o MEP, in partnership with other organizations, is developing the National Innovation Marketplace 

(NIM) to facilitate connections between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and potential 

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National Institute of Standards and Technology 

suppliers. Through the NIM# seifers, buyers, investors, and distributors across industries are 

connected through an approach incorporating training, business opportunity forecasting, and access 

to manufacturers. 

o ExporTech is deployed nationally as a collaboration between MEP, U.S. Export Assistance Centers, 

and other partners including the Small Business Administration. Helping companies enter or expand 

in global markets, ExporTech leads companies through a facilitated process. 

Baldrige Performance Excellence Program - The Baldrige Program promotes excellence in organizational 

performance; recognizes the quality achievements of U.S. manufacturers, small businesses, and other types of 

organizations; and publicizes successfuJ performance management strategies. The program also manages a 

national award that has become a global standard, and one measure of its importance is the growing number 

of similar programs throughout the world. (Note: this program has been eliminated from the NIST budget, 

having transitioned to a foundation-supported mOdel.) 

PROPOSED Programs in the NIST Portfolio: 

• National Network of Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) - A proposed $1 billion program in FY 2013, the 

NNMI is envisioned as a nationwide network' of up to 15 Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation (1M Is) to 

provide the R&D infrastructure needed to support a robust advanced manufacturing sector by filling a critical 

gap in t~e U.S. innovation pipeline. The NNMI will ~elp ensure that manufacturers. have access to critical 

expertise and facilities needed to meet America's advanced manufacturing needs. The Advanced 

Manufacturing National Program Office (AMNPO) is coordinating the stakeholder outreach for the design of 

the NNMI, and is positioned to launch the program (upon funding). 

o Status: Stakeholder outreach for input to the design of NNMI is ongoing. legislation is required to 

establish this program. 

o "Pilot"" ~ In August, DOD announced the new National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute 

(NAMII) that was awarded to a consortium based in the northeastern OH - western PA - WV "Tech 

Belt." At least $30 million in government funding (from DOD, DOE, NASA, NIST, and NSf) will be 

matched by $39 million from the proposer team ($20 million from industry). Though not officially 

part of the NNMI program, many lessons learned in deSigning and building NAMII are strengthening 

Federal coordination and the design for the NNMI. 

AMTech - This proposed NIST program ($21 million in FY 2013) will provide funding to establish industry~ted 

consortia to create technology road maps to identify and tackle long-term R&O challenges shared by industry. 

AMTech consortia will enable university research capabilities to be focused on industry~driven R&D, lower the 

risk to investment in new technologies, and accelerate technology transfer. 

o Status: The AM Tech program is supported in both the House (at $21 million) and Senate (at $14.5 

million) marks for the FY 2013 budget, but as a new program it is not included in the Continuing 

Resolution for FY 2013 (which extends FY 2012 activities). 

1 The term "network" is used in its most general senSe here, but it is highly likely that the institutes will also be 

interconnected through high speed communication services (e.g. Internet) to facilitate and mutually reinforce their 

collective work. 

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NEW Organizational Resource in the NIST Portfolio: 

Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office (AMNPO) - Created in December 2011 by the Secretary of 

Commerce. the AMNPO is an interagency office hosted by NIST, which serves as the central paint of contact 

for federal programs in advanced manufacturing. The purpose of the AMNPO is to create and implement a 

whole-of-government advanced manufacturing strategy. The AMNPO is also responsible for planning and 

executing the NNMI. 

NIST FY 2013 Requested Funding in Advanced Manufacturing Programs 

NIST Program FY 2013 Requested Budget Additional Comments 

laboratories $135 million This includes new initiatives funded starting in FY 2012: smart 

manufacturing; biomanufacturing; advanced materials 

modeling and simulation; and nanomanufacturing. 

AMTech $21 million VCA T provided support for this progra m in the 2011 Annual 

Report; the report noted that the funding level needs to be 

sufficient for the program to be successful. 

MEP $128 million federal funding leveraged over 60 MEP centers; each center 

provides 2:1 cost share of the program. 

NNMI $1 billion Mandatory spending - requires legislation. 

Baldrige $0 This program has transitioned to the private sector. 

In addition to hearing from NIST on these programs; the VCAT was also briefed by Dr. Kanti Jain who chaired a 

National Research Council committee that was charged with assessing the NIST manufacturing portfolio. Principal 

findings in the report included a positive overall assessment of the technical merit and scientific caliber of 

research. Research teams were found by the panel to be highly qualified and among the best in the world. The 

panel did~ however, find room for improvement in project selection, organization, and metrics. Further, the panel 

found that interactions with industry should be expanded, including more visits to companies and greater 

awareness of industry practices. The veAT agrees with these findings, and sees both the proposed AMTech 

Program and the NNMI program as efforts that will help strengthen NISI's ties to industry. 

OBSERVATIONS: 

While manufacturing and standards have been a part of the NIST (and the former National Bureau of Standards) 

portfolio from its origins, this new program is particularly vital to the future of the American economy. Efficient 

manufacturing of complex goods lies at the heart of successful export economies and the re-invention of 

manufacturing and manufacturing jobs in America has to be considered fundamental to future economic growth. 

The VeAT fully SLpports the ongoing and planned work at NIST, and feels strongly that NISI's measurement 

science mission* its unique and longstanding relationship with industry, and its broad portfolio of programs make it 

a critical ~Iement of the Administration's efforts to strengthen manufacturing in America. 

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

~ The veAT strongly urges Congress and the Executive branch to fund NIST's Advilnced Manufacturing 

programs at the maximum level feasible. Just as the Agricultural Extension program was the backbone of 

the American farming economy in the 20th centuryl the Advanced Manufacturing programs will provide a 

similar role in the 21~t century. 
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Nationailnstitute of Standards and Technology 

? The VCAT recommends that NIST establish additional definitions and metrics beyond job creation and 

competitiveness for successful outcomes from the Advanced Manufacturing programs. Metrics might 

include environmental impacts, lifecyde costs, re-use of materials and subsystems. carbon footprint 

measurement standards, portable on-line measurement systems, and modularity. 

? The VCA Tis interested in understanding more fully the interaction between the IMls and other 

manufacturing initiatives undertaken by NIST. The potential for mutual reinforcement seems very high 

and should be a strategic goal of the programs. 

" NIST should consider linking Cyber-Physical Systems and Advanced Manufacturing efforts to develop 

devices and appliances that measure themselves, report status and other usage statistics, security status, 

etc. The Smart Grid program might be a fruitful area in which to pursue this idea. 

4. NIST Role in the Public Safety Network 

following up on last year's work looking at the NIST role in the Wireless Innovation Initiative 

(http:Uwww.nist.gov/directorlycat/upload/Desirable Properties of a National PSN.pdf), the Committee heard 

updates from both the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTlA) and NIST regarding 

developments surrounding the creation of FirstNet and operations of the NIST Public Safety Communications 

Research (PSCR) Program. Title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Action of 2012, Public Law 112-

96, included provisions for the public safety communications and electromagnetic spectrum auctions. This 

legislation creates the path toward a nationwide public safety broadband network (PSBN). FirstNet was 

established by the Act as an independent authority within NTiA and is headed by a IS-member Board that takes all 

actions necessary to ensure the design, construction, deployment, and maintenance operations of the nationwide 

PSBN in consultation with others, including the NIST Director. The Board is not an advisory committee; however, it 

will establish a public safety advisory committee. 

Congress granted NTIA borrowing authority not to exceed $2 billion to implement the governance of the public 

safety spectrum and $135 million for the State and Local implementation grants. NTiA will borrow the initial funds 

from the general fund of the Treasury prior to the deposit of auction proceeds into the Public Safety Trust Fund 

(PSTF). Once the auctions take place, funds depOSited in the PSTF are available on a cascading order of priority as 

mandated by statute, beginning with the repayment of the amounts borrowed by N riA. If the auction raises 

$7.235 billion, then $100 million will be available to NIST to manage for public safety research and development. 

Further down on the priority list is $200 million for additional public safety research provided the auction raises 

these funds. The research funds may be available in a few years. 

The PSCR Program is a successful joint partnership between NISI's Law Enforcement Standards Office (OLES) and 

NTIA's Institute for Telecommunications Sciences housed in Bourder, CO. This program includes staff from both 

organilations that have been operating as a team for about 15 years. Some PSCR activities directly overlap 

FirstNet's responsibilities within the parameters of the legislation. These responsibilities cover requirements, 

standards, testing, and research and development (R&D). PSCR has been working in the area of public safety 

requirements for the safety, security, and resiliency of the network for years, especiallv in the broadband arena by 

chairing,leading, and/or participating in working groups and other activities. With regard to standards, PSCR has 

been working to drive public safety needs into international standards bodies when developing standards for 

voice, data, and video communications. For example, PSCR has introduced a work item into the 3rd Generation 

Partnership Project to address Direct Mode communications, an effort that aligns directly with the recent VeAT 

report on public safety. In the area of testing, PSCR is working to identify the commercial test processes that 

FirstNet can leverage. Turning to R&D, the PSCR is responsible for the only operational multi-vendor broadband 

Demonstration Network in the United States, which is now deploying four separate operational cellular networks 

from different manufacturers. Over 60 manufacturers are involved with the Network through Cooperative 

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National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Research and Dpvelopment Agreements (CRADAs) and about $60 to $70 million of eqUlpfl'ent have been donated 

through CRADAs. Other R&D efforts include audio quality testing, video quality testing, 700 megahertz modeling 

and simulation, and land Mobile Radio to long Term Evolution (l TE) interface 

In addition to the discussions on the PSCR Program, the VCAT was also briefed on the intention of NIST to create a 

Center for Advanced Communications at its Boulder laboratories that would take advantage of the unique mix of 

research and testing and evaluation capabilities resident there. The Center would help enhance mission 

effectiveness by better coordinating the measurement science, testing, and standards functions 01 NIST and NTIII 

10 the area of advanced communication addreSSing challenges In a number of areas including, Radio Frequency 

Technology. digital information processing. and spectrum sharing. Furthermore, the Center would create a single 

focal point for engaging both industry and other government agenci~!! to meet their testingl validation, and 

conformity assessment needs. The VCAT is excited by the possibilities of the Center and looks forward to working 

with NIST over the commg year to help support Its development. 

OBSERVATIONS: 

The VeAT report on public safety communications referenced above drew attention to the hazards of relYing 

heavily on existmg infrastructure. such as the rr:obile comrnunication service industry'~ long Term Evolut!on (LIE) 

deSign and its assOCiated network of towers and base stations. The report emphasized the need for peer·to·peer 

(or "talk around") capability, backward rnteroperabllity with P25·bascd devices and, perhaps most Important, the 

ability to form ad hoc networks uSing packet switching, delay and di()ruption tolerant methods and application of 

the Internet protocols:o support carriage of voice, video dnd data to and from first responders al1d information 

facilities available from online public safety resources in government at all levels and the private sector. 

RECOMMENDATION: 

.. NIST should track closely the progress of the NIST efforts in firstNet to achieve coverage and 

interoperablhty at all levels of public safety operation. Interoperabrlity is needed not only among the 

civilian first response community but also With the military when they are called into service to respond to 

major disasters 

5, NIST Centers of Excellence 

The Centers of Excellence, proposed at $20 million In the PreSident's rY 2013 budget, are an opportunity :0 

leverage NIST base resources through partnerships With academia and industry. NIST has a proven track record of 

partnerships, including liLA (with the University of Colorado), the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology 

Research (IBBR - with the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute), the Joint Quantum Institute (lQI - with 

the UniversitY of Maryland and the National Secuflty Agency), and the Hollings Marine labo"ratory (With the 

National Oceanic and AtmospheriC Admintstration. the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the 

Coliege of Charleston, and the Medical University of South Carolina). The goal of the FY 2013 proposed program 's 

to create multidisciplinary centers that complement and extend U.S. measurement science capabilities in critical 

areas of emerging technologies. 

The structure and scope of the centers IS currently being developed. NIST is considering a variety of engagement 

and governance models. ranging from a user facility model {similar to the Center for Nanoscale Science and 

Technology). to a proble",·focused, multi·stakeholder fl'odel (sin'llar to the National Cybersecurity Center of 

Excellence), to long·term collaborations (similar to liLA). Form may follow function; as the governance model may 

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NationJllnstitute orSt.odards and Technology 

be tailored to suit the nature of the technology and measurement science needs, and therefore, may be different 

from one center to the next. 

N15T IS currently gathering Input from multiple sources to identify potential Investment areas for the centers. F rich 

laboratory has provided a list of candidate research topics, along with proposed governance models and specific 

measurement sCience ISsues. Additionally. the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), part of the Institute 

for Defense Analysis (IDA) was awarded a contract to independently develop research ideas for centers of 

excellence. SIP! scanned the available literature and interviewed key subject matter experts in order to Identify 

emerging areas of science With significant potential for impact, dear measurement science needs, and alignment 

with N!ST mission and strategic direction. These inputs, along With other factors, will herp Jump-start the sefection 

process for centers of excellence, which may have to move quickly, depending upon when the funding becomes 

available. 

Measurement and analY~lsl!es at the heart of successful forensic work and, Increasingly, NIST measurement 

science can and is playing a key role in the steady improvement In forensic analysis A Center of Excellence '" 

forensic sCience could be a potential tool to strengthen thIS communIty. 

In relation to the tOpiC, the VeAT also rE'ceived several updates on the National Cybersccurity Center of fxcellence 

(NCCoE). Significant progress has been made m ,tanding up the NCCoE to date. and the VCAT is strongly 

encouraged to learn that NIST IS investIgating the pOSSIbility of estabhshing a Federally Funded Research and 

Development Center (ffRDC) as the managing entity for the NCCoE. The VCAT believes that such a mechanism 

could greatly enhance the ability of the NeeoE to accelerate the delivery of cybersecunty solutions to industry. 

The VeAT looks forward to supporting NIST in this area over the coming year 

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

);> A gap analysis for emerging areas of national need should inform the chOice of focus for new centers of 

excellence . 

:;. The VCAT recommends that NIST should expand its footprint in forensic science. 

» In addition to its exhting partners that have established J!lA, the Ins.tltute (or Bioscience and 

Biotechnology Research (IBBR), the Joint Ouantum Institute (JOI), and the Hollings Manne laboratory 

(HMl), NISI should consider formally adding NSF dS a partner, especially In relation to cybersecunty and 

cyber-physical systems, 

>- While a National Cybersecuritv Cpnter of Excellence has been created, the veAT relommends that its 

scope be expanded to indude ·'cyber·~a(etv" which includes attention to user behaviors, civilian private 

sector cyber'practict>s, and coordinatIon with other agencIes includIng the Department of Homeland 

Security. Department of Justice, and the National Secunty Agency. The VCAT endor~e~ the FfRDC 

framework for the management and operatIon of the NNCoE. 

~ Reference architectures nnd metrics of security and safety deserve attentIOn, as does the deve\opment ot 

tools for measuring these properties. Comphance WIth recommendations needs to be leavened with a 

nsk·based approach to conformity assessment practices. 

6, R&D Planning 

Dr. Willie May, Associate Director for Laboratory Programs (ADLP). reported to VCAT on R&D planning at NIST. As 

sCience and technology priorities come frolT' Congres.s, the Admmlstration, Industry, and other federal agen(lPS, 

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Nationallnsntute of Standards and Technology 

NIST planning is a fusion of top-down and bottoms-up planning processes_ Planning chalienges Include the breadth 

of the NIST mission and the dynamic environment of innovation and technology development. These challenges 

are managed through several different components of the organization. 

The ADLP IS pnmarily responsible for strategic planning over a three to four year horizon for the Strategic focus 

Areas, with support from the Program Coordination Office, as well as the laboratory directors. Strategic planning 

indudes both program and budget development. In addition, the ADLP is responsible for overseeing measurement 

services programs and representing the laboratory programs to industry, academia, and other government 

agencies. 

The laboratory directors are primarily responsible for planning within the mission space of their respective 

laboratories, with a five to ten year horizon_ In addition, the laboratory directors have responsibility for the 

effective implementation of the programs and projects and delivery of measurement services. 

OBSERVATIONS: 

The VCAT continues to look for more clarity and depth in strategic planning, recognizing that NIST operates in a 

dynamic environment .n which demands arise from a variety of sources that can and do affect its ability to adapt. 

The newly instituted planning framework offers the opportuOlty to align the organizational long term plans around 

the three key perspectives of National Priorities, Sc.ence and Technology Trends, and Internal Processes. This 

approach can then lead to dearly defined and actionable plans around Programs. Technical Capacity, and Process 

Improvements. 

RECOMMENDATION: 

" The VCAT strongly encourages NIS T to drive this new strategic planning process as quickly as possible and 

we look forward to reviewing the progress during the upcoming year. 

6a. Next Generation Measurement Services 

Measurement services are a core function at NIST. The next generation delivery of measurement services is an 

e.ample of one of the strategic issues that NIST is e.amining in order to ensure that its programs and services are 

well aligned with future needs_ 

Measurement and calibration services assure the accuracy of millions of measurements made dally in medical 

clinic.s; manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, and crime labs throughout the United States. NIST performs over 

18,000 calibrations on over 1,800 objects annually. However, traditional measurement service may require 

significant down time for Customer equipment or devices, consume significant NIST staff time, require periodic 

recalibration, and may be less fle.ible when customer needs change. 

NIST is developing a ne.t·generation plan for advancing measurement services, called NIST on a Chip. NIST on a 

Chip is an integrated program to develop and deploy NIST-traceable measurements and phYSical standards that 

are deployed in the customer's lab. factory floor, device, or system; are easily used and integrated; are rugged, yet 

small in size and weight; and have low power consumption. As the reference standard is integrated into the device 

or process, many of the difficulties of the traditional measurement servICe model can be overcome, including 

minimal down time and recalibration, as well as improved flexibility for innovation_ Measurement technologies 

include force, fluid flow, pressure, length, voltage, current, magnetic field, time and frequency, optical power, 

displacement, and electric field. 

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VISlTlNG COMMITfEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 

Nationallnstitllte of Standards and Technology 

The VCAT was strongly impressed by the potential of the proposed work and looks forward to seeing progress in 

this area. In particularl device self·measurement and potentially reporting via network raises the possibility of the 

creation of significant databases of information that could be used to analyze and improve efficiency of electrical 

power usage and other resource utIlization. The Smart Grid program is prototypical of this notion. These ideas are 

clearly applicable to the advanced manufactL;ring initiatives in which production plant automation, inventory and 

raw materials management. product production selection, among other things, are key to efficient and timely 

production of goods and services. 

6b. Three Year Programmatic Plan 

The Programmatic Plan is not yet avadable as it is influenced by the FY 2013 appropriations and FY 2014 proposals 

from the President. The Committee will review and comment on this plan when it is available and report 

separately on its findings and recommendations, 

7, NIST Budget 

NIST Budget (Dollars in Millions) 

FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2013 FY 2013 FY 2014 

Enacted Request House Marks Senate Marks ~quest'" 

STRS 567.0 648.0 621.2 523.0 

laboratory A"ograrns 518.0 572.7 

Corporate Services 18.5 18.5 

Stds Coord and Spec F\'gs. 30.5 56.8 

ITS 128.4 149.0 149.0 143.0 

Advanced ~nu. TeCh. COnsort 0.0 21.0 21.0 14.5 

rl:>lfngs Mlno!. Exl. A-g. 128.4 128.0 128.0 128.5 

Technology nnovation F\'ogram 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Baklng. Perf. Excel. Fl"og. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

CRF 55.4 60.0 60.0 60.0 

Const. & MJjor Renovatons 13.9 11.8 

Sa!. Cap. Mlint. Mli Repairs 41.5 48.2 

Total Discretionary $750.8 $857.0 $830.2 $826.0 

NNWI (Mandatory) $0.0 1.000.0 

WIN ~Mandato,y) • $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 

Tot.INlST 750.8 1,857.0 830.2 826.0 

• TM Middle Class Tax Rl"lIet <Jnd Job CrealJon Act of 2012 authOn,Zed S,300 millIOn mfunds of whICh NIST 1~ at11iClpalll'lg a COrtgrts!.lOnal Budget O!flce $GOre 01 $100 

m.fll1ln In fY 2017. The flrsl $100 million IS prO'lfde'd to NIST .tfl.r wcussM speC1f\1m I'\JctIQn of $7 2 t,,!llon or More a'1d an additIOnal $200 mlll'on WIll be allocated If 

spectrum .tlletlors ,oet Mere Irian $216 tHI~OI'l (;;.Quid lake q: l~? y~it's) 

•• The FY 2014 Requ-est IS \ln8 .... <lIlable- aI the "me OfWflbng this report 

12 
66 

VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 

National Institute of Standards and Technolob'Y 

7a, FY 2013 Appropriations 

As stated in the VCAT's 2011 Report, the veAT is strongly supportive of the President's request for NIST in FY 2013, 

and looks forward to an appropriation that will continue to support the priorities articulated, especially in the area 

of manufacturing and advanced communications. The VeAT agrees strongly with the focus on manufacturing and 

is supportive of the requested increases to the NIST laboratory programs, and believe that they will both increase 

capabilities at NIST, and create improved portnership opportunities with industry and academia, enabling NIST to 

interact more effectively across the innovation ecosystem. 

A major element of the FY 2013 request was the $1 billion to stand up the National Network for Manufacturing 

Innovation (NNMI). Over the past year, NIST, through the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office has 

engaged in significant national outreach to scope the program. The network is envisioned to bridge an existing gap 

in the US. innovation ecosystem that exists between basic research and deployment of commercial products and 

technologies. The entire network will strengthen efforts in a number of critical focus areas determined by the 

selection of IMls that complement one another and build on regional strengths. As a partnership-driven endeavor 

requiring co~investment {i.e. by institute partners from industry, economic development organizations, 

associations and educational institutions), an IMI may have a focus on such topics as a manufacturing process, an 

advanced material, an enabling technology, or an industry sector. Each IMI will initiate major activities, which 

could include: 

Applied research and demonstration projects (for example, for reducing cost/risk on commercializing new 

technologies, or solving pre-competitive industry research challenges); 

Technology integration through development of innovative methodologies and practices for supply chain 

integration; 

Engagement with small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises; and 

Education, technical skills, and workforce development at all levels. 

The VCAT believes that this program will fill an important void in the U.S. infrastructure that is supporting 

manufacturing, and hopes to see continued support for this effort. 

The VeAT is supportive of the proposed $128 million for the Manufacturing txtension Partnership (MEP) and the 

requested $21 million for AMTech_ While $21 million will be sufficient to launch the program, as previously stated, 

the veAT strongly recommends that the AMTech program be funded at a level that would enable it to have 

maximal impact. 

Over this past year, the VCAT also had the opportunity to visit the NIST facilities in Boulder, and can reaffirm the 

importance of maintaining funding for the ongoing renovation projects, as any major stoppages or delays wlllleave 

research projects in less than optimal temporary facilities, and would likely lead to significant cost increases to the 

project a5 a whole. The veAT remains concerned that the $48.2 million proposed for NISI's routine maintenance 

and repair budget is not sufficient to effectively maintain NISI's laboratory facilities, especially given the aging 

nature of the General Purpose laboratories and the significant increases in new facilities through the American 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) construction. The inability for NIST to effectively address major repair 

needs could negatively impact the safe and efficient operations of NIST, 

Because of the uncertainty in the budget process for FY 2013 and FY 2014, the continuing resolution, and the 

potential for sequestration, the VeAT has not reviewed further the budget for FY 2013 and proposals for FY 2014. 

Once clarity is available regardingthe current year budget and the President's proposal for FY 2014, the VCATwili 

review and make observations and recommendations as appropriate and report these results in an addendum to 

this aimual report. 

13 
67 

SUBMITTED BY DR. WILLIE E. MAY, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR LABORATORY

PROGRAMS, NIST 
68 

Table of Contents 

Background 

Structure of the Material Measurement Laboratory 

Planning for the Future 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

I. External Environmental Scan 

II. Current State 

III. Future State 

Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

I. Current State 

II. External Environmental Scan 

III. Future State 

Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

I. Introduction 

II. Environmental Scan 

III. Current State 

3 

4 

6 

7 

8 

16 

24 

25 

33 

35 

45 

46 

47 

48 

IV. Future State 54 

V. Ten-year Vision 58 

Appendices 64 

Appendix I: MML FY2011 Funding and Investment 65 

Summary 

Appendix II: Report Contributors and Editors 74 
69 

Background 

Material Measurement Laboratory 

Overview of Programs 

Effective October 1,2010, after 20 years with its research programs aligned largely by 

scientific disciplines, NIST reorganized its laboratory functions according to a missionbased structure consisting of four mission-based Laboratories and two National User 

Facilities as shown below: 

New Structure for NIST Laboratory Programs 

WIlli. E. May, Katherine Gobble, Shyam Sunder, CIIa Furlanl, Robert Celolta, Robert Dimeo, 

Director Director Director Director Director Director 

It was felt that such a structure will allow more day-to-day operational decisions to be 

made by the major organizational units, will improve interdisciplinary research by 

making it easier to form research groups with the needed expertise, and will provide 

greater accountability by ensuring that organizational units are responsible for all major 

products and services that meet NIST's mission authorities from the research to develop 

them to the delivery of those products and services to customers. 

Earlier, in the Spring of2010, the decision was made to eliminate the NIST Deputy 

Position and establish three Associate Director Positions as shown below: 

Page 10f76 
70 

Material Measurement Laboratory 

Overview of Programs 

New NIST Organizational Structure 

Associate Dlrector for lnnovatlon 

and Industry ~rvlces 

AssocIate Director for 

Management Resources 

Improves the efficiency and effectiveness of NIST in realizing its 

mission by: 

strengthening and stabilizing the Director's Office by establishing a 

core, senior career leadership team 

better integration of research and measurement service activities 

facilitating a stronger client-service model between the 

Management Resource Functions at NIST and the Laboratory and 

Technology programs 

In the new structure, the Material Measurement Laboratory has the responsibility tor 

serving as the national reference laboratory for measurements in the chemical, biological, 

and materials sciences through activities ranging from fundamental research in the 

composition, structure, and propeliies of industrial, biological and environmental 

materials and processes to the development and dissemination of certified reference 

materials, critically evaluated data, and other programs to assure measurement quality. 

Additionally, MML is responsible for coordinating the NIST -wide Standard Reference 

Materials and Standard Reference Data Programs. 

The Physical Measurement Laboratory is charged with realization and dissemination 

of the national standards for length, mass, time and frequency, electricity, temperature, 

force, acceleration, pressure and vacuum, flow, acoustical pressure, and microwave, 

optical and ionizing radiation by activities ranging from fundamental research in 

measurement science to provision of measurement services and standards. PML is also 

responsible for coordinating the NIST-wide Weights and Measures, Laboratory 

Accreditation, and Calibration Service Programs. 

The Engineering Laboratory develops and disseminates advanced manufacturing and 

construction technologies, guidelines, and services to the U.S. manufacturing and 

construction industries through activities including measurement science research, 

performance metrics, tools for engineering applications, and promotion of standards 

Page 2 of76 
71 

Material Measurement Laboratory 

Overview of Programs 

adoption. EL has NIST-wide responsibility for Fire research, the National Ealihquake 

Hazard Reduction Program, National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, National 

Construction Safety Team, Collaborative Manufacturing Research Pilot Program, and 

Manufacturing Fellowship Program. 

The Information Technology Laboratory develops and disseminates standards, 

measuremcnts, and testing for interoperability, security, usability, and reliability of 

information systems, including cybcrsecurity standards and guidelines for Federal 

agencies and U.S. industry, through fundamental and applied research in computer 

science, mathematics and statistics. ITL also has NIST-wide responsibility for supporting 

the Federal Information Security Management, the Health Information Technology and 

the Help America Vote Act. 

The NIST Center for Neutron Research is charged with safely and reliably operating a 

national user facility providing neutron-based measurement capabilities to U.S. 

researchers from industry, academia, NIST, and other government agencies in suppoli of 

materials research, nondestructive evaluation, neutron imaging, chemical analysis, 

neutron standards, dosimetry, and radiation metrology. 

The Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology is charged with safely and reliably 

operating a national, shared-use facility for nanoscale fabrication and measurement to 

develop innovative nanoscale measurement and fabrication capabilities and to support 

researchers from industry, academia, NIST, and other government agencies in nanoscale 

technology from discovery to production. 

Structure of the Material Measurement Laboratory 

One of the principal outcomes of the restructuring of the NIST laboratory programs has 

been the union of several divisions within the Engineering, Material Measurement, and 

Physical Measurement Laboratories. The Information Technology Laboratory and the 

User Facilities were basically unchanged in terms of composition. In a second step, each 

of these OUs was charged with the responsibility to evaluate its technical activities and 

programs and realign its structure to achieve: 

o Optimization of the alignment of organizational structure with major 

activities/program areas 

o Full integration of operational responsibility into the programs; and 

o Maximization of the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization 

As shown below, MML comprises former Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory, 

Material Science and Engineering Laboratory, and the Measurement Service Division 

from the Technology Services organization. 

Page 3 of76 
72 

Material Measurement Laboratory 

Overview of Programs 

Current Structure for Material Measurement laboratory 

Director 

WillieE. May 

Associate Director for DepUty Director Executive Officer 

Measurement Services Neil Afderoty Robert L. Watters Jr. Richard R. Cavanagh 

Information Tecltnology Services Sdentiflc:AdviSOl'$ SeniorMilnagementAcivisors 

AdministratfveOffirers Materials and Physkal Services Communications Spedallst Administrative Specialist 

Sales ,md OJstomer SelVlce:s ITSpec1alist Documentation and Quality Services Safety Program Coordinator Web, Marketing, and Data Procurement Specianst Dissemination SeIVk:eS 

I I I I I I I I I Chemical Surface and 

Biochemical and Micro- Thermo- Analytical Materials Metallurgy Biochemical physical Ceramics Polymers Science Reference analysis Properties Chemistry Reliability 

Data Science 

From TS I For the most part. 

I From CSTL all functions transferred intact 

From MSEL from CSTL. MSEL and TS-MSD 

Planning for the Future 

During the early part of FY20 11 (October-November, 2010) several models were 

explored for realignment of the structure ofMML: 

o Status Quo with minor tweaks 

o Discipline-based (with crosscutting program management structure) 

i.e., chern, bio, materials science. data and informatics, etc. 

o Competency-based (with crosscutting program management structure) 

- i.e., Composition A1easurements, Property Measurements, Structural 

Determination, Data and InformatiCS, etc. 

o Sector-based 

i.e., energy, environment, climate science, healthcare, automotive, 

forensics and homeland security, food safety and nutrition, etc. 

However, after some thought, we decided to step back a bit from our rush to realign 

MML's structure and focus our energies on establishing a vision for MML's ehemical, 

biology and materials science activities. As a first step, we assessed the scope and 

magnitude of the current programs within the new MML organization. This information 

is provide in a series of tables that follow in an Appendix, looking at our budget in terms 

of existing Divisions and Programs, and in terms sub-mission area (chern., bio, material 

science and the sectors that they serve). In addition, three teams were established to look 

Page 4 of76 
73 

Material Measurement Laboratory 

Overview of Programs 

more closely at the three areas in terms of existing activities, and what the future is likely 

to hold in those three areas where NIST is likely to be expected to provide support. 

Specifically, the teams were to consider three major components in developing a vision 

for the sub-mission area: (I) an environmental scan to assess the state of the sub-mission 

space in the world now and focus areas for the future; (2) the current state ofMML's submission space, and (3) the future state ofMML's materials science activities. The 

following three sections summarize those analyses, and once validated, the vision 

established would drive everything we do including, but not limited to, our organizational 

structure, investment priorities and staffing decisions. 

Page 5 of76 
74 

Material Measurement Laboratory 

Overview of Programs 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

Page 6 of76 
75 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

Advancing the measurement and computational sciences of biological systems will be a 

decisive factor in fulfilling the promise of the biosciences to greatly cnhance our 

economic security and quality of life. Biological systems are the foundation of all life on 

earth. The science of understanding how these systems operate and interact with one 

another (the biosciences) is increasingly imp0l1ant. As our population grows, we will 

need more efficient and sustainable ways to grow food, keep people healthy, produce 

energy, and manufacture biological drugs, therapeutics, and chemicals. These advances 

can only be realized by gaining a deeper understanding of how biological systems operate. 

The bioscience industry is expansive and is a major driver of future U.S. economic 

growth with significant impact in multiple economic sectors, including healthcare, energy, 

agriculture, security, and manufacturing. Built around the recombinant DNA technologies 

discovered in the I 970s, this sector in the U.S. has exploded. Today there are over 1,400 

biotechnology companies, of which more than 300 are publicly traded and have a 

combined market capitalization value of $41 0 billion dollars. In addition, all major 

pharmaceutical companies, who have traditionally developed small-molecule drugs, are 

increasingly focusing major resources on developing biotechnology-based large-protein 

therapeutics. 

With a reputation as the Nation's problem solver and final authority on measurements 

and standards, NIST plays a leading role in accelerating innovations in the biosciences. 

The Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) leads this role and develops and 

disseminates reference standards (reference mcthods, certified and standard reference 

materials and data) to support the accuracy of those measurements, which are used to 

make critical decisions in health care, research and the pharmaceutical industry. The 

laboratory also maintains robust programs to develop standards for numerous areas of 

laboratory medicine and molecular pathology including genetic testing, DNA sequencing, 

clinical proteomics, toxicology, immunology, and tests for serum protein disease markers 

such as prostate-specific antigen. MML's provision of state-of-the-art measurement 

science, standards, and technology assures the accuracy and comparability of biological 

measurements and stimulates development of new measurement technologies. 

I. External Environmental Scan for Biological Measnrement Science and 

Standards 

To identity and assess the measurement and standards needs of the nation, several 

sources of information in the industry areas that depend critically on biological 

measurements and standards were surveyed. These information sources include: clear 

program directives from the federal government, e.g. OSTP memoranda and 

congressional bills; stakeholder workshops; national and international meetings and 

conferences; and direct engagement with outside public and private organizations. 

Additionally, a number of roadmap and workshop reports covering different aspects of 

biological measurements and standards were reviewed and discussed to inform the 

strategic visioning conclusions. A recent example is the report from a 2008 NIST 

workshop, "Accelerating Innovation in 21 st Century Biosciences: Identifying the 

Measurement, Standards, and Technological Challenges" which developed a broad 

assessment of the state of biological measurement science and standardsl

. Other specific 

Page 70f76 
76 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

sources include documents from the National Academy ofSciences2

, 3, National Science 

and Technology Council4

, Office of Science and Technology Polici, World Technology 

Evaluation Center, Inc.\ previous NIST stakeholder workshops7, and other communitydriven roadmapping exerciscs 8, 9,10, II • 

Broadly stated, the field ofbioscicnce can be considered as thc science of understanding 

how biological systems operate and interact with one another. The knowledge generated 

by this field can be used for applications ranging from the curing of human disease to 

production of energy. The enterprise of bioscience is founded on measurements of 

individual biological molecules and biological systems, or their response to perturbations 

(environment, synthetic materials, devices, etc.). 

II. Current State of Biological Measurement Science and Standards Activities in 

MML 

lI.a. Scope 

The MML's leading role in the biosciences is to develop, provide and advance the 

necessary measurement infrastructure - methods, reference materials, reference data, 

technologies and models - to enable accurate, comparable, and reliable measurement of 

biological molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, etc.), systems (viruses, 

bacteria, cells and tissues), materials (therapeutics, drug delivery platforms, and 

biomaterials), and devices designed to interact with biological systems. Measured 

properties include: 

Molecular structure, 

Chemical composition, 

Amounts of substances 

Concentration in matrices, 

Biological function and biological response (phcnotype), 

Biological activity, and 

Intermolecular interactions in biological systems 

In addition, MML supports fundamental research in biological measurement science to 

address and serve current and projected measurement needs of this rapidly expanding 

field. 

II.b. Fiscal Profile 

In FYll, MML had a total appropriation of ~$100M, with one-fifth of the total 

appropriation, $20M, targeted specifically to biological measurement science and 

standards activities (defined as the total STRS bioscience allocation). Of the total STRS 

bioscience allocation, ~85-90% was targeted to the biomedical and health industries, 

while the remaining supported four other sectors: Security, Safety and Forensics; Energy; 

Environment and Climate; and Advanced Materials. Additionally, significant other 

agency support, ~$5M, was used to serve the measurcment needs of the bioscience 

community in areas of forensics, biosccurity and healthcare. Other agency funding was 

obtained primarily from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, 

and the Department of Health and Human Services. Tn addition to MML appropriated 

Page 8 of76 
77 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

funds and other agency funds, -$2.7 M was obtained from thc NIST working capital fund 

to develop and produce SRMs for the biosciences community (combined Standard 

Reference Material (SRM) and Standards Development (SO) funds). For example, MML 

maintains reference materials for over 30 analytes measured by chemistry-based clinical 

tests. 

II.c. Current Activities in Support of Customer Needs 

The biological measuremcnt science and standards activities within MML and NTST have 

grown in the past five years through both increased investment of existing MML 

resources into biologic drug manufacturing and genomic sequencing, as wcll as a result 

of budget initiatives targeted toward bioimaging, laboratory medicine (genetic testing, 

molecular pathology and individual blood protein biomarker analysis). Additionally, 

there have been budget increases in areas that benefit from biological measurement 

science such as environmental, health, and safety issues of nanotechnology. While these 

areas have experienced targeted growth, the current portfolio for MML is much broader 

and has been developed from continuous assessment of customer needs, which we 

highlight below. 

NIST customers in the biological measurement science area are from the federal 

government, industry and academia. The greatest demands come from the industrial 

community that provides medical and diagnostic equipment and tests where the impacts 

of biological measurements play out in life and death decisions that arc made every day 

by physicians. Additionally, representatives from several other large industrial sectors 

including energy, environment, agriculture, and biopharrnaceutical/biomanufacturing 

expressed critical needs for biological measurement science, standards, and infrastructure 

to support their current and next generation of products and services. As stated 

previously, the needs from these sectors were gathered, organized and compiled into a 

NIST Special Publication I. 

The Depaliment of Commerce publishes annually a U.S. Industry Expoliers' List. From 

this list, the industry sectors that are most profoundly impactcd by bioscience 

measurements are the following: (I) Agriculture; (2) Environmental and Energy; (3) 

Food/Food Processing; (4) Medical/Scientific Products and Equipment; and (5) Safety 

and Security. The current needs from these sectors and their associated industries that 

fall under the purview of the NIST mission are described brief1y below. In the process of 

developing the list of current needs, NIST activities were mapped onto each of the sectors. 

Some examples of current NIST activities are provided as 'NIST examples'. This section 

is meant to be a survey of all of the areas in biomeasurements that customers perform and 

examples of what could be done, Le., in some cases we carry a heavy work load and in 

others we are not. For the most complete picture of what MML is doing know is 

provided in fiscal profile (Section Il.b). 

Agriculture Sector 

Animal and crop improvement - Standards, methods, and technologies to support 

measurements for animal breeding, or monitoring natural or genetically engineered 

Page 9 of76 
78 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

terrestrial food sources. NIST example: Methods for detecting genetically modified 

organisms in food using genetic markers 

Aquaculture - Standards and methods to suppOtt measurements related to the farming of 

fresh water and marine aquatic organisms for food production. NIST example: Methods 

to study virus affecting salmon populations in aquaculture 

Environmental and Energy Sector 

Event monitoring and bioremediation - Standards, data, and methods to support 

measurements made for the analysis oftoxins!pollutants acutely or chronically released 

into ecosystems; and methods used for removing them. NIST example: Reference 

materials for accurate assessment of exposure to toxic elements and anions. 

Monitoring ecosystem health and safety - Standards, data, and methods to support 

measurements made for the analysis of adverse affects of environmental insults (chemical, 

nanoparticle, climate change) on ecosystems. NIST examples: environmental biomarker 

measurements, and toxin quantitation. 

Toxicology - Standards, data, and methods in support of measurements on living 

organisms to discover toxicological mechanisms or perform health assessments on 

potential environmental toxins. NIST example: measuring biological damage caused by 

environmental agents 

Nano EHS - Standards, data, and methods needed to assess the physical properties of 

nanoparticles to underpin environmental, health, and safety (EHS) studies of 

nanomaterials, particularly mechanisms of biological interaction with nanomaterials. 

NIST example: Gold nanoparticle reference materials. 

Bioenergy - Standards, data, and methods in support of measurements for discovery, 

development, manufacturing, and deployment of combustible fuels produced by or 

extracted from biological organisms. NIST example: Standard reference database for 

thermophysical properties of biofuels. 

Food / Food Processing Sector 

Food safety and quality - Standards, data and methods to support measurements to 

insure quality and safety of products consumed for largely nutritional purposes including 

methods for infectious disease and allergen testing. NIST example: Reference standards 

and procotols for high throughput sequencing for rapid detection of bacterial 

contaminants in food. 

Genetic surveillance - Standards, data and methods to support measurements conducted 

to determine the genetic identity or the presence of a genetic marker or trait in food seeds, 

IVF materials or whole organisms. NIST example: methods to measure genetic markers 

associated with genetically modified organisms. 

Medical! Scientific Products and Equipment Sector 

Page 10 of76 
79 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

Diagnostics 

• Laboratory medicine test discovery, development, manufacturing and useStandards, data and methods to support measurements used to discover, detect, 

quantitate or identify biochemicals, proteins, bacteria, viruses, or cells in humans 

for diagnostic, predictive or prognostic purposes (blood chemistry, urinalysis, 

immunodiagnostics, biological activity assays, cell counting/identification). NIST 

example: Reference methods and materials to support accuracy of cholesterol 

measurement in serum 

• Imaging diagnostics - Standards, data, and methods to support measurements 

made for discovery, development or manufacturing of imaging of gross 

anatomical structures (photography, CT, MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, nuclear 

medicine, mammography, etc); includes discovery, development and use of 

contrast or image enhancement reagents. NIST example: phantoms for medical 

imaging to enable comparisons of image states at different times and on different 

instruments 

• Molecular pathology - Standards, data and methods to support biomarker 

discovery, and disease identification, staging, prognostication. NIST example: 

Huntington's disease DNA SRM 

• Physical measurements - Calibrations and new technologies that support 

measurement of blood pressure, blood gases, respiratory gas measurements, and 

other physical measurements of biological systems. Example: temperature 

calibrations for PCR reactions, vaccine stabilization, etc. NIST example: Pulse 

oximetry standards. 

DruglPharmaceutical- Measurements, standards, data, and methods to support the 

research, discovery, development, manufacturing, and regulatory approval of small 

molecule and biologic drugs such as protein, nucleic acid and vaccines. NIST example: 

Protein particulate standards to accurately quantify aggregates in biologics. 

Non drug therapeutics 

• Tissue engineering - Standards, data, and methods to support measurements used 

to characterize cells and biomaterials for use as tissue engineering/regenerative 

medicine therapeutics. NIST examplc: 3D tissue scaffold reference materials. 

• Dental materials- Standards, data, and mcthods to support measurements used to 

characterize, develop, or manufacture dental restorative materials with improved 

clinical performance. NIST example: redesigned tensometer for more scnsitive 

mcasurement of stress development in dental materials. 

• Cell-based therapeutics - Standards, data, and methods to support measurements 

used to characterize cells for use as therapeutics. Example: live cell microscopy 

of cell phenotype. NIST example: molecular tools to verify cell phenotype. 

• Gene therapies - Standards, data, and new methods to support measurements 

used to determine the safety and effectiveness of genes and genetic materials for 

therapeutic purposes. NIST example: Standards to support sequence verification 

for gene therapy constructs for clinical use 

• Vaccines - Standards for use in the development, manufacturing and delivery of 

prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines these are orally- or parenterally-delivered 

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80 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

preparations designed to induce or alter an immune response. NIST 

example: Calibrations of thermometers used in refrigerators to store labile 

vaccine preparations (HIN 1 flu). 

Medical devices (non-diagnostic) - Measurement science, standards, data, and methods 

to support the research, development, and manufacturing of medical devices for diagnosis, 

therapy, or surgery. NIST example: Standards for particle flow through surgical masks 

Life sciences research - Standards, data, methods, and technologies to support 

measurements used to discover, develop, manufacture and maintain reagents and 

instrumentation that can be used for a wide variety of applications across the biosciences. 

NIST example: Microfluidic platfonns for single cell analysis 

Bioinformatics - Tools for processing of data derived from experiments on biological 

systems; developing tools for storage, annotation, dissemination and analysis of this data; 

combining data acquired from analytical devices with available relevant infonnation, 

with the objective of deriving meaningful results of direct value to customers. NIST 

example: "Performance Metrics for Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry 

Systems in Proteomics Analyses" and "Peptide Fragmentation Library" 

(http://peptide.nist.gov ) 

Biomanufacturing and bioengineering - Standards, data and methods to support the 

research, development, and manufacturing of industrial non-medical biochemical 

products by synthetic methods, cell based systems, or purification from natural sources. 

NIST example: Higher order structure analysis of therapeutic biologic proteins - posttranslational modifications and 3-D structure 

Safety and Security Sector 

Human identification / molecular biometrics - Standards, data and methods to support 

measurements made on biomolecules for detennining the identity of people for routine 

identification and for forensics. NIST example: Human DNA Quantitation Standard 

CBRNE threat detection - Standards, data and methods to support mcasurements 

performed on biomolecules or biosystems for detection, identification, remediation or 

impact assessment of chemicals, bioorganisms, toxins, radiologic, nuclear or other 

environments threats purposely delivered. NIST example: Documentary standards for 

sample collection in case of biothreat. 

Biothreat agent remediation - Standards, data and new methods to support 

measurements for discovery and development of non-phannaceutical disinfectants for 

control of infectious agents, both naturally occurring and terrorism related. NIST 

example: Methods to reduce biofilm formation in contaminated water systems. 

II.d. Skill Sets, Expertise, and Capabilities 

NIST possesses expertise in the biosciences as well as expertise in several other 

disciplines including chemistry, materials science, physics, computer science, and 

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81 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

mathematics that also support our efforts in biological measurement science. NIST also 

has significant unique expertise in reference materials, reference data, calibrations, and 

documentary standards. These core areas of cxpertise, along with our considerable 

measurement capabilities and advanced facilities, allow NIST to address critical needs of 

our customers and the Nation in the bioscience area. In addition, MML's knowledge of 

the current and emerging technologies that are important to the biosciences enable MML 

to serve its customers even more so. 

Our core capabilities and expertise in the biological sciences can be organized into 

biological measurement targets that are either molecular in nature (e.g. proteins) or 

complex systems (e.g. cells) as shown in Table I. Infonnatics is cross-cutting to all of 

the measurement targets. 

Table 1. Core Capabilities and Expertise Aligned with Biological Measurement 

Targets 

II.e. Facilities and Equipment 

State-of-the-art facilities and equipment are essential to the capabilities ofNIST to 

develop and deliver precision, validated bioscience measurement tools, reference 

materials, data, and advanced technologies. NIST currently has facilities and equipment 

to perfonn bioscience measurementsof biological and bioactive small molecules, proteins, 

nucleic acids, molecular complexes, cells, tissues, and biomaterials. These include 

instrumentation and capabilities for sequence, structure, composition and activity analysis 

of biomolecules; cellular and tissue imaging and dynamic response; nanofabrication 

and microfluidic engineering; and computational resources for modeling, data analysis 

and archiving. NIST is also equipped with specialized facilities for specimen banking, 

cell culturing and fermentation, as well as certified laboratories for BSL-2 level work. 

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Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

NIST's two user facilities in neutron sciencc (NCNR) and nanofabrication (CNST) also 

have capabilities and instruments to support bioscience measurements. A summary 

outline of the specialized facilities and equipment for bioscience measurements is 

provided in Table 2. 

Table 2. 

Atomic 

Mass Spectrometry and Specialized Data Analysis 

Software for Proteins, Peptides and Metabolites: 

Ion Trap/Orbitrap Hybrids; MALDI-TOF; Q-TOF; 

GC/MS; GCltandem MS; LC/MS; LCITandem 

MS; Quadruple GC/MS; GC/MS-MS and 

Magnetic Sector GC/MS; Triple Quad. ESLC/MS; and Linear Ion Trap ES LC/MS-MS; 

. GCxGCTOF 

NMR Spectrometers (300 MHz wide bore so 

state NMR; 600 MHz NMR with multinuclear 

broadband probe; 600 MHz NMR (Boulder) with 

multinuclear broadband cryoprobe, Diffusion and 

HR-MAS probe accessories 

FTlR, Near IR laser, Raman & broadband 

frequency systems; Broadband CARS microscope 

Hollings Facility (HML): 700 MHz and 

MHz NMRs with LC/MSINMR accessory and 

HR-MAS probe); 

Keck Center for Biomolecular NMR (IBBR): 900 

MHz, 600 MHz, and 500 MHz NMRs with 

cryoprobe accessories; 

Super-resolution chemical imaging and laser 

scanning confocal microscope, optical coherence 

X-ray photoelectron spectrometer 

X -ray fluorescence facility 

Bio-speclmen bank (HML) - cryostorage, 

cryogenic grinding/sample preparation and largescale freeze 

Page 14 of76 

Biologic and bioactive molecules 

identity and structure; cellular and 

biomaterials composition (2-D and 

3-D mapping) and structure 

Biologic and bioactive molecules, 

protein, and nucleic acid identity 

and composition 

Biologic and bioactive molecules, 

protein, and nucleic acid identity, 

composition, and molecular 

interactions 

Biologic and bioactive molecules, 

protein, and nucleic acid identity, 

composition, structure, and 

molecular interactions; cellular and 

biomaterials 

Biologic mo 

protein, and nucleic acid identity, 

composition, and molecular 

interactions 

Biomaterials composition 

Cellular and biomaterials 

Cell and tissue preservation 
83 

Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

Specialized Facilities and Eqnipment Supported Core Capabilities 

Atom probe, Dynamic SIMS; Cellular and biomaterials 

Electron microscopes (Titan) composition (2-D and 3-D 

mapping), structure 

Flow Cytometry Instrumentation; Cellular metabolic and molecular 

Live cell imaging facility with fluorescence phenotype 

microscopes equipped with incubation chambers 

with temperature and atmosphere controls; 

BSL-2 laboratories for cell and bacterial culture, 

assays 

SPR facility for imaging dynamic interactions Cellular metabolic and molecular 

between cells and extracellular matrix and phenotype; biologic and bioactive 

studying protein-protein interactions molecules, protein and nucleic acid 

molecular interactions 

3D Tissue scaffold fabrication and testing Cellular metabolic and molecular 

phenotype; biomaterials structure, 

properties, and composition 

CNST Nanofabrication; Devices to support: Biologic and 

Microfluidic device manufacture facility bioactive molecules, protein, and 

nucleic acid, and cellular identity, 

composition, structure, and 

molecular interactions 

Computational Chemistry Facilities at NIST Models to support: Biologic and 

bioactive molecules, protein, and 

nucleic acid, and cellular identity, 

composition, structure, and 

molecular interactions 

BioMark Digital PCR Instrument (Fluidigm); Nucleic acid sequence 

SOliD "Next Gen" Sequencer (Applied 

Biosystems); 

DNA analysis facility for human/plant/clinical 

identification with genetic analyzers for DNA 

sequencing and genotyping, plus QPCR and QRTPCR instruments 

Nanocalorimeter!calorimetcrs (DSC, ITSC) Protein and nucleic acid 

composition and structure 

Biomolecular Labeling Facility (JBBR) - Protein and nucleic acid structure 

biofermentation, biochemical/ chemical synthesis, and molecular interactions 

stable isotope labeling of proteins and other 

biomolecules 

Small-angle and Ultra-small angle X-ray Protein and nucleic acid structure 

Scattering and molecular interactions; 

biomaterials structure 

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Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

Specialized Facilities and Eqnipment Snpported Core Capabilities 

NCNR - small angle ncutron scattering (SANS, Protein and nucleic acid structure, 

Reflectometry, inelastic neutron scattering, and dynamics, and molecular 

diffraction) interactions; biomaterials structure 

Keck Center for Macromolecular Crystallography Protein and nucleic structure and 

(IBBR): two X-ray rotating anode X-ray molecular interactions 

generators and three detectors 

Circular Dichroism Spectrometer Protein structure 

Asymmetric Field Flow Fractionation/Multi-angle Protein, nucleic acid, and cellular 

Laser Light Scattering Instrument; Dynamic structure and molecular interactions 

microscopy and light obscuration particle counters; 

analytical ultracentrifuge 

III. Fnture Statc of Biological Measnrement Science and Standards Activitics in 

MML 

UI.a. Cnstomers - Measurements, Standards, and Data Projected Future Needs 

In Section II.c the measurements, standards, and data needs of the industrial sectors that 

are currently most affected by bioscience measurements were described. Following 

extensive intelligence gathering from and dialogue with this community, the following 

areas described below are most likely to require MML expertise in order to advance new 

biotechnology products and services at the rate required to move the field forward. The 

anticipated future measurement needs in thesc sectors/associated industries are described. 

Agriculture Sector aud Food / Food Processing Sector 

As the world population increases and land becomes scarcer, there will be constantly 

increasing pressure on agriculture and aquaculture to find creative ways to provide 

affordable, safe and nutritious foods. The future chaHcnge in this sector will be to meet 

the rising demands of the world's popUlation by improving the way we grow, produce 

and protect our agricultural products. Increasing crop yield, monitoring yield and quality, 

monitoring environmental components that impact growth (microbial species in soil, 

algal blooms in the sea), developing methods to improve and monitor the use of key 

resources, and promoting sustainable agriculture will all be critical to securing a future 

where these demands are met. As a result, the field will require the development of new 

analytical tools and technologies that are not currently available for effectively and 

accurately measuring chemical and biochemical composition of plants, animals, soils, 

and water. As these new biological measurement methods and technologies (genomics, 

proteomics, metabolomics etc) are used in the development and management of better 

crops, advanced computational tools will be also be required to deal with the complexity 

of data analysis, management, representation and visualization. To respond to these 

needs, NIST should be prepared to support the emerging "-omics" measurement 

platforms by developing: (I) appropriate reference materials and reference methods to 

support highly multiplexed assays of proteins, nucleic acids, small molecule analytes; and 

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Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

(2) new bioinfonnatics/biocomputing tools to collect, analyze and interpret the results of 

these assays to support the agriculturc sector. 

Environmental and Energy Sector 

Energy 

In the future, there will continue to be an emphasis on obtaining energy from biological 

sources such as new technologies for the production of altemative biofuels from 

biological feedstocks through the breakdown of cellulosic material. Two critical needs 

that will likely grow are: (1) new standard reference data and rcference materials for 

bioenergy process design, optimization, and policy to ensure customer acceptance, 

comparability of products, and quality assurance; and (2) new measurements for the 

mechanisms of the breakdown of cellulosic feedstock materials to enable innovations and 

improvements on the interactions of enzymes with cellulosic materials. 

Environment 

In the future, stewardship over the environment will require measurements and systems 

to monitor and track changes in environmental factors such as quantitative levels of 

toxins, pathogens, biodiversity, or pollutants; genetic profiles of pathogens and microbes; 

and human exposures and health effects. There are several measurement issues that need 

to be addressed including: (1) validated biomarkers to provide robust tools to diagnose 

the environment (e.g. genomics, proteomics, metabolomics of sensitive species); (2) rapid, 

high throughput assays and diagnostics tools for enhanced bioremediation strategies and 

preventive technologies; and (3) tools to enable greater interoperability of data sets, 

bioinfonnatics, and systems level integration. Together, the field will be able to move 

beyond simple live/dead tests and towards a deeper mechanistic perspective of systems as 

complex as the environment. 

Medical/Scientific Products and Equipment Seetor 

Laboratory medicine 

Related to the diagnostics industry, it is anticipated that there will be signifieant growth 

in the measurement needs of the laboratory medicine and molecular pathology 

communities. With respect to laboratory medicine, the U.S. clinieal diagnostic testing 

market is estimated to be $45B provided by ~5200 medical laboratories (commercial 

clinical, hospital-affiliated, and physician-office laboratories) that report results from 

over 700 routinely-performed tests to physicians. Strategically, NIST must balance its 

portfolio against the need to support these current tests (which are often of minimal 

clinical utility when used in isolation) or focus on developing the underpinning 

measurement science required for industry to make the leap to mUltiplex testing for 

acquisition and analysis of disease signatures. Disease signatures are already showing 

great promise for diagnosing and managing patients with chronic diseases. 

With respect to the molecular pathology industry, tests to determine the identity, quantity 

and location of proteins and nucleic acid sequences in diseased cells are becoming 

increasingly powerful and actionable tools in medicine. Physicians use molecular 

pathology results to make rapid and personalized treatment decisions based on data from 

excised tumors expressing certain tumor biomarkers. False negative and false positive 

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Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

results have profound effects on patient outcomes when the wrong drug decision is made 

based upon these results. Molecular pathology biomarker standards are strategically 

important opportunities for NIST because the work we would perform to improve the 

testing would have profound and direct effects on patient outcomes. 

Biologic therapeutics and vaccines 

Biologic protein therapeutics and vaccines are increasingly used to treat or prevent many 

lifc threatening diseases and represent the primary driver for growth of the 

pharmaceutical industry. These products currently represent 30% of all drug pipeline 

research and it is estimated that 50 out of the top 100 drugs will be biopharmaceuticals by 

2014. Biologic drugs are currently dominated by protein therapeutics, but substantial 

growth is also anticipated for vaccines, peptides, nucleic acids, and various combination 

products. Common to all these therapeutics is their structural complexity and the 

inability of the current state of measurement science to rigorously define thcse products. 

Measurement gaps remain in detennining three-dimensional structure, post-translational 

modifications, and aggregation, all important factors that influence drug efficacy and 

safety. Measurement barriers also contribute to high product development and 

manufacturing costs, poor understanding of process and product variability, and the 

inability to develop lower cost generic versions known as biosimilars. NIST can play an 

important role in this area by developing the measuremcnt science, reference data, and 

standards to support manufacturing and rcgulatory approval of biologic drugs. NIST is 

working closely with industry, the FDA, academia, and other standards organizations to 

identify high priority measurement needs and to develop relevant, strategically focused 

metrology programs for maximal impact. 

Regenerative medicine 

There remain intense needs in the development of methods, materials, and strategies for 

regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, including cell-base therapies. In the future, 

it has been recognized (MATES road map) that progress will require 1) measurements and 

investigation of the cell/material interactions in three-dimensional space rather than 

traditional cell culture plates; 2) tools able to provide enhanced information about cell 

differentiation pathways and mechanisms; 3) advanced imaging methods, including the 

identification and validation of biomarkers and assays, to assess the quality of cell 

response over many length scales; 4) improved computational and modeling tools 

focused on enabling predictive design and improvements of proposed technologies, and 

5) measurements and standards to enable scale-up and translation of regen erativelt issue 

engineering products through validation, safety, and control. To meet these needs, NIST 

should keep pace with the rapid rate of progress in the sophistication of the new materials 

concepts (3D structure, controlled chemistry, growth factors, bioreactor process design), 

measurements of cell proliferation and differentiation, including enhanced mechanistic 

measurements of cell response, and the increasing use of powerful methods such as 

genome sequencing and metabolomics. 

The issues for dental materials are similar to those in regenerative medicine and tissue 

engineering. The differences lie in 1) the additional need for measurements and 

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Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

validation of microbial, biofilm interactions with the dental restorative material; 2) 

greater emphasis on mechanical performance and modeling within the oral environment 

(complicated system) and 3) greater emphasis on the chemistry, dimensional stability, 

and adhesive properties of the restorative material, especially with respect to an increased 

attention to the addition of functional properties (e.g. antimicrobial) to the material. 

Gene therapies 

Gene therapy is the replacement of a defective or maladaptive gene that is responsible for 

some monogenic disease or inducing production of a therapeutic protein. New forms of 

nucleic acid-based therapeutics are emerging that appear to be safe and effective. 

According to representatives from the diagnostic industry who attended a 2008 workshop 

hosted by the Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine, certain 

measurement issues are interfering with the speed of innovation. For example, one of 

these new therapeutic modalities is small interfering RNA (siRNA), a drug that, once 

injected into cells, inhibits gene expression. siRNA represents a unique measurement 

challenge because of its size and difficulty to sequence. Measurement science, standards, 

technology, and measurement services are needed for determination of siRNA parameters 

such as size, sequence, distribution once injected and concentration inside targeted cells. 

Other factors are the identification, selection, and validation of delivery of the therapeutic 

gene to the right cells at the right time. The gene must be delivered without inducing an 

immune response or change into a pathogenic form. There are also measurement needs 

related to the efficacy of the gene delivery, intermolecular interactions within the delivery 

mechanisms and within tissues and cells, and the safety of any given treatment. 

Medical deviees 

The medical devices area is one of the fastest growing in the life sciences with annual 

revenues approaching $300 billion and current annual growth rates of nearly 15%. One 

trend in this area is the convergence of medical device products with therapeutic-related 

technologies with examples such as drug eluting stents or the integration of cellular 

products with synthetic material scaffolds. NlST can playa role here by developing 

reference materials and data to support measurement ofthe composition of the biological 

or material components of devices. Another area of growth will likely be the 

development of highly miniaturized biosensors and other medical devices integrated with 

mobile communication devices such as smart phones for remote, automatic collection, 

recording, and reporting of patient health data. The vision for these so-called 

"anticipatory medical devices" is to detect patient abnormalities such as high cholesterol 

or low blood sugar and correct them before the appearance of any noticeable symptoms. 

NIST can support this area through development of reference materials and data to aid in 

characterization of device components, calibration of devices, and their manufacturing. 

NlST can also playa role in the development of nonnative data and communication 

standards and protocols to enable compatible communications platform and interoperable 

medical devices. 

Bioinformatics 

Enormous quantities of data are being generated from biological samples by cUlTent highthroughput, multiplex technologies based on molecular-level physical and chemical 

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Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

measurements. Moreover, further increases in data volume are expected with advances in 

instrumentation. With this explosion of data, the extraction of biological information is 

increasingly hindering progress, Icading to increases in both false negative (missed 

analytes) and false positive (erroneous identifications or quantification) results. While 

analysis of the underlying physical and chemical data has long been an area of expertise 

at NIST, analysis of these huge volumes of data containing information for hundreds or 

thousands of components and the separation of biological information from artifacts is an 

area new to NIST and in dire need of new expertise. In particular, extension ofNIST 

Standard Reference Matcrials to include biological samples and measurements ofthcir 

composition and stability require extensive use ofthesc ncw technologies - such analysis 

will require specialists in the area of data analysis and applied statistics. Also, such 

expertise is essential to properly store, visualize and disseminate such data and to 

understand the needs of customers who require such biological materials. 

Industrial biotechnology 

Industrial biotechnology is the application of genomic, proteomic and bioinformatic tools 

to produce fuels, industrial raw materials, intermediates and consumer goods. Some 

examples of industrial biotechnology include the production of biofuels from biomass 

such as cellulose, and production of synthetic fibers for clothing by fermentation from 

corn starch. Industrial biotechnology is expected to grow dramatically in the coming 

decade. For example, it is estimated that nearly 20% of the US chemical market uses 

biotechnology related processes. Also, there are more than 30 existing and planned 

cellulosic biorefineries set to begin production ofbiofuels within the next few years. 

NIST can support industrial biotechnology by developing the underpinning measurement 

science, reference data, and standards to support improved characterization of genetically 

modified proteins or organisms used as production systems, their associated biological 

activity, and the products that these technologies produce. 

Safety and Security Sector 

In the field ofbiosafety and biosecurity, the following steps are critical following a 

biological threat: (1) detection of an event; (2) cleanup and determination of the 

effectiveness of cleanup after an event; (3) identification ofbiothreat agent or material; 

and (4) identification of the source of the material. While several technology platforms 

are being developed (and a few deployed in the field) that are PeR-based, most of the 

laboratory confirmatory tests for bacteria are still traditional 'plate-based' culture. The 

future of biosecurity will include many more molecular based methods employing new 

genomics and proteomics technologies that will provide quicker determination and 

confirmation of the presence of a biological threat agent or material. Additionally, new 

assay methods will be developed and deployed that will be validated for field-use to meet 

the demands of the responder community. Finally, future technologies may not only be 

limited to the identification of a single type of agent (bacteria) but will also be able to 

simultaneously identify and classify other biological threats including viruses and protein 

toxins. These new assays and technologies will require appropriate measurement 

infrastructure (standards, data, and methods) to ensure the results are valid for critical 

public health decisions. 

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Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

III.h. Projected Skill Sets, Expertise, and Capabilities Needed 

Regarding future measurement science in the biosciences, across all sectors it is projected 

that there will be large growth in the genomics and proteomics areas for which there are 

numerous applications ranging from microbial identification for food safety to human 

identification for forensics. In every sector described above, the scientific direction is 

moving rapidly away from reductionistic research approaches where scientists will study 

a few proteins or genes and try to draw conclusions on whole organisms. Scientists are 

embracing systems biology approaches to identify complex multimolecular signatures of 

health and disease in plants, animals, microbes and ecosystems. This requires 

simultaneous real-time measurements of thousands ofbiomolecules and presents unique 

measurement challenges for which MML needs to bc capable of addressing. Therefore, 

large growth is anticipated for multianalyte, multiparameter, and systems tcchnology 

platforms and imaging platforms that will perform highly multiplexed and 

multicomponent biomolecular measurements for applications such as personalized 

medicine. Thus, MML will require increased biological computation and informatics 

tools and methods to handle, store, process, and interprct massive amounts of data. 

Finally, there will also be a demand for new approaches to gather more complete 

infonnation from complex biological systems to enable molecular and mechanistic 

understanding of these systems. The continued prioritization of the understanding of 

complex biological systems has been articulated at the highest levels of the federal 

government in the OSTP/OMB Updated Administration Research and Development 

Priorities Memo since 2004. 

Other specific areas of bioscience research that are anticipated to experience significant 

growth in the coming years include biological therapeutics (including protein therapeutics, 

nanotherapeutics, cell therapies, and vaccines); microbial identification for food safety, 

environment, human health; and improvements in biomanufacturing processes. 

To address future needs where there will be large growth in the areas of genomics and 

proteomics technologies, we anticipatc the need for focused internal growth in these areas 

as well as in the area ofbioinformatics, computation biology, and systems/network 

analysis to support these efforts. Additionally, advanced imaging capabilities, both 

whole body and molecular, are needed to address systems measurements in relevant 

biological systems. Table 3 provides a description of some specific areas that should 

expand to meet future needs in the bioscience area. In acquiring new expertise and 

capabilities to meet future demands, we acknowledge the need to develop key strategic 

partnerships that can complement our internal resources and drive the fundamental 

biology questions to better serve our industry and public customer needs. 

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Biological Measurement Science and Standards 

Table 3. Projected growth areas for the biosciences and expertise/capabilities 

ddt II tth 

Growth Area Skill sets, expertise, capabilities Sectors Affected 

needed 

Genomics and 

proteomics 

Novel Therapeutics 

Microbial analysis 

Molecular Imaging 

Affinity based measurements 

Advanced Sequencing 

Mass spectrometry 

NMR 

Glycoprotein analysis 

Immunology 

Network analysis 

Bioinfonnatics/biocomputing 

Imaging (whole body and 

molecular) 

Mass spectrometry 

NMR 

Sequencing 

Bioinformaticslbiocomputing 

Imaging 

Sequencing 

Bioinformatics/biocomputing 

III.c. Projected Facilities and Equipment Needs 

- Agriculture Sector 

-Food /Food 

Processing 

- Environment! 

Energy 

- Medical I Scientific 

Products and 

Equipment 

- Safety and Security 

- Medical/Scientific 

Products and 

Equipment 

- Safety and Sccurity 

Agriculture 

- Food I Food 

Processing 

- Environment! 

Energy 

- Medical I Scientific 

Products and 

Equipment 

- Safety and Security 

The projectcd facilities and equipment needs for MML are aligned with the need to 

improve our expertise and capabilities in key areas including genomics and proteomics, 

novel therapeutics and microbial analysis. These include: 

• New mass spectrometry imaging instrumentation 

• New proteomics instrumentation 

• Expanded super resolution microscopy systems 

• Newly developed 'next' technology sequencing platfol1ns 

• Newly developed protein production pilot plant 

• Expanded biocomputing/bioinfonnatics and data storage/archiving center 

• Expanded central cell facilities and biospecimen facilities 

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1 Accelerating Innovation in the 21 st Century Biosciences (2008), NIST Special 

Publication 903034 

2 A New Biology for the 21 5t Century (2009), National Academy of Sciences Report, 

http://www.naR.edu/catalog.php?record id= 12764 

3 Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences (2010), National 

Academy of Sciences Report, http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record id= 12809 

4 Advancing Tissue Science and Engineering- A Multi-Agency Strategic Plan, 

Multiagency Tissue Enginecring Science Interagency Working Group Report (2007) 

http://www.tissueengineering.gov/welcome-s.htm 

5 MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND 

AGENCIES - FROM: Peter R. Orszag, Director, Office of Management and Budget and 

John P. Holdren, Director, Office of Science Technology Policy 

http://www. whitehouse.gov/sites/defaultlfiles/omb/assets/memoranda 20 101m 1 0-30.pdf 

6 International Research and Development in Systems Biology (2005), World 

Technology Evaluation Group Inc, 

http://www.wtec.orglsysbio/reportiSystemsBiology.pdf 

7 Strategy for Health Care through Bio and Information Standards and Technologies 

Conference - Report from NIST Conference Held September 24-25,2007, 

http://www.ieeeusa.orglvolunteers/committees/mtpc/documents/BioeconomicsConferenc 

eReportFinalAug2008 OOO.pdf. 

8 "2010 Panel on the Biomaterials Grand Challenges", William Reichert, et.a!. 

Source: JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A Volume: 

96A Issue: 2 Pages: 275-287 Published: FEB 2011. 

9 "Twenty-first century challenges for biomaterials," Larry L. Hench, Ian Thompson, 

Source: JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOClETY INTERFACE Volume: 7 Pages: 

S379-S391 Supplement: Supp!. 4 Published: AUG 6 2010. 

to "Bioreactor-based roadmap for the translation of tissue engineering strategies into 

clinical products," Martin, Ivan; Smith, Timothy; Wendt, David, Source: Trends in 

Biotechnology, v 27, n 9, p 495-502, September 2009. 

II 2011 iNEMI Roadmap, including Medical Devices, 

http://www.inemLorg/cms/roadmapping/2011 Roadmap.html 

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Material Measurement Laboratory 

Overview of Programs 

Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

The U.S. chemical industry is one of America's top exporters, with $145 billion in annual 

exports accounting for more than \ 0 cents of every dollar in total U.S. merchandise 

exports. Moreover, it is one of America's largest industries and produces annual output 

worth in excess of $674 billion; this revenue creates jobs for more than five million 

Americans and is a vital part of our economy, comprising about 2% of our gross domestic 

product. 

The Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) supports this industry via research in 

chemical measurement science and the provision of tools, data, models, and information 

that the industry needs to compete, innovate, and thrive in a high-tech, interconnected 

world. These tools include methods, reference materials, and reference data to support 

measurements traceable to the SI or other internationally recognized stated references for 

the identification, quantification, and spatial and temporal examination of chemical 

species. The provision of reference chemical, thermophysical, and kinetic property data, 

models, and infonnation is essential for the chemical, chemical engineering, and related 

technology sectors. These outputs help ensure traceability offield measurements to 

reliable, world-recognized standards and ultimately contribute to advancing, 

disseminating, and applying chemical structure, function, and application knowledge for 

improving the quality of life and communicating the excitement of chemistry to the 

public. MML does this by strengthening partnerships within the chemical, industrial, 

environmental, and agricultural communities; growing in-house knowledge of 

interdisciplinary chemistry-related fields including materials, biology, marine science, 

healthcare, and informatics; and by informing stakeholders in the federal and private 

sectors of MML 's broad array of capabilities and strengths in the chemical measurement 

science arena. 

I. Current State orthe Chemical Measurement Science and Standards at NIST 

The MML chemical measurement science function includes fundamental and applied 

research in chemical metrology, development of chemical measurement methods, and 

investigations of the phenomena that underpin measurements in chemistry. The MML 

chemical measurement science function develops and value assigns Standard Reference 

Materials (SRMs) for chemical composition to enhance chemical measurement 

comparability within the U.S. and to provide a basis for measurement compatibility with 

other nations, and establishes the infrastructure to allow commercial production of 

reference materials with NIST-rccognized traceability. 

The MML chemical measurement science function includes research to determine the 

chemistry of surfaces, particles, and materials and their interactions with electrons, 

photons, ions, atoms, and molecules. These activities range from theoretical to 

applications research including: (\) determining the geometrical, electronic, optical, and 

chemical properties as well as isotopic compositions of surfaces, particles, and materials 

at nanometer scales and below; and (2) determining the energetics, kinetics, mechanisms, 

and effects of processes occurring in the gas phase, solid and liquid surfaces, and within 

materials. 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

The MML chemical measurement science function includes experimental, theoretical, 

computational, and simulation studies on: (I) the identity and reactivity of chemical 

species (including small molecules, aerosols, proteins, nanoparticles and biomolecules) 

with emphasis on data, information, and protocols for the identification of chemical and 

biochemical species; (2) the thermochemistry, kinetics, and mechanisms of chemical 

reactions in the gas and liquid phases and at interfaces; and (3) the properties of gases, 

liquids, and solids (including mixtures and supercritical fluids) over wide ranges of 

conditions, emphasizing thermophysical properties (e.g., equation of state, phase 

behavior, heat capacity, speed of sound, thelmal conductivity, viscosity), and interfacial 

properties (e.g., surface tension, adsorption). 

Scientists at MML also engage in research leading to development, implementation, and 

validation of state-of-the-art computational technologies (including quantum chemistry 

methodologies, force fields simulations, and chemoinformatics tools) for estimating and 

predicting chemical and physical properties of single molecules as well as chemical 

systems in the gas and condensed phase. The MML develops and uses state-of-the-art 

apparatus to measure thennochemical, thermophysical, kinetic, and mass spectral 

properties; compiles, evaluates, and correlates chemical property data; and develops, 

disseminates, and maintains Standard Reference Data (SRD) for important chemical 

substances and processes. The MML chemical measurement science function also 

includes research on homogenous and heterogeneous fluid-based physical processes and 

systems (e.g., separations, regenerative refrigerators, advanced heat transfer systems). 

I.a. Fiscal Profile 

For the MML the total budget is approximately $137M including $1 OOM in direct 

appropriations, $21 M from other Federal Agencies, and $13.5M from sales of SRMs and 

SRD. The chemical science function (denoted as the Chemical Measurement Science 

and Standards Activities in the Feb. 2011 MML funding distribution documents) 

represents a total of$55M (including $35M direct appropriation, $8M other Federal 

Agency, and $11M from sales ofSRM and SRD) or 40% of the total MML resources. Of 

these rcsources identified as Chemical Measurement Science and Standards Activitics, 

84% of them were identified as impacting the Chemical Community, with the remaining 

activities impacting the biological or materials communities. Currently, 81 % of the MML 

activities related to SRM and SRD funding arc part of the chemical measurement science 

function. The major MML industry areas based on funding within the Chemical Science 

Measurements and Standards Activities were: Assessment of Environment and Climate 

($18M); Biomedical and Health ($12M); Security, Safety, and Forensics ($1 1M); 

Advanced Materials ($6M); Energy ($5M); Food Safety and Nutrition ($4M); and 

Advanced Electronics ($3M). In this report we will address these areas as the following: 

Environment, Health (including Food Safety and Nutrition), Security and Safety 

(including Forensics), and Energy. 

I.h. Current Customers and Their Measurement, Standards and Data Needs 

In addition to the Federal government and academic communities, a broad range of 

industrial sectors are served by the MML's chemical measurement science and standards 

activities via involvement in measurements for chemical composition, structure, Of 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

properties of substances. Customers receive measurement methods, reference materials 

and standards, critical reference data, and data-predictive computational tools necessary 

for analysis, control, and optimization of processes pertinent to the sectors identified in 

Table 1. These products make available flexible, error-tolerant, world-recognized 

information and tactics necessary to maintain a competitive edge in today's global market. 

Highlighted below are brief descriptions of current MML activities to meet measurement, 

standards, and data needs for selected customer sectors. The selected areas called out, as 

noted by an asterisk in Table I, are those areas that are served most intensely by MML's 

metrologically-based competencies and measurement capabilities that are internationally 

vetted and recognized. The selection of these areas is based upon extensive 

"conversations" with our customers in these areas and with other national metrological 

organizations. This dialogue, which is on-going and occun·ing in "both directions" , 

enables MML to continue to adapt its measurement services portfolio and provide world 

class services that are relevant and fit-for-purpose for not only the areas called out in 

greater detail where the conversations may be more intense, but for all of the areas in 

Table 1. 

Table 1. Areas Served by the Material Measurement Laboratory for 

Chemical Measurements and Standards 

AGRICULTllREI 

AOllACVLTURE 

Chemicals 

Feed 

Fish and Shelltish 

Crop Science 

Ijvestock 

Soil Science 

AUTOMOTIVE/AVIATIONI 

MARINE 

Automobiles and light trucks/vans 

Trucks, trailers. and buses 

Commercial boats 

Aerospace 

Engine design 

Combustion Modeling 

Bl'ILDI:'IG/CONSTRI'CTION 

Building products 

[ndoor air quality 

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY 

Chemical sciences and technology 

Commodity chemicals 

Industrial chemicals 

Specialty chemicals 

Process chemicals 

CONSlTMER (;OODS 

Consumer goods (product safety, 

chemical composition) 

ELECTRICAU 

ELECTRONICS 

Consumer electronics and appliances 

Electrical Power generation/distribution 

equipment 

ENVIRONMENT* 

Fresh Water Resources 

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences 

Biological Resource Management 

Pollution Control 

Remediation 

Climate change: Aerosols and 

Particulate Matter 

Climate change: Greenhouse Gao;es 

Fugitive Gases 

ENERGV* 

Renewable energy 

Natural gas 

Pipejine distribution systems 

Real Fuels (coal, oil. etc.) 

Nuclear energy 

ilEAl, THlNlJTRITlON* 

Health diagnostic devices 

Healthcarc testing 

Quality Management & Assurance 

VitaminslDietary Supplements 

FOOD/FOOD PROCESSING* 

Food processing/packaging 

Marine fish products 

Processed food 

Page 27 of76 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYI 

TELECOMMtiNICA TlO:'lS 

Computer sofuvare 

Computers and peripherals 

Computational technologies and 

informatics* 

Telecommunications equipment 

Data systems. curation. and management 

MATERIALS 

I Ugh-tech ceramics 

Paper and paperboard 

Plastics material and resins 

Steel 

Alloys 

Minerals/ores 

~anoteehnology* 

Polymers 

Dielectrics 

Semiconductors 

Organic 

SAFETY AND SECI'RITY* 

Forensics 

Defense 

TICs/CWAs 

Advanced Sensors 

*indicates sector is discussed in text 
96 

Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

Building on a hundred-year history ofNIST's technical excellence, MML has the most 

comprehcnsive array of chemical, physical, and engineering measurement capabilitics 

and expertise of any group worldwide working in chemical science and technology. As 

noted above, the chemical industry is expansive and is one of America's top exporters. 

MML provides reference data, theoretical models, and aIiifact standards that are 

important to this cnterprise. These standards are used for process design and quality 

control, and helps ensure traceability oftield measurements to reliable, world-recognized 

standards. MML fulfills NIST's mission by addressing customer needs for 

measurements, standards, and data in the areas broadly encompassed by chemistry, 

biosciences, and chemical engineering and these activities greatly meet the needs of the 

environment, health, safety and security, energy, and nanotechnology areas of R&D and 

economic activity. These selected areas are thosc which MML has concentrated and 

strong efforts in, as described below. 

I.b.i. The Environment: The MML is aiding industry, government, and academia in the 

areas of environmental research, remediation and regulation, air and water quality 

monitoring, assessing climate change, green manufacturing, and policy by advancing 

measurements and tools for environmental science. This covers a wide range of subjects 

and approaches such as: calibrating the sensors of climate-mapping satellites for 

greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols; detecting minute quantities of toxins and 

pollutants in air, soil, water, and biota; and providing measurements and standards for 

research into the health and safety of nanomaterials. Some MML personnel are locatcd at 

the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) in Charleston, SC, where they work with 

scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), thc SC 

Department of Natural Resources, the College of Charleston, and the Medical University 

of SC to provide the science and standards needed to understand links betwecn 

environmental conditions and the health of marine organisms and humans. 

Helping to establish the scientific basis for measurement and monitoring of substances in 

the environment that may negatively impact environmental quality and climate is an 

essential focus of the MML's 40-year lead in environmental data and standards 

development. The MML Standard Referenee Databases provide carefully evaluated data 

for a variety of substances. One of these, the Mass Spectral Library, contains hundreds of 

thousands of "signatures" of molecules. This enables the identification of molecular 

components in complex mixtures of concern to several fields related to pollution 

monitoring. The MML standards programs support monitoring programs, computational 

models, and tcchnology to improve the reliability and comparability of measurements. 

Many of the environmcntal SRMs have been developed specifically to address the 

regulations and needs of other agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) and NOAA, including meeting the needs for traceability of measurements 

related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. Currently, MML is developing 

SRMs and coordinating interlaboratory comparison exercises for laboratories involved in 

petroleum hydrocarbon analyses for Gulf oil spill monitoring and restoration efforts. The 

MML additionally supports a specimen banking program (i.e., long-term archiving of 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

environmental specimens) for future retrospectivc analyses of contaminants in the 

environmcnt and for health assessment of biota. 

With respect to climate, the MML seeks to improve measurements and standards for both 

GHGs and aerosols. The MML gas concentration standards support cleaner automobiles 

and power generation and are enabling industry to meet strict emission regulations for 

GHGs as well as ozone and its depleting species. With respect to automobile emissions, 

MML works with the American Industry/Government Emissions Research (AlGER) 

Consortium to facilitate the automobile industry meeting more stringent 2003 Federal and 

California emission regulations implemented in 2010. MML's work includes 

maintaining reasonable inventories of required gas SRMs that consist of dilute mixtures 

of key pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitric 

oxide. These and additional gas materials also support monitoring programs including 

the Decadal Observation Series inherent to the World Metrological Organizations Global 

Atmospheric Watch Program, NOAA's Tall Tower Network, the Total Carbon Column 

Observing Network, and the Ameriflux/Fluxnet. The MML collaborates with other 

National Metrology Institutes to establish comparability ofGHG measurements. 

Additionally, the MML develops reference data, measurements, and simulations of global 

warming potentials ofGHGs for use in climate models; the MML evaluation of potential 

refrigeration fluids with low global warming and ozone depletion potentials isjust one 

example. The MML is providing measurement methods, data, and reference materials to 

provide better estimates of uncertainties in climate forcing by aerosols in the atmosphere 

and biosphere. Moreover, the quantitative uncertainties in the measurements of the 

amount and type of aerosols and aerosol properties are being reduced. 

l.b.H. Health: The MML currently develops the underpinning chemical measurement 

science, reference measurement methods, and SRMs needed to ensure the accuracy, 

comparability, and efficacy of chemical measurements used in human clinical 

diagnostics, nutritional assessment, and biomonitoring. For more than 30 years, NIST has 

developed and continuously maintained SRMs to support measurements for clinical 

health status markers such as electrolytes, small molecule biomarkers (cholesterol, 

creatinine, and glucose), and hormones; nutritional assessment markers (vitamins, fatty 

acids); and contaminants (toxic metals and persistent organic pollutants). In most 

instances, the methods developed to value assign these SRMs are based on separations 

techniques coupled to mass spectrometry. In recent years efforts have expanded to 

include critically-needed protein health status markers (e.g., troponin I, prostate specific 

antigen, albumin) by developing methods for the quantification of clinically-relevant 

protein biomarkers using mass spectrometry-based techniques. In addition to use by 

industry customers, many of these SRMs are routinely used by other federal and state 

government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 

conducting biomonitoring studies including the National Health and Nutrition 

Examination Survey (NHANES). 

The MML provides food- and dietary supplement-matrix SRMs to facilitate compliance 

with nutritional labeling laws, provide traceability for food exports, improve the accuracy 

of label information for packaged foods and supplements, and contribute to studies of 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

human nutritional status. The SRMs are provided to help support compliance with a 

number of federal regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration and the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture. All current food SRMs are intended for nutritional 

assessment; none have been developed specifically to address chemical food safety 

needs. 

Another important aspect ofMML's current activities in the area of health is the 

development of robust and accurate metrics and analysis tools for quantifying and 

understanding the source of the variability in the mass spectrometric data generated in 

proteomics, metabolomics, and glycomics. Given the complexity of biological fluids such 

as urine and blood, the development of a reliable metrological infrastructure based on the 

systematic integration of mass spectrometric measurements and data analysis is central 

for the development of accurate biomarkers in clinical analysis as well as the 

manufacture of biological drugs. 

I.b.iii. Safety and Security: The MML currently undertakes numerous chemistryrelated projects in the public safety and security sector that are primarily driven by the 

needs of other government agencies. For example, in the realm of public and consumer 

safety, MML has developed SRMs of lead in paint in both powders and films, responding 

to the needs of the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. MML also 

makes substantial contributions to measurements and standards requirements in the 

national security arena, principally for customers in the Departments of Defense (DoD) 

and Homeland Security (DHS). SRMs consisting of trace explosives in both particle and 

solution forms have been produced to calibrate equipment used for airport screening by 

the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), and dispensing methods based on inkjet 

printing have been developed. The entire trace explosive measurement process from 

sampling to instrumental detection has been investigated with the goal of process 

optimization, and an ASTM practice for the use of equipment by first responders was 

written by MML staff. For the DoD, scnsors for hazardous gases including chemical 

warfare agents have been investigated, and methods to detect the isotopic signature from 

particles of nuclcar materials have been advanced for the International Atomic Energy 

Agency and DoD customers. 

I.h.iv. Energy: Chemical measurement science activities related to energy are currently 

a reasonably sized focus in MML. Fuel quality standards and properties, including SRMs 

and SRD, are within the current portfolio. Chemistry-related work is underway on aspects 

ofbiofuels (including ethanol and biodiesels) as well as fuel cells. MML activities on the 

hydrogen economy and on solar photovoltaics have chemistry components, including 

development of hydrogcn purity standards and investigations of hydrogen storage 

materials. Work on fuels includes experimental measurements, computational fluid 

dynamics, theory, and data development and dissemination focused on kinetics and 

property studies. The MML develops and maintains numerous fuel-related SRMs (coal, 

fuel oil, petroleum) for determining mercury, chlorine, and sulfur concentrations in fuels. 

In addition to the fuel infrastructure, the SRMs are geared towards measurements needed 

in the electric utilities (for emissions) and for determining coal combustion by-products. 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

Chemical research on the electronic structure at donor-acceptor interfaces provides a 

basis for the development of efficient organic photovoltaic cells and devices. 

I.b.v. Nanotechnology: The nanotechnology-related activities within the MML include 

development of novel tools and methods for industries and federal agencies for 

measuring and imaging chemical substances at the nanoscale, measurement and 

compilation of data used in nanoscale manufacturing, and development of SRMs and data 

to accurately quantify and measure the presence and impact of nanomatcrials in the 

environment and biological matrices, including the derivation of nanoparticles from 

consumer products. These activities are an important component of the MML mission to 

promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness in the chemical sciences to 

support all phases of nanotechnology development, from discovery, to production, and to 

end of life. 

I.c. Skill Sets and Facilities 

The MML is comprised of some 530 NIST Employees (about 440 Technical Staff) and 

approximately 350 NIST Associates. Currently, the MML staff involved in the chemical 

scienec function includcs primarily seicntists trained as chemists, chemical enginecrs, 

physicists, biologists, and computational scientists. However, in many case the majority 

of their skills related to chemical measurement science have been acquired at NJST. 

These skills are divided among experimental/measurements, theoretical, computational, 

and data related activities. MML staff and affiliates make use of an extensive array of 

apparatus/instrumentation and facilities in their work on chemical measurement science 

and standards. Each of the infrastructural and tangible items below is associated with a 

major or unique experimental or computational facility which involved a significant 

investment ofNIST funds. 

Table 2. Skills and Facilities (and Areas Served) for Chemical 

Measurements and Standards 

Experimental SkillslFacilities - Cross Cutting: 

Electron microscopy [WOS, Auger, EOS, dual-beam systems electron-ion beam (FIB)] 

Mass spectrometry (ICr-MS, TIMS, SIMS, GC/MS, LC/MS, LC/MS/MS, MALOI TOF, 

QTOF, atom probe) 

Apparatus and instrument design and development 

Atomic spectrometry (lCP-OES, XRF, WOXRF) 

Chemical analysis wet laboratories 

Laser-based chcmical metrology (Near JR, Raman and broadband frequency systems) 

Metrological quality experimental programs (e.g., uncertainty assessment, calibrations, 

traceability) 

Nuclear analytical techniques (IMAA, PGAA, RNAA, NOP) 

Optical, fluorescence, high-resolution microscopy CC 

Optical, FTIR, Raman, and cavity ringdown spectroscopy 

Scanned probe methods (topography, surface potential) 

Separation science (GC, GCxGC, LC, uHPLC) 

Standard reference materials development for measurement of organic and inorganic 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

species (from percent to ultratrace concentrations) 

X-ray methods (fluorescence, dim-action, scattering, reflcctivity, crystallography, SAXS, 

USAXS) 

Experimental Skills/Facilities - Energy, Environment: 

Fluid property measurements (density, phase equilibria, sound speed, transport 

properties) 

Gas phase, surface, and decomposition thermochemistry, kinetics, and dynamics (shock 

tube, flash-photolysis, prototype reactors for kinetics of vapor deposition) 

Shock-tubes and diffusion chambers 

Electrochemistry, pH, electrolytic conductivity, coulomctry 

Experimental Skills/Facilities - Energy. Nanotechnologv: 

Atomic and chemical vapor deposition reactors 

National Synchrotron Light Source 

Experimental Skills/Facilities - Environment, Health: 

Cryogenic refrigeration; environmcnts/specimen banking; sample/material preparation; 

SRM production 

Experimental Skills/Facilities - Environment. Safety and Security. Nanotechnology: 

Aerosol generation; optical and chemical characterization 

Experimental Skills/Facilities - Health. Environment 

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry 

Microfluidics 

Theoretical and Computational SkillslFacilities - Cross-Cutting: 

Algorithm development 

Computational chemistry and photochemistry 

Equations of state 

Molecular simulation 

Property modeling 

Theoretical models 

Data-related Skills/Facilities - Cross-Cutting: 

Automated data compilation, evaluation, analysis, and dissemination 

Chemical and thermophysical informatics 

Data entry systems 

Data exchange tcchnologies 

Data information and management systems 

Mass spectral data (chemistry, proteomics, metabolomics, glycomics) 

Quality systems for data; uncertainty assessmcnt 

Chemical measurement quality assessment programs 

Thermochemical, thermophysical, kinetic, and physicochemical property data 

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Often referred to as the keystone industry because nearly every sector of the 

manufacturing economy uses its products, the U.S. chemical industry ranks among the 

world's leading industries, accounting for an estimated one-quarter of total world 

chemical production. As noted above, MML continuously has extensive "conversations" 

with this sizable industry and with other national metrological organizations in an effort 

to accurately sum up the dynamic chemical measurement science and standards activities 

and needs. MML also considers very seriously information provided on activities and 

needs directly from the industry and its partners and stakeholders (Appendix). Below in 

Section II we broadly summarize activities that are on-going within the chemical 

enterprise nationally and abroad for the five major MML areas: the environment, health, 

security and safety, energy, and nanotechnology and in Section l\l we summarize 

projected future needs. 

II. External Environmental Scan for Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

II.a. The Environment: The current drivers in environmental issues include the 

chemical identification of new classes of emerging environmental contaminants, the need 

for rapid detection, low-cost, sensitive, and accurate sensors of environmental variables 

for real-time monitoring, the emergence of "green" manufacturing and products, the 

development of alternate energy sources including biofuels, and the realization that 

quantities of quality fresh water may become a problem in the future. 

With respect to climate change assessment, GHG emissions are a major driver. Current 

academic, government, and industrial activities are focused on environmental monitoring 

and mitigation. The community, driven by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 

Change (IPCC), has been and continues to focus on combined radiative forcing for all 

anthropogenic agents including long-lived greenhouse gases (C02, CH4, N20), industrial 

gases (CFCs, HCFCs), water vapor (which is a ehallenge), ozone, and short-lived VOCs. 

Efforts center on studies of the kinetics/reactivity/mechanisms of atmospheric gases to 

better understand their global warming potentials (OWP) and oxidation of gas-phase 

species. Acquisition of GWP data is a major concern for industry; all new industrial 

compounds introduced to the European market must have a measured GWP, and similar 

legislation is being considered in the U.S. 

There is growing momentum to pursue significant emission cuts for GHGs, and 

concerted efforts to adopt environmentally clean and efficicnt technologies are underway. 

Companies in the Northeast, (e.g., IBM and United Technologies) have set reduction 

targets and strive to develop products that produce lower levels of heat-trapping 

emissions during manufacture and/or disposal. Technologies that reduce emissions by 

capturing CO2 from fossil electricity generation and either storing it or converting it into 

useful products are also sought. Policies for reducing vehicle cmissions are being 

examined, including financial support and infrastructure investments to promote the 

substitution ofbiodiesel and natural gas for petroleum diesel. The forestry and fanning 

sectors are investigating substitutes for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers (which are energyintensive) which produce and release hcat-trapping nitrous oxides. 

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Current aerosol research includes investigations on the formation, growth, measurement, 

and modeling of small particles in gases. Applications include the physics and chemistry 

of clouds and precipitation, combustion processes, nanopaliicle synthesis and 

measurement, and aerosol instrumentation. Thermodynamic studies, especially the 

partitioning of particulates between the aerosol and the gas phases, are a focus as well as 

kinetics studies in the area of aqueous-phase atmospheric reactions involving organic 

spccies. Ambient air quality and pollution control research, pmiicularly in bioaerosols, 

flourishes and includes simulations. Infrastructural property measurements (including 

vapor pressure, transport properties of mucosal mixtures) are also ongoing activities. 

II.b. Healthcare: Much of the work in this field is directed toward the identification of 

new hcalth and disease markers that can be further developed into clinical diagnostic 

tools. Similar tools are also applied to the development of new therapeutic agents and 

methods for monitoring their efficacy. Healthcare-related research is often conducted 

through an untargeted or "shotgun" approach. This is particularly true in the "omics" 

fields, including proteomics and metabolomics. An initial set of experiments is performed 

to refine a research hypothesis and identify specific targets for further investigation. 

Measurements are often comparative in nature, meaning that the focus is on changes in 

concentration or chemical properties of the particular target(s) rather than absolute 

quantification. This field relies heavily upon affinity reagents (antibodies, aptamers, etc.), 

and thesc measurement results are often method-dependent. Phannaceutical companies 

have started moving away from small molecule therapeutics because many of the 

traditional disease targets have already been at least partially addressed. These companies 

see greater potential for expansion in protein-based therapies. The chemical properties of 

these proteins (glycosylation, phosphorylation, disulfide bridges) have a significant 

impact on their safety, stability, and activity and are likely to be part of future regulation 

of these drugs. 

II.e. Safety and Secnrity: The safety and security sector has a broad range of necds for 

chemical measurement science and standards. By its very nature, this sector often 

requires govemment involvement. Regulations to ensure safe levels of toxic 

contaminants in food, water, air, building materials, and consumer products necessitate 

associated calibration materials and measurement procedures. The increased attention to 

homeland security since 2001 has created measurement challenges for thc stand-off 

detection of the active components of chemical, radiological, and nuclear weapons. These 

detection systems are often sited at our ports of entry and other locations within our 

transportation infrastructure, and their sensitivity and specificity mllst be characterized 

with appropriate test materials and procedures. 

II.d. Energy: The drivers of energy security and sustainability represent the 

comerstones of domestic energy policy. Concems related to "offer and demand" 

fluctuations, unrest in the Middle East, or cartel economics, make the use of domestic and 

altemative sources of fuel a very critical issue. Both the overall impact on the carbon 

cycle and the concept of renewable supplies are incorporated into sustainability. The 

most recent policy considerations are based on reducing oil imports and consumption by 

expanding safe and responsible domestic oil and gas development and production, 

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securing access to diverse and reliable sources of energy, developing alternatives to oil 

such as biofuels and natural gas, as well as increasing the efficiency of transportation 

vehicles, homes, and buildings. 

lI.e. Computational Technologies and Informatics: The use of modem computational 

methodologies in the prediction of molecular properties has become increasingly 

important in chemistry and chemical engineering, mainly due to significant 

improvements in the algorithms and the advent of powerful computer resources. This is 

particularly true in the areas of thermochemistry and thermophysics, where researchers in 

industry and academia perform calculations and molecular simulations on a routine basis. 

Major efforts are being focused at the development and validation of more accurate and 

computationally efficient methodologies for the prediction of chemical and physical 

properties of molecular systems of industrial interest. In particular, the combination of 

theory and simulation methods with chemical informatics tools to correlate structure and 

properties with chemical and biological functions of molecules has become a center of 

attention among researchers in industry and academia. 

II.f. Nanotechnology: Within the chemical sciences, research and development efforts 

have focused on discovering ncw nanoscale structures, measuring the chemical and 

biochemical properties of these structures, understanding the phenomena that give rise to 

these properties, and using thesc insights to create useful substances. Nanotechnology 

research is highly interdisciplinary. Example of areas where chemistry is making 

important contributions to nanotechnology include target drug delivery vehicles, methods 

for sequcncing and identifying genetic materials, and self-assembly of complex chemical 

structures that can be used in electronics and sensing applications. 

III. Future State of Chemical Measurement Science (considering a 10 year horizon) 

UI.a. Projected Future Customer Needs 

III.a.i. Chemical Measurement Science: Chemical measurement science required in 

the future will build on the significant advances in chemical measurement capabilities 

achieved during the past decade. The application ofthese advances in chemical 

measurement science described in this section will apply in all customer areas; more 

details of future needs will be provided below in the key areas of environment, health, 

safety and security, energy, and nanotechnology. Trace chemical composition 

measurements will continue to rely on advances in separation science technologies 

coupled with detection technologies dominated by mass spectrometry. The need for 

rapid, highly sensitive, precise, and accurate chemical measurement technology will 

continue to expand. Nanotrace chemical analysis techniques will be necessary to provide 

chemical information at nanometer-scale spatial resolution with ultrahigh sensitivity and 

selectivity using electron beam, ion beam, and surface spectroscopies. 

Chemical/molecular imaging will be essential, and the future trends will include both 

electron- and ion-based instruments. With respect to electron-based instruments for high 

resolution chemical imaging, recent advancements in electron optics will continue to 

provide smallerlhigher-dose electron beams for sample interrogation resulting in routine 

atomic-scale resolution imaging and analysis. Efforts will continue to advance analytical 

capabilities in the area of molecular analysis at sub-nanometer resolutions. The continued 

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development of "atmospheric pressure" sample mounting methods will lead to higher 

resolution chemical/molecular imaging and analysis of biological specimens both in vitro 

and in vivo. Finally, focused ion-beam platforms will continue to develop into 

multifunction laboratories that provide a wide range of analytical capabilities. With 

respect to ion-based instruments, future trends for ion/MS imaging will focus in three 

areas (1) discovery and development of new exotic primary beams involving molecular 

sources that will be leveraged towards molecular analysis of surfaces with negligible 

subsurface beam damage, (2) development of smallerlhigher density primary beams to 

improve lateral spatial resolution, and (3) improvement of atmospheric-pressure imaging 

systems for analysis of samples under non-vacuum conditions. 

Methods will be required for sampling and for chemical characterization of 

heterogeneous materials in small sampling volumes, including characterization of 

interfacial phenomena, particulate matter, and aerosols. Time-resolved measurements 

will be necessary for detailed studies of the dynamics of reactions, interfaces, adsorption 

and desorption phenomena, catalysis, and drug release using spectroscopic techniques 

capable of detecting single molecules and molecular-scale aggregates and following the 

time-dependence of chemical reactions, molecular motion, and configuration change with 

picosecond resolution. There will be increasing need for robust measurement techniques 

for rapid, real-time, highly reliable analyses in practical environments including on-line 

analysis to aid process control and environmental monitoring; separation-free analyses; 

on-line combination of extraction, group isolation, chemical separation, and detection 

systems to provide accurate measurements of individual compounds in complex matrices. 

Management of the profuse chemical information and data required to characterize 

systems of high complexity (and generated by the instrumentation) will lead to a 

significant need for modem informatic technologies such as artificial intelligence, neural 

networks, on-line data reduction, and high-order analysis that can efficiently be used to 

handle, mine, and analyze the ever increasing amount of data generated by the 

measurements. Central to these efforts will be the development and validation of efficient 

and reliable computational tools including quantum chemistry methodologies and 

molecular simulation models able to treat a wide range of length and time scales, going 

from the atomic level and a few nanoseconds to process systems engineering at the 

macrosystem level with a time scale of minutes to hours. 

III.a.i.!. The Environment: Future ecosystem health diagnostics will require the 

development of advanced measurement science and standards to improve the sensitivity, 

accuracy, and reliability of rapid detection and quantification of analytes in the 

environment (air, water, soil/sediment) and in biota using laboratory-based analytical 

methods, biosensors, atmospheric sensors, in-water platforms, and satellite-based remote 

sensing. Analytes include: pathogens, biotoxins, chemical contaminants (including 

nanoparticles) and their breakdown products, nutrients, and physiochemical variables 

(particularly pH, CO2, salts, and dissolved inorganic carbon). For pollutants and toxins, 

there is a need for a measurements and standards framework to suppoli biological effects 

studies, taking into consideration chemical classes and potencies, testing protocols, doseresponse relationships, and mixtures. There is also a continued requirement for a 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

measurement and standards framework to support referencc materials with linkages to 

national standards for U.S. environmental policy. 

Climate change will be driven by atmospheric and oceanic chcmistry and their interaction 

resulting in chemical and biochemical responses within the ocean. There is a critical need 

to ensure availability of measurement tools and standards to enable accurate, reliable, and 

consistent measurements ofGHG sources and sinks at various spatial scales. Low-cost, 

extremely reliable instruments are needed. In addition, chcmical and physical reference 

data to support SI-traceable measurements of the Global Climate Observing System 

(GCOS) Essential Climate Variables, which are used to monitor the climate system and 

assess the impact of climate variability, are needed. There are also huge spectroscopic 

data and gaps that need to be filled, in particular the spectroscopic strength of minor 

gases. Chemical metrology will be required in the laboratory as well as in field 

measurements and observations for both GHGs and aerosols. For aerosols, techniques for 

the generation of aerosols in the laboratory will continue to be needed. Additionally, 

advances in aerosol measurement methods, such as optical properties and physical 

properties will be critical. Related to this are properties of aerosol precursors, such as the 

oxidized pinenes that contribute to smog. We will also require the development of 

simulation metrology to meet cases where measurements are not possible. Along with 

such SRD activities, are SRM work, including standards for calibrating or evaluating 

current measurement procedures for ambient aerosol size/morphology, CCN (cloud 

condensation nuclei), and aerosol absorption. 

With respect to meeting the future needs in sustainability in goods and services, 

advancing measurement science and standards will be impOtiant. Future sustainability in 

the chemical industry will require technological advances for carrying out new chemical 

transformations using green ehemistry/engineering, new tools for comparing 

environmental impacts of products using different processing routes, new computational 

and genomic tools for improved understanding of structure-function relationships for 

chemicals in the environment, and measurements and standards to support the 

advancement of derivation of chemicals from biomass. 

III.a.i.2. Health: Many of the future chemical measurement challenges related to health 

are identified in report of the NIST conference "Accelerating Innovation in 21st Century 

Biosciences: Identifying the Measurement, Standards, and Technological Challenges". 

To a large extent, the future of chemical measurements and standards to support the 

health sector will be driven by the needs of the emerging "omics" (e.g., proteomics, 

metabolomics, glycomics, lipidomics). The "omics" rely on multiplexed analytical 

techniques that integrate disparate measurement technologies for measuring a multitude 

of diverse chemical species to provide reliable identification and quantitation in various 

biological matrices. Research in the "omics" is highly dependent upon chemical species 

identification, thereby requiring high-quality databases with associated spectral libraries 

to support accurate identification. Additional complexity arises from the fact that mercly 

identifying a set of proteins as potential markers is not sufficient. Modifications to the 

protein, such as phosphorylation or the incorporation of metal species, playa significant 

role in their activity but are often transient in nature. Standardization of these 

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measurements will require quantification ofthe biologically relevant fonn of the protein, 

which may vary for different applications. 

Therapeutic and preventive intervention in medicine will be based on "disease 

signatures" unique descriptors for individuals that are definitive markers of health 

status and that are derived from the integration of qualitative and quantitative 

measurements, including thousands of measurements of chemical species. The next 

generation of health assessment diagnostic tests will be based on these complex 

signatures rather than single markers. Standardization and comparability of such 

mUltiplex measurements across measurement platforms, among laboratories, and over 

time will be critical. Future delivery of measurement methods and standards to the health 

sector will require new ways of providing SRMs and associated characterization data. 

Central to the success of these efforts will be the development, implementation, and 

validation of effective and accurate chemo- and bio-infonnatics tools to enable 

researchers and clinicians to handle and analyze on a routine basis the massive and 

complex sets of data produced. 

III.a.i.3. Safety and Security: The consumer safety and security sector will continue to 

require the mcasurements, standards, and data support ofNIST over the next 10 years and 

into the foreseeable future. To assure the safety of food and water supplies, there will be 

an increasing need to establish analytical methods, SRMs, and measurement assurance 

programs for detecting, identifying, and measuring levels of harmful microorganisms, 

food allergens, protein toxins, and other substances, including synthetic materials, of 

palticular concern to food and water safety. Increasing concern about the health effects of 

nanomaterials will provide new measurement challenges. In particular, it will be 

necessary to identify, modify, or develop the measurement tools to quantify and 

characterize the chemical aspects of nanomaterials along the product life cycle and in 

biological and environmental systems. More precise instruments will enable accurate and 

reproducible results and provide better risk assessment and risk management. 

For external national security issues, the priorities will continue to be set by the 000, but 

there are likely to be numerous focus areas in MML mission space, such as improved 

sensors for chemical warfare agents. The existing MML program providing 

measurements and standards for the detection of nuclear materials will remain a priority 

area. Internal national security requirements will continue to be driven primarily by DHS. 

The desire for improved speed, sensitivity, and reliability of detectors of chemical, 

biological, and radiological agents will have associated testing requirements before 

deployment. Protection of our transportation systems is likely to receive increasing 

attention, especially marine shipping and port facilities. The need for MML support of 

the TSA in providing unbiased evaluation methods and reference materials for explosives 

detection technologies will continue and expand. 

Forensic science in the U.S. is an area that is in critical need of improvements in 

scientific foundation, measurement rigor, and statistical validity according to a recent 

report from the National Academy of Sciences. MML should playa significant role in 

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developing the tools for advancing chemical measurements, validation, and reliability in 

this area. 

III.a.i.4. Energy: Chemical measurement science and standards will continue to be 

required within the National goals of sustainability and independence in the energy 

sector. The evolution away from traditional petroleum resources will initially require 

innovative, efficient, environmentally benign, and safe discovery, extraction, processing, 

conversion, distribution, and combustion of alternative sources of fuels. Chemical 

measurements and protocols, SRMs, and SRD will be needed for composition/trace 

analysis as well as for the different facets of the manufacture of these fuels including 

quality control, catalysis and separations, and additive design. The "green" exploitation 

of coal reserves as well as the development of cost effective carbon sequestration and 

separation processes will require significant investments in chemical metrology. 

Geochemistry is a factor in most of these resources, and a fundamental understanding of 

the aqueous chemistry will be become critical for some extraction, processing, and 

environmental considerations. Major advances in solar technologies will continue to rely 

on photovoltaic chemistry, electrochemical energy storage, and thermal management. 

Similarly, the use of hydrogen, including efficient electrolysis and fuel cell advances, will 

rely on the detection and characterization of trace contaminants as well as the chemistry 

of interfaces. The safe production of electrical (and thermal) energy through nuclear 

technology will require innovation and standards in radiochemistry, thermal 

management, materials chemistry, advanced cycle chemistry, and studies of the 

interaction of the radionuclides with the environment. 

In the area ofbiofuels, measurements and SRD needs associated with biochemical and 

thermochemical conversion processes will become important. The ability to efficiently 

process diverse and de-centralized teedstocks, as well as the effective biochemical 

interface between crop development and processing to biofuels will pose new 

metrological challenges requiring chemical measurements and data. Finally, one of the 

biggest challenges in the energy sector will be the determination of robust metries for 

sustainability. Standards generated with the help of efficient and reliable chemical 

infonnatics tools will be an important part of such a program for celiifications of sources, 

sustainability, and life cycle impact. 

III.a.i.S. Nanotechnology: Tools capable of characterizing the chemical composition 

and other properties of nanoscale materials, in real-time and in three dimensions are 

required. These will integrate multiple probe types and bridge multiple length scales. 

Properties of interest include hardness/ductility, optical, electronic, mass transport, 

reactivity, magnetism, and thermo- and piezoelectric properties. These tools should be 

capable of characterizing buried interfaces. Commercial applications of this technology 

include inspection/quality control and combinatorial screening. A variety of 

physiochemical techniques are used in the manufacturing of nanoscale materials and 

structures. These include self-assembly, chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer 

deposition, electrochemistry, and other methods. In many cases the underlying chemical 

pathway and rates are unknown. This lack of knowledge is a barrier to use of these 

processes in industrial settings, most notably in the manufacturing of nanoscale electronic 

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components. In many cases the raw material requirement for nanoseale chemical and 

material processing will be different from the requirements for macroscale 

manufacturing, and thus different SRMs will be required. 

Modeling is an important element of nanotechnology. Existing algorithms and data sets 

are inadequate for modeling chemical processes relevant to industry. Comparisons 

between various models and reference-quality measurements are needed, and methods 

that include error-estimations must be developed. 

III.b. New Skills Sets and Facilities Required to Meet Customer Needs 

I1I.b.i. Expertise: The current MML staff, who are trained in chemistry, chemical 

engineering, biology, or physics, have shown in the past to be versatile and flexible in 

adapting their skills to new programmatic areas requiring chemical measurement science. 

For example, the staff involved in providing chemical measurements in environmental, 

food, clinical, or fuel materials, are typically trained in analytical chemistry rather than 

environmental, food science, clinical, or fuel chemistry and can readily adapt to address 

the measurement problems in these areas. Therefore, as MML moves into new areas, the 

existing skill sets in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, and biology will continue 

to meet the majority of the needs. For the chemical measurement science function, MML 

will continue to require staff predominantly with training and skills in analytical 

chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biology, and physics. 

The recent trend within MML to hire biologists and biochemists because of expansion 

into the bio-related activities, and then train them in chemical measurement science will 

continue with growth in the health and environment areas. As described previously, the 

expanding data generation capabilities of current and future instrumentation, particularly 

mass spectrometry-based instruments, requires staff with skills in chemoinfonnatics and 

data mining which will be essential to serving MML's current capabilities (Table I) and 

meeting the cross-cutting future needs in the environment, health, and safety and security 

areas. 

Specific areas that will need to be hired or developed to meet the future needs described 

previously (and the areas served) are listed below. These are generally listed in order of 

need to best meet the future measurement, standards, and data requirements for the 

chemical enterprise. 

• Expanded expertise in advanced mass spectrometry techniques (environment, 

health, safety and security, energy) 

• Expanded expertise in infonnation technology (environment, health, safety and 

security, energy) 

• Expanded expertise in bioinformatics and chemoinfonnatics applications to large 

datasets (environment, health, safety and security) 

• New expertise in biotoxin identifications using MS and NMR techniques 

(environment, health, safety and security) 

• New expertise in protein modifications (characterizing phosphorylation, etc.) and 

in assessing protein stability (environment, health) 

• Expanded expertise/capabilities for peptide synthesis (environment, health) 

• Expanded expertise in protein expression and purification (environment, health) 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

• Expanded expertise in nanoparticle characterization in environmental and 

biological systems and speciation related to nanoparticlcs (environment, health, 

safety and security, nanotechnology) 

• Expanded expertise in chemical modeling (environment, health, safety and 

security, energy, nanotechnology) 

• Expanded expertise in modem simulations and informatics technologies that can 

efficiently be used to handle, mine and analyze the large amounts of data 

(environment, health, safety and security, energy) 

• Expanded radiochemical expertise (safety and security, energy) 

• New expertise in food toxin and allergen measurements (health, safety and 

security) 

• Expanded expertise in bio- and chemical engineering as related to measurement 

standards for next generation rapid/accurate environmental sensors (environment, 

health) 

• Expanded expertise in integrating "omics" (genomics, proteomics, lipodomies, 

metabolomics) (environment, health, safety and security) 

• New expertise in directed self-assembly (health, nanotechnology) 

• Expanded advanced scanning probe instruments and other nanoscale 

characterization tools (nanotechnology) 

Ill.b.ii. Equipment and Facilities 

Chemical measurements, particularly in the environment and health areas, will 

increasingly rely on mass spectrometry-based measurement systems and hyphenated 

separation and mass spectrometry systems. Mass spectrometry instrumentation is 

advancing rapidly in capabilities (sensitivity, speed, data handling), and MML will need 

to maintain state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation and facilities (increasing 

numbers of instruments and diversity of MS techniques) to keep pace with the expanding 

measuremcnt needs. Better sensitivity, single atom sensitivity, and molecular sensing 

rather than elemental will be needed. Continuous upgrades to microscopy and 

spectroscopy capabilities will be required. In addition, continuous upgrades to the 

existing computational resources (including hardware and software) to support the 

chemo- and bio-informatics needs mentioned in the previous section. Given the amount 

of data expected to be generated/analyzed, MML will need data storage facilities in the 

order of petabytes as well as parallel architectures based on state-of-the-art processors 

such as GPUs. In addition, access to large-scale computational infrastructures such as 

Cloud and Tcragrid Computing might be also necessary. 

With the development of next generation SRMs, the MML will need to expand and 

improve the current facilities for preparation of SRMs/RMs, including capabilities for 

small volumes of solutions, advanced large scale mixing, and on-line homogeneity 

testing for moisture. Lastly, the energy future research needs will require a test engine 

facility that includes spark ignition, compression ignition, and gas turbine test engines 

with optical access and laser diagnostics. This test facility will be essential support for the 

evolution away from traditional petroleum resources. 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

IV. Bibliography 

ASME Energy Grand Challenge Roadmap, 2009 

ASME Strategic Plan, 2009 

Baxter et aI., Nanoscale design to enable the revolution in renewable energy, 

Energy Environ. Sci., 2, 559-588 2009 

Bcyond The Molecular Frontier - Challenges For Chemistry And Chemical 

Engineering: NRC, 2003 

Bojkovski et aI., A Roadmap for Thelmal Metrology, Int J Thermophys. 30: 1-8 

2009 

California Air Resources Board, Protecting Our Ocean, California's Action 

Strategy, Final Report to Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggcr, 2004 

Catalysis For Energy: Fundamental Science And Long-Term Impacts Of The U.S. 

Department Of Energy Basic Energy Science Catalysis Science Program, NRC, 

2009 

Chemical Industry R&D Roadmap for Nanomaterials By Design: From 

Fundamentals to Function, Chemical Industry Vision2020 Technology 

Partnership, 2003 

Chemical Industry Vision2020 Technology Partnership, Annual Report, 2003, 

2004 

Combustion Energy Frontier Research Center, First Annual Review, Princeton 

NJ,2010 

Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast, Science, Impacts, and 

Solutions, Union of Concerned Scientists, 2007 

Economic Impact Of SRMs for Sulfur in Fossil Fuels, 2000 

Energy Sector Issues and references within, Read-ahead for CSTL Off Site, 2009 

Environment Sector Issues and references within, Read-ahead for CSTL Off Site, 

2009 

Fluid Properties for New Technologies - Connecting Virtual Design with 

Physical Reality, Report on Forum 2000, NIST Special Publication 975, 2001 

Food Safety Sector Issues and references within, Read-ahead for CSTL Ofr Site, 

2009 

Health Care Sector Issues and references within, Read-ahead for CSTL Off Site, 

2009 

Hench and Thompson, Twenty-first Century Challenges for Biomaterials, 1. R. 

Soc. Inteliace, 7, S379-S391 2010 

Hendriks et aI., Industrial Requirements For Thermodynamics And Transport 

Properties,Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 49,11131-11141,2010 

IChemE, A Roadmap for 21 st Century, Chemical Engineering, 2007 

ITRS (International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors) 2009 

Jeffrey, W., NIST, NIST's Role in Supporting Economic Competitiveness in the 

21st Century: The FY08 Budget Request, Testimony Before the Committee on 

Science and Technology Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation United 

States House of Representatives, 2007 

Manufacturing Sector Issues and references within, Read-ahead for CSTL Off 

Site, 2009 

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Chemical Measurement Science and Standards 

Martin et aI., Bioreactor-based Roadmap for the Translation of Tissue 

Engineering Strategies into Clinical Products, Trends in Biotechnology, 27:9, 495-

502,2009 

Measurement Challenges to Innovation in the Biosciences: Critical Roles for 

NIST,2009 

Nanotechnology-Enabled Sensing: Report of the NNI Workshop, 2009 

National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOAA, Stratcgic Plan: 2011-2015 

National Security and Forensics Sector Issues and references within, Read-ahead 

for CSTL Off Site, 2009 

NIST Initiative: "Measurements And Standards For The Climate Change Science 

Program, per CSTL Climate Science Assessment, 2008 

NIST Workshop On Ouantification Of Greenhouse Gas Area Sources And Sinks, 

2010 

NOAA, Understanding Global Ecosystems to SuppOtt Informed Decision-Making 

a 20-Year Research Vision, NOAA Research Council 

Nuclear Energy R&D Roadmap, Report to Congress, U.S. DOE, 2010 

Osten et aI., Optical Metrology From the Laboratory to the Real World, Proc. of 

SPIE Vol. 7387 73871G-I, 2010 

Reducing the Time from Basic Research to Innovation in the Chemical Sciences: 

A Workshop Report to the Chcmical Sciences Roundtable, NRC, 2003 

Reichert et aI., 2010 Panel on the Biomaterials Grand Challenges, Society for 

Biomaterials, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research A, 96:2, 275-287, 2011 

Royal Society of Chemistry, Chemistry for Tomorrow's World, A Roadmap for 

the Chemical Sciences, 2009 

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, Committee 

on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community, NRC, 2009 

Strengthening NOAA Science, Findings from the NOAA Science Workshop, 

April 20-22, 2010 

Sustainability in the Chemical Industry: Grand Challenges and Research Needs -

A Workshop Report, Committee on Grand Challenges for Sustainability in the 

Chemical Industry, NRC 2005 

The Economic Impact Of The NIST Traceable Gas-Mixture Reference Materials 

Program, NIST, 2002 

The Future of U.S. Chemistry Research: Benchmarks and Challenges Committee 

on Benchmarking the Research Competitiveness of the United States in 

Chemistry, NRC 2007 

Transforming Combustion Research Through Cyberinfrastructure, NRC, 2011 

U.S. Department ofCommercc, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 

Three-Year Programmatic Plan FY 2011 - FY 2013 

U.S. Department of Energy 2009-2011 Strategic Plan And Integration With 

Office of Science And DoD Research Programs, Em-22 DOE Office Of 

Groundwater And Soil Remediation 

U.S. Department Of Energy Strategic Plan, DOE/CF-OOIO 

U.S. Department of State, U.S. Climate Action Report, Fifth National 

Communication of the United States of America Under the United Nations 

Framework Convention on Climate Change, 20 I 0 

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Ukraintsev and Banke, Reference Metrology for Nanotechnology: Significance, 

Challenges and Solutions, Proc. ofSPIE Vol. 7767 77670C-I, 2010 

Vision 20/20 Chemicals Plus Advanced Modeling Techniques For Physical 

Property Estimation, Economic Impact Report, 2005 

Vision 2020 Technology Vision - The U.S. Chemical Industry, 1996 

What lies ahead, Nature, 469, 23-26, 2011 

Whitesides and Deutch, Let's Get Practical, Nature, 469, 21-22, 2011 

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Material Measurement Laboratory 

Overview of Programs 

Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

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Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

I.Introduction 

Many technologies that are critical to the health of our economy hinge upon the design. 

development and usc of materials. As such, materials are often central to technological 

innovation, since it is their properties that impart products with performance and 

functionality. For example, the revolutionary smaller and faster electronic devices we 

enjoy today are only possible because of advanced semiconductor and packaging 

materials. In addition, current and emerging technologies for renewable energy, energy 

efficiency and storage, sustainability, homeland security and defense, and biotechnology 

all depend upon the design, development and commercialization of materials that exhibit 

new or improved properties. 

The development, production and application of materials in manufacturing and 

technology represent a significant portion of US. economic activity. For mineral-based 

materials alone, the value of products manufaetured in the U.S. exceeds $400B, and U.S. 

plastics products accounts for nearly $380B [1]. In addition, advanced materials have 

been essential to innovation in key U.s. manufacturing sectors, including the $550B 

electronics industry, the $300B automotive industry, and the $200B aerospace industry 

[2]. However, to reap the economic and technological benefits of materials, industry and 

other government agencies face considerable challenges, as they must be able to optimize 

their properties, effectively manufacture reliable products from them, and assess their 

safety and environmental impact, among other issues. 

The NIST Materials Measurement Laboratory provides measurement science, standards, 

instrumentation and data that enable and accelerate the development and application of 

materials, from metallic alloys, semiconductors, and polymers to nanomaterials and 

hybrids. These measurement tools provide the 

accurate assessments of materials composition, 

structure, and properties needed by industry and 

other government agencies to design and 

optimize materials, manufacturing routes 

suitable for advanced materials processing, 

achieve quality control, eomply with regulations, 

and ensure the long tcnn reliability of products 

produced with materials. 

II.Environmental Scan 

II.a.Scan of Milferials Trends 

Materials have been and will continue to be key 

enablers of our Nation's economic growth. security, 

and quality of life. The primary National Priority 

Areas [3 J for which materials advances will playa 

pivotal role in technological innovation include 

energy, the environment, healthcarc, manufacturing, 

physical infrastructure, and safety and security, as 

depicted in Fig. I. Over the last century, materials 

advances have been characterized by two trends: (I) 

Page 46 of76 

Fig.l Natronal needs (yellow boxes) and 

national priority areas that depend upon 

materials innovation (other boxes). The 

positions of the national priority areas 

relative to the national needs indicates 

their relevance to the needs. The curved 

arrow indicates the increasing focus on 

sustalnabHity and the product lifecyde 

concept in materials science. 
115 

Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

efforts to refine and optimize the composition and structure of bulk-scale materials, with 

the goal of producing superior material properties; and (2) integration of disparate 

materials at ever decreasing length scales, resulting in components and devices with new 

or improved performance. An example of the former trend is light-weight, high-strength 

aluminum alloys for aircraft applications. The latter trend is exemplified by the integrated 

metal-ceramic-polymer multilayer structures that provide smaller, lighter, and faster 

microelectronie devices. This trend has continued in the 21 st century with the advent of 

engineered composite nanomaterials [4], all the way to hybrid materials with inorganicorganic bonding at the molecular scale [5]. For manufacturers, the enterprise of empirical 

structure, properties, and process optimization of such complex materials can mean 

considerable expenditures oftimc and money. Hcnce, the 21st ccntury has been marked 

by the need for validatcd predictive models that will leverage the emergence of 

increasingly powerful computers to enable a "materials by design" approach to materials 

and process optimization [6]. An additional 21 st century issue is sustainability-meeting 

today's needs without compromising the needs of the future-as an overarching 

consideration that will place constraints on the development and application of materials 

for national priority areas [7], but will also present new opportunities for materials-driven 

innovation. Finally, lifecycle analysis of materials and their products has become 

increasingly important as a result of growing concerns or environmental impact, energy 

conservation, and scarcity of critical materials [8]. 

n.b. Scan of Customers and Their Measurement, Standards, and Data Needs 

CUlTent and potential MML customers in materials arc incredibly diverse, and include a 

large number of industry sectors, as well as other federal agencies, universities, and nongovernmental organizations, both national and internationa1. Table 1 gives a sense of the 

wide range of industry sectors for which materials, and materials measurements, are 

important. This list derived from the DoC Industry Exporters list [9], and will be used 

throughout our report. In addition, there are many federal agencies with materials 

measurement needs, including Departments and their organizational units and 

independent agencies . 

. d T a e hI 1 R I e evant In ustry customer sectors . I or matcna s 

Agriculture Energy' Materials/Chemicals 

Automotive! A viationiMarine Environmental Medical Products and 

Equipment 

Building/Construction/Hardware Food/Food Processing Safety and Security 

Consumer Goods Health and Sports and Recreation 

Beauty/Fashion:! 

Electrical/Electronics Industrial Equipment 

" . :1<prevlOusly mcluded In Envllonmental; vltamms, cosmetICS and personal carc, tOlletncs, 

fabrics, apparel 

As a model for capturing the huge breadth of potential customers related to materials and 

their measurement and data needs, one can consider different aspects of a materialproduct lifecycle as shown in Fig. 2. Through this lens, six general classes or groups of 

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Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

customers emerge: Developers of Materials, Producers of Materials,l Manufacturers of 

Products,2 Users ofProducls, Recyclers of Materials and Products, and Disposers of 

Materials and Products, As shown in Figure 2, each customer group has specific needs 

for measurements; for example, materials identification~ process optimization~ and 

environmental impact. MML's response to any single customer or customer industry 

sector can be analyzed with this model, so it will be employed as a tool throughout this 

report 

• Materialsdist:overy • Materials Identifieatton • Materials stiettion 

• Materials by design • Process optimization • Materials integration 

• Materials Identifieatlon • Process control • Process optimization 

• Materials optimiIation • Regulatorycomplianee • Protesseontrol 

• £nvironmentallmpad 

c:: lifecycle of a Material 

• Materials substitution 

• Materials slJ's,tainabilitv 

• Regulatory eompliance 

• Environmental impact 

• Materials stability • Materials Identification • Release of materials from products • Process optiml:atlon • Environmentallmpad • El'lvironmental impact 

• Envirol'lmental remediation 

• Materialssafety 

Fig. 2 Lifecycle of a material, showing the groups of customers and their measurement needs. 

Definitions of the customer groups and their measurefiJent needs are provided in Appendix A. 

Ill, Current State of Materials Science Activities at NIST 

Uta, Scope of MML Research and Measurement Service Activities 

The following scoping statement was developed for MML to describe and delineate 

materials science measurements and standards activities that are consistent with the NIST 

mission. The three elements of this scope are: 

• Research in materials science and engineering to establish the underlying 

processing-structure-property relationships of technologically and commercially 

relevant materials 

• Provision of measurement toolS-instruments, protocols, reference materials, 

models, and software-that enable accurate, precise, and reproducible 

measurements of: 

o Material composition' (e) 

o Material structure" (S) 

1 Both "commodity" materials, e,g., steel, cement, po!yethylene, and specialty materials. 

Z that contain materials, i,e., components, structures, devices, systems 

3 includes spatia! and temporal distributions 

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Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

o Material propelties' (P) 

Such tools enable the design, development, mmuf[acture, and sustainable use of 

such material, and the optimization of materials processing and production, 

peliormance, and reliability (~f components, devices, and systems that incorporate 

such materials 

• Provision of benchmark and Reference data for material composition, structure, 

and properties 

As it stresses alignment with the NIST mission, this scoping statement provides a general 

frame for describing what MML does in materials now, and clarifies the type and nature 

of the work expected from potential future activities. 

III.b. Fiscal Profile in FYll 

Across all of MML, the investment in Materials Science was about $ 56.0 M out of the 

total MML FY II funding of$ 137.21',1, equivalent to 41.6%. In FYII, 1',1ML defined a 

list of eight major program areas, most of which include materials related measurements 

and standards activities. The flll1ding distribution for Materials Science activities among 

these areas is presented in Table 2. The largest efforts are in the Advanced Electronics, 

Advanced Materials, Biomedical and Health, and Energy Program Areas. For this 

exercise, Advanced iVlaterials included all activities in manufacturing except electronics, 

and also included all measurement activities that are relevant to more than one program 

area, e.g., standards for calibrating broadly applicable instruments. 

Table 2. Funding for materials science activities in the MML Program Areas 

III.c. Current Customers alld Their Measuremellts, Standards, alld Dala Needs 

To assess the current customer foclis ofNIST materials science activities, two models to 

sort customer sets were used: the six groups and their measurement needs shown in Fig. 2 

and the industry sectors listed in Table 1. Other agencies served by M1',1L research were 

also examined. The materials-focused Divisions reported on activities for the first two 

4 includes electronic, molecular, and macromolecular structure, chemical and atomic arrangements, 

microstructure, and dimensions 

S mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, optical, and chemical properties under equilibrium, nonequilibrium, and dynamic conditions 

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Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

groups. Tables 3 and 4 summarize the relative level of the MML effort-high (H), 

medium (M), or low (L )--fol' these two customer types. 

Customer Groups 

Within the context of the materials lifecycle shown in Figure 2, MML works 

predominately within the "upstream" part of the lifecycle, i.e .. Developers and Producers 

of materials. By comparison, MML has little to no aetivities within the "downstream" 

parts of the litecycle (e.g. serving Recyclers and Disposers) and provides only modest 

support for Manufacturers. In terms of the measurement needs ofMML customers, 

MML works predominately on establishing measurements related to materials 

development, largely through composition and structure measurements for materials 

identification and discovery, and on developing measurements for materials and process 

optimization, largely by establishing and improving property measurements. In contrast, 

MML has little activity in developing measurements in support of "downstream" needs, 

such as materials sustainability and recycling, materials safety and stability, and 

environmental impact. These seemingly underserved areas represent potential gaps for 

MML to address in the future ifthey align with significant emerging industrial or national 

measurement challenges. 

Table 3. Cun'ent customer groups and their measurement needs, listed in approximate 

Industrv Seetors 

Table 4 maps the materials-relevant industry sectors from the DoC industry exporters list 

to seven of the eight MML Program Areas (there are no eurrent materials science 

activities in the MML Food Safety and Nutrition Program Area), and ranks the level of 

MML effort. As might be expected, MML has extensive measurement activities that 

serve the Materials sector; additional areas of emphasis are Electronics and Energy. As 

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Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

noted above, much of this work is aimed at advancing the materials development for 

these sectors. Consistent with the small levels of effort in the downstream measurement 

needs noted above, MML has limited measurement activities in the Environmental sector, 

Efforts that directly support manufacturing are modest overall, and are strongest in the 

Electronics and Automotive sectors. 

A few signHicant examples ofMML materials-focused activities for each industry sectorMML Program Area from Table 4 are listed below: 

Automotive/Aviation: sheet metalforming: automotive light-weighting; 

crashworthiness 

Building/Construction: materials and structural performance under extreme 

conditions: non-destructive evaluation afinfrastructure components 

Consumer Products: coatings, paints, adhesives, synthetic jibers 

• Electronics: semiconductor microelectronics, magnetic data slorage;A1E.MS 

devices; flexible electronics; post-ClvfOS electronics,' electronic nanostrucfures 

• Energy: pmver generation: renewable energy (photovoltaics, thermoelectric, 

biofuels), nuclear infrastructure safety, hydrogen; pipeline materials (hydrogen, 

gas, petroleum, biofuels); storage (balteries, hydrogen);filel cells; 

Environmental: nanomalerials environmental, health, and safety issues (nanaEHS); carbon sequestration; climate change 

Health and Beauty/Fashion: personal care products; cornplexfluid, 

• Materials: measurements, standards, and data applicable to multiple materials in 

multiple industry sectors (e.g., standards to calibrate commonly used 

instruments); processing; high-throughput approaches to support materials 

development 

• Medical Products and Equipment: dental materials; implantable medical devices; 

tissue engineering,' nanoparticlesfor cancer treatment; medical imaging 

Safety and Security:forensics, including explosive agent detection; incident 

assignment; body armor reliability 

Other agency customers 

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Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

MML works with many federal agencies, and receives financial support from the 

Department of Detense, Depm1ment of llomeland Security, the National Institutes of 

Health, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy, the Department of 

Justice, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in order of decreasing support, Other 

agency support is primarily in the areas of safety and security, in particular forensics, 

explosive detection and ballistics protection, materials for dental health, nanomaterials 

environmental health and safety, infrastructure remediation and energy infrastructure 

safety and reliability. 

IlI.d. Current MML Capabilities/or Measurements, Standard" and Data 

MML researchers currently have an extensive portfolio of capabilities, defined here as 

skills, expertise, facilities, and instruments, for developing measurements and standards 

for C, S, and P of materials, both solid and fluid. The skills and expel1ise include 

experimental measurements, analysis using theory, modeling, and computation, synthesis 

and fabrication of materials and structures, and expert knowledge of all classes of 

materials with characteristic length seales ranging from the nanoscale to the macroscale. 

MML researchers also maintain a broad portfolio of experimental facilities for C, S, and 

P measurements, including a number of world-class instruments. Two major emphases of 

this capabilities portfolio contained within all the materials-focused MML Divisions are 

the determination of composition and structure and the measurement of mechanical 

properties. Structure determination capabilities extend from the sub·nanometer electronic 

scale to the sub·millimeter microstructural scale and include the use of all fonns of 

probing radiation and contact and non-contact microscopies. Mechanical property 

measurement capabilities extend from the naito-scale to the macro-scale and include all 

modes of mechanical deformation. 

MML Experimental Measurement Capabilities 

The areas for which MML has world-class measurement capabilities, in tenns of staff 

skills and expertise and associated facilities that include a mix of world-class (one of a 

few) and commercial state-of-the-art instruments, are presented in Table 5. Here "facility~' 

is defined as a collective group of instruments that reside in one or more Divisions and 

locations, including the Gaithersburg and Boulder sites and the National Synchrotron 

Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory6, The NIST Center for 

Neutron Research (NCNR) is included because of the many interactions between MML 

and NCNR. Each facility listed below represents a capital investment of$ 5M to $ 25M, 

and includes one or more world-class instruments. The facilities are sorted by the core 

materials measurement capabilities they support, i.e. the quantification of material's 

composition, structure and properties. In addition to the materials properties assessment 

capabilities given in Table 5, MML has lesser capabilities in electrical and optical 

properties measurements. 

Table 5, Major MML experimental measurement capabilities and measurement types 

6 At the NSlS, NIST has eight resident researchers and owns, operates, maintains, and develops new 

capabilities at five beamlines at NSlS 

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Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

Materials 

Composition 

and Structure 

Materials 

Properties 

The analysis skill sets in MML Divisions includes a strong emphasis on the prediction of 

stmcture, particularly at the atomic and molecular scale, with structure modeling and 

simulation skills and expeltise contained within the MML Divisions, Structural modeling 

and simulation expertise include: First principles calculations, molecular dynamics and 

potential function-based calculations, field- and phase-based models, and phase diagram 

calculations for metals and fluids. In addition, there are theoretical skills and expertise in 

structure and properties in the areas of crystallography, magnetics, statistical optimization, 

thennodynamics and kinetics, chemistry, and mechanics. Computation plays a large role 

in nearly all the analysis activities and there are skills and expertise in computational 

propelty prediction and simulation using finite element analysis, computational fluid 

dynamics, and computational chemistry. 

MML Synthesis, Fabrication and Processing Capabilitics 

Synthesis and fabrication capabilities are an essential part ofMML function when they 

provide a testbed or finely controlled model specimens to advance measurement 

development. MML skills, expertise, and instruments, have a strong emphasis on 

producing solid structures with nano- 01' micro-scale dimensions, including thin-film 

deposition via liquid and vapor phases, nanomaterial synthesis, separations, 

microfabrication (including the NIST Centcr for Nanotechnology Science and 

Technology (CNST) and the Boulder Precision Measurement Laboratory nanofabrication 

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Materials Measurement Science and Standards 

facilities), surface functionalization, and molecular self-assembly, The predominant 

bulk-scale materials synthesis and fabrication capabilities are related to polymer 

processing and sheet metal forming. 

MML Materials Expertise 

The materials expertise within MML extends across all material c1asscs-ceramics, 

metals, polymers, semiconductors, composites, biomaterials, and fluid materials-in bulk, 

particulate, and multilayer forms. There is a strong focus within each class on materials 

of commercial importance, and increasing expertise in biomaterials and nanomaterials. 

In addition, MML staff have strong knowledge of the technology areas and associated 

industry sectors for which materials playa central role. 

NIST Materials Measurement Capabilities Outside ofMML 

Materials measurement capabilities also exist within the NIST Physical Measurement 

Laboratory (PML), Engineering Laboratory (ELl, the CNST, and NCNR. The principal 

capabilities within each laboratory are: 

• PML: optical and light-matter interactions (S, P), electronic properties of 

semiconductors (P), shape and spatial chemical distributions of nanostructured 

materials (S) 

• EL: mechanical behavior of structural materials (P), stability, weathering, and 

flammability resistance (C, S, P), concrete structure and stability predictions (C, S, 

P), service life predictions (S, P) 

• CNST: microfabrication and processing in the NIST Nanofab. (C, S), 

nanofabrication (C. S), electrical, magnetic, and optical measurements at the 

nanoscale (P) 

• NCNR: neutron scattering and diffraction (C, S) 

Although these laboratories maintain material measurement capabilities, their focus is 

generally not on the central theme of materials science, to establish processing-structure~ 

propel1ies relationships. or the focus of MM L, on technologically and commercially 

relevant materials. 

IV.Future State of Materials Science Activities at NIST: to year horizon 

IV.a. External Assessment 

The team conducted an extensive survey of numerous materials-related technology 

roadmaps [10-26]. The results of this survey, along with expel1 knowledge, have been 

used to assess the future state of materials science in terms of National Priority Areas, 

technology priority areas, MML Program Areas, customers, and measurement needs and 

solutions. Tables 6-9 summarize these assessments and are used to establish MML 

materials measurement priorities. Table 6 lists materials-focused technology priority 

areas within the National Priority and MML Program Areas. For each of these items, it 

is noted whether the needs in the area could be addressed by expansion or redirection of 

CUlTent MML activities (elr), or that it reflects a substantially new direction for the 

organization (n). 

Table 6. Materials-focused 

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IV.h. Future Customers 

Tables 7 and 8 list the six customer groups given in Table 3 and the industry sectors in 

Tablc I respectively. The tables include the relative level of the CUlTent MML effort (H. 

M, or L) and proposed future trends in the level of MML support (increasing 1, 

decreasing L or the same -) as determined from the extemal assessment and the team's 

knowledge of the customer groups. 

IV.c.Future Customer Measurement Needs and NIST Measurement Solutions 

Future trends in the MML level of effort required to address each materials science 

measurement need listed in Table 3, based on the external assessment, are presented in 

Table 9. along with the current MML level of effort for each need. Materials science 

measurement solutions to address these needs were obtained from the external 

assessment; the eleven most common solutions are also presented in Table 9. The 

relevance of a measurement solution to a particular measurement need is indicated by the 

color of the cell: red (extremely relevant), orange (moderately relevant), yellow (weakly 

relevant) and white (no relevance). The future trends were detetmined by comparing the 

total number of relevant measurement solutions to the current MML level of effOlt. High 

priority measurement needs arc in the areas of materials substitution, process 

optimization and control, and materials stability. The importance of a pattieular 

measurement solution is indicated by the same color scheme at the foot of the table. 

Prevalent measurement solutions are predictive modeling, measurements under relevant 

conditions, and standards and quality data. 

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Table 9. Measurement solutions mapped onto current MML measurement efforts 

V. 10 year Vision for Materials Measurement and Standards Programs in MML 

The data and analysis above points to a number of trends in industry and national 

measurement needs. These represent significant opportunities and emerging gaps that 

can guide the formation, growth and prioritization of future MML materials 

measurements and standards programs over the next 10 years. In summary: 

In the future, "downstream" needs in the materials product cycle will become 

increasingly important. These suggest that MML should turn its focus from 

measurement programs that support materials development and optimization in 

favor of programs that: 

o support manufacturing in priority technology sectors (see Table 6) through 

the development and dissemination of process monitoring and control 

measurement methods that enable high-volume fabrication of products 

incorporating advanced materials. Beyond simple sensors, the challenge 

is to create online measurements that bring the power of cutting-edge 

materials structure and properties measurements to the manufacturing line. 

o support the assessment and reduction of the environmental impact of 

materials by providing tools for environmental assessment under relevant 

conditions, and measurements that foster reduced use of toxic, critical and 

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energy intensive materials, through the use of ma1erials substitutions and 

renewable or recycled fcedstocks. 

The first effOlt will SUppOlt the Administration's emphasis on innovation and 

manufacturing, and the second will address the challenges associated with our 

Nation's inevitable and necessary shift towards sustainability. 

• Nearly every sector roadmap examined called out the need for validated data and 

models for prediction of materials properties and reliability, especially for 

structural materials, advanced electronics and energy devices, and biomedical 

devices. Industry needs (hese validated data and predictive models to accelerate 

materials selection and the development of process designs (0 create products 

with optimal perfonnance in a more cost effective manner. To address these 

needs, MML should leverage and shift its current analytical strengths in structure 

prediction towards models for properties prediction. For carefully chosen 

technology areas there is the opportunity to launch efforts to develop and 

demonstrate "materials by design", which represents a poweli''ul combination of 

predictive modeling and materials property optimization. The extemal assessment 

suggests that advanced electronics and cncrgy materials and physical 

infrastructure materials could be suitable targets for materials by design 

development. For predicting lifetime and reliability of materials systems, 

expertise in materials failure analysis should be enhanced. Overall, it is important 

that these measurements and models reflect relevant conditions, for example, 

pertinent environmental media, extreme conditions and manufacturing conditions. 

Because traditional electronics manufacturing has moved largely overseas, MML 

should reduce its emphasis on traditional semiconductor electronics. MML's 

extensive expertise and capabilities in this area can be redirected to address 

emerging measurement needs for renewable energy, and for the reliable 

manufacture of innovative advanced electronics devices, such as energy efficient 

electronics, flexible electronics, sustainable electronics and 

microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In some cases, such transitions in 

MML programming have already begun. 

[n the area of healthcare, our needs analysis suggests that MML program growth 

should focus on areas where the establishment of important new directions can be 

addressed by a strategic extension of current capabilities. For example, MML can 

establish a new effort in materials borne infection by Icveraging and extending 

current expertise in dental materials. Generally, the needs identified in the area of 

biomaterials are natural extensions of currently existing programs. Accordingly, 

program redirection and refinement seems to be the appropriate method to address 

future measurement needs in biomaterials as they become prominent. Table 6 

reflects the technology priorities in healthcare that emerged from the external 

assessment. 

Based on the analysis, future needs for many of the other materials-relevant 

technology areas can be accommodated by leveraging and redirecting current 

activities. For these areas, Table 6 reflects the technology priorities that emerged 

Ii-om the road map analyses. 

V.a. Future skill sets and expertise 

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To address the future measurement trends, and achieve the 10 year Vision for Materials 

Science described above, MML will need to develop or acquire additional skill sets and 

expertise in: 

Predictive modeling of material properties and data evaluation methods, For 

targeted technology areas, skills and expertise in "materials by design" should see 

growth, 

Composition, structure and properties measurements under relevant conditions, 

including biological, environmental, manufacturing, and extreme conditions, 

Building such capabilities will likely involve developing a deeper expertise in 

assessing non-equilibrium materials structure and properties. 

Failure and stability analysis, and reliability engineering 

V,b, Future major facilities 

Increased computational power to accommodate development and validation or 

predictive models 

Instruments that simulate relevant conditions including environmental 

assessments, measurements of manufacturing processes, extreme conditions and 

reliability 

A testbed for development of measurements methods for online monitoring of 

materials structure, composition and properties in manufacturing processes 

VI. References 

[I] U's, Geological Survey Circular 1221: Materials in the Economy; Online sector 

analysis report: http://en,wikipedia,org/wiki/Soeiety of the Plastics Industry; 

[2] Online sector analysis reports: http://www.cosyninc.com/pdf/Eleetron.pdf; 

http://trade.gov /wem/ groups/internet/documents/artie Ie/auto rcports parts20 I 0,)2 

;If; http://www,ias.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40967,pdf 

[3] Memorandum for the lleads of Executive Departments and Agencies, Seicnce and 

Technology Priorities for the FYI2 Budget, July21, 2010, 

htlp://www,whitehouse,gov 

[4] "Nanotechnology for the Biologist," S, McNeil, Journal of Lcukocyte Biology. 

78:585·594 (2005) 

[5] "Introduction to Hybrid Materials" in Hybrid Materials.' Synthesis, 

Characterization, and Applications, Edited by G, Kickelbiek, Wiley·VCH Verlag 

GmbH & Co, KGa, Weinheim, Germany (2007) pp, 1-48, 

[6] Integrated Computational Materials Engineering.' A Transformational Discipline 

for Improved Competitiveness and National Security. National Research Council, 

The National Academies Press, Washington, D,C. (2010).137 pp. 

[7] EPA RepOlt on Sustainability, http://www.epa.gov/sustainability/basicinfo.htm 

[8] Materials and the Environment' Eco-Informed Material Choice, M. F, Ashby, 

Elsevier (2009), Pp. 39-56, 

[9] Official Export Promotion Magazine of the U,S, Department of Commerce, 

http://www.thinkglobal.us/magazine/categories 

[10] Science for Energy Technology.' Strengthening the Link between Basic Research 

and Industry (2010) 

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[II] Nanoscale Design to Enable the Revolution in Renewable Energy, J. Baxtor, et. 

a!., Energy and Environmental Science 2, 559-588 (2009) 

[12] Critical Materials Strategy, DOE (2010) 

[13] Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020, Science Policy 

Report (2010) 

[14] National Nanotechnology Initiative JOll Environmental, Health, and Safety 

Research Strategy (2011) 

[IS] Beyond RCRA: Waste and Materials Management in the Year 2020, EPA (2010) 

[16] A Sustainable Global Society: How Can Materials Chemistry Help? (2011) 

[17] International Technology Roadmap jor Semiconductors: Emerging Research 

Marerials (2009) and Update (2010) 

[18] 2010 Panel on the Biomaterials Grand Challenges, W. Reichert ct. a!., Journal of 

Biomedical Materials Research 96A:275-287 (2011) 

[19] 21st Century Challengesfor Biosciences, LL Hench and l. Thompson, J. R. Soc. 

Interface 7:S379-S391 (2010) 

[20] Steel Industry Technology Roadmapfor Automotive, American Iron and Steel 

Institute (2006) 

[21 J NISI' Technology Innovation Program Report: Advanced Materials (2009) 

[22] Us. Measurement System Technology Roadmap Review, NIST (2006) 

[23] Alternative, Renewable, and Novel Feedstocks for Producing Chemicals, 

Chemistry Industry Vision 2020 (2007) 

[24] Chemical IndustlY R&D Roadmapfor Nanomaterials by Design: From 

Fundamentals to Function (2003) 

[25] Technology Vision 2020: the US. Chemical IndusflY (1996) 

[26] DoC-NIST Three-Year Programmatic Plan, FY20 12-FY20 I 4 

[27] NIST Organic Act, http://www.nist.gov/director/oclalnist organic act.cfm 

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Appendix A: Definitions for Figure 2 

Materials Science Customer Groups 

• Developers: suppliers of: new ideas for materials and their applications; new 

materials; or materials with optimized properties, e,g" research and development labs 

at Coming, 3M, Du Pont, Reynolds 

• Producers: suppliers of commodity materials, e.g., steel, concrete, polyethylene 

• Manufacturers (products): suppliers of components, structures, devices, and systems 

produced or assembled from materials; may also produce materials as part of their 

manufacturing processes, e.g., semiconductor device manufacturers 

• Users: users of products containing materials, e.g., consumers, including industry, 

other agencies 

• Recyclers: collectors of used materials and manufacturers and suppliers of materials, 

components, and energy produced or assembled from used materials, including re-use 

of materials and components, e.g., local councils, government agencies, corporations 

such as Alcoa, Dlubak Glass, Recycleln America, Waste Management 

• Disposers: collectors of materials and components and transporters and starers of 

used materials and components, often with the intent of controlled degradation, e.g., 

local councils, government agencies, corporations sllch as Waste Management 

Activities: Measurement needs requiring NIST measurement solutions (C, S, p/ 

• Material discovery: finding a new material, with typically the goal of optimized 

propel1ies (P) 

• Materials by design: developing and employing computational methods to 

combine known processing-structure-properties linkages of materials to select a 

composition and processing combination that produces a component with selected 

perfonnance, e.g., maximum load capacity per mass, minimum carbon footprint 

per cost (C, S, P) 

• Material identification: detennining what a material is, typically by composition 

or structure (C, S) 

• Material optimization: developing processing methods that lead to materials with 

desired properties, typically using structure as the intermediate linkage (C, S, P) 

• Material substitution: developing or selecting a material to replace another, 

typically for health, safety, environmental, cost, business, or political reasons, 

e.g., avoid sole supplier constraints, avoid dependence on other countries (C, S. P) 

• Material snstaiftahility: sclecting and recycling materials such that current and 

future needs (including energy and environmental) are met (C, S, P) 

• Process optimization: developing processing methods that lead to materials with 

desired structures, that enable cost-effective scale-up to production-level 

manufacturing, or that maintain desired structures at reduced processing cost (C, 

S. P) 

• Process control: maintaining a desired process, typically by monitoring materials 

stmcture and altering process parameters using known processing-structure 

linkages to regain the desired structure (C, S, P) 

7 Composition (C), structure (S), property (P) 

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• Regulatory compliance: using materials composition, structure, and property data 

to develop and enforce regulations to protect humans and the environment (C, S, 

P) 

• Environmental impact: using materials or product composition~ structure) and 

property data in relevant media to dctennine and predict potential adverse effects 

of materials and products on the environment (C, S, P) 

• Material selection: employing materials properties databases, e.g., Cambridge 

Engineering Materials Selector, to choose a material for a particular application 

such that component or system performance is optimized, e,g., selecting an 

insulating material for greatest energy efficiency of a kiln (P) 

• Materials integration: selecting processing or manufacturing methods such that 

different materials can be combined (integrated) into components or devices such 

that manufacturing yield or operational performance (especially reliability) is 

maximized, e.g., limiting subsequent thermal excursions after thin films with 

different coeflicients of thermal expansion are deposited in a microelectronic 

device (C, S, P) 

• Reliability: Selecting processes or materials that generate stmctures or properties 

such that components or devices exhibit required performance, i.e., avoid failure, 

over required lifetime, e.g., selecting a glass with stable color centers such that 

window transparency is maintained over the life of a building; could also involve 

the prediction oflifetime from knowledge offailure mechanisms (C, S, P) 

• illaterial safety: using materials composition~ structure, and property data to 

detennine or predict potential adverse effects of materials and products on human 

health (C, S, P) 

• Material stability: selecting a material with invariant properties, dimensions, or 

composition on environmental exposure, e.g., a radiation resistant steel, a water 

resistant concrete, a temperature resistant silicone; or with a controlled or desired 

variation, e.g., a sacrificial anode, a soluble pharmaceutical, a foam able gel; could 

also involve the prediction of stability from knowledge of environmental 

interaction mechanisms (C, S, P) 

• Release of materials from products: using materials composition and structure 

data to detennine or predict the release ofmatcrials from products (C, S) 

• Environmental remediation: using materials composition, structure, and property 

data to develop approaches that utilize materials for the removal of pollution or 

contaminants from the environment~ or to remediate or abate materials that pollute 

or contaminate the environment (C, S, P) 

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