Virtual Meeting

February 3, 2021

NIST Update

Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology 

James K. Olthoff
2

Meeting Agenda

Session I: NIST Update – Programmatic Updates, Safety, and 

Infrastructure

Session II: Setting the Stage – Current Budget Situation, Incoming 

Priorities and New Mandates

Session III: VCAT Working Session –

• Discuss Report and Recommendations

• Discuss Letter to the Incoming Administration
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Session I: NIST Update

• NIST programmatic update

• Safety update – Keeping NIST staff safe during COVID

• Infrastructure update – Status of ongoing projects and priorities

• Discussion
NIST Leadership Changes

James K. Olthoff

Associate Director 

performing the nonexclusive 

duties of the NIST Director
NIST Leadership Changes

Chuck Romine

Acting Chief-of-Staff

5

Eric Lin

Acting Associate Director for 

Laboratory Programs
6

NIST Leadership Changes: Retirement

Director 

Under Secretary of Commerce for 

Standards and Technology 

Chief of Staff

Associate Director for 

Laboratory Programs / 

Principal Deputy

Material Measurement 

Laboratory

Communications Technology 

Laboratory

Physical Measurement 

Laboratory

Engineering Laboratory

Information Technology 

Laboratory

NIST Center for Neutron 

Research

Associate Director for 

Management Resources

Office of Advanced 

Manufacturing

Baldrige Performance 

Excellence Program

Hollings Manufacturing 

Extension Partnership

Technology Partnerships 

Office

Director, Engineering Laboratory

• Retired in December 2020

• 35 years at NIST starting as a 

researcher in Dimensional 

Metrology

• Served as Director of 

Manufacturing Engineering 

Laboratory

• Served as Director of 

Engineering Laboratory since 

2014 

Dr. Howard Harary

Office of Acquisition and 

Agreements Management

Office of Safety, Health and 

Environment

Office of Financial Resource 

Management

Office of Human Resources 

Management

Office of Information Systems 

Management

Office of Facilities and 

Property Management

Associate Director for 

Innovation and Industry 

Services
NIST Leadership Changes

Stephanie Hooker

Acting Director,

Material 

Measurement 

Laboratory

Jim St. Pierre

Acting Director,

Information 

Technology 

Laboratory

Joannie Chin

Acting Director,

Engineering 

Laboratory
8

NIST Budget

NIST is operating under, 

planning for, and developing 

budgets for three fiscal years

FY21 Appropriated

FY22 In Development 

FY23 Early Stages

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9

NIST Budget

FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2021 +/- over

FY 2020 CARES Act FY 2021 House Senate FY 2021 FY 2020

Enacted P.L. 116-136 Request Mark Mark Enacted Enacted

STRS $754.0 $6.0 $652.0 $789.0 $786.5 $788.0 $34.0

Laboratory Programs 655.8 TBD 591.3 TBD TBD TBD TBD

Corporate Services 17.3 0.0 12.0 TBD TBD TBD TBD

Stds Coord & Special Pgms 80.9 * TBD 48.7 TBD TBD TBD TBD

ITS $162.0 $60.0 $25.3 $170.0 $165.5 $166.5 $4.5

Hollings Mfg Ext Partnership 146.0 50.0 0.0 153.0 149.5 150.0 4.0

Manufacturing USA 16.0 10.0 25.3 17.0 16.0 16.5 0.5

CRF $118.0 $0.0 $60.2 $85.0 $98.0 $80.0 ($38.0)

 Construc & Major Renovations 43.0 0.0 19.6 10.0 8.0 TBD TBD

Saf, Cap, Maint & Maj Repairs 75.0 0.0 40.6 75.0 90.0 TBD TBD

Total, NIST Discretionary 1,034.0 66.0 737.5 1,044.0 1,050.0 1,034.5 0.5

* Includes $2.2M Baldrige Performance Excellence Program funding.
Plans and Priorities for Transition Phase 

Continued progress of NIST current priorities

New National priorities – anticipate and respond

Position next NIST Director for success
Laboratory Programs Updates –

continued progress on our priorities 
Trustworthy AI Updates 

NIST is developing the 

vocabulary and measurements 

needed for technical 

requirements of trustworthy AI 

Bias in AI report by Spring 2021

TREC Fair Ranking track will 

investigate Bias in AI

Planning an international 

campaign to coordinate efforts in 

AI standards development with 

OSTP
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NIST Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshop Series 

January 26-28, 2021 – Explainable AI 

900 participants from 24 countries at NIST’s workshop to discuss this 

component of trustworthy AI 

Credit: B. Hayes/NIST
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Applications of AI: 

Highlight 

MML researchers developed AI algorithm, CAMEO • CAMEO discovered a potentially useful new 

material without requiring additional training 

from scientists 

• The AI system could help reduce the amount of 

trial-and-error time scientists spend in the lab, 

while maximizing productivity and efficiency in 

their research

• Collaborators include SLAC National Accelerator 

Laboratory, University of Maryland, and 

University of Washington 

Credit: N. Hanacek, NIST
SolarWinds Cybersecurity Breach

Highly sophisticated cyberattack 

and data breach: 1,000s of 

organizations affected globally, 

including U.S. Federal Government

Credit: Pixabay Supply chain attack demonstrates 

need for strong trust roots in IT and 

foundational cybersecurity, such as 

trusted software updates and digital 

signatures
One-year anniversary of the NIST 

Privacy Framework release on 

January 16th, 2021

31,000 downloads and climbing –

more than 40 implementation 

resources available online

More than a quarter of respondents 

to International Association of Privacy 

Professionals and FairWarning survey 

use the Framework

Privacy Framework: One-Year Anniversary

Credit: Shutterstock
Quantum Network Grand Challenge Update:

Quantum Network Repeater

New program to demonstrate end-to-end 

implementation of a practical quantum repeater 

based on trapped atomic and molecular ions

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Will form the foundation of a growing quantum 

communication testbed for evaluating and 

improving related technologies

Image credits: NIST

Leverages NIST-developed techniques for quantum 

logic between different types of atoms and 

molecules, providing excellent quantum memory, 

high-fidelity information processing, and longdistance telecom-fiber connectivity

NIST Physicist James Chin-wen Chou 

entangles atoms and molecules.

Lin et al. Nature 581, 273 (2020)

50:50 beam splitter 

Memory/processing

Emitter ions in ions

optical cavities

Entangled

Basic building block
Quantum: Optical Clock Developments

NIST is home to the most accurate optical 

clock measurements in the world

A portable Yb clock is in the final year of 

construction, anticipating 10-18 level 

performance for advanced applications

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A photonically integrated and compact 

two-photon rubidium clock has 

demonstrated short-term stability that 

rivals the stability of a hydrogen maser

Atomic force image of an aluminum sample showing the 

arrangement of atoms measured at 0.01 Kelvin Image Credit: Steve Burrows, JILA
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Bioscience Update

Flow Cytometry Standards 

Consortium • Flow cytometry is used to characterize 

and test advanced cell and gene 

therapies

• Critical tool in diagnostics, and vaccine 

and drug development

• Standards will enable more accuracy, 

reproducibility, and comparability of 

results 

• Feb 16-17: Kickoff workshop with 

stakeholders in regenerative medicine 

and advanced therapy fields

Credit: B. Hayes/NIST
Plans and Priorities for Transition Phase 

Continued progress of NIST current priorities

New National priorities – anticipate and respond

Position next NIST Director for success
VCAT Agenda

Upcoming talks on:

Budget update

Congressional direction

Biden Administration priorities

NIST infrastructure

National Priorities 

Renewed emphasis in many areas, 

including:

• Pandemic response

• Environment and climate

• Infrastructure

• Scientific integrity and reproducibility

• Equity

• Economic growth

• Advanced Manufacturing

• U.S. leadership in emerging 

technologies and standards
Face Recognition Accuracy during COVID-19: Update

NISTIR 8311 - Face Recognition 

Accuracy with Face Masks Using PreCOVID-19 Algorithms (Jul 2020) 

NISTIR 8331 - Ongoing Face Recognition Vendor 

Test (FRVT) Part 6B: Face Recognition Accuracy 

with Face Masks Using Post-COVID-19 

Algorithms (Nov 2020) Credit: B. Hayes, M. Ngan/NIST

Face recognition software shows improvement in recognizing masked faces

• NIST analyzed 65 algorithms newly submitted by developers 

• Used image database of 6.2 million images with masks digitally applied

• In some cases, error rates decreased by a factor of 10 
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NIST Workshop: Challenges for Digital Proximity 

Detection in Pandemics Jan. 26-28, 2021 

Goals: 

• Discuss successes and challenges of 

implementation of proximity 

detection technologies 

• Identify areas where additional effort 

is needed

Topics addressed include: 

Real-world uses in U.S and abroad

Privacy & cybersecurity concerns

Technologies for proximity detection

Implementation and public acceptance 

Role of government

Performance evaluation and verification 

Photo Credit: pixabay

Photo Credit: NIST
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COVID-19 Update: Forecasting for Immunization Test Suite (FITS)

Photo Credit: B. Hayes/NIST

In conjunction with the CDC, NIST researchers developed a software tool that tests computer systems to 

make sure they’re providing correct vaccine timelines based on a patient’s circumstances and updated 

recommendations from the medical community. The American Immunization Registry Association will use 

FITS for testing COVID-19 vaccine support.
NIST Workshop: The Circular Economy in a High-Tech World

January 27-28, 2021 

Photo Credit: https://www.nist.gov/image/circular-economy

Goal: Define NIST’s role in the transition to a 

circular economy

Broad industry representation for consensus 

building

Focus: High tech industries including 

electronics, battery, and solar panel supply 

chains
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NIST Workshop on Climate Science and Building Codes

January 26, 2021 

Challenge: Ensure infrastructure is ready for 

conditions and hazards of today... 

but also, those expected in 50 to 100 years 

• Brought together leaders in: 

• Climate Science

• Building Codes

• Explored 

• Climate Data

• Climate Models & Tools

• Building Regulatory Needs

Workshop Report forthcoming

Credit: Pixabay
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Strategic and Emerging Research Initiatives (SERI) 

FY 2021 Update

Circular Economy 

(new) 

Photo Credits: pixabay

ADLP-directed funding mechanism to address emerging needs through a project portfolio of short-term (1-3 years) projects

Physical Infrastructure 

(new)

Bringing Premise Plumbing into 

the 21st Century (FY 20-21)
Innovation and Industry Services –

powerful NIST programs to support 

pandemic response and drive 

economic growth
GEARING UP: MEP Center Responses to COVID-19

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PPE & SUPPLY CHAIN

Product & Supplier Matching, PPE Retooling, and PPE Product Testing

• 42 states provided product and/or supplier matching services.

• 29 states have provided assistance with retooling to produce PPE.

• 13 states have assisted manufacturers with PPE product testing and development.

TECHNOLOGY

Cybersecurity Programs and Industry 4.0/Technology Uptake

• 22 states implemented a cybersecurity program, either as a direct response to the pandemic, or as a 

complementary program.

• 5 states either augmented an existing Industry 4.0/Technology Uptake program, or utilized CARES funding to 

support these initiatives.
GEARING UP: MEP Center Responses to COVID-19

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WORKFORCE

Layoff Aversion, Displaced Worker Support, Online Worker Training, and Apprenticeships & 

Youth Engagement

• 20 states leveraged existing programs or developed new training programs to provide training opportunities.

• 8 states implemented layoff aversion strategies to prevent or minimize job loss.

• 4 states provided support for displaced workers.

• 3 states identified opportunities to provide apprenticeships and youth engagement opportunities.

OUTREACH & NEEDS ASSESSMENTS

Need Surveys & Consulting, Informational Webinars, and Return to Work Guides(s)

• 48 states provided new or expanded consulting services or performed needs surveys.

• 42 states conducted informational webinars.

• 31 states created return to work guides.
MEP serving U.S. manufacturers 

31

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, the MEP National Network interacted with 27,574 manufacturers
MFG USA Network Responds to COVID-19

• $12.4M in NIST CARES Act funding = 13 response projects at 4 

institutes 

• $60M more for 13 DoD-sponsored COVID projects at institutes

• Spring 2021 Congressional Briefing + fast-track special report

Manufacturing USA Update

MFG USA Network Grows to 16 Institutes

• DOE-sponsored cybersecurity institute

• Led by The University of Texas at San Antonio 

• Includes 24 major universities

• DoD-sponsored synthetic biology institute

• Led by Engineering Biology Research Consortium, St. Paul, MN

• Includes 30 companies, 33 universities, 24 community colleges, 6 

nonprofits across 31 states

New Web Page: 

ManufacturingUSA.com/covid-19-response 
NIIMBL Continues its Impact

Leveraging the Network to Better Serve 

Manufacturers and the Nation

⚙ Technology showcases connecting small 

biotechs with major vaccine manufacturers

⚙ ‘N-mAb’ Case Study: industry-led consensus 

control strategy for manufacturing protein 

therapeutics

⚙ Workforce development resource portal

Multiple COVID Response Projects

⚙ Scaling production of SARS-COV-2 antigens 

and automating screening of convalescent 

sera and monitoring immunity profiles

⚙ Deploying a new class of meltblown filters to 

increase domestic manufacturing capacity for 

surgical masks and N95 respirators 

⚙ Validating protocol for overnight 

decontamination of spaces using vapor 

hydrogen peroxide
2020 Baldrige Awards for Performance Excellence

Small Business

• MESA (Tulsa, Oklahoma) 

Health Care

• GBMC HealthCare System (Baltimore, 

Maryland)

• Wellstar Paulding Hospital (Hiram, Georgia)

Nonprofit

• AARP (Washington, D.C.)

• Elevations Credit Union (Boulder, Colorado)

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Credit: AARP
ROI Implementation Progress

April 24, 2021 will be the 2-year 

anniversary of the NIST Green Paper

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to 

revise Bayh-Dole regulations open for 

public comment through April 5, 2021

35

10 proposals to modernize the 

Stevenson-Wydler Technology 

Innovation Act of 1980 transmitted to 

congressional committees November 

25, 2020
Plans and Priorities for Transition Phase 

Continued progress of NIST current priorities

New National priorities – anticipate and respond

Position next NIST Director for success
37

Communications Technology Laboratory Reorganization

• Goal: increase resources for Advanced Communications

• Approach: transparent, collaborative, and dedicated to 

creating a model laboratory that accelerates 

connectivity and improves lives

• Process: Parallel efforts in...

(1) Logistics

(2) Strategic Planning
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CTL Reorganization: Timeline & Next Steps

Next Steps

• Finalize Strategic Plan continuing to increase focus on new administration priorities.

• Start implementing with particular focus on strategic communications and people and culture.
39

NIST Strategic Plan Updates 

Position for Director of Diversity and Inclusion closed on December 22, 

initial screening and interview stage.

Leadership Competencies Model is piloted in selected OU.

New funding mechanism to promote collaboration will be implemented 

by Special Programs Office: $ 1M total for awards ranging $100-250K.

Branding study collecting input from leadership (interviews) and staff 

(survey).
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NIST Strategic Plan Showcase Results 

Participants

476

Some of the Key Issues 

that Staff care about:

 Telework and remote work

 Leadership accountability

 Diversity and inclusion

 Aging infrastructure

 Open office concept

Strategic Plan Virtual Showcase 

December 16, 2020
DISCUSSION
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Meeting Agenda

Session I: NIST Update – Programmatic Updates, Safety, and 

Infrastructure

Session II: Setting the Stage – Current Budget Situation, Incoming 

Priorities and New Mandates

Session III: VCAT Working Session –

• Discuss Report and Recommendations

• Discuss Letter to the Incoming Administration