The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a federal agency within the Commerce Department's Technology Administration. NIST's primary mission is to promote economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements, and standards. NIST carries out its mission through a portfolio of four major programs: the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a network of extension centers and experts offering technical and business assistance to smaller manufacturers; the Advanced Technology Program, cost-shared awards to industry for development for high-risk, enabling technologies; laboratory research, technical leadership for the national's measurement and standards infrastructure; and, a quality outreach program that recognizes quality improvement by U.S. manufacturing and service companies. NIST also provides major facilities, computer networking and security research laboratories. In addition, NIST provides a wide range of technology services needed to produce high-quality, competitive products. These include Standard Reference Materials and data, such as are found in the following publications:

Information Technology
Publication Features Tests for Computer Accuracy If a wristwatch isn't keeping proper time or a thermometer is off by a couple of degrees, you can tell by comparing the errant device to one that's more accurate. But making sure computer programs are up to par is a little trickier. That is why NIST is working on tests for software and other information technology products and systems. Such research, which encourages companies to develop quality products, is among the highlights of the new publication, Information Technology Laboratory Technical Accomplishments 1996. As a resource that highlights the technical research, industry collaborations and standards-related work of the Information Technology Laboratory, this publication touches on issues emerging from today's information revolution. It covers such topics as human-machine interface technologies, software diagnostics and performance, tests for new standards, computational science and computer security. NIST's information technology research concentrates on developing tests and test methods for information technologies that are still in the early stages of development. The information in this publication is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.nist.gov/itl. For a printed copy, send a self-addressed mailing label to Elizabeth Lennon, A216 Technology Bldg., NIST, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899-0001, or e-mail your address as it would appear on a mailing label to elizabeth.lennon@nist.gov.

Exporting
Brochure Helps U.S. Firms Obtain CE Mark The "CE" mark is now mandatory for a wide range of products sold in the European Union (EU). It indicates that a product conforms to EU safety, health, and environmental legal mandates. The European Commission calls it a "passport" that allows manufacturers to trade industrial products freely within its internal market. Unfortunately, many U.S. manufacturers view the process of securing a CE mark as difficult and time consuming. A new brochure prepared by NIST's Technology Services, "CE Alert," ends the confusion surrounding the CE requirement and makes it easier for American businesses to secure the mark. The brochure gives solid recommendations for manufacturers to follow and then works through an example. It also lists sources of information that can provide assistance throughout the process. Copies of the brochure may be obtained by sending a self-addressed mailing label to the National Center for Standards and Certification Information, Bldg. 820, Rm. 164, NIST, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899-0001. Copies also may be requested by:

T: 301.975.4040
F: 301.926.1559
E-mail: ncsci@nist.gov