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Technical Assistance & Best Practices
The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002 charged NIST to provide technical assistance to agencies regarding compliance with the standards and guidelines developed for securing information systems, as well as information security policies, procedures, and practices. NIST assists agencies in improving their information security programs, supports Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Planning, and facilitates the exchange of effective security practices within the federal community
NIST has multiple programs and extramural partnerships that provide technical assistance and information on best practices. These include:
- Baldridge Performance Excellence
- Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
- National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP)
- NIST Virtual Library (NVL)
- Technology Partnerships Office (TPO)
Baldrige Performance Excellence
The Baldrige Program has provided American organizations with the tools to improve performance and competitiveness in the United States' economy. With the help of the Baldrige Criteria, Baldrige Examiners, and the Baldrige community, the program aims to promote excellence, educate leaders in a number of industries, and honor those who are national role models.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a nationwide network that provides a variety of services, including innovation strategies, process improvements, and green manufacturing. MEP works with partners at the state and federal levels to help small and mid-sized manufacturers across the U.S.
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program
The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) provides third-party accreditation to testing and calibration laboratories in response to legislative actions or requests from government agencies or private-sector organizations.
Licenses & Patents
The Technology Partnerships Office (TPO) works with partners to license NIST-patented inventions. Parties interested in licensing an issued patent or patent application to conduct further research on and/or commercialize NIST technology can obtain a license application on-line. For further information, please contact the Licensing Officer, ipp [at] nist.gov (ipp[at]nist[dot]gov). To browse available technologies, please visit NISTTECH.
NIST Virtual Library
The NIST Virtual Library (NVL), is the portal to the services of the NIST Information Services Office (ISO). ISO is responsible for creating, maintaining, and disseminating a NIST knowledge base to support the research and administrative needs required to fulfill the scientific, engineering, and technical mission of NIST. The NIST Research Library provides access to publications and information services available to the public.