NIST Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

Implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) at NIST

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides a total of $610 million in funding to NIST. The funding includes:

• $220 million for NIST laboratory research, measurements, and other services supporting economic growth and U.S. innovation through funding of such items as competitive grants; research fellowships; and advanced measurement equipment and supplies;
• $360 million to address NIST's backlog of maintenance and renovation projects and for construction of new facilities and laboratories, including $180 million for a competitive construction grant program for funding research science buildings outside of NIST;
• $20 million in funds transferred from the Department of Health and Human Services for standards-related research that supports the security and interoperability of electronic medical records to reduce health care costs and improve the quality of care; and
• $10 million in funds transferred from the Department of Energy to help develop a comprehensive framework for a nationwide, fully interoperable smart grid for the U.S. electric power system.

For further information see: questions and answers.

Agency Plans and Reports

Major Communications

NIST information is included in the Department of Commerce agency profile on Recovery.gov. (link removed; recovery.gov is no longer active)

Financial and Activity Reports/Weekly Reports

NIST information is included in the Department of Commerce agency profile on Recovery.gov. (link removed; recovery.gov is no longer active)

News Items

• NIST Director Gallagher Participates in Dedication of New Facility for Coral Reef Research, 09/27/12
• Home Sweet Lab: Computerized House to Generate as Much Energy as It Uses, 09/12/12
• NIST Awards $123 Million in Recovery Act Grants To Construct New Research Facilities, 01/08/10
• Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology Awards Over $34 Million in Recovery Act Grants to Increase Innovation and Improve American Competitiveness, 01/08/10
• NIST Awards $55.5 Million in Grants for New University Research Facilities, 07/20/09
• NIST Seeks Proposals for $20 Million Recovery Act Program, 06/15/09
• Congress Approves NIST's Recovery Plan to Create Jobs and Foster Innovation, 05/08/09
• NIST to Receive $610 Million Through Recovery Act, 03/03/09

Learn more about our programs

• Vice President Biden Outlines Funding for Smart Grid Initiatives (White House release, 4/16/09)
• NIST Announces Three-Phase Plan for Smart Grid Standards, Paving Way for More Efficient, Reliable Electricity, 04/13/09

Legislation

Contacts with Registered Lobbyists

How to Apply

• Construction Grant Program
• Measurement Science and Engineering Research Grants Program
• Measurement Science and Engineering Fellowship Program

Central federal government funding Web sites: Grants.gov, FBO.gov

Department of Commerce Recovery Act Information (link removed; no longer active)

Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General Web site (This link should be used to report waste, fraud, and abuse.)

Recovery Act Whistleblower Protection Notice