ICSP Semiconductors and Microelectronics Standards Working Group (SMSWG) Charter

Establishment

The Semiconductor and Microelectronics Standards Working Group (herein after referred to as the “SMSWG” or “Working Group”) is established under the provisions of the charter of the Interagency Committee on Standards Policy (ICSP).  The ICSP advises the Secretary of Commerce and the heads of other Federal agencies in matters relating to the implementation of OMB Circular A-119 and reports to the Secretary of Commerce through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Purpose

The objective of the SMSWG is to facilitate coordination of Federal agency semiconductor and microelectronics standards (SMS) activities, respond to requests for information, and develop recommendations relating to relevant standards policy matters to the ICSP. The SMSWG reports to the Chair of the ICSP and advises the members of the ICSP on relevant issues.

Functions

The SMSWG is responsible for:

• Assisting the ICSP in promoting effective and consistent federal policies in the area of semiconductor and microelectronics standards.

• Providing an annual report to the ICSP on the current SMS activities of participating Federal agencies and recommendations for strategic directions in relevant Federal standards efforts.

• Responding to requests for information and advising the ICSP on effective means of coordinating SMS activities with those of the private sector.

• Sharing best practices in semiconductor and microelectronics standards among Federal agencies.

• Coordinating Federal semiconductor and microelectronics standards interests across application areas such as transportation, energy, health, public safety, and others.

Organization

Participants include Federal agency representatives with expertise relevant to standards in semiconductor and microelectronics. Each participating Federal entity will identify one voting member to represent the entity. The SMSWG co-chairs comprise one NIST staff member designated by the ICSP Chair and serving as secretariat, along with other co-chairs as elected by majority vote of the ACTWG members present. The Working Group will follow a similar meeting schedule as the ICSP and will meet at least three times each year. Other meetings may be called at the discretion of the co-chairs.

Approval and Renewal

Approved by the Interagency Committee on Standards Policy at its June 6, 2023, meeting. This charter expires three years after the date of approval unless renewed by the ICSP. 

Related Documents

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 8577
Semiconductors and Microelectronics Standards Working Group Annual Report for 2024
Published: May 21, 2025
This report of the Semiconductors and Microelectronics Standards Working Group of the Interagency Committee on Standards Policy (ICSP) provides an overview of Federal government semiconductors and microelectronics standards activities and recommends standards focus areas and priorities for ICSP consideration. The section titled "Recommendations to the ICSP for Strategic Standards Priority Areas" in the report outlines the current Standards Setting Organizations involving Federal government participation related to semiconductors and microelectronics. The section also highlights four main focus areas, each accompanied by three sub-topics. Additionally, the section identifies gaps and opportunities that may lead to significant impacts in the future. The section titled "National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology Strategy" shows how the Semiconductors and Microelectronics Working Group aligns with the National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology.

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 8501
Semiconductors and Microelectronics Standards, Report of the Semiconductors and Microelectronics Working Group
Published: December 5, 2023