National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Future Act of 2021

National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Future Act of 2021

This bill reauthorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through FY2026 and establishes programs and activities.

The bill sets forth requirements for

supporting basic measurement science, technology research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biometrology; a program to inform the development of standards for the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions; establishing research programs and otherwise carrying out research on identity management, cybersecurity, biometric identification, and communications measurement; assessing and assigning severity metrics to identified vulnerabilities with open source software; carrying out research and testing to improve the effectiveness of artificial intelligence-enabled cybersecurity; a digital identity technical roadmap and digital identity management guidance; a biometrics vendor test program; performance standards and guidelines for high-risk biometric identification systems, including facial recognition systems; making publicly available resources to help qualifying institutions manage and reduce their cybersecurity risk related to conducting research; carrying out advanced communications measurement research; operation of the National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network; development of a strategic plan for the future of the Center for Neutron Research; information exchange and coordination among federal agencies and communication from federal agencies to the private sector to ensure federal engagement in the development and use of international technical standards; and establishing a five-year pilot program to award grants to support increased participation by small business and academic interests in international standards organizations.