An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Measurement and Standards Laboratories Fiscal Year 2000 (2000) / Chapter Skim
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The State of the Laboratories
The State of the Laboratories
Pages 1-8
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In addition to information obtained from these meetings, this report is also based on the reports of the seven major panels operating under the Board. Each panel met with the managers and staff of one of the seven major NIST Measurement and Standards Laboratories (MSL)
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This group is now attempting to develop the measurement capability to allow scientists to probe the underlying physics in quantum confined structures on a nanometer scale. To this end, it has recently completed the design and assembly of a unique facility for fabrication and measurement of such structures.
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CSTL researchers have used their expertise in isotopic analysis by secondary ion mass spectroscopy to develop procedures that improve the detectability and reliability of 2Research Triangle Institute for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Planning Report 99-3, Benefit Analysis of IGBTPower Device Simulation Modeling, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Md., April 1999, available online at |
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Although this work is not directly related to commerce, it is appropriate that the nation utilize the outstanding expertise resident at NIST for such a purpose. FINDING: THE MISSION RELEVANCE OF MOST ONGOING MSL PROGRAMS IS GOOD Overall, each laboratory in the NIST MSL has directed its programs effectively toward alignment with the laboratories' mission.
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However, even if the facility plan is implemented according to the current schedule, AML construction will not be complete for another 4 years, and major renovations of existing facilities are scheduled to occur only after that time. The Board and panels are concerned about the interim period, especially after NIST managers presented the Board with figures indicating a backlog of $790 million worth of safety, capacity, maintenance, and major repair work to NIST facilities, work it has not been able to carry out due to lack of funds in this line item.
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The current federal salary scale means that, compared with their counterparts in industry, staff at NIST have a much diminished potential for salary increases. The impact on NIST is particularly apparent in its difficulty in hiring and retaining high-quality midlevel managers but can be expected to affect retention at all levels of staff if the disparity in earnings potential increases.
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One way in which the United States can improve its competitive standing in this environment is through global measurement standardization. NIST researchers are already active in national and international standardssetting activities and in cooperative programs with other national measurement institutes.
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Currently, individual researchers are engaging in ad hoc interunit collaborations. A clear MSL-level strategy in these areas would allow each laboratory unit to more effectively align efforts within its competence toward addressing common goals, resulting in a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts.
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