NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is facing significant challenges in maintaining and upgrading its aging research facilities. Many of NIST’s buildings, particularly in Gaithersburg and Boulder, were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s and are now in need of major renovations and repairs. The current state of these facilities is undermining NIST’s ability to deliver the precision measurement science necessary to drive U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness.
NIST has requested $40.5 million in funding for its construction and maintenance needs in FY 2019. However, this request represents a net decrease of $67.8 million from currently funded levels, which will result in the elimination of funding for critical renovations in both Gaithersburg Building 245 and Boulder Building 1. The elimination of funding for these projects will lead to work stoppages in FY 2020 and FY 2019, respectively, impacting NIST’s research mission and the continuity of research and services provided by these facilities.
Keywords: Quantum Sensors, Measurement Precision, Infrastructure Maintenance
