The NIST Associate Director for Laboratory Programs (ADLP) assists the Under Secretary in the direction of NIST and its six laboratory programs and serves as Principal Deputy to the Under Secretary.

Additionally, the ADLP

• Provides direction and operational guidance for the scientific and technical mission-focused laboratory programs of the Institute.
• Serves as lead for program and budget development for laboratory programs.
• Coordinates interagency and outreach activities.
• Represents NIST and the laboratory programs to external audiences.
• Ultimate line management responsibility for the provision of measurement services that meet the needs of industry, academia, and other government offices.

NIST's six laboratories include the Physical Measurement Laboratory, Material Measurement Laboratory, Engineering Laboratory, Information Technology Laboratory, the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, and the NIST Center for Neutron Research.

The NIST Laboratories collaborate with U.S. industry and universities to conduct measurement, standards, and technology research that advances the nation's R&D infrastructure. The overarching goal of the NIST laboratory programs is to accelerate U.S. innovation, which is a major driver of economic growth and job creation.

The position of Associate Director for Laboratory Programs was created in October 2010 as part of the first major realignment of NIST programs in more than 20 years.