Standards Coordination Office

About the Standards Coordination Office (SCO)

The Standards Coordination Office of the National Institute of Standards and Technology conducts standards-related programs, and provides knowledge and services that strengthen the U.S. economy and improve the quality of life. Our goal is to equip U.S. industry with the standards-related tools and information necessary to effectively compete in the global marketplace. 

In order to do this, we work closely with the NIST laboratories to identify opportunities for NIST participation in standards-related activities, coordinate with the private sector and with other federal agencies on standards activities and programs and monitor standards development and conformity assessment activities globally. We offer training, publications, policy analysis, and research and information services. Our staff works closely with U.S. industry, standards developers, other government agencies, and leaders in the global standards community to build a standards infrastructure that will support innovation and create opportunities for business to thrive.

Under the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA), we manage NIST's assigned responsibility to coordinate federal, state, and local technical standards and conformity assessment activities, as well as coordinating with those in the private sector. This office manages the Commerce Standards Committee and coordinates the activities of the Interagency Committee on Standards Policy, which is chaired by the Director, Standards Coordination Office. This office also supports the NIST Director and Undersecretary for Standards and Technology's leadership of the National Science and Technology Council's Subcommittee on Standards.

We operate the Global Standards Information website to meet your information needs.