A National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Interagency or Internal Agreement is a formal, written agreement. It outlines cooperative efforts between NIST and other federal agencies, or between different divisions within NIST itself. These agreements document the scope of work, resources, and responsibilities for collaborative projects. For example, one agreement might detail how NIST will work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop new measurement techniques for air quality monitoring.
Such an agreement provides a structured framework that enhances collaboration and resource efficiency. By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, it minimizes duplication of effort and maximizes the impact of research and development initiatives. Historically, these agreements have been instrumental in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation across a wide range of disciplines, contributing to economic growth and societal well-being by promoting standardization and accuracy.