Mary Ann Carter, age 14, of Springfield, Ill., for her question

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS?

The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) is an agency of the

United States Department of Commerce, established by Congress in 1901 as the central measurement laboratory of the federal government. The bureau is also a principal focal point in the U.S. for assuring maximum application of the physical and engineering sciences to the advancement of technology in industry and commerce.

Part of the NBS is the Institute of Basic Standards, the Institute for Materials Research, the Institute for Applied Technology, the Center for Radiation Research, the Center for Computer Sciences and Technology and the Ofice for Information Programs.

The NBS promotes the use of precision technology by conducting research and providing central national services in four broad program areas; basic measurements and standards; materials measurements and standards; technological measurements and standards; and transfer of technical information.

In addition, the NBS provides a central basis within the U.S. of a complete and consistent system of basic physical measurements and standards and it furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform physical measurements throughout the scientific community, industry and commerce.

In 1972, as an example, NBS scientists developed a helium neon gas laser technique that for the first time gave the precise measurement of the speed of light as 299,792.45 km/sec.

The NBS also cooperates with public and private organizations in the development of technological standards and test methodologies by conducting materials research, leading to improved methods of measurement standards and data collection on the properties of materials needed by industry, commerce, education institutions and governmental bodies.

NBS has made significant contributions in the field of fire and motor vehicle safety.

In the 1970s the NBS became involved in the fields of energy conservation in the home, office and industry, in the measurement of environmental pollution and in the investigation of the hazards of many consumer products.

Another main activity at the NBS is the development of technical services to promote the use of available technology so as to facilitate innovation and precision in industry and governmental institutions. It engages in research, measurement and application of radiation to the solution of technological problem.

At federal, state and local government levels the NBS provides advisory and research services to all agencies by developing, producing and distributing standard reference materials. It promotes optimum dissemination and accessibility of scientific information generated within the NBS and other agencies of the federal government.

Because of its unique data gathering functions, the NBS is the principal agent for the development of federal standards for automatic data processing techniques, for equipment and for computer languages.