The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that NIST has been selected to head the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). This action follows the Department’s voiding of up to $7.4 billion in funding for NATCAST claiming it was established illegally and did not comply with federal law.
The Department of Commerce sited the removal of the termination of convenience clause, which is a standard clause in government contracts, as cause for this action. The removal of this clause effectively protected NATCAST from essential oversight or accountability.
History of the National Semiconductor Technology Center
The NSTC, coordinates science and technology policy across federal agencies by promoting international collaboration. It was established in 1993 to set national goals for science and technology and ensure that policies align with the President’s objectives. The council is chaired by the President and includes members such as the Vice President, Cabinet Secretaries, and agency heads with significant S&T responsibilities.
The CHIPS and Science Act was signed by President Biden in 2022 to boost semiconductor manufacturing and research in the U.S. It aims to strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and enhance national security by increasing domestic production of semiconductors. This act also created NATCAST to operate the NSTC.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is a U.S. federal agency that promotes innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. The institute conducts research in areas such as nanoscale science, engineering, information technology, and material measurement. It operates advanced laboratories and creates guidelines and best practices for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
U.S. semiconductor manufacturing is crucial for economic and national security, as semiconductors power essential technologies from smartphones to military systems.. That NIST was selected to head NSTC would seem appropriate given the history and capabilities of the organization.
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