NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a federal government agency that sets standards in areas such as security, electronics, quality assurance, and the management of federal programs. From a procurement perspective, NIST standards are guidelines established by the agency that must be followed for certain projects or products. For example, organizations that handle sensitive data—such as health care companies and financial institutions—must adhere to NIST’s cybersecurity framework in order to remain compliant and protect user data. Adherence to, and compliance with, NIST standards is essential for any effective procurement process.
