November 2021 NIST Congressional and Legislative Affairs Constituent Newsletter

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NIST Congressional and
Legislative Affairs

Constituent Newsletter  – November 2021

Hearings


Weathering the Storm: Reauthorizing the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program

On November 10, 2021 at 10:00am ET, Dr. Scott Weaver, Director, National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) is scheduled to testify before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology to review the activities of NWIRP, including the importance of interagency collaboration.

Additional witnesses include:

  • Linda Blevins, Deputy Assistant Director, Directorate for Engineering, National Science Foundation
  • Michael Grimm, Assistant Administrator for Risk Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency

To watch the virtual hearing, please visit the Committee’s hearing website.

 

Nomination Hearing for Dr. Laurie Locascio

On October 20, 2021 the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a nomination hearing for Dr. Laurie Locascio to be the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology.

Read a copy of her testimony or watch her confirmation hearing on the Committee’s website. 

Recent News


NIST Seeks Information on Chinese Participation in the International Standards Development Process

NIST has issued a Request for Information on People’s Republic of China (PRC) policies and influence in the development of international standards for emerging technologies.  The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) signed into law in January 2021 directed NIST to support a study that would make recommendations with respect to “the effect of the policies of the People’s Republic of China and coordination among industrial entities within the People’s Republic of China on international bodies engaged in developing and setting international standards for emerging technologies.”

The RFI can be found in the Federal Register. Comments are due by 5:00pm ET on Dec. 6, 2021, and will be posted to regulations.gov.

Read More

 

NIST Seeks Public Input on Consumer Software Labeling for Cybersecurity

In an effort to improve consumers’ ability to make informed decisions about software they purchase, NIST has drafted a set of cybersecurity criteria for consumer software. The criteria are intended to aid in the development and voluntary use of labels to indicate that the software incorporates a baseline level of security measures.

The document, formally titled Draft Baseline Criteria for Consumer Software Cybersecurity Labeling, forms part of NIST’s response to the May 12, 2021, Executive Order (EO) 14028 on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity. The EO specifies that NIST “shall identify secure software development practices or criteria for a consumer software labeling program” — criteria that reflect a baseline level of cybersecurity and that focus on ease of use for consumers.

Comments on the draft document are due by Dec. 16, 2021, and can be emailed to labeling-eo@nist.gov. Please submit comments along with the submitter’s name and organization (if any) and use the subject “Draft Consumer Software Labeling Criteria." Receipt of submissions will be acknowledged by email, and all comments will be published on the project's website.

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NIST’s Callie Higgins Wins Service to America Medal

Callie Higgins, a materials research engineer at NIST has won the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal in the Emerging Leaders category.  She is one  of seven medal winners of 29 finalists selected from more than 350 nominations for the “Oscars of public service.” Medalists are chosen based on their leadership and innovation, as well as the impact of their work on the health, safety and prosperity of the country. 

Higgins and her colleagues invented a groundbreaking technology to detect and remedy microscopic flaws that threaten the safety and reliability of 3D-printed products, potentially revolutionizing the medical, plastics, coatings, optics and additive manufacturing fields,” the citation reads.

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Events


Workshop on EO 14028 – Guidelines for Enhancing Software Supply Chain Security Including Standards, Procedures, & Criteria

Join NIST at our upcoming workshop on November 8, 2021 at 1:00 PM EST as we share and discuss the approach that NIST is taking to support Section 4e of the President’s Executive Order (EO) on “Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity (14028)” issued on May 12, 2021. This EO charged multiple agencies – including NIST– with enhancing cybersecurity through a variety of initiatives related to the security and integrity of the software supply chain.

Register now for the workshop.

National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Symposium

The NICE Symposium: A Coordinated Approach to Supply Chain Risks will be held November 16th from 1:30-5:00pm ET.  In light of dramatic events and emerging threats, experts will come together to discuss the role of the cybersecurity workforce and the need for a coordinated response to strengthen the supply chain. Panel discussions will explore cybersecurity in the context of enterprise risk management and introduce preliminary guidelines for enhancing software supply chain security. Panelists will address the NICE Framework competencies and work roles that will be needed to support envisioned security improvements.  DOC Secretary Gina Raimondo is scheduled to present the Keynote Address.

Register now for the symposium.