NCSL International was formed about 50 years ago at the request and sponsorship of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to promote cooperative efforts for solving the common problems faced by measurement and testing laboratories. NCSL International, working with NIST and other national institutes around the world, makes recommendations for the advancement of measurement science to fill the needs of metrology and testing labs. It also provides guidance documents and metrological standards to help its members meet current technology and management needs. NCSL International is a nonprofit organization, whose membership is open to any organization with an interest in the science of measurement, and its application in research, development, education, or commerce.