CFSI BRINGS TOGETHER USFA AND NIST FOR
FIRE SAFETY RESEARCH AGREEMENT

(Washington, DC)-On November 5, fire safety took a leap forward when the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to better identify, prioritize and meet the research needs of the fire service community.

In a formal signing ceremony, NIST Acting Director Robert E. Hebner and USFA Administrator Carrye Burley Brown solidified efforts to enhance cooperation between their two organizations. The ceremony was held in the U.S. House of Representatives Science Committee hearing room and was hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI).

The Honorable Constance Morella, Chairperson of the House Science Subcommittee on Technology and the Honorable George E. Brown, Jr., Ranking Minority Member of the House Science Committee attended the event. "Go for it" said Congresswoman Morella as she commended the two organizations for moving ahead when cooperation is so important in the face of today’s economic constraints.

NIST and the USFA have always been partners in efforts to reduce national fire losses. This agreement calls for improved and more effective coordination of fire safety efforts through mutual consultation, research and technology transfer. The two organizations will:

- Consult on the content and priorities of NIST fire research;
- Improve the exchange of information relating to fire safety research needs and results;
- Increase the transfer of technology between USFA, NIST and their customer;
- Establish joint research program planning, reviews and coordination; and
- Set guidelines for formulating and conducting joint and cooperative research activities, support and/or technical assistance tasks.

The event was moderated by CFSI’s National Advisory Committee Vice Chairman, Anthony R. O’Neill of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).