NIST Sweeps Out Dusty Rules for Long-Dead Tech Grants
Published Date: 2/19/2026
Rule
Summary
NIST is cleaning house by removing old rules about two tech grant programs, the Advanced Technology Program and the Technology Innovation Program, which are no longer active or authorized by law. This update, effective February 19, 2026, helps keep things clear and current, so no one gets confused about these programs. No money or new programs are involved—just a tidy-up to keep the rulebook fresh!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Obsolete ATP and TIP Rules Removed
If you are a small business or researcher, NIST removed the regulations for the Advanced Technology Program (15 CFR part 295) and the Technology Innovation Program (15 CFR part 296) effective February 19, 2026. These programs lack statutory authorization because 15 U.S.C. 278n was repealed by Public Law 114-329 on January 6, 2018, and are not operational today; the removal is intended to reduce public confusion.
No New Funding or Programs Created
NIST states this rule involves only removing obsolete regulations and does not create any new grant programs or provide funding. The agency says the elimination will immediately benefit the public at little to no cost and will not add reporting or recordkeeping requirements.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19147, Request for Information (RFI) on Future Needs for Medical Metrology and Standards for Medical Imaging, Devices, Diagnostics and Therapy
NIST and NIBIB want your ideas to help improve the rules and measurements for medical imaging, devices, and tests. They’re hosting a big meeting on September 24, 2026, to talk about the future of healthcare tech and want feedback by November 30, 2026. This will guide new government programs to make medical tools safer and better for everyone.
2026-19088, Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; iEdison System
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is updating the iEdison system, which helps researchers report inventions made with federal funding. This affects over 6,000 users who must submit invention and patent info, with some changes to reporting rules. The update aims to keep things smooth and clear, with a 30-day public comment window starting now—no extra costs, just better paperwork!
2026-18561, Proposed Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-25, Performance Standard for Wood Structural Panels
NIST is updating the rules for wood panels used in building floors and walls to make sure they’re strong and reliable. This affects manufacturers, sellers, and builders who use these panels. You’ve got until October 13, 2026, to share your thoughts, and these changes aim to keep construction safe without adding extra costs.
2026-17760, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Streamlined Supply Chain Information Collection Request
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
2026-17569, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NIST MEP Client Impact Survey
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
2026-17319, Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Form NIST-366A: Request for Personal Radiation Monitoring Services
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03301, Rescission of the “Ten-Day Notices and Corrective Action for State Regulatory Program Issues” Rule, Issued April 9, 2024
The Office of Surface Mining is canceling the April 2024 rule about quick 10-day notices to states and is bringing back a simpler, improved 2020 rule with a few tweaks. This change helps states take the lead on mining rules in their areas and cuts down on extra paperwork. The new rule kicks in on March 23, 2026, making things smoother for state regulators without adding costs.
Next: 2026-03307, Eliminating Obsolete Marking Requirements for Toy, Look-Alike, and Imitation Firearms
Starting February 19, 2026, the old rules about marking toy and imitation guns from NIST are gone! Now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the boss of these rules, making things clearer and simpler for everyone. This change won’t cost businesses extra but will cut confusion and keep safety rules up to date.