Founded in 1901, NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of
Commerce. NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and
industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that
enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.
Their goal is to make the economy better. To get more profit out an economy.
Thats why it is a part of the departement of commerce. Commerce needs always profit.
Here is a definition of commercial organization
The term commercial organization is general and applies to any group(s) with a particular set of skills, priorities, strategies, and resources that organize to collectively achieve the "specific aim" of making a profit. Ultimately, the first concern of commercial organizations is to make a profit for the owner, shareholders, or both, by providing products and services.
To properly understand what a commercial organization is requires being aware of the many "for profit" activities commercial organizations participate in. Although not an exhaustive list, notable types of commercial organizations specialize in entertainment, commercial broadcasting, banking, agriculture and organized crime.
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