THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SCIENCES IS AN INDEPENDENT 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION THAT SUPPORTS ADVANCES IN BUILDING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. NIBS WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE U.S. CONGRESS IN THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974, PUBLIC LAW 93-383. CONGRESS RECOGNIZED THE NEED FOR AN ORGANIZATION TO SERVE AS AN INTERFACE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, ONE THAT SERVES AS A RESOURCE TO THOSE THAT PLAN, DESIGN, PROCURE, CONSTRUCT, USE, OPERATE, MAINTAIN, RENOVATE, AND RETIRE PHYSICAL FACILITIES.