The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) performs the research and engineering that enables the U.S. Government, national and international standards organizations, and many aspects of private industry to manage the radio spectrum and ensure that innovative, new technologies are recognized and effective.
[1] Past experience, current knowledge, and facilities allow the institute to solve complex telecommunications problems, as well as visually postulate the significant needs for the future.
ITS is notable for pioneering work on radio wave propagation, development of measurement methods to characterize complex signals, and predict end-to-end system performance.
Research and expertise are employed not only for contributions to standards creation, but also to analyze new and emerging technologies, as well as improve telecommunications trade opportunities.
[3] Cooperative research agreements based upon the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 are the principal means of aiding the private sector.
This Act provides the legal basis for and encourages shared use of Government facilities and resources with the private sector in advanced telecommunications technologies.
Since that time, ITS has performed telecommunications research and provided technical engineering support to NTIA and to other Federal agencies on a reimbursable basis.
[2] Over the past decade, ITS has expanded its historical role by conducting cooperative research and development with U.S. industry and academia under the provisions of the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986.