Who approves Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)?

The approval of Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) is the responsibility of the Secretary of Commerce. This role is significant because FIPS are standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to ensure that federal agencies and their contractors adhere to a consistent framework for information processing. The Secretary of Commerce's oversight is crucial as it helps to align these standards with national objectives for security, efficiency, and interoperability in federal information systems.

This collaborative process typically involves NIST developing the standards and the Secretary of Commerce ensuring they are adopted and implemented across government agencies, which is vital for effective communication and security protocols. The involvement of the Secretary of Commerce underscores the importance of these standards in the broader context of federal operations and compliance.