The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) is a collection of diverse agencies that serve both the business and consumer communities.
Many of the Department's activities affect our daily lives. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts weather, inspects and grades fish and seafood products, and prepares aeronautical and navigational charts. The National Institute of Standards & Technology promotes the improvement of quality and provides uniform measurement standards.
Other agencies have a more indirect, but equally important, impact on the consumer. The International Trade Administration promotes open markets to increase American competitiveness, create jobs, and provide consumers with greater choice in the marketplace. The Bureau of the Census provides statistical information about the Nation that businesses and governments use in making decisions that affect all of us. The Patent and Trademark Office insures that rights to inventions are protected, and thus encourages businesses to invest in technological innovations that benefit consumers. Other offices provide a wealth of information and assistance to the public and to anyone considering starting a business.