National Institute of Standards and Technology - NIST
Data Exchange Standards Activity

Design
Design NIST is working with AISC and industry partners to ensure that CIS2 works in communication between steel designers and downstream participants, and is exploring the cross-cut between IFC and CIS2 with an eye toward harmonization of the two approaches. For more information on IFC and CIS/2 see this page. CIS/2 files can be translated to VRML (online translator) and IFC (online translator) formats, and from VRML or IFC to DXF and most other 3D file formats.
Analysis NIST is exploring the use of IFC-based BIMs to inform its simulation and analysis programs including CONTAM (indoor contaminants), CFAST (zone-based fire and smoke transport), FDS (CFD-based fire and smoke transport) as a means to identify extensions or modifications needed to make IFC more useful.
Code Compliance NIST is a partner in the NCS/BCS-led project "Streamlining the Regulatory Process" and the recent NCS/BCS project with the New York City Department of Buildings, and is looking at the use of IFC-based BIMs in submission and review of designs.

Preconstruction
Scheduling NIST is exploring 4D modeling of structural steelwork as a by-product of its CIS2 work (below).

Construction
Procurement NIST leads the FIATECH AEX project to develop XML schemas that support the exchange of engineering information about equipment in the eBusiness supply chain. Through its grant program, NIST is supporting work at University of Florida to study how the steelwork supply chain can become more effective through the use of CIS2-based models (project case study).
Fabrication/Shop Drawings NIST is working with AISC and industry partners to ensure CIS2 works in communications between steelwork designers, detailers, analysts, and fabricators.
Construction Management NIST is using CIS2 as the basis for R&D on automated steel erection (project description).

Closeout
Commissioning Through its grant program, NIST is supporting work at CMU to study how building commissioning can become more effective through the use of IFC-based BIMs (project description).

Ongoing Operations
Maintenance NIST has suggested that its CMU grantee extend its exploration of the use of IFC-based BIMs beyond commissioning (during close-out) to include fault detection and diagnostic work (during building operation).
Building Control Systems NIST is combining IFC-based BIMs with advanced building management and control systems to explore how we can better inform emergency responders in near real-time about the evolving status of a building during an adverse event, making what we believe is a compelling case for the maintenance and use of the BIM long after the building project is closed out (project publication).