The (US) Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program is the Nation's primary source of Federally funded revolutionary breakthroughs in advanced information technologies such as computing, networking, and software.

A unique collaboration of more than a dozen Federal research and development agencies, the NITRD Program seeks to:

• Assure continued U.S. leadership in information technologies to meet Federal goals and support U.S. 21st century government, academic, and industrial interests
• Accelerate deployment of advanced and experimental information technologies to enhance national and homeland security; maintain world leadership in science, engineering, and mathematics; improve the quality of life; promote longterm economic growth; increase lifelong learning; and protect the environment
• Advance U.S. productivity and competitiveness through long-term scientific and engineering research in information technology

see: http://www.nitrd.gov/about/about_nitrd.aspx