1989 NIST/NSA Memorandum of Understanding

Overview
In 1987, Congress enacted the Computer Security Act of 1987 reaffirming that the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), a division of the Department of Commerce, was responsible for the security of unclassified, non-military government computer systems. Under the law, the role of the National Security Agency (NSA) was limited to providing technical assistance in the civilian security realm. Congress felt that it was inappropriate for a military intelligence agency to have control over the dissemination of unclassified information.

After enactment of the Computer Security Act of 1987, the NSA has sought to undercut NIST's authority. In 1989, NSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NIST, which purported to transfer back to NSA the authority given to NIST. The MOU created a NIST/NSA technical working group that developed the controversial Clipper Chip and Digital Signature Standard.

Source

 * Electronic Privacy Information Center, Computer Security Act of 1987.