What Does Department of Commerce Do?

Total employees50000
HeadquartersWashington
Founded1913

The U.S. Department of Commerce is a Cabinet-level agency of the United States government dedicated to promoting job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved standards of living for all Americans. It works to foster innovation, support U.S. businesses both domestically and internationally, gather economic and demographic data, issue patents and trademarks, protect intellectual property, manage oceanic and atmospheric resources, and set industrial standards. The Department's broad mandate is executed through diverse bureaus such as the International Trade Administration (ITA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the U.S. Census Bureau, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Where Is Department of Commerce's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the central administrative hub for the Department, housing the Office of the Secretary, key policy advisors, and various program offices. It is the primary site for developing national economic strategies, coordinating inter-agency efforts, and overseeing the department's diverse missions.

Notable Features:

The Herbert C. Hoover Building is a historic landmark known for its impressive Neoclassical architecture, occupying an entire city block. It features a large interior courtyard and formerly housed the National Aquarium (closed in 2013). The building's design includes grand halls and ornate details, reflecting its significance.

Work Culture:

As a major federal government agency, the work culture at the Department of Commerce headquarters emphasizes public service, collaboration, and a mission-driven approach. Employees often work on complex national and international issues, requiring expertise, adherence to regulations, and a commitment to data-driven decision-making.

HQ Significance:

The headquarters is highly significant as the command center for federal initiatives promoting U.S. economic competitiveness, international trade, technological innovation, and comprehensive statistical research. Its strategic location in Washington, D.C., facilitates interaction with other federal agencies, Congress, and international organizations.

Values Reflected in HQ: The building's grand scale, classical design, and prominent location in the Federal Triangle reflect the enduring importance of commerce, industry, and innovation to the American economy and national identity. It symbolizes stability, authority, and the government's commitment to fostering economic prosperity.

Location:

The Department of Commerce has a robust global presence, primarily through the International Trade Administration's (ITA) U.S. Commercial Service, which operates in U.S. Embassies and Consulates in over 80 countries. These international offices support U.S. economic interests by promoting American exports, facilitating trade and investment, advocating for U.S. businesses, resolving trade barriers, and providing market intelligence. Additionally, other bureaus like NOAA engage in international scientific collaborations, data sharing, and participation in global environmental initiatives. The Bureau of Industry and Security also works with international partners on export control and strategic trade matters.

Street Address:

1401 Constitution Ave NW

City:

Washington

State/Province:

D.C.

Country:

United States

Where Else Does Department of Commerce Operate Around the World?

Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Address: 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Serves as the national center for intellectual property protection, processing patent and trademark applications from across the U.S. and internationally.

Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

Address: 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Leads national efforts in environmental science, research, and stewardship, providing critical weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and ocean management services.

Suitland, Maryland, United States

Address: 4600 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746

Functions as the primary national center for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating demographic and economic data essential for policy-making and resource allocation.

Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States

Address: 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899

Serves as a premier national research facility, developing standards and technologies that support U.S. industry, scientific endeavors, and public safety.

Various cities, United States & International

Address: U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) are located in over 100 U.S. cities, and U.S. Commercial Service offices are in U.S. Embassies and Consulates in over 80 countries.

Provide localized export assistance, market intelligence, trade counseling, and business matchmaking to help American companies succeed in international markets.

Buying Intent Signals for Department of Commerce

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Department of Commerce? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Department of Commerce' leadership includes:

Gina Raimondo - Secretary of Commerce
Don Graves - Deputy Secretary of Commerce
Marisa Lago - Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade
Alan Davidson - Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator
Laurie E. Locascio - Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Thea D. Rozman Kendler - Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Who's Investing in Department of Commerce?

Department of Commerce has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Funded by the U.S. Government through congressional appropriations (U.S. Taxpayers)

What Leadership Changes Has Department of Commerce Seen Recently?

Hire3
Exits1

The Department of Commerce has actively bolstered its leadership, particularly within key initiatives like CHIPS for America, alongside typical transitions in its executive team over the past year to drive strategic priorities in economic development, technology, and trade.

Departures

Jed Kolko, Jed Kolko departed his role leading the Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA), which includes the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

New Appointments:

Adrienne Elrod, Adrienne Elrod was appointed to lead external affairs and strategic communications for the CHIPS for America program, a critical component of bolstering the U.S. semiconductor industry.
Eric Lin, Eric Lin was appointed as the inaugural Director of the CHIPS Research and Development Office, responsible for spearheading innovation in semiconductor R&D.
Sree Ramaswamy, Sree Ramaswamy was appointed as the CHIPS Chief Economist within the CHIPS Program Office, tasked with providing economic analysis to guide the initiative.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byDepartment of Commerce?

Discover the tools Department of Commerce uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Department of Commerce Email Formats and Examples

The U.S. Department of Commerce primarily uses the '@doc.gov' domain for its email addresses. Common formats include the first initial followed by the last name, or the full first name separated from the last name by a period. Specific bureaus within the Department (e.g., NOAA, USPTO, Census Bureau, NIST, ITA) often have their own distinct email domains (e.g., @noaa.gov, @uspto.gov, @census.gov, @nist.gov, @trade.gov) and may follow similar naming conventions.

[firstinitial][lastname]@doc.gov OR [firstname].[lastname]@doc.gov

Format

jdoe@doc.gov OR jane.doe@doc.gov

Example

85%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Department of Commerce?

U.S. Department of CommerceMay 30, 2024

Department of Commerce Announces Preliminary Affirmative Determination in Antidumping Duty Investigation of Paper Shopping Bags from Cambodia

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced its preliminary affirmative determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of paper shopping bags from Cambodia. The Department found that exporters from Cambodia sold paper shopping bags at less than fair value in the United States, with preliminary dumping rates assigned....more

ReutersJune 3, 2024

US Commerce Secretary Raimondo to discuss AI safety with Singapore officials

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is scheduled to discuss artificial intelligence safety and explore ways to strengthen business ties during her visit to Singapore. Her agenda includes meetings with Singaporean government officials and representatives from U.S. businesses operating in the region....more

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