The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) used the SEAC in conjunction with the Patent Office for a joint systems development program called HAYSTAQ. The two agencies wanted HAYSTAQ to be able to search the contents of a technical document in any field.

Progress on the machine was slow and in 1961 a panel appointed by the commissioner of patents suggested that NBS should obtain funds to begin a R&D program in information storage and retrieval as well as establish a clearinghouse and coordinating center for information retrieval with the Patent Office. The R&D program, although limited by funds, undertook projects which improved searching techniques. The HAYSYAQ project increased and improved search strategies as well as performed various psychological and statistical studies.