Which agency is NOT a component of the Department of Homeland Security?

The answer is correct because the Bureau of the Census is not part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Bureau of the Census operates under the Department of Commerce, and its primary function is to conduct the national census and collect demographic and economic data about the population.

In contrast, the other entities listed are indeed components of the DHS. The U.S. Coast Guard is a maritime security organization that plays a crucial role in safeguarding national waters and enforcing maritime laws. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, while not a direct component of DHS, collaborates with it on various projects, particularly those involving technology and safety standards. Similarly, the Department of Veterans Affairs operates independently but may coordinate with the DHS on certain national security and emergency management issues, particularly when it involves veterans in disaster situations.

Thus, identifying the Bureau of the Census as an entity outside the DHS framework is key to understanding the structure and mission of U.S. governmental agencies.