The institute is an autonomous institution within the FCPR and is subordinate to The Heraldic Authority of America.
The Heraldic Authority of America (THAA) is an institution that exist since 1992, which researches heraldry in America as well, as it grants new arms to individuals and corporate bodies with reference to America.
It operates as a pure non-profit organization and combines scientific research with a historical basis.

This is also reflected in the THAA coat of arms, which unites elements of the history of today's USA.
In addition to the British Lion (New England), there are elements from the Spanish coat of arms of New Spain and the coat of arms of New France, all of them predecessor of today's America.
The coat of arms is completed by a star from today's USA Flag.