PowerPoint Presentations:

Conformity Assessment - Approaches and Best Practices Workshop

Session 2 - The Breadth of Conformity Assessment Activities in the Federal Arena

Introduction to the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program: Kevin Robinson, OSHA - NRTL 

The Design for the Environment Label: Conformity Assessment Requirements: Libby Sommer, EPA - DfE

FCC Equipment Authorization Program: William Hurst, FCC

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service - The Breadth of Conformity Assessment Activities in the Federal Arena: Dana K. Stahl, USDA - AMS

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Conformity Assessment Program: Claude Harris, DOT – NHTSA

Session 4 - Government and Industry Perspectives of Conformity Assessment in the Realm of Personal Protective Technology/Equipment

Conformity Assessment Case Study , Personal Protective Technologies: Maryann D'Alessandro, NIOSH - NPPTL

Conformity Assessment of Personal Protective Equipment Used in Industry: Dan Shipp, ISEA

Session 5 - International Conformity Assessment

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) & The International Accreditation Forum (IAF): Peter Unger, ILAC & Randy A. Dougherty, IAF

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) Recognition Program: DeWane Ray, CPSC

Speaker Biographies

Hear Gordon Gillerman's interview (3/27/2012) about the workshop on Federal News Radio

Purpose:

• Examine current approaches to conformity assessment among Federal agencies and the private sector;  
• Provide a forum for discussion with NIST on conformity assessment practices, challenges, and the means by which these challenges are being addressed;  
• Seek input from individuals on the planned update of the regulations Guidance on Federal Conformity Assessment Activities (15 C.F.R. Part 287) initially issued by NIST in 2000.

Read the Federal Register Notice.

Background:
Section 12(b) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA - Public Law 104-113) requires NIST to coordinate Federal, State, and local standards and conformity assessment activities with the private sector, with the goal of eliminating unnecessary duplication and complexity.  OMB-A119 Circular, which provides additional policy guidance on implementation of the NTTAA, directed the Secretary of Commerce to issue guidance to Federal agencies on conformity assessment related issues. In response, NIST published regulations entitled Guidance on Federal Conformity Assessment Activities (15 C.F.R. Part 287) in August 2000.

The regulations outline Federal agencies' responsibility for evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of their conformity assessment activities and are intended to help Federal agencies improve the management and coordination of their own conformity assessment activities in support of their regulatory, procurement and other mission objectives. NIST is seeking input from members of the public on potential revisions to the regulations. Discussions at the NIST workshop will inform the further development of the guidance.

The conference will include presentations from key government officials, regulators, and industry and conformity assessment experts. Time will be allotted for participant input and discussions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gordon Gillerman
NIST Standards Coordination Office (SCO)
Standards Services
E-mail: Federal_CA@nist.gov