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Summary
Since the 1990s, NIST OWM’s Laboratory Metrology Program has organized Regional Measurement Assurance Program (RMAP) annual in-person training events to support the State Weights and Measures Laboratories. This includes the Northeastern (NEMAP), Southeastern (SEMAP), Midwestern (MidMAP), Southwestern (SWAP), Western (WRAP), and the Caribbean (CaMAP) regions across the U.S.
Description
Within each region, metrologists from the state laboratories, together with representatives from the various metrology industries, gather each year to network, share experiences, and receive training in a variety of metrology topics. These meetings are unique in that they not only bring together the individuals doing the daily metrology work but also highlight the current issues for this community. They provide a platform for practical knowledge exchange, empowering participants with the latest information and skills directly from their peers.
For the 2023 RMAP cycle, attendees were present from each region, with over 89 metrologists in total. We expect this level of attendance for 2024 and have already presented to 50 attendees in three regions. Topics this year covered volume transfer metrology, project management skills and knowledge, and the recent NIST Handbook 143 updates (published December 2023), including a special “How-To” session on how best to conduct a technical audit of the sections of Handbook 143. Participants refreshed their knowledge of Volume Transfer metrology using OWM’s Standard Operating Procedures “Job Aids” (SOP 19 Calibration of Large Neck-Type Metal Provers, Volume Transfer Method) and a hands-on run of Standard Operating Procedure for Scale Plate Calibration for Volumetric Field Standards (based on SOP 31 in NISTIR 7383, 2019 edition).
In addition to this year’s special topics, the RMAP participants conduct their annual planning of the upcoming laboratory proficiency tests (PTs). OWM provides support for the PTs with regard to logistics, materials, review, oversight, and reporting; however, it is the PT coordinators in each region that truly make it happen. Each region decides as a group which PTs will be organized and update their expected 4-year proficiency test plan. OWM presents reports on completed PTs and the participants analyze and discuss. The regions planned and executed 16 PTs across the country in 2023, which amounts to 10,226 individual data points on state metrology laboratory performance! The SEMAP, WRAP, and NEMAP have started their PTs for the 2024 to 2025 cycle. Learn more about OWM PT policy here.
The SEMAP, WRAP, and NEMAP regions completed their meetings this spring 2024. OWM wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to Maryland, Hawaii, and Maine Metrology laboratories for graciously hosting and planning the training events in their corresponding regions, SEMAP, WRAP, and NEMAP. The commitment and tireless work of our State Laboratory hosts, as well as the active participation of all the attendees, were instrumental in the success of the RMAP training events.
We look forward to SWAP and MidMAP in the fall of 2024. Colorado will host the Southwestern Assurance Program (SWAP), and Indiana will host the MidAmerica Measurement Assurance Program (MidMAP). The RMAPs are truly meetings by and for the members. OWM recognizes and appreciates the hosts and proficiency coordinators at each region for their invaluable contribution to the success of these events.
Please reach out to Els Koncki (elizabeth.koncki [at] nist.gov (elizabeth[dot]koncki[at]nist[dot]gov)) with any feedback and suggestions for improvement.