NIST Seeks Input on Conformity Assessment Guides

Comment by February 26 on two draft conformity-assessment guidances from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). One is aimed at basic information and the other at informing federal agencies on their related activities.

The first, ABC's of Conformity Assessment, includes a general overview of what conformity assessment is. It also has sections on supplier declaration of conformity, inspections, testing, and certification of both systems and personnel. It covers international considerations.

The second, Conformity Assessment Considerations for Federal Agencies, urges agencies to focus on four areas: objectives and goals; requirements and specifications; roles, activities, and policies; and operations and improvements. Each is further broken down. For example, the objectives section urges understanding related laws/regulations, agency goals, targeted market sectors, federal rulemaking policy, and general conformity assessment concepts.

Find both documents at bit.ly/2CSi1cE.