OWM and NVLAP Application (Submission) Processes

This 2 hour webinar is for State Laboratory weights and measures staff to review submission requirements for laboratory Recognition and NVLAP Accreditation. At the end of this session, participants will be able to submit a complete package to either OWM or NVLAP.

Achieving laboratory accreditation can seemingly take a long time and is a lot of work. What should a laboratory do to prepare for an initial accreditation? Step through the application process. What happens to your quality manual once it's submitted? What should you expect during an on-site assessment? What should you expect from your assessment team? What happens when your lab has nonconformities? How do you respond to the accreditation body? Will you ever have a perfect assessment? Walk through the process as approached by NVLAP. We will share with you tips and hints and discuss common tripping points. How certain are you about your uncertainties? What is metrological traceability and why should anybody care? Work through some practical examples with us. How can proficiency testing impact your accreditation? Learn about the requirement for proficiency testing, how it is used to validate claims of measurement uncertainty, and how it is approached by NVLAP.

What about Accrediting Bodies, do they have to answer to a high authority? What are the benefits of being accredited by a recognized body? Reduced costs and market acceptance jump to the forefront. Learn the ins and outs of the Mutual Recognition Arrangements and how they can benefit your business.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to reference their notes and resources provided to:

• IDENTIFY similarities and differences between the application processes for OWM laboratory Recognition and NVLAP Accreditation;
• DESCRIBE the items that must be submitted to each program;
• COMPLETE and SUBMIT application packages to either or both programs; and
• PREPARE for on-site laboratory assessments.

Technology Requirement(s):

You will need the following to participate in the webinar: 

• Computer or laptop
• Internet connection, a broadband connection is recommended
• Telephone
• Optional: a telephone headset

Materials & Supplies:

None

Prerequisite(s):

None

Minimum Requirement(s):

Completion includes full attendance and participation in the session activities and discussion, and completing an on-line evaluation after the course. 

Audience:

Weights and measures laboratory staff or administrators who have responsibilities for developing, implementing, and/or improving the quality management system in their laboratory as well as those who are seeking OWM recognition and/or NVLAP accreditation. This course is NOT available for non-weights and measures participants.

Cost:

Registration fees for State weights and measures regulatory officials and metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.

Instructor(s):

Georgia L. Harris and Barbara Belzer,
Office of Weights and Measures,
Phone: (301) 975 - 4014
E-mail: g.harris [at] nist.gov (g[dot]harris[at]nist[dot]gov)