NVLAP Lab Bulletin LB-164-2026

Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program

Issue date: April 22, 2026
Number: LB-164-2026
LAP: Calibration
Subject: Update to NIST OWM State Laboratory Metrology Program Recognition to Include Additional Collaboration with NVLAP Accreditation

Notice

NIST Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) and NVLAP are further strengthening their cooperation and collaboration for the state metrology program. State metrology laboratories that are part of the NIST OWM recognition program can now leverage their NVLAP accreditation to further assist the NIST OWM recognition process. A state metrology laboratory can give permission to NVLAP to allow NIST OWM staff to access their records and documentation through the NVLAP Interactive Web System (NIWS) lab portal by signing the NVLAP Assessment Records Access Agreement and uploading it into the OWM-Recognized Lab Agreement folder. This agreement is provided with this bulletin and can also be accessed on the NIWS lab portal. A signed copy of this agreement must be uploaded and countersigned by both NVLAP and NIST OWM to allow for the exchange of information between NIST OWM and NVLAP.

Once a state metrology laboratory has fully executed this agreement, NIST OWM will utilize the information provided in the NIWS lab portal to support their recognition process. This means that a state metrology laboratory will only need to submit their application for NIST OWM recognition, and the rest of the information and documentation will be accessible to NIST OWM through the NVLAP portal.

This new collaboration will help streamline laboratory submissions and review processes by allowing for a secure transfer of information to NIST OWM staff through the NIWS lab portal. NVLAP wishes to thank NIST OWM and our accredited state metrology laboratories for providing valuable feedback that has led to this further collaboration and cooperation.

This new collaboration process was introduced during the Lab Metrology Info Hour (#2102) held on April 16, 2026.

Questions should be directed to Jeffrey Guerrieri, jeffrey.guerrieri [at] nist.gov (jeffrey[dot]guerrieri[at]nist[dot]gov) or Catherine Cooksey, catherine.cooksey [at] nist.gov (catherine[dot]cooksey[at]nist[dot]gov).