Who We Serve: Government

Federal agencies play a key role in the efficient development and implementation of standards and conformity assessment procedures. This site provides information on agency roles and responsibilities, training opportunities, support services, and other resources available through Standards.gov.

Federal Resources

5G Standards Development Activities with Federal Involvement: List of 5G standards development activities with federal involvement in selected standards development organizations

AI Standards Development Activities with Federal Involvement: List of AI standards development activities with federal involvement in selected standards development organizations

Conformity Assessment Resources for Federal Agencies: Access conformity assessment-related laws, policies, and topical documents as well as Federal agency conformity assessment program descriptions. 

Federal Policy on Standards: Federal policy on regulatory standards is stipulated by federal law and directive, tracked to assure appropriate consistent implementation, and supported through interagency coordination.

Interagency Committee on Standards Policy (ICSP): The ICSP oversees the use of standards by federal agencies in accordance with the NTTAA and the OMB Circular.

National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA): The NTTAA directs Federal agencies to adopt voluntary consensus standards wherever possible.

Standards Executive Resources: Access standards-related laws, policies, and guidelines, including information on federal engagement in standards activities.

Use of Standards by Federal Agencies: Many government agencies offer databases and websites that aggregate and track their standards requirements and programs:

Standards in Regulations

Standards Incorporated by Reference: Incorporation by reference (IBR) allows Federal agencies to comply with the requirement to publish rules in the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) by referring to materials already published elsewhere. 
NOTE: This database has not been updated since August 16, 2016 and is being provided as a source for historical data. Data and information released from the Standards Incorporated by Reference databases at NIST are provided on an "AS IS" basis, without representation or warranty of any kind, including without limitation the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. Data and/or information may contain errors or be incomplete.

Tailored Support, Training, and Information

Request agency training: Increase staff awareness of and expertise in applying existing regulations, laws, and guidance in support of standards.

Request quick research, referrals, and publications: The Standards Information Center provides quick reference and guidance on standards-related topics, including navigating complex U.S. and international standards landscape.

Locate Trade Information: Access the latest notifications issued by the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).

Request special support or coordination services: A range of guidance is available to help your agency implement U.S. standards policy or catalyze development of needed standards.

U.S. Policy

See official guidance on agency roles: Circular A-119 nd the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) promote reliance on voluntary consensus standards.