OSAC works to identify and promote technically sound, consensus-based, fit-for-purpose documentary standards that are based on sound scientific principles. The OSAC Registry contains a list of standards that meet these criteria, as determined by OSAC via a transparent process that allows for participation and comment from all relevant stakeholders.
The OSAC Standards Approval Process identifies criteria for assessing standards, including their technical merit and impact on the forensic science community. It also includes criteria that ensure consensus, harmonization, and balanced interests. Multiple levels of OSAC are involved in this assessment. If all criteria are met, OSAC issues a public notice of intent and opens a comment period to solicit feedback from stakeholders. OSAC reviews and adjudicates all public comments and considers this feedback when voting whether or not to include a standard on the Registry. Public documents associated with the Registry Approval Process can be found on the OSAC Registry Public Documents page.
Many existing standards are not included on the OSAC Registry. That does not necessarily mean that OSAC considers them invalid. The absence of a standard from the Registry may simply mean that the standard has not yet been recommended, or that it meets only some of OSAC's criteria for inclusion.