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D O C U M E N T A T I O N & I N F O R M A T I O N S E R V I C E S1

NVLAP

Sean Barr

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BENEFITS OF NVLAP ACCREDITATION

• NVLAP is a system recognized internationally for accrediting competent laboratories in the performance of specific test, calibrations and verifications of specified parameters

• Laboratories located in North America and Asia Pacific• Based on ISO/IEC standards• Linked to NIST measurement and research• Sets the institution apart from others in similar fields

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NVLAP Support of Federal Agency Programs

• U.S. Department of Energy• Environmental Protection Agency• Nuclear Regulatory Commission• DOE’s Weapons program (NNSA)• National Security Agency• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)• Department of the Navy (DOD)• Department of Housing and Urban Development

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NVLAP Support of Federal Agency Programs

• NVLAP Conducts two programs mandated by Congress­ Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) for testing for

asbestos in public schools­ Help America Vote Act (HAVA) for the testing of voting machinces

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NVLAP LABORATORY ACCREDITATION

• Independent, third party assessment of laboratory technical competence

• Standard(s) based assessment• Assess specific scope of accreditation• Assessment by peer technical experts• Results in formal recognition by an authoritative body

(NIST/NVLAP)• Accreditation renewed annually

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ACCREDITATION PROCESS

• Accreditation review process involves several key areas to be demonstrated proficiently­ Follow ISO/IEC 17025.2006 format­ Complete organizational structure for all key components of the laboratory­ Designation of Technical and Quality Managers­ Associated qualifications of staff and management personnel­ Demonstration of program ownership from top to bottom­ Insurance of uncompromised integrity during change of personnel­ Incorruptible and sound technical values ingrained in the laboratory

operation irrespective of personnel change

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ACCREDITATION PROCESS

• Defined document control structure/process• Process insures consistency of test/evaluation• Defined process of internal and external communications

with customers and staff• Control of records to the extent that data/methods are

preserved to enable repeatability• Insurance of quality associated with parts/supplies that

support calibration/testing• Demonstration of customer satisfaction and feedback

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ACCREDITATION PROCESS

• Control of nonconforming work• Complaints and resolutions• Evaluation of processes through internal and external

assessments and management reviews• Demonstration of protecting proprietary information for

customers• Control/recording of environmental conditions that can

potentially impact calibration results

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ACCREDITATION PROCESS

• A comprehensive review and documentation of succession planning to ensure continuity when/if staff changes occur

• Ensure ownership of the program outlined in Quality Manual from top to bottom

• Verification of qualifications and training program effectiveness

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WHY NVLAP

• NVLAP is part of NIST and therefore receive recognition in the Federal Records

• NVLAP has signed letters of agreement with numerous international agencies that control/monitor metrology laboratories

• Demonstrates professionalism, expertise and notoriety that clearly delineate us from other laboratories

• More and more customers are requiring NVLAP accreditation

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QUESTIONS