NVLAP

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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
• DOEs 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