Streamlining the Process
NIST faced a bottleneck in its National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), unable to keep pace with the demand for assessments to maintain accreditation for over 800 laboratories across various disciplines. By leveraging UTRS’s expertise in federal procurement options and regulations, as well as our administrative and financial management capabilities, we provided a creative solution, forging a partnership that continues to benefit NVLAP and the public to this day.
project details
Client
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Location
Gaithersburg, MD
Services
Industries
NVLAP plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and reliability of approximately 800 testing and calibration laboratories across the globe. Laboratories accredited by NVLAP comply with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, demonstrating their competence in areas such as personnel qualifications, quality systems, equipment calibration, and test methods. NVLAP operates 22 laboratory accreditation programs, encompassing disciplines as varied as information technology security, environmental testing, voting system testing, and personal body armor.
This accreditation has a far-reaching impact on everyday life because it is vital for various sectors, including healthcare, environmental testing, and manufacturing, ensuring the safety and efficacy of products and services. NVLAP accreditation is impartial and rigorous, promoting public trust in critical services and products and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens by upholding high standards in laboratory performance.
Environmental Protection
NVLAP accredits laboratories that analyze asbestos and other environmental contaminants, monitor air and water quality, and safeguard public health.
Public Health and Consumer Safety
Calibration labs ensure accuracy in measurements critical to industries like healthcare and manufacturing. Accredited dosimetry laboratories ensure accurate radiation measurements, crucial for medical treatments and worker safety. Accredited laboratories test products for safety and performance, from personal body armor to electromagnetic compatibility.
Energy Efficiency
NVLAP accredits laboratories that test the efficiency of electric motors and lighting products, contributing to energy conservation efforts
Technological Advancement
Accreditation in fields like information technology security and telecommunications supports innovation and reliability in these crucial sectors.
These benefits underscore the importance of NVLAP accreditation in supporting everyday life and advancing public safety and trust.
Before partnering with UTRS, NIST, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, managed all NVLAP’s accreditation financial administration internally. However, this approach proved to be slow, inefficient, and costly. UTRS introduced a creative path to address NIST’s issues, enabling a more agile procurement process for assessors. By utilizing established federal vehicles and understanding the nuances of procurement regulations, UTRS provided NIST with the flexibility needed to keep pace with its NVLAP accreditation demands. The UTRS-NVLAP partnership has lasted many years.
UTRS’s administrative responsibilities include managing a network of over 100 expert lab quality auditors and coordinating 200 accreditation renewals per quarter. Key tasks include validating assessors, facilitating assessor procurement and contracting, and ensuring timely billing and payments – all tracked in a dedicated UTRS database.
Additionally, UTRS supports NVLAP’s assessor training conferences and smaller accreditation seminars. These contributions have not only improved program efficiencies but have also positioned NVLAP as a model for effective government-private partnerships.
Cost Savings & Self-Sustainability
Transitioning from in-house operations to a UTRS-supported model has lowered operational costs. Thanks to the efficiency of the UTRS partnership, NVLAP has become one of the U.S. government’s rare self-funded federal programs, providing extra value to the American taxpayer.
Efficiency Gains
The streamlined process has significantly reduced delays in procuring qualified assessors, allowing NVLAP to meet the demand for timely laboratory accreditation.
Global Reach
UTRS helps NVLAP manage approximately 800 accreditations across diverse disciplines, ensuring ISO 17025 standards are upheld worldwide.
UTRS’s extensive knowledge of government procurement and commitment to innovation has made it a valuable, long-term partner for NVLAP. By facilitating the assessment and accreditation of hundreds of laboratories annually, UTRS ensures that NVLAP continues to uphold its vital mission efficiently and effectively.
We do more than just provide administration. UTRS has a successful track record of providing creative and tailored solutions. Together, we can build partnerships that deliver value to the public while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
