NCWM STRATEGIC PLAN
II. NCWM HISTORY & STRUCTURE
The United States Constitution grants authority to the states to regulate weights and measures within their borders. This creates a unique set of challenges for regulators and industry. It is vital to interstate and international commerce that the standards implemented among the states are uniform in content and application. The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) found its beginnings in 1905 in an effort to bring stakeholders together to set national standards for voluntary adoption and implementation by the states. The various model standards adopted by NCWM are published annually by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in NIST Handbooks 44, 130, and 133. In addition, NCWM administers the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). This program provides certification that a manufacturer of a particular model or family of weighing or measuring devices is capable of meeting the United States Standards as adopted by NCWM. NTEP certification is now a requirement for new equipment placed in service in most states. NCWM membership includes state and local weights and measures officials, manufacturers, retailers, federal officials, and foreign officials, all with a common interest in setting fair and uniform standards. NCWM has become an example of successful partnering between all interests for the development of standards. In 1997, NCWM became a not-for-profit corporation. In 2008, NCWM opened its own headquarters office with full-time NCWM employees to manage the daily business of the corporation. With these changes in management structure, NCWM has been able to increase resources and programs, allowing for new opportunities to serve its stakeholders. NCWM consists of a Board of Directors, standing committees, and numerous sub-committees and technical sectors that carry out the standards development process. The officers and committee members are volunteers from the various states and industries. NIST Office of Weights and Measures and Measurement Canada provide technical advisors and expertise to the standards development process. NCWM partners with regional weights and measures associations for a grassroots system of getting items on the agenda. Voting on amendments to the model standards occurs at the NCWM annual meetings each July and the new standards become available for adoption by states the following January. Improving the standards development process remains NCWM’s primary focus while we work on strengthening partner and stakeholder relationships, rolling out more professional development offerings and NTEP Growth.
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