2021 NCWM Newsletter, Issue #2

NCWM NEWS Nat ional Conference on Weights and Measures

Chairman ’ s Column Hal Prince, NCWM Chairman — State of Florida

2021 Issue 2

Chairman’s Column. .........................1 Tip of the Month................................2 NCWM Welcomes New Members...................................3 NTEP Column...................................4 106 th NCWM Annual Meeting............ 6 Event Calendar.................................8 2022 NCWM Interim Meeting............ 8 Safety Column. .................................9 NTEP FAQs. ...................................12

will be hosting virtual meetings and voting sessions. Over these past few months, Elisa and Don in the NCWM office have been closely monitoring the situation and communicatingwith thehotelmanagement in Rochester New York, the planned site of our July Annual Meeting. Because of the tentative nature of the pandemic response in New York, and the lack of certainty that we would be allowed to hold an in-person meeting there, we have arranged for other backup sites as well. On April 29th, the NCWM and the Board of Directors were notified that the State of New York was easing restrictions and all appearances now indicate that we will be able to hold an in-person meeting at our original hotel choice in Rochester. With this announcement, plans are underway! That being said, we understand that travel will still be difficult for many jurisdictions and that not everyone is comfortable with travel or in-person meetings yet. To accommodate as many as possible, we have decided to move forward with a “hybrid” meeting - meaning that anyone who can and will attend in person is welcome and anyone who cannot travel may attend virtually through the same Zoom platform that we used at the January Interim Meeting. Again, this will challenge us all with new technology and the associated gremlins, but we believe that the work of the NCWM is of utmost importance and are willing to accept the challenge. Continued on page 2

Dear NCWM Members,

What an incredible year! These past 13 months have been interspersed with challenges, problems, social unrest, political upheaval, and more. Yet the NCWM and its members remain focused on our mission and continue to forge forward. We were all hoping that 2021 would bring rapid change and the end of the pandemic. However, the return to normal has been so much slower than anticipated. The warm weather of spring and early summer may bring about the change that we eagerly anticipate, but there are still no assurances. As we are planning for upcoming regional meetings and our 106th Annual Meeting, a veil of uncertainty remains. On the bright side, I have heard frommany members and the consensus seems to be that our combined Interim and 105th Annual Meeting was a great success! I was hoping those combined meetings would be our only virtual venue, but it appears the 106th Annual Meeting in July will at least be partially virtual. With the continued travel restrictions for public health and budgetary reasons, I am doubtful we will be able to achieve an in- person quorum and that once again, we

NCWM Headquarters 1135 M Street, Suite 110 Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 P. 402.434.4880 F. 402.434.4878 E. info@ncwm.com W. www.ncwm.com Don Onwiler Executive Director Darrell Flocken NTEP Administrator Mike Manheim NTEP Specialist Allen Katalinic NTEP Evaluator Elisa Stritt Meeting Planner Tyler Reeder Project Coordinator

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As you may recall from the discussions at the January Interim Meeting, the structure of the NCWM Bylaws, through the adoption of Robert’s Rules of Order, prohibits NCWM from conducting a virtual vote without ratification at the next in-person meeting. Normally, our next in- person meeting would be held in July. Then, ratification of our vote could take place at that time. However, if we are unable to achieve an in-person quorum in July, the vote would again have to be indefinitely postponed. The impact of the work of the NCWM is too important for this situation to occur! As a result, we have petitioned the District Court of Lancaster County, Nebraska to allow the NCWM to conduct virtual voting during our July Annual Meeting. I am ecstatic to be able to tell you that we just received a favorable ruling from the court which paves the way for the NCWM to proceed with virtual voting at our 106th Annual Meeting! Allowing a virtual vote will enable us to ratify the vote taken in January and also make a critical change to the NCWM Bylaws which grants the Board of Director’s limited authority to declare an emergency in times like this and hold a meeting “entirely or in part by internet meeting services”. The changes proposed in the upcoming item SPB-21.4 were drafted by the NCWM Bylaw Task Group. Again, I would like to recognize and thank the task group members for their tremendous work: Chair – Craig Van Buren (MI), Dr. Douglas Olson (NIST), Don Onwiler (NCWM), Lou Straub (Fairbanks Scales), Chuck Corr (Chuck Corr Consulting) and Scott Fenwick (National Biodiesel Board). Without their work, NCWM would not have been prepared to move forward with the court petition or our July Annual Meeting plans. The vote on SPB-21.4 represents a critical juncture for the NCWM and prepares us in case this pandemic continues, or some other national emergency threatens to disrupt the work of the NCWM in the future.

On the topic of continuing operations throughout the pandemic, several states have requested relaxing or removing the proctoring requirements for professional certification exams. While removing the proctoring requirements would jeopardize the integrity of the exams, the NCWM Board of Directors examined the prospect of adding online proctoring capabilities. Online proctoring would also solve the problem that some states are encountering with finding appropriate proctors to administer the exams. The NCWM staff have been working with different online proctoring organizations that could provide the secure proctoring necessary. We have had a couple of false starts and run into some roadblocks, but it is looking more promising now and we hope to be able to offer online proctoring of the professional certification exams by the time this newsletter is published. Once again, I would like to take a moment to thank our volunteer members, you are the backbone of this great organization. Our local, state, federal, international, and industry partners, work tirelessly, usually in addition to their day jobs, to meet and prepare with their committees, subcommittees, and task groups. Your dedication and commitment to the furtherance of the mission of the NCWM do not go unnoticed! I can truly say that the spirit of volunteerism and dedication in this organization is something to be emulated. I hope you all stay safe and healthy and to see you all, in person or virtually, at the 106th NCWM Annual Meeting in Rochester, New York.

Filling Up at the Pump Check that the price at the pump matches the street sign. Verify the SALE and GALLONS displays start at zero before you open the nozzle. Touch something metal before grabbing the nozzle to avoid a static electricity fire. Always get a receipt. Contact your local Weights and Measures Authority with questions or concerns.

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2021 Issue 2

NCWM Welcomes New Members (4/20/2021 - 5/1/2021)

A.J. Sackett and Sons Company Jordan Smith ABC Transport Services James Reynolds Alaska DOT & PF Div of Meas. Standards and Comm. Vehicle Compliant Katherine Hensley Michael Moose Aldi Joe Kelley Ametek Inc. Natercia Ball Bdt Ecommerce Group Inc. Ai Yang Boise Cascade Bob Taylor CCI Scale Company Tiffany Ulrich Cennox Michael Negley City of East Orange, CA David Seiden City of Methuen, MA Robert Armstrong Compression Technology

CynDes Solutions Scott Nelson Data Weighing Systems, Inc. Rob Lenser DBS Chuck Oliver e-con Systems India Pvt. Ltd. Sarath Natakam EcoTank Canada Brody Clayton ECR Software Corporation John-Henry Ellis EKM Metering Inc. Adam Brouwer Electronic Payments Inc. Michael Nardy Europump Italia s.r.l. James Turner Flooid, Inc. Morgan Dwyer Georgia Dept. of Agriculture John Shugart Hardy Process Solutions Chris Rutman Information Technologies Curves Inc. Matthew Mohebbi Jackson County Weights

KT Fuel Billy Wigginton M&M Label Company Tina Anastopoulos Magellan LP Caleb Guse Magellan Midstream Partners Garrison Haning Missouri Dept. of Agriculture Elizabeth Lambert Jimmy Williams National Propane Gas Assn. Bruce Swiecicki Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, Inc. Ansley Fellers NextCentury Courtney Ellis Peregrine Additives and Lubes Patrick Dunn Pioneer Scale Co., Inc. Kane Fitzgerald Ketih Gifford Ron Gordon Jeff Johnson Joshua Jones Blake Hartwick PNI Media Roger Canann Saturn Scale System Inc. Lydia Holley Scaime Damien du Bouetiez

Shorehill Capital Robert Jackson South Dakota Office of Inspections, W&M Tyler Steen Squire Patton Boggs Keith Bradley

State of Alaska Raymond David Jordan Feltz Justin Moore

Tiliter LLC Ivo Idavoy TreeTop Inc. Travis Frohreich Triner Scale & Mfg. Co, Inc. Ray Wendt Tyson Foods Daniel Krause U-Haul International William Craig Velab Co. Pablo Carbajal Vend David Katz

Corporation Chris Damiani

Connecticut Dept. of Consumer Protection

and Measures Robert Brewer JumpMind, Inc. Greg Wilmer

Daniel Adcock Luigi Zaverella

How do you reach weights and measures professionals? Advertise in NCWM-News! www.ncwm.com/advertise

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2021 Issue 2

NTEP Column If I Make a Design Change to My NTEP Certified Device, Do I Need to Inform NTEP? Darrell Flocken, NTEP Administrator

Once you have determined that NTEP needs to be informed, the next question is now to inform them. There are several ways, and the best way is based on what information you are providing. The information can be viewed as being in one of the following categories: 1) Does the change influence the devices’ ability to comply with performance accuracy and operational requirements in a way that would require the device to be re-evaluated by NTEP? 2) In this case, you will need to apply for an amendment to the Certificate of Conformance. Include a detailed description of the change(s) so NTEP can properly determine the need for what testing will be required. 3) The change is a bug fix or a component change that changes the function or operation of the devices, but not in a way that impacts the ability of the device to comply with performance accuracy and operational requirements. 4) Bug fixes do not need to be reported to NTEP, however; a component change should be reported. This can be done in a letter or email. NTEP will take no action except to file a copy of the information in the certificate file folder as proof of change notification in the event questions arise later. 5) The change has no impact on the function, operation, or performance of the device, but does impact the appearance of the device. 6) Technically, there is no need to inform NTEP of this change(s); however, I will point out that certificates often have drawings or photographs of the device. Since this is used by field enforcement as an aid in verifying compliance, you may want to amend the certificate to include a photograph of the device with its new look. To do this, you will need to apply for an amendment to the Certificate of Conformance. 7) The change has no impact on the function, operation, or performance of the device, and does NOT impact the appearance of the device. In this situation, there is no need to inform NTEP. The above information is somewhat generic and does not cover all possible situations when changes to a device are made. If you are uncertain of the need to inform NTEP of a change to your device, or if you only want to confirm your understanding of what actions to take, call us, we are here to help.

Device manufacturers have many reasons for making a design change to their product. These changes can range from bug fixes, a customer request for a new feature or function, or the obsolesces of a part or component used in the production of the device. When the decision is made to make the change, the manufacturer should be asking themselves if this change impacts the NTEP certification of my device and do I need to inform NTEP of the change. The following information may help you to answer the question; however, if you read the information and are still uncertain, contact us, we will be happy to discuss this with you. To help you in making the decision you first need to understand that the device has parts/components and features/functions that are defined as being “Metrologically Significant”. The term Metrologically Significant is defined as a part or function that plays a role in the performance accuracy or to ensure that it operates in a manner defined by a specification in Handbook 44. For example, a scale must accurately weigh a product just as a retail motor fuel dispenser must accurately dispense a gallon of fuel, and the performance of both must be within the defined tolerance. Another example is the correct operation of a function, or in the case of scales, does the Zero Pushbutton return the weight display to “0” within the required tolerance, or does the inactivity of an activated motor fuel dispenser deactivate the dispenser in the specified amount of time? From this, you can ask yourself if the change is metrologically significant. If the answer is yes, you are required to inform NTEP of the change. You agreed to do so when you signed the NTEP Application for evaluation of your device. By the way, the tools used in the production of the device and even the assembly process may have an impact on the performance level of the device. For this reason, you need to inform NTEP if the production of an NTEP certified device is being moved to a different facility.

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2021 Issue 2

Professional Certification Exams Take exams online for FREE with NCWM membership!

Available Exams: •

• •

Package Checking Basic

Precision Scales • Price Verification •

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Jeff Suntup & Certification Number: 11-112 I was issued a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent number US 10,875,760. The title of my invention is “METHOD FOR DELIVERING HEATING OIL TO CUSTOMERS OF FUEL OIL DEALERS”. Another, first patent was issued to me by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. That is patent number US 10,626,857. The title of this invention is “APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING SMALL QUANTITIES OF HEATING OIL”. The patented device is commercially known as the PUTNUS®. I have another patent pending that enables forever opportunities for the oil delivery industry. I am 66 years old. I grew up in the oil business and a lifelong resident of New London, Connecticut who built up and sold off both Bernie’s Fuel Oil Co. Inc. and Anytime Fuel Oil LLC. The PUTNUS allows drivers without a special license to sell and deliver small quantities of heating oil, kerosene or diesel with a profitable pathway to a recession-proof business making “oil barons” of regular working people with a pickup truck. The customer’s stamped receipted meter ticket enhances the accuracy of all State and Federal applicable tax audits with the elimination of the illegal use of transfer pumps, 55 gallon drums or 5 gallon cans for the delivery of small taxable quantities of diesel, kerosene, or heating oil. I am readily available to assist in bringing the PUTNUS® system to market with a licensing or leasing agreement, a broker

option or a partner who recognizes the potential. I can be reached at 860-443-0414 or putnus@aol.com

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2021 Issue 2

Coming Up!

www.anyload.com

106 th NCWM Annual Meeting July 18 - 23, 2021 | Rochester, New York

The Annual Meeting is the high point of our year where all the hard work pays off. At this meeting, stakeholders will debate important proposals to amend the United States standards for weights and measures. When the debating is done, the votes will be cast. Our committees have their work cut out for them with some very full and diverse agendas. Committee reports will be available at: www.ncwm.com/publication-16 MEETING LOCATION Hyatt Regency Rochester 125 East Main Street Group Rate: $114, Prevailing Government Per Diem (2021) Reservation Discount Deadline: June 25 th , 2021 Click here to make your online reservation! EVENTS The Chairman’s Reception will honor Mr. Hal Prince from the State of Florida. The reception will be Sunday, July 18 th , at 5:30 p.m. Dress is business casual. In lieu of a Special Event, we will be having a virtual reception at the on Thursday, July 22 nd from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Details will be announced closer to the meeting date.

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2021 Issue 2

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2021 Issue 2

EVENT CALENDAR

Coming Up!

2021 May CWMA Annual Meeting ONLINE May 10 - 13 NEWMA Annual Meeting ONLINE May 17 - 20 July 106 th NCWM Annual Meeting Rochester, New York NTEP Grain Meeting Kansas City, Missouri August 10 NTEP Belt/ Weighing Meeting TBD August 17 - 18 September NTEP Measuring Meeting TBD September 21 - 22 WWMA Annual Meeting Golden, Colorado Sept. 26 - 30 October July 18 - 23 August SWMA Annual Meeting New Orleans, Louisiana October 10 - 13 CWMA Interim Meeting Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin October 18 - 21

2022 NCWM Interim Meeting January 9 - 12 | Tampa, Florida

The Interim Meeting is the time of our year where proposals are brought forth for discussion. At this meeting, stakeholders will discuss important proposals to amend the United States standards for weights and measures. When open hearings are finished, committees will deliberate and report the status of each item. Our committees will have their work cut out for them with some very full and diverse agendas. Committee agendas will be available at: www.ncwm.com/publication-15

MEETING LOCATION The Westin Tampa Waterside 725 S. Harbour Island Blvd

Group Rate: Prevailing 2022 Government Per Diem Reservation Discount Deadline: Decemer 16th, 2021

EVENTS The Chairman’s Reception will honor Mr. Ivan Hankins from the State of Iowa. The reception will be Sunday, January 9 th , at 5:30 p.m. Dress is business casual .

DECEMBER 16 Deadline to secure discounted rates!

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2021 Issue 2

Safety Column Avoiding Hostile Encounters in the Field Mike Sikula, New York

Ordering devices repaired or commodities off-sale costs the owner/manager time and money. During these situations, it is crucial to be professional and courteous. Cooling-off Periods If you are at an establishment and someone you are working with or around is upset about something and shows signs of hostility, consider walking away and allowing a cooling-off period. It is a good idea to alert the owner/manager of the situation. This is often a difficult call to make since you have a job to do. However, you also do not want to contribute to an avoidable hostile encounter. You should also notify your supervisor of the circumstances and follow their Being verbally abused or physically threatened by an employee or owner/manager is not acceptable and must not be tolerated. If possible, leave the premises immediately. If you cannot, contact your supervisor or, if warranted, call the police. Weights and measures inspectors have the unique opportunity to visit various establishments and meet many different people. While most inspections are pleasant experiences, there is always the risk of a hostile encounter. Being familiar with your department protocols and having the right mindset can help avoid escalation and can go a long way towards keeping yourself safe in the field. protocols for these situations. Know When to Call for Help Employment Opportunities NCWM is proud to serve the weights and measures community, both private and public sectors, by listing employment opportunities. Any organization that maintains memberships with NCWM may request positions be posted online for public viewing at: www.ncwm.com/employment-opportunities If you wish to post employment opportunity information, please send inquiries to: info@ncwm.com

Even when things are going well, running a business can be stressful for both owners and managers. While routine inspections are a part of owning an operation, it may increase stress and, on rare occasions, may be misdirected towards a weights and measures inspector. The best way for an inspector to deal with a potentially confrontational encounter in the field is to avoid it from happening. Below are tips to help prevent difficult encounters: Introduce Yourself For routine inspections, introduce yourself to the owner/manager. Most of them likely see many different government inspectors and may not recognize you, even if you have been there before. Showing credentials can be a great icebreaker. This also applies to jurisdictions that keep their credentials in plain view during inspections. Be Neat and Tidy Whether at a test location or using the restroom, leave as is or better than you found it. Leaving a mess behind will likely be noticed and often leaves a bad impression. This applies even if the establishment If you arrive at an establishment to perform a routine inspection and find emergency vehicles out front, consider coming back at another time. Clearly, the owner/manager has their hands full, and the additional stressmay be unnecessary. If you do postpone testing, it may be a good idea to let the owner/manager know that you were there when the emergency took place and that you can come back at a more opportune time. Maintain Neutrality When Delivering Bad News If your testing gives failures that will result in bad news for the owner/manager such as official orders or penalties, use direct eye contact and maintain neutral body language when delivering the news. messy to begin with. Avoid “Piling On”

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2021 Issue 2

One Tool: # 1 Inspection Software WinWam Software There is only one Software product that addresses all of your Weights & Measures Inspection needs. That tool is WinWam Software. WinWam Software is a collection of four powerful modules, which can be purchased separately or together. All of the Weights & Measure modules have been built to perform inspections in accordance with NIST regulations. One Tool and # 1 Inspection Software. WinWam is the most widely used Weights & Measures inspection software on the market. Currently, thirty-one (31) states have purchased WinWam, along with numerous county and city governments.

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2021 Issue 2

Package Checking WinWam Package Checking Software is designed for W&M officials and quality assurance professionals to perform standard and random inspections in accordance with NIST Handbook 133. WinWam Package Checking Software guides you through the inspection process. Error, MAV, Cost Error are calculated for each test. Color displays allow easy identification of Pass Fail or Gray Areas. Some of the features include:

Device Inspection WinWam Device Inspection Software is designed to perform and record Handbook 44 inspections WinWam Device Inspection Software supports all devices specified in Handbook 44 including but not limited to: scales, (apothecary, computing, livestock, shipping, vehicles, etc.) meters, LP Gas, LMD, linear devices, timing devices, etc. Whether acceptance or maintenance WinWam calculates tolerances for nearly all tests.

WinWam Device Inspection Software provides a comprehensive

▪ Category A & B Sampling Plans ▪ Automatically Calculates MAV’s Normal USDA Standard, USDA Fluid, Bark Mulch, Polyethylene Sheeting ▪ Allow variations due to moisture loss ▪ Calculates SEL and Standard Deviation ▪ Dynamically calculates Rc/Rt for tare ▪ Calculates conversion factors for volume inspections ▪ Calculates Cost Error, Average Error, Average Cost Error % Error

database of business establishments with a complete inventory of devices. Full detail inspection data allows management the ability to better measure economic impact of the W&M program.

Price Verification WinWam Price Verification Software is designed in accordance with NIST Handbook 130. The Software runs standalone or with a handheld scanner. Software calculates error, lot cost error, net dollar error and calculates Over / Under Ratio. Accommodates Intentional Under-charge and Not On File.

Hypertext Handbooks Hypertext Handbooks are a collection of on-line reference manuals in which the user can view government regulations, search on a particular topic and print any part of the handbook with the touch of a button.

2021 Hypertext Handbooks available now!

Nover Engelstein & Associates, Inc. Developers and sole source providers of WinWam Software 3000 Atrium Way, Suite 2203 Mount Laurel NJ 08054 phone: (856) 273-6988 web-site: www.winwam.com e-mail: sales@winwam.com

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2021 Issue 2

NTEP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is an NTEP Certificate of Conformance? The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) issues an NTEP Certificate of Conformance (CC) following successful completion of an evaluation of a device. It indicates that the device(s) described in the certificate is/are capable of meeting applicable requirements of the Handbook 44. What is meant by the term “used in commercial applications (or trade)”? This term refers to devices that are used for selling, purchasing, exchanging, custody transfer, or establishing the cost for services or hire based on a measurement. How long does it take to get a type evaluation? The time required to initiate and complete a type evaluation varies with the type of device and any backlog that may exist in the laboratory. NTEP policy requires the NTEP Authorized Laboratories to operate on a “first come, first served” basis. Once a type evaluation is started, if deficiencies are found and modifications must be made to a device, the evaluation will be discontinued. Once the corrections have been made, and the device is returned to the NTEP laboratory, the device will be placed at the end of the queue; testing will resume when the device reaches its turn in the testing queue. Type evaluation testing can usually be started within 1 to 4 months of receiving the application. If no deficiencies are found during the initial evaluation, a type evaluation may be completed in approximately 1 to 3 months. What does active status mean? Thedevicesarebeingmanufacturedor remanufactured for commercial application under and NTEPCertificate of Conformance. This means the Certificate is in force and all fees have been paid.

What does inactive status mean? An inactive Certificate of Conformance is a Certificate which was previously active, but the devices are no longer beingmanufactured for commercial applications subject to local regulations or laws. However, devices already manufactured, installed or in inventory, but not yet sold, may be used, sold, repaired and resold under inactive Certificates of Conformance. Are NTEP Certificates of Conformance recognized outside the U.S.? The U.S. and Canada have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for certain weighing devices. Each party issues their own document upon successful completion of testing. Why does NTEP allow the use of non-NTEP load cells for some scales? When a NTEP CC for a scale states that the load cells are non-NTEP, this means that the load cells were evaluated as part of the scale rather than separate. Therefore, the load cells are not traceable to a separate NTEP CC. In these situations, NTEP technical policy states that the load cells cannot be replaced with another model load cell. What are metrological functions? Metrological functions are functions of a device necessary for the measurement process, that can have an impact on the final quantity determination, or price calculation for transactions, or that can affect the validity of transactions. They include the sensing of the measured or the influenced quantity, the transmission, process, storage and corrections or adjustments of measurement signals or values and the display or recording of measurement values.

Complete FAQs can be found online at www.ncwm.com/ntep-faqs

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2021 Issue 2

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